Tendril

For years I have admired the wines of winemaker Tony Rynders. Tony has worked a range of head winemaker positions over the years, formerly at Domaine Serene and Hogue. He has an esteemed master’s degree in Enology and Viticulture from UC Davis, and obtained more 90+ point scores from the Wine Spectator magazine than any other winemaker during this period of time.

Tony makes the amazing wines of Open Claim Vineyards. He as a brilliant range of wines and is even making some excellent bubbles and Rose. I love the 2024 Child’s Play Rose  (OB, 91) which is a steal at this price. Don’t miss out on the 2021 Tendril ‘Tightrope’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is another fabulous and dense release of this limited production wine. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.tendrilwines.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by Tony Rynders and Tendril.

2023 Child’s Play Chardonnay- The excellent 2023 Child’s Play Chardonnay offers pie crust and green apple on the palate with good tension and texture. Lively and delicious, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2024 Child’s Play Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2024 Child’s Play Rose comes off absolutely delicious on the palate. Loaded with strawberry and watermelon candy alongside kumquat zest, this is delicious and neatly-textured stuff that is best consumed in its mineral-laden youth. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Child’s Play Malbec- Coming from the Columbia Valley, this 2022 Malbec offers generous dark fruits with creosote, tar, anise and cassis tones. Rich and polished considering the coolness of the vintage, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Tendril ‘Enchanter’ Chardonnay- The 2021 Tendril ‘Enchanter’ Chardonnay was stored in mainly neutral French oak before bottling. Rich and round on the mouth, this is elegant stuff that glides throughout the drinking experience. Rich orchard and citrus fruits parade with vanilla cream on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Tendril ‘Saffron Fields’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Saffron Fields’ Pinot Noir comes from this location just east of Yamhill. Beautiful red rose petals and potpourri mark the nose alongside Mandarin orange rind and bergamot notes. The palate is well-structured and dense with great tension and salty mineral accents. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2021 Tendril ‘Maverick Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2021 Pinot Noir comes from the Maverick Vineyard which is located in the center of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Damp earth and a waft of black truffle mark the nose alongside tart red fruits. The palate is smooth and elegant with a silky texture. Generous and rich, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2021 Tendril ‘Extrovert’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 ‘Extrovert’ Pinot Noir is a limited production (210 cases) that was stored for 17 months in only 20% new French oak before bottling. Mainly coming from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA this offers loads of crunchy red fruits on the palate, with orange peel, salty soils and shades of white pepper. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2021 Tendril ‘TightRope’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘TightRope’ Pinot Noir was given 30% whole cluster fermentation and was stored for 17 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. This is texturally beautifully showing a gorgeous combination of dense red and dark fruits, with peat moss and damp earthy notes. Complex and delicious, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Argyle Names Kate Payne Brown as Winemaker

We have some massive news out of Oregon today as Kate Payne Brown has been named as new Argyle winemaker. Building on the legacy of her winemaking predecessors, Founder Rollin Soles and Winemaker Nate Klostermann, Payne Brown becomes only the third winemaker since Argyle was established in 1987. Recognized as one of the leading winemakers in the Pacific Northwest, Payne Brown comes to Argyle after an illustrious 20-year career that includes key roles at Archery Summit, Burgundia Oenologie, Stoller Family Estate and Ambar Estate, as well as her own winery, Dolores Wines, where she earned a reputation for producing some of Oregon’s most exciting sparkling wines.

We want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Kate at her new post at Argyle. 🍾

Rare Rose Champagne

Today we present one of the brilliant Rosé Champagnes of the world. Rare Champagne is a brand that was originally started by Piper Heidseick. Rare Champagne's history dates back to 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck presented a "tête de cuvée" to Marie Antoinette at Versailles. Rare was originally a prestige cuvée of Piper-Heidsieck, but has been a house in its own right since 2019. In 2011 Piper Heidseick was purchased by the EPI Group. Rare Champagne is only made in select vintages. In fact since 1976, only 14 vintages have been released: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2013, and Rare Rosé vintages 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2014.

This 2014 edition of Rare Rosé Champagne is composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir coming from12 separate Crus of which 8 are classified as Grand Crus and 3 are classified as Premier Crus. The Chardonnay is sourced from Villers Marmery, Vertus,Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, Avize while the Pinot Noir comes from Verzy, Ay, Verzenay,Ambonnay, Ville-Dommange. The wine is given a moderate level of dosage, 7G/L. The 2014 Rare Rose Champagne (OB, 96) is a stunning wine that is only starting to come into its own at the eleven year mark. It is marvelously earthy, big and rich on the mouth. Learn more about this stunning wine at https://www.rare-champagne.com and here is my review of the 2014 Rare Rosé Champagne.

2014 Rare Rosé Champagne- A dazzling brownish-pink hue in the glass, the 2014 Rare Rose Champagne is a combination of 60% Chardonnay & 40% Pinot Noir coming from nearly all Grand Cru vineyards. Given 7G/L dosage, this opens with gorgeous red rose petal aromatics that combine with salmonberry, cranberry and hints of forest floor.  The palate is round and generous with a silky mousse and refined sense of texture. Showing glorious weight and a light beam of salinity, this is already drinking marvelously now at the eleven year mark. Drink 2025-2040- 96

TOIL Oregon

It is my pleasure to share the new wines by TOIL Oregon and winemaker Chris Figgins. For my palate of the finest producers of Rose wines in Oregon, Toil Oregon is the brainchild of famed Leonetti winemaker Chris Figgins who planted his vineyard in the Willamette Valley nearly a decade ago. Toil Oregon started with a production of 200 cases then in 2016 Chris planted his estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. His first wine fully from his estate vineyard was the 2019 Rose.

I love these wines. Figgins has an incredible hand in his Rose. The 2024 Toil Oregon Rose (OB, 93) which is one of the top Rose wines that I have tasted in the past year. Do not miss out on the 2023 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is very concentrated and shows amazing depth and underlying tension. Learn more about this great winery at toiloregon.com Here are the brilliant new wines by Toil Oregon. 

2024 TOIL Rose- A vibrant pink, the 100% Pinot Noir 2024 TOIL Rose spent time in stainless steel before bottling and release. It is juicy and vibrant wine that is already showing marvelously. Pink bubblegum and bright red fruits parade with citrus rind, and stony minerals on the palate. Beautifully textured, showing really nice weight and lovely earthy undertones, enjoy this beauty now and over the next six to eight years to come. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 TOIL Chardonnay- A gorgeous wine from this warm vintage, the 2023 TOIL Chardonnay saw time in a small amount of French oak barriques before bottling. This is a world-class edition of this wine, offering sensational aromatics of baking spice laced pie crust, crushed wet rock, honeydew melon and suggestions of orang rind. The palate is big, full and voluptuous for Oregon. Despite its weight, this shows dazzling tension that runs through a generous core of melon and citrus fruits. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 TOIL Pinot Noir- The 2023 TOIL Pinot Noir was stored in a small amount of French oak barriques prior to bottling. Like the ’22 edition, the ’23 is a dizzying rendition that is already beautifully evolved. Once on the nose this takes on layers of blood orange zest, diatomaceous earth, red raspberry compote and suggestions of black licorice that all take shape in the glass. The palate is full-bodied and broad-shouldered, showing off the heat of the vintage. Marvelously salty, showing great tension, depth and texture, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2039- 95

Tablas Creek 'Esprit Blanc' Vertical Tasting

A little over a week ago I descended upon Tablas Creek which is without a doubt one of the great wineries of California. It was decades ago that Jean-Pierre and François Perrin and Robert Haas purchased a former alfalfa farm that is set on limestone soils in the Adelaida Hills. This was the birth of Tablas Creek with the unique terroir that they felt would create a novel minerality. From the beginning they focused on Rhