REVIEW: BRITISH AIRWAYS CONCORDE ROOM LOUNGE LONDON HEATHROW TERMINAL 5

There is little question that the British Airways Concorde Room maintains its status as of the world’s great lounges. The exclusive Concorde Room is located at Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport. The lounge is best known for its fantastic hospitality and service which remains to be very consistent to this day.

I had a fantastic visit to the Concorde Room which obviously is not the Emirates First Lounge in Dubai. But my visit reminded me of the great attention to detail that employees bring to work each day. I think this experience blows away any lounge experience in the United States.

ACCESS

Very exclusive, you can only access this illustrious lounge if you are flying First Class or have a British Airways Concorde Room card which grants you access to Concorde Room regardless of your ticket class.

SURROUNDINGS

As you enter the lounge there are many cozy seating options that have somewhat recently been refreshed. Some of these chairs and sofas have nearby charging stations. I always enjoy going to the bar for a glass of champagne. The bar surroundings are really beautiful and you can also eat here with their expansive lunch and breakfast menus.

While they are no longer serving the Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle’ they have a top vintage champagne, the 2006 ‘Cuvee Louise’ by Pommery. The wine is served in an exclusive stem that is designed for this older, very Burgundian champagne. The lounge also serves an excellent espresso and expresso martini if you feel like you are in the mood for a cocktail.

The Concorde Room does not have a great selection of red and white wines, as there are cheaper Bordeaux options available. I think that the best wine they serve is the 2021 ‘Rock Angel’ which is a beautifully-aged Provence Rose.

The espresso martini is really well-made — not too sweet and beautifully balanced. Their bar lead has worked in the Concorde Room for more than five years and really has a deft touch to the drinks she makes. This was enjoyed with a fabulous breakfast which included Eggs Royale and transitional English breakfast. It was a lot of food but fun to taste. They did an excellent job with their fresh Hollandaise sauce.

The Concorde Room has an extensive liquor collection which includes Don Julio 1942 (USD $200). You can even have Johnny Walker Blue Label scotch if you fancy which retails for 250 USD. I think one of the lounge’s strong points is definitely these options as well as their list of sparkling wines. I think that their sparkling wines definitely rival the Emirates First Lounge. They serve beautiful vintage Hattingley Valley sparkling wine that you can taste alongside the 2006 Pommery ‘Cuvee Louise.’

BATHROOMS:

While very sanitary, the bathrooms in the Concorde Room are sadly outdated. One small perk is the Elemins products they carry for soap and lotion. The showering area is sterile. Some other Concorde Room patrons have complained about the bathrooms for years. Functional but not fancy would describe these. There is nonstop cleaning at the bathroom area which is great.

You never go hungry at the Concorde Room as you can dine and drink whenever you like. Service for me is really top class British hospitality. 

THE TERRACE:

Frequent fliers also complain about service around the Terrace. I have not found this to be an issue as waiters were refilling my champagne and water. I love the Terrace as it is the spot in Concorde Room where you can see all the happenings of Terminal 5. It is really entertaining to watch the other planes take off. The terrace has comfortable couches and a range of seating options with charging stations. The furniture was updated roughly a year ago and is a lovely improvement. I think this expansive part of the Concorde Room is rarely very busy and you are always going to find a comfortable seat here.

CONCORDE DINING

For sure one of the perks Concorde Room is the Concorde Dining, located in the heart of the Concorde Room. This is a very elegant setting which serves both breakfast and lunch. It is particularly fun if you have many friends with you.

They do a great job with the their pork terrine as well as the duck confit. Both were absolutely delicious and the duck literally fell off the bone. For me this is the finest entree that I have tasted here yet.

BOTTOM LINE

For years British Airways frequent fliers have been complaining about the Concorde Room. I think they should visit a lounge in the United States before they do that. For me there is absolutely no complaining about food quality, beverage quality or service here. As a One World Emerald there are certainly no US lounges that rival this level of service or dining experience. The American Airlines ‘First Dining’ comes close but has poor service consistently. The decor has improved in the Concorde Room.

While I would prefer it, I don’t need a fancy bathroom. If you want to be comfortable and sip world-class champagne or maybe enjoy a killer espresso martini — all with excellent service? Then I think you need to visit the Concorde Room.

Champagne Palmer & Co.

Champagne Palmer & Co began in 1947 as an association of seven well established winegrowers, all owners of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in the areas of the Montagne de Reims. Starting in 1959, the founders established themselves in Reims where they purchased cellars of a Champagne House. You can find their wines in the BA First Lounge in Terminal 5 currently.

Today the house owns 200 hectares (490 acres) classified as Grand and Premier Crus in the Reims area. Grapes from the Côte de Sézanne, Côte des Bars and Vallée de la Marne are also used in the wines. I really enjoyed their new wines including their NV Blanc de Blancs (OB, 93) which was a rich and beautifully textured of this wine that was stored for five years on the lees. Learn more about these great champagnes at https://www.champagne-palmer.fr/en/naturally-elegant/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Palmer & Co.

NV Champagne Palmer ‘La Reserve Nature’ Champagne- The really good NV Champagne Palmer ‘La Reserve Nature’ Champagne shows crushed seashell and yellow plum with lemon oil on the palate. Bright and tension-filled, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 91

NV Champagne Palmer ‘La Reserve’ Champagne- The delicious NV Champagne Palmer ‘La Reserve’ Champagne shows a soft mousse with brioche and citrus blossom water on the palate, with salty minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

NV Champagne Palmer ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- The NV ‘Blanc de Blancs’ mainly comes from the vineyards of Trépail and Villers-Marmery. Given 6 G/L dosage, the wine was aged on the lees for five years prior to disgorgement. Salted Macadamia nut flavors combine with green melon and white grapefruit oil on the palate. Deep and concentrated, this is an awesome effort that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2035- 93

NV Champagne Palmer ‘Rose Solera’ Rose Champagne- The NV Champagne Palmer ‘Rose Solera’ Rose Champagne is mainly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Meunier. Aged on the lees for three years, this has 30% Reserve wines blended in. An intriguing copper hue, this opens with kiwi and wild strawberry on the nose alongside diatomaceous earth and orange zest. The palate is delicious and very earthy, with a refined mousse. This is really well-done. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Leonetti Cellar

Everyone remembers an epiphany wine. For me, one of mine was back when I was in graduate school. My parents and I enjoyed a relatively young bottle of 2000 Leonetti Merlot and I was just amazed to see how beautifully done this wine was. It was a great example of benchmark North American Merlot.

Leonetti has always been a highly traditional winery, making several wines each year and not branching out to new projects.  For the past few years they are producing an amazing single vineyard project is a great chance for owner and winemaker Chris Figgins to show how different terroirs are reflected in his Cabernet Sauvignon. He makes the finest Aglianico you will taste in the Pacific Northwest.

I love the new 2019 Leonetti Cellar Aglianico (OB, 96) which is a stunning edition of this wine and is already drinking marvelously. I am enamored once again by the 2022 Leonetti Cellar Sangiovese (OB, 95) which is dense and heady stuff that has a long life to go in the cellar.  I adore the 2022 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 99) which I tasted over several days. This is a total masterclass in terms of flavor density and texture. Learn more about these stunning new wines at http://leonetticellar.com/ Here are my reviews of the beautiful new future release Leonetti Cellar wines. 

2022 Leonetti Sangiovese- The 100% varietal 2022 Leonetti Sangiovese was stored for 22 months in new and once-filled French oak barrels and neutral oval Botti before bottling. This edition, like the 2021, was sourced from the Holy Roller, Loess, Seven Hills and Mill Creek Upland Vineyard Vineyards. Needing about 30 minutes in the decanter to fully get going, this emerges with menthol aromatics that combine with red florals, wild blackberry, loamy soils and shades of damp suede that all take shape in the glass. Offering a deep core considering the varietal, the palate is nicely concentrated and round, with a refined mouthfeel and good sense of weight despite the coolness of the vintage. You won’t find a finer example of this varietal in the Pacific Northwest. A dazzling wine to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Leonetti Merlot- The 2023 Leonetti Merlot is a revelation and has a long way to go in the cellar. Like the ’22, the ’23 Merlot is a pure varietal wine that really needs about an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Coming from the Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block Vineyards, this opens with milk chocolate and black tea aromatics that combine with suggestions of boysenberry compote and sous bois alongside sweet pipe tobacco and milk chocolate dusted cherry with lifted red florals. The beautiful aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is dense and full-bodied, with a refined texture and good sense of weight. Try to resist this beauty for another year. Drink 2026-2045- 95

2022 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous effort from this slightly cooler vintage, the opulent 2022 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon has a long way to go in the cellar. Needing about an hour in the decanter to be fully expressive, this edition is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Malbec blended in. Black currants and allspice combine on the nose with suggestions of cigar box, and Turkish coffee notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is generous and round with a terrific underlying verve. Gorgeous and mineral-laden, enjoy over the next twenty years. Tasted over several days. Drink 2026-2050- 97

2022 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- A stunning rendition of this wine, the 2022 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ is a world-class bottling that combines 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Malbec, and the remainder Petit Verdot. Arabica bean aromatics combine with shades of loamy soils, dark currant cordial, Cuban cigar and blackberry compote. The palate is viscous and concentrated with serious underlying tension that runs through the core of black and blue fruits. Broad-shouldered and full-bodied, this is a resounding success from a difficult vintage. Tasted over two days, try to resist this beauty for at least another two years. Drink 2027-2050- 99

2019 Leonetti Aglianico- An incredible wine from this cooler vintage, the 2019 Leonnetti Aglianico is once again 100% varietal, that had extended aging for 44 months in terracotta amphorae, as well as new and neutral French oak barrels prior to bottling. Flavors of tar and tobacco leaf combine with brilliant blue fruits on the palate. Dense and nervy, with refined tannins, this is already neatly evolved stuff that will drink well for decades to come. Give this about 30 minutes of air if enjoying now. Drink 2025-2042- 96

FIGGINS

I am always enamored by the great wines of Washington State. While I adore top Cabernet, I always have an affinity for something unique that is made beautifully. Case in point the FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ which is a world-class blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot from the high elevation FIGGINS estate vineyard. For my palate this is the finest PV being made in the state right now. It is wonderfully herbal, inky and concentrated, jam-packed with blue fruits.

Last year I did a vertical of these wines and was blown away with how well they are aging. They are remarkably stable and will last for decades. 2022 was not the easiest vintage for red wines. It was a vintage that had a miraculous warm fall that essentially saved the vintage. The 2022 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ (OB, 96) is a world-class wine that has great depth, concentration and poise. Learn more about these fantastic wines at figginswine.com. Here are my reviews of the new 2022 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ wine.

2022 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine- Another beautiful release of this wine, the 2022 ‘Figlia’ is a spellbinding amalgamation of equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. Over the years I have been enamored by the Petit Verdot coming from the Figgins Estate Vineyard. Simply put, this has to be the finest PV that I taste in Washington State. Stored in a very small portion of new French oak barrels (only 11% down from 26% in the ’21) this opens with green bell pepper, Turkish coffee and violet florals that mingle well with Black Forest Cake tones on the nose. The palate is soft, round and generous, as the seamless texture mingles brilliantly with a generous core of black and blue fruits. Showing good nerve from this slightly cooler vintage, there is not a wine quite like this in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2025-2045- 96

Kobayashi

Last night tasting with winemaker Travis Allen we chatted about vintages in Washington. “’22 was about perfect weather for white wines” he said. “The coolness really kept the freshness intact.” He has been one vintage behind in his Viognier bottling as his latest dazzling edition came from the 2022 vintage — one that has proved to be exceedingly good for whites.

Last time I tasted their famed ‘Minzunera’ bottling I scored the wine 100 points. It was a perfect, seamless wine that needs a lot of time but showed no rough edges. The Mizunera comes from eight thousand dollar oak barrels that were made from trees foraged from an ancient Japanese forest. Travis and Mario Allen run Kobayashi on their own and have bene making some of the most electric wines in the Pacific Northwest. The wines exude class in their combination of weight, finesse and aromatic/flavor range.

I was floored by the 2022 Kobayashi Viognier (OB, 96) which is easily one of the best wines of its kind made in North America. Even better is the stunning 2023 Kobayashi Roussanne (OB, 98) which will rival any VV wine in Chateauneuf du Pape.  Learn more at https://kobayashiwinery.com and here are my reviews of the sensational new wines by Kobayashi winery. 

20222 Kobayashi Viognier- The 2022 Kobayashi Viognier was aged in all neutral oak barrels and comes from two separate picks from the WeatherEye Vineyard. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience with mango, peach and lychee flavors that combine with copious minerals and shades of papaya. Big and rich, with serious flavor density and good underlying verve. Beautifully textured and weightless, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2023 Kobayashi Roussanne- The brilliant 2023 Kobayashi Roussanne saw extended skin contact and comes from only one barrel. Golden in the glass, this was stored in a normal format barrel with all staves submerged under the ocean which led to more moisture in the wood. Peach and salted macadamia nut tones fill the nose alongside suggestions of cloves and apricot jelly. The palate is unctuous, rich and downright sensational in terms of texture, verve and underlying salinity. Oily and dense, with a seamless texture, this is a downright ethereal bottling that will be neck and neck with anything from Chateauneuf du Pape. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 98

K Vintners 'Royal City' Syrah

Today we share one of the great wines made in Washington. Nothing short of a sensational bottling, Charles Smith is most famous for crafting his wine from the ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ near the town of Royal City and at what is now the Royal Slope AVA. This is a really special salty and stony bottling that has amazing aromatic and flavor range.

The Stoneridge Vineyard sits in an alluvial fan gravel bed, above the flood plain of the Columbia River. Under the topsoil is a layer of caliche and basalt 6-12’’ deep, creating a calcium and iron rich media that forces roots to struggle. I love the new 2021 K Vintners ‘Royal City’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is a world-class new Syrah bottling with sensational range and terroir. It is magical to consume now but will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Learn more about this great wine at https://houseofsmith.com/brands/kvintners-wines/ Here is my review of the beautiful new 2021 ‘Royal City’ Syrah.

2021 K Vintners ‘Royal City’ Syrah- Truly one of the iconic Washington wines, the 2017 ‘Royal City’ Syrah is sourced from the ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ in the Royal Slope AVA. This site has a wide range of soil types, including salty loam and sand. Right away the Syrah impresses with heady green peppercorn and Kalamatta olive tapendate aromatics that combine with beef drippings, Mandarin orange zest and suggestions of wet stone. The palate is dense and heady, with serious texture and good underlying verve. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Give it 30 minutes of air if consuming now. Drink 2025-2035- 96

Hertelendy

Today we share a great story of the American dream. After his family immigrated from Hungary and settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ralph Hertelendy started his wine education at a very young age — savoring French Grand Crus at the age of 5! Ralph was 15 when he created his first beer and then made his first wine in a basement at age 25. After getting his business degree from the University of San Francisco, Ralph became a sommelier and worked for several wineries in the Napa Valley as a Winemaker’s Assistant and in sales.

Ralph Hertelendy and Phillip Titus, one of Napa’s great winemakers, craft these wines to be big, dense and loaded with flavor complexity. A graduated of the famed UC Davis Enology and Viticulture program, Titus began his focus on viticulture and wine at the age of 12 when he began helping his father in the family vineyard.

2022 was not the easiest vintage in the Napa Valley, as major heat spikes made harvest conditions more than difficult. These are ’22 wines that you can buy with confidence. They are unabashedly bold and dense bottlings that are drinking beautifully in their heady youth.

Once again they have crafted one of the outstanding Napa Cabernet Francs I have enjoyed over the past year and the 2022 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) is already beautifully evolved, showing brilliant flavor density. Learn more about this famed Napa house at https://hertelendy.com/ and here are the outstanding new wines by Hertelendy.

2023 Vinoville Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Vinoville comes from Sonoma and Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Gooseberry and pink grapefruit blossom mark the nose with shades of kiwi. This is fresh, neatly-textured stuff that is drinking great in its vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2022 Hertelendy ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ is sourced from this site in the Russian River Valley. This is dense, unctuous and delicious stuff that shows off the heat of the vintage. Buttered popcorn and saline drenched peaches combine with pie crust and shades of mango creme brûlée on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Hertelendy ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir was stored in a combination of new and neutral oak barrels before bottling. Cola and cran-orange tones mark the nose with baking spices and shades of cedar. The plate is smooth and silky with a refined mouthfeel and good sense of length and weight. Generous and delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2022 Hertelendy ‘Audere’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Audere’ is an inky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Malbec all coming from the Napa Valley. Blueberry compote and graphite tones mark the nose alongside suggestions of allspice dusted black currants. The palate is concentrated and juicy with a silky texture and great sense of weight. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- Another sultry and delightful vintage of this wine, the 2022 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc is an amazing hot-vintage wine by proprietor Ralph Hertelendy. The wine combines 75% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Anise, pencil lead and red florals all combine on the nose with suggestions of fresh sage and creme de cassis. The palate is plush and refined with serious weight and glorious length. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, with well-defined tannins and a gracious core of black and blue fruits, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine- The 2022 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine was sourced from the Rockwell Ridge Estate on Howell Mountain. The wine combines Merlot and Cabernet Franc, offering pencil lead and blackberry compote on the nose alongside Turkish coffee notes. The palate is seamless and powerful with serious tension and richness. Generous and drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2041- 96

2022 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning new edition of this wine, the 2022 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit less initially reticent than the ’21 edition. Stored for 23 months in 90% New French and Hungarian Oak this is already beautifully evolved stuff, offering a great melange of black and blue fruits on the palate, showing chocolate pie, creme de violette and loamy soils. Full-bodied and opulent in terms of weight and overall texture, with bright tension that beams through the core, enjoy this not for the weary beauty over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2041- 96

2022 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The beautiful 2022 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ is a stunning barrel selection Cabernet Sauvignon wine that is intense and opulent in the glass. Creme de cassis and black forest cake tones all mark the nose alongside graphite and shades of sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is gorgeous and dense with good underlying finesse. This is already evolved stuff that is impossible to enjoy in it is heady youth. Drink 2025-2041- 96

Force Majeure

It is my pleasure to share the great wines of Force Majeure Vineyard. For years I have admired the beautiful range of wines from this house that include tension-filled Viognier to inky Cabernet Sauvignon. At the helm is winemaker Todd Alexander whose deft hands are crafting easily some of the best wines you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Alexander has worked formerly with names such as David Abreu and Michel Rolland. His wines exude class with depth, concentration, flavor range of pillowy texture.

I love the new Rhone-inspired wines from 2022. This was a vintage that saw mixed results, with a late harvest and cooler temperatures. The top producers from this vintage made extraordinarily good wines. Case in point, check out the world-class 2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah (OB, 99) which like the ’21 edition flirts with perfection. Don’t miss these beautiful new 2022 wines and check out more at https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 

2022 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Grenache- The astonishingly good 2022 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Grenache comes from a middle portion of this estate vineyard on Red Mountain. The wine was aged in concrete for 18 months before bottling, and is sheer-class on the nose with its beautiful red florals on the nose alongside shades of bay leaf, menthol, seaweed and Mandarin orange peel. The aromatic range brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is silky and refined, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Slightly less dense albeit more nervy than the ’21 edition, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2050- 97

2022 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Parvata’ has considerably more Mourvèdre (50% v 39%) than the 2021 edition, with 29% Grenache and only 21% Syrah (compared to 46% in the ’21). This wine has gotten better and better since it was first made nearly ten years back. This CDP-inspired blend was stored in a limited amount of new French oak barrels prior to bottling. Smoked brisket and beef drippings with Umami all hit the nose alongside white pepper dusted blackberry and shades of wintergreen. The heady and complex aromatics are truly captivating. Silky and elegant throughout the drinking experience, this has to be the finest CDP-inspired blend made in Washington State.  A touch more elegant than the brooding ’21 edition, this might be a notch better — and certainly will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Bravo! Drink 2025-2042- 98

2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah- A dizzying follow up to the 2021, the 2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah was sourced from this 11 acre Red Mountain estate vineyard set on basalt deposits. The wine had 2% Viognier blended in and shows shades of creosote and beef drippings on the nose alongside suggestions of espresso grounds, black rose petals and suggestions of blueberry pie. The palate is rich, viscous and absolutely delicious, with sensational finesse and opulent concentration. This is next-level Syrah that will compete with the finest wines of its kind on the West Coast. Flirting with perfection, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 99

2022 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla Estate’ Syrah- A beautiful wine from their Walla Walla Estate in the stones of Milton-Freewater, the 2022 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla Estate’ Syrah spent 18 months in large format neutral French oak barrels prior to bottling. This is the finest edition of this wine that has been made. Nori, smoldering stones and bacon fat all fill the nose alongside lavender and shades of violets. The palate is dense and nicely concentrated, with good underlying verve. The flavor range is downright sensational, yielding blood orange zest, green peppercorns and Kalamata tapenade alongside BBQ brisket and suggestions of creme de violette. Deftly textured and very nervy, this is a world-class wine that is already beautifully evolved. Enjoy over the next decade or more. Drink 2025-2036- 99

Rare Champagne

It was back in 2018 that Rare Champagne became its own brand, formerly being the top wine of Piper-Hedseick. The house is owned by the EPI group. Rare Champagne is made in select vintages, and this is the latest edition from 2013 with the last Rare Champagne being produced with the epic 2008 vintage. Wines are aged at least ten years on the lees before disgorgement.  Cuvée Rare was first created by Piper-Heidsieck back in 1976. Rare Champagne has only declared 14 vintages, which is one of the most demanding producers in Champagne.  Rare is always a Chardonnay dominant prestige champagne, and utilizes grapes from Trépail and Villers-Marmery in the Montagne de Reims to play first fiddle in the blend instead of classic Côte des Blancs grands crus origins. The new wine was extraordinarily good and has a long life ahead of it.
Chef de caves Emilien Boutillat has crafted a world-class 2013 Rare (OB, 96) which is amongst the finest wines made in the vintage. The year itself was a challenging vintage that had a cold and wet winter and spring which delayed fruit set. This champagne is a monumental achievement of the vintage. Learn more about this incredible wine at https://www.foliowine.com/wine/rare-millesime-brut/ and here is my review of the 2013 Rare Champagne.

2013 Rare Champagne- The 2013 Rare Champagne is the first release of this wine since the outstanding ’08 edition. Composed of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, sourced from 11 cru villages throughout the region. Toasty brioche and banana mark the nose alongside honeydew melon and salted Macadamia nut. The palate is big and burly considering the vintage. Lemon oil and dense melon flavors combine with Japanese pear, star jasmine water and shades of shortbread. Delightful now, this has the stuffing and finesse to cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2052- 96

Walla Walla Vintners

I very fondly recall my first visit to Walla Walla Vintners. It was 2007 and we were just starting the financial crisis. I opened the door to a small tasting room and was flooded by people. The entire room was packed! These wines have been receiving some really good reviews and I seemed to know why. So did everyone else! Scott and Nici Haladay, were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they are the new owners of this house and their Cut Bank Estate vineyard. Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. I can’t wait to see their new winery space which has been recently completed.

Winemaker Derrek Vipond is a is a native Washingtonian who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019. He trained under Gilles Nicault and his wines are very structurally sound, with a beginning, middle and end.

I loved the last set of his wines and the new wines are brilliant. Don’t miss the 2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sangiovese (OB, 91) which is one of the best Sangiovese wines from Washington that I have tasted in the past year. I adored the 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is dense and delicious wine that is drinking marvelously now. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners. 

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Woven Fields’ is mainly Merlot and Syrah with smaller portions Syrah and Malbec. Anise, black currants and pencil lead all mark the nose alongside shades of blackberry compote. The palate is well-balanced and poised with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of tension. A killer value, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sangiovese- The 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Sangiovese is translucent in the glass with layers of white pepper and tobacco leaf that mingle well with shades of creosote and red raspberry. The palate is soft and delicious with juicy red fruits that mingle well with orange peel and herbal accents. Medium-bodied, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 91.

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot- The outstanding 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Merlot  offers tar, sagebrush and tobacco leaf on the nose alongside shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is smooth and elegant with a refined texture and good depth. Generous and delicious now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 93

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Franc shows beautiful black and red florals on the nose alongside espresso bean and shades of black licorice. The palate is plush and elegant with medium-bodied dark fruit flavors alongside chocolate pie and garrigue accents. Drink 2025-2037- 92

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and dark currants on the nose alongside wild blackberry and shades of milk chocolate. The palate is refined and elegant with medium-bodied dark fruits that parade with nutmeg, kirsch and coffee ground notes. Elegant and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Walla Wlala Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers tar and sweet tobacco leaf on the nose alongside shades of cedar and creme de cassis. The palate is bold and concentrated with terrific tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 94

2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Cut Bank Estate’ comes from this higher elevation site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Inky in the glass, this offers a beautiful melange of black and blue fruits on the nose with dark rose petals and shades of fresh sage. The palate is round and opulent with great tension and flavor density. Beautifully textured, with firm tannins holding things together, enjoy now and over the next twenty years. This is arguably the finest wine ever made at this estate. Drink 2024-2044- 95

2021 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Vottano’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Vottano’ comes from the Cut Bank Estate in the Walla Walla Valley.This blend is nearly all Sangiovese (89%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. Anise and dried herbs mark the nose alongside suggestions of menthol and red currants. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and good underlying finesse. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from this famed site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the 2022 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah delivers good concentration and finesse, showing stony accents that meld well with blackberry compote and black cherry pie, with chocolate and coffee grounds. Decadent and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2038- 94

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Today we share a great historic Napa property. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is probably most famous for producing the Cabernet Sauvignon that won the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris. The winery was initially founded in 1970 and today the vineyard team is led by Guillermo Perez who works alongside head winemaker Marcus Notaro.

Notaro comes from an Italian family that had wine around the dinner table. He decided to work initially in the industry as a tour guide at Chateau Ste. Michelle. The rest has been history as he formerly was winemaker at Col Solare before taking over as head winemaker at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. The new wines from him were beautiful and neatly-structured wines from the outstanding 2019 vintage. I was particularly enamored by the 2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘ARMILLARY’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated stuff with good tension. Learn more about this famed site at https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the 2019 Cabernets by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘ARMILLARY’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘ARMILLARY’ is composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc mainly coming from the FAY vineyard as well as the S.L.V. vineyard. Stored for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels, this inky-colored Cabernet opens with black licorice and anise on the nose, with violets and shades of Turkish coffee. The palate is dense and rich with a glorious mouthfeel and beautiful underlying tension. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2019 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Rancho Chimiles Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2019 ‘Rancho Chimiles Vineyard’ is sourced from this site in the Wooden Valley, just northeast of the town of Napa. Stored for 20 months in 100% new French oak, this offers bay leaf and pipe tobacco notes on the nose alongside cassis and graphite tones. The palate is elegant and well-structured with refined tannins that frame a beautiful core of black fruits, with chocolate and espresso grounds. Fabulous now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 93

Smith-Madrone

Today we share the outstanding wines of Smith-Madrone. One Napa house known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling wines, Smith-Madrone sources from their dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley. 

They have a beautiful new Cabernet, the 2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet (OB, 93) is earthy and herbal with beautiful poise. This will age gracefully for at least another fifteen years. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://www.smithmadrone.com Here are the great new releases from Smith-Madrone.

2019 Smith-Madrone Riesling- Coming from their estate vineyard, the 2019 Smith-Madrone Riesling checks in at 13.3% alcohol. Brilliant petrol fumes hit the nose alongside wet grass and straw alongside bright peach on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured and deep, with good richness and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. What a beautiful foil for Thai food! Drink 2025-2032- 93

2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay- The 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay was sourced from their estate on Spring Mountain set on Aiken Stoney Clay loam. Aged for 10 months in 50% new French oak, this offers butterscotch and pie crust on the nose alongside shades of Japanese pear. The palate is rich and viscous with serious nerve. Lemon curd, shortbread and shades of papaya all meld together on the palate. This is a stunning edition of this wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant, well-structured new wine that is built to age. Once on the nose this takes on anise and milk chocolate tones with wet stone, fresh thyme and shades of black currant cordial that all meld in the glass. The palate is refined and poised with a great core of black fruit flavors. Generous and delicious now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 93

Dr. Loosen

One of the famed Mosel estates, Ernst Loosen assumed ownership of Dr. Loosen in 1988, and since then has been wholly focused on producing world-class Riesling. He was the only one of his siblings interested in taking over the winery and Ernst focused on becoming one of the regions top winemakers, as he completed his studies at Germany’s renowned winemaking school in Geisenheim and then completed a self directed review of the great wines of the world including Austria, to Burgundy and Alsace, even to California. He wanted to visit these great winemaking regions and learn from other top winemakers.

Dr. Loosen collaborates with Chateau Ste. Michelle for more than a decade and helps produce what is year after year one of Washington’s top Rieslings, the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling. His wines are a pillar of consistency, as you can find their top value ‘Blue Slate’ Kabinett in Costco warehouses across the United States.

For his wines Dr. Loosen sources from some of the Mosel’s top vineyards including the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and the Urziger Wurzgarten. The new wines were sensational and I love the 2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Riesling (OB, 91) which is vibrant with serious nerve. Run, don’t walk to find the 2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Riesling (OB, 96) which is one of the great GG wines that I have tasted in the past year. This beauty will easily cellar for another twenty years. Learn more about this famed winery at https://drloosen.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Dr. Loosen

NV Dr. Lo Riesling (alcohol removed)- Green apple, peach and shades of lemon zest all combine on the palate with good minerality. Drink 2025-2028- 88

2023 Dr. Loosen Riesling- The 2023 Dr. Loosen Riesling offers peach and mango flavors that parade with good tension on the palate. A killer value, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 89

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Dry’ Riesling- Made in the ‘Trocken’ style, the 2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Dry’ Riesling offers white grapefruit zest, kiwi and wet stone on the palate. Enjoy this mineral-driven Riesling now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Red Slate’ Riesling- The 2023 ‘Red Slate’ is tension-laden Riesling that delivers loads of minerality, alongside juicy green apple and pear flavors, with stony undertones. A killer value. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Kabinett Riesling- The 2023 ‘Blue Slate’ is an incredible wine for the price. Crushed wet rock and mango flavors parade with copious minerals, marzipan and baked apple notes. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Riesling Kabinett- Translated as ‘sundial’ this location ice set on blue slate, as this 2023 Riesling Kabinett opens with a bueaitufl bouquet of star jasmine, wet gravel and Japanese pear with lemon blossom accents. The palate is beautifully tension-filled with good richness and a kiss of peach and pear sweetness. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Treppchen’ Kabinett Riesling- This 2023 ‘Kabinette’ delivers a terrific mouthfeel, with loads of minerals. Candied ginger and papaya notes mark the palate alongside dense melon fruits. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Treppchen’ Spatlase Riesling- This 2023 ‘Spatlase’ Riesling delivers sweet peach and apple flavors that combine with ginger and shades of pie crust on the palate. Stony and soft on the approach, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Urziger Wurzgarten’ Spatlase Riesling- The delicious 2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Urziger Wurzgarten’ Spatlase Riesling delvers Sprite and orange zest water flavors that cascade together with rich peach and copious minerals on the palate.

2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Erdener Treppchen’ Riesling- The brilliant 2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Erdener Treppchen’ Riesling offers a beautiful bouquet with kerosene, papaya, and shades of shortbread on the nose, with lemon rind accents. The palate is rich and viscous with serious weight and verve. A gorgeous wine now at the three year mark, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Riesling- The outstanding 2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Riesling offers white peach and juicy cantaloupe notes on the nose alongside heated oil, and white flowers. The palate is rich and spicy with terrific weight and tension that feeds the core of melon, orchard and citrus fruits. A total knockout to enjoy now, enjoy over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2025-2044- 96

2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Graacher Domprobst’ Riesling- The 2022 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Graacher Domprobst’ Riesling comes from the town of Graach, a picturesque site on the Mosel River. This edition is laden with minerality, offering loads of lemon/lime flavors that combine with green apple and shades of orange blossom water. A stunning wine now, watch this evolve over the next twenty years. Drink 2025-2044- 95

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Auslese Riesling- Golden in the glass, the 2023 Dr. Loosen ‘GG Wehlener Sonnenuhr’ Auslese Riesling shows off juicy nectarine and orange marmalade on the nose alongside suggestions of lychee and Macadamia nut, with stony accents. The palate is dense and packed full of citrus and melon flavors, with lemon rind accents and copious minerals. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2023 Dr. Loosen ‘Urziger Wurzgarten’ Auslese Riesling- The 2023 Urziger Wurzgarten’ Auslese Riesling offers loads of juicy peach and pear flavors alongside shades of sweetened Sprite soda. Showing good density and nerve, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 93

Avennia

Today we share one of the great wineries of the Pacific Northwest. It was a few years back that Avennia acquired the Tapteil Vineyard on Red Mountain to be their estate vineyard. The 45-acre site was one of the first vineyards planted on Red Mountain, by longtime owners Larry and Jane Pearson. This has become the Avennia Estate Vineyard where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant plantings, with some vines dating back to 1985. There is also a small amount of Cabernet Franc planted here which is the oldest of its kind on Red Mountain. The site is managed by Dick Boushey.

Winemaker Chris Peterson years back partnered with Marty Taucher to form Avennia. These have been knockout wines since their inception more than a decade ago. I adored the 2022 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is mostly Merlot and offers a pillowy texture, with excellent depth from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new ‘Estate Vineyard’ wines by Avennia.

2022 Avennia ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Red Mountain’ is a 100% varietal wine that comes from their estate vineyard as well as the Hedges Estate. This bottling was aged for 18 months in only 25% new French oak barrels before bottling. It is round and elegant on the mouth, showing good concentration. Creosote and black licorice flavors mingle well with blackberry compote and chocolate pie flavors on the palate. Very good now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2022 Avennia ‘Valery’ combines 88% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc from the Boushey and Champoux Vineyards. This is one of the great wines of its kind in Washington State. Aged in 30% new French oak, this takes on layers of red currants, Arabica bean and black rose petals alongside red bell pepper and tobacco leaf on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with good richness considering the coolness of the vintage. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific tension that connects with the damp soil character, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Sestina’ is composed of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Underbrush and dark currants mark the nose alongside suggestions of creme de violette and tar. The palate is elegant and shows off a refined texture, with plenty of underlying verve. Medium to full-bodied, with graphite, loamy soils and espresso ground accents that combine with the core of black fruits, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Louis Roederer

Today we share one of the greats out of Champagne. I had a glorious visit to Louis Roederer and am excited to be back soon. Roederer is one of the premier brands in the world, producing their world-famous ‘Cristal’ champagne. The first ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created back in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year as he was fond of Louis Roederer’s style. This Champagne was initially distinguished by being presented in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The ‘Cristal’ brand was named after the lead-crystal bottle, which is particularly transparent and luminous. 

They somewhat recently began doing their ‘Collection’ wines which involves a blend of vintages somewhat akin to the ‘Grande Cuvee’ by Krug. The latest wine, the ‘Collection 245’ is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that has a 55% base from the 2020 vintage. This wine is absolutely gorgeous to enjoy right now.

I also tasted the latest edition of their Rose, the 2017 Louis Roederer (OB, 94) which is refined and elegant, with some serious aging potential. I have tried some older versions of this wine in my personal collection and have been amazed to see how well they cellar. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.louis-roederer/com and here are my reviews of the latest releases from Louis Roederer.

MV Louis Roederer ‘Collection 245’ Champagne- The ‘Collection 245’ utilizes a base from the 2020 vintage. Near equal parts come from the “La Rivière” Estate, the “La Montagne” Estate and the “La Côte” Estate. This is bold and rich stuff with toasty brioche, ginger, Pink Lady apple and shades of starfruit on the palate. With a refined mousse, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2017 Louis Roederer Rose Champagne- The gorgeous 2017 Rose by Louis Roederer was given 8G/L dosage and combines Pinot Noir from Cumières with Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs. A brilliant salmon hue in the glass, this delivers bright red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside orange peel and shades of buttered French bread. Ripe and plump on the mouth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2039- 94

Turnbull

It has been more than 35 years that Turnbull has helped shape the Napa Valley. Today the winery owns over 200 acres in the Napa Valley and produces approximately 30,000 cases per year. Their original co-founder William Turnbull was an architect from the San Francisco Bay Area and designed his winery as well as many others including part of Cakebread Cellars. Later in 1993 Patrick O’Dell purchased Turnbull Johnson and renamed the winery to Turnbull Cellars. At the helm is Peter Heitz who is a fourth generation vintner. Peter applied his trade at Beringer, crafting some world class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon under the guidance of legendary winemaker Ed Sbragia, before coming to Turnbull more than a decade ago.

I love the new 2021 Turnbull ‘Oakville Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Learn more at www.turnbullwines.com Here are my reviews of the new Turnbull wines.

2021 Turnbull ‘Oakville Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2021 Turnbull ‘Oakville Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon has small portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec blended in. Inky in the glass, this is nicely concentrated stuff, showing sweet pipe tobacco notes that combines with a gracious core of black fruits with pencil lead and loamy soil accents. Medium to full-bodied, with good underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next ten pus years. Drink 2024-2036- 93

Siduri

For years I have enjoyed the beautiful Pinot Noirs of Siduri. Originally founded by Adam Lee, the wine was later sold to Jackson Family in 2015. Their current winemaker, Matt Revelette, has now been at the helm for several years. Matt has a great background in wine, formerly working for Sojourn Cellars, Williams Selyem, Kosta Browne, Quintessa, and Mending Wall. He is making some world class wines.

I met with Matt and tasted his latest set of wines from the challenging 2022 vintage that saw heat spikes at harvest. Despite the heat of the vintage, the wines show beautiful density and underlying finesse. Check out the beautiful 2022 Siduri ‘Seascape’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which shows off this outstanding site that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. Learn more about these great wines at siduri.com and here are my reviews of the new Siduri wines.

2022 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2022 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay comes from Gran Moraine as well as Cantwell Vineyards as well as some from Zena Crown. The wine was stored in 20% new French oak before bottling. This is fresh and polished wine that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from several top vineyards in the region, the 2022 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is deeply colored and perfumed in the glass, offering red currants and red rose petals alongside menthol and stony notes. The palate is soft and very approachable with a generous core of bright red fruits. This is a steal as an entry level WV Pinot. Drink now and over the next several years. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir comes from a range of sites throughout this region. Medium-bodied this offers bright red fruits with orange peel, salty soils and suggestions of wild mushroom on the palate. This shows good tension considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2024-2031- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ Pinot Noir offers orange rind and beautiful red florals on the nose with red raspberry notes. Filled with class and texture, this is a rich wine filled with weight and overall tension. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2022 Siduri ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful wine at the 40 dollar mark. This offers good concentration with ripe red fruits that parade with salty minerals, rocky soils and suggestions of cola. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir was stored for ten months in 20% new French oak before bottling. Sage and salty soils alongside lighter bodied red fruits all meld together in the glass. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2022 Siduri ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir comes from two vineyards that are on the western portion of this AVA, the Seascape and Sealift Vineyards. This is very fresh wine with a great purity of guava, strawberry and red cherry fruit flavors with plenty of salty nuances. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Gran Moraine Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Grand Moraine’ comes from this outstanding site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This underwent just a touch of whole cluster fermentation. Stored in 30% new French oak for 14 months before bottling, this offers red currants and tobacco on the nose alongside stony minerals. Loaded with crunchy red fruit this shows beautiful body and texture. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2035- 93

2022 Siduri ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Fantastic right out of the gate, the 2022 Siduri ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful wine that has some really nice aging potential. Stored in 30% new French oak the wine was sourced mainly from the stony part of the hill. The wine offers cranberry and orange peel flavors alongside volcanic earth and wild mushroom notes on the palate. Showing good weight and length this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2024-2036- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Edmeades Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Edmeades’ comes from a later harvest than most of the rest of California. This site was less impacted by the heat dome. This offers black truffle and dark raspberry notes on the nose with damp earthy tones. The palate is neatly textured with a smooth mouthfeel and gorgeous sense of weight. Delicious and dense, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Siduri 'Skycrest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This is a rugged site set on sandstone with small berries and canopies. The 2022 Pinot Noir was stored in 20% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. Tobacco leaf, damp soils and black cherry all mark the nose alongside flinty undertones. Salty and stony on the palate, this shows a beautiful core of red and dark fruits alongside smoked meats. A complex and unique wine, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Bloomfield Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This is a very foggy site that is cool and is farmed at roughly one ton an area. This offers bergamot and damp earth on the nose alongside white truffle notes. The palate is refined and elegant with serious texture and a good sense of weight as well as verve. Finishing long, this largely tart black-fruit driven wine is already showing well. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Seascape Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Seascape Vineyard’ was planted all the way back in 1990. This site looks down to Bodega Bay. The wine is mainly clone 777 as this was stored in 30% new French oak this offers salty orange rind and red raspberry and smoky notes on the nose. This is wonderful in terms diatom nuance and its salty character and is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Dutton-Perry Ranch’ Pinot Noir- This site was once known as the Keefer Ranch Vineyard, the Dutton-Perry Ranch is farmed by the Dutton family and is set on Goldridge sandy loam soils. The wine was stored in 24% new French oak before bottling, this opens with cola and spice box notes alongside Mandarin orange zest and tobacco leaf. The palate is refined and soft with beautiful poise, weight and balance. Showing silky tannins, this is a gorgeous new bottling has plenty of salty and damp earth nuances and is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Parsons Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The Parsons Vineyard is a small site that has been used by Siduri since 2007. Located in Northwest Santa Rosa, the site is set on clay loam soils.  This shows good concentration with loamy soils alongside black cherry, thyme and shades of milk chocolate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Barbieri Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Barbieri Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is right by the Parsons Vineyard and is a 20 acre site on Olivet Road. This is also a black fruit driven wine with black raspberry and black cherry notes alongside cola and fresh sage. Refined and elegant on the mouth, with good concentration and poise, enjoy this over the next ten years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Sealift Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Sealift Vineyard is located in the Anapolis area, set on gold ridge sandy loam soils. Stored in 40% new French oak the 2022 Pinot Noir delivers

a beautiful core of salty red cherry and guava fruit flavors alongside cola, bergamot and kumquat rind notes. Fresh and seamless on the mouth, this is already beautifully evolved stuff that is best consumed over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Van der Kamp Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Van der Kamp Vineyard’ has been made since 1996. This comes from a 25 acre site that is sold to a wide range of clients. Some Pinot Noir here was planted all the way back in 1960. This is ripe and well-structured Pinot Noir offering cherry cola notes alongside wet stone, salty minerals and orange peel notes Stony and savory on the mouth, with umami accents, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from a slightly cooler site that neighbors the Sobranes Vineyard. The wine was stored in 40% new French oak for ten months before bottling. This opens with rich dark fruits and cola notes on the palate with black florals, exotic spices and salty soils. Savory and showing seaweed accents, this is a delicious wine already. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Garys’ Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ is sourced from Pisoni clonal selection Pinot Noir vines, as this is a slightly warmer site than Rosella’s Vineyard. This offers black florals on the nose with wild blackberry and pipe tobacco notes. The palate is lush and ripe with a juicy core of black fruits that greet you alongside copious minerals. Drink 2024-2036- 95

2022 Siduri ‘SIerra Mar Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir comes from a scenic site set on rocky sand soils. This is a challenging site to farm. Stored in 40% new French oak for 14 months, this delivers wet stone and red rose petals on the nose alongside shades of bergamot and kumquat rind. The palate is soft and rich with layers of pretty red fruits that parade with copious minerals and rocky soils. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Sobranes Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This site neighbors Gary’s Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The 2022 Pinot Noir shows gobs of body and texture with cola and red cherry notes on the palate alongside cardamom dusted orange peel and suggestions of tobacco leaf. Full-bodied and delicious, this is exceedingly good stuff to enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Perilune Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Planted back in 2016 the Perilune Vineyard planted on a steep hillside and set on rocky soils. This comes off very rocky and salty showing a beautiful core of guava and red currant fruit flavors alongside serious tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Terroir-driven and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this site that is set on sand, this is a slightly cooler site for the Santa Rita Hills, southwest of Melville. The wine is made of clonal selection 459 and Mt. Eden. Given 20% whole cluster fermentation this offers a smooth mouthfeel with Earl Grey tea alongside a core of pure cranberry, red cherry and red raspberry fruit flavors, with salty soils. This is outstanding stuff. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Siduri ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Siduri ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from a range of blocks from this site. They have utilized a range of clonal selections as this was stored in 30% new French oak for ten months before bottling. The wine is astonishingly good with a generous melange of red and black fruits alongside blood orange zest, cola and salty soils. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 95

Dom Perignon

Founded more than 100 years ago, Dom Perignon Champagne is one of the great brands owned by LVHM. For years I have admired the dedication put into these wines that seem to shine in even the most challenging vintages. An example is performing well in the tough vintages of 2003, 2006 and 2009. These wines seem to perform really good despite the challenges of the vintages.

The latest release of Dom Perignon comes from the 2015 vintage. This was a warmer vintage that produced dense and fleshy champagnes, yet maintaining a good level of acidity. The richness comes from the dry weather which carried during the summer months. These are wines that are hitting their stride now at the ten year mark. The gorgeous 2015 Dom Perignon Champagne (OB, 96) is several notches better than their last release from 2013.This is a more heady and rich level of Champagne and one that is already shining brightly. If you love the 2012 Dom then you will really enjoy this wine. Right now this retails for around 250 USD so it is no cheap treat. Learn more about this very special wine at https://www.domperignon.com/product/vintage/2013 and here is my review of the outstanding 2015 Dom Perignon Champagne.

2015 Dom Perignon Champagne- The 2015 Dom Perignon is a marelous wine from this outstanding vintage in Champagne. A vibrant yellow in the glass, this offers freshly cut wildflowers and walnut notes on the nose alongside yellow plum and shades of Japanese pear. The palate is refined and elegant as the silky mousse grips you. Wonderfully nutty and earthy already, with a gorgeous melange of citrus and melon fruits, this is drinking remarkably well in its youth. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. A proprietary blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink 2025-2042— 96

Cellar Selection: 1986 Opus One

It is always such a pleasure visiting old Opus One wine. Their winery in Napa is one of the most gorgeous to visit. Opus One has done a huge remodel and the tasting room has sensational panoramic views of their vineyards and the Napa floor. Extremely elegant, I last tasted in the salon and had an amazing chance to visit with their longtime winemaker Michael Silacci. I have been amazed how these wines have held over the years and have enjoyed many in my personal collection.

The Opus One wines of the 1980s were ones with lower alcohol levels and beautiful balance. They are very Bordelaise in their core. Having had several of them in the past year, it is just remarkable how well these wines have held. Last evening I had the chance to explore the 1986 Opus One (OB, 95) which is just a stunning wine even towards the end of its life. Initially quite reticent, this needed a bit of air to really get going. Very herbal and nuanced, I love where this beauty is at right now. Learn more about these world-class wines at opusone.com and here are my review of the incredible 1986 Opus One

1986 Opus One Red Wine- The 1986 Opus One is a magical wine now at nearly 40 years of age. This comes from a normal, largely uneventful growing season that was definitely a success for vintners. Black currants, pencil lead, loamy soils and fresh sage all mark the nose. The palate is smooth, silky and refined, showing loads of damp earth and soil character, with hints of black truffle shavings. Really complex and delicious, no reason to cellar this beauty. Drink 2025-2035- 95

Upsidedown Wine

It was a great Zoom call with winemaker Seth Kitzke how was unabashedly bullish about his wines. “I think we are making some of the best white [wines] in the state” he exclaimed. I had to agree with him as the wines I tasted were phenomenal. These releases by Upsidedown Wine have been outstanding since its inception. Kitzke has a world palate and tries some of the finest wines of the world as a litmus or benchmark when making his wines. I adore the new 2023 Upsidedown Wine ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ Viognier (OB, 94) which has beautiful flavor range. Even better is the dazzling 2022 Upsidedown Wine Konnowac and WeatherEye Vineyard’ Roussanne (OB, 95) which spent considerable time on the lees and is a total knockout, dense and mineral-laden bottling that is sure to satisfy any lover of top Washington wine. Learn more about these beautiful wines at upsidedownwine.com. Here are my reviews of the outstanding future releases by Upsidedown Wine.

2023 Upsidedown Wine ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ White Wine- A blend of 72% Marsanne and the remainder Roussanne from the Konnowac Vineyard, this offers lychee and rich orchard fruits on the nose alongside brioche tones. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Showing good weight and length, don’t serve this beauty too warm. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Konnowac and WeatherEye Vineyard’ Roussanne- Stored for 22 months in French oak as well as concrete eggs, this was mainly sourced from the WeatherEye Vineyard. Salted Macadamia nut, lychee and pink grapefruit blossom all mark the nose alongside rich peach. The palate is deep and unctuous with a serious texture and flavor density. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 95

2023 Upsidedown Wine ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2023 ‘Konnowac Vineyard’ Viognier is rich and generous on the mouth, showing off its waxy texture. Lemon meringue and shades of mango combine with rich cantaloupe and nutty undertones on the palate. Quite complex and delicious, this is best enjoyed at a warmer temperature. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Tremasi ‘Field Blend’ Red Wine- The 2022 Tremasi ‘Field Blend’ Red Wine has a range of varietals blended in but is mainly Grenache and Syrah. Garrigue, white pepper, with sandy soils and shades of orange blossom all fill the nose. The palate is complex with a smooth texture and a brilliant core of crunchy red fruits with orange rind, dried herbs and salty soils. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Stony Florals’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Stony Florals’ is the second vintage of this wine. Coming from the Equis Vineyard in Moxee, Washington this offers beautiful red rose petals and lemon peel alongside shades of white pepper and tart red fruits. The palate is fresh and lithe with good tension. Soft and delicious, enjoy now and over the next few years. 100% stem inclusion. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Gold Drop Collection Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Grenache- Coming from their estate vineyard which is set on sandy soils, this 2022 Grenache saw partial stem inclusion. The nose is highly performed with layers of gorgeous red fruits, with tobacco leaf and orange peel. The palette is fresh with a smooth texture and good sense of weight. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Gold Drop Collection Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Mourvedre- The outstanding 2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Gold Drop Collection Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Mourvèdre saw partial whole cluster fermentation (40%) and was stored in a small portion of new oak before bottling. Smoly amd stony on the nose this offers black currant and black cherry notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2032- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Gold Drop Collection Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Field Blend- The really good 2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Gold Drop Collection Dead Poplar Vineyard’ Field Blend comes from this stony and sandy site owned by the Kitzke family. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah this saw roughly 40% whole cluster fermentation. Candied red fruits parade with Mandarin orange rind, salty soils and wild mushroom on this complex notes. The palate offers a delicious melange of red and dark fruits with stony/salty soil character. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Cross Block’ Mourvedre- The 2022 ‘Cross Block’ wine comes from the Andrews Vineyard as Mourvèdre vines for this wine are set on cobblestones and a steep slope. The nose offers wild blackberry and black cherry notes alongside shades of wet soils and gravel. The palate is dense and world-class in terms of flavor density and texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine, showing lovely earthy overtones, now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Birds + Things + Flowers’ Syrah- The 2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Birds + Things + Flowers’ Syrah comes from the Equus Vineyard which is a high elevation site. White pepper dusted brisket and black florals mark the nose alongside Kalamatta tapenade. The palate is stony and salty with a smooth mouthfeel and excellent verve. Delicious now, enjoy over the next six plus years to come. This totally over-delivers for the price. Drink 2024-2030- 94

2021 Upsidedown Wine ‘The Artist Collection’ Syrah- Aged for 30 months, the 2021 ‘The Artist Collection’ Syrah comes from the Kitzke estate vineyard on Candy Mountain. Given 60% whole cluster fermentation, this offers a deep mouthfeel with heady dark fruits alongside tar and tobacco leaf. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Upsidedown Wine ‘Equus’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Equus’ offers nice herbal tones on the nose alongside chocolate and dark currants. The palate is fresh and fragrant with good tension and mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied, enjoy this now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2022 Upsidedown ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Upsidedown ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a fair amount of whole cluster fermented Syrah blended in. Bay leaf and fresh sage combine on the nose with dark florals and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is delicious and rich with good tension and salty character. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Kitzke Family Wine Sangiovese- This 2022 Sangiovese offers salty soils with tart red fruits, orange rind and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with a smooth texture and generous core of red fruits. This is really well-done. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2022 Kitzke Family Wine Cabernet Franc- The 2022 Cabernet Franc comes from an eastern block at the vineyard. Lovely dried herbs and red bel pepper mark the nose alongside suggestions of wild blackberry. Soft and refined, this has a great melange of red and dark fruits alongside chocolate and coffee ground notes. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Kitzke Family Wine Petit Verdot- Dark in the glass, this 2022 Petit Verdot offers straightforward dark fruits with chocolate notes on the palate. Quite tannic, this is coming off a touch backwards for now. Drink 2024-2034- 91

2022 Kitzke Family Wine Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Kitzke Family Wine Cabernet Sauvignon delivers garrigue and dark chocolate shavings with pencil lead on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with a smooth texture. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2022 Kitzke Family Wines ‘Old Vine Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Old Vine Reserve’ comes from vines that were planted back in 1982. The site produces tiny berries. Fresh sage and blackberry compote combine with shades of espresso grounds and black licorice on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 93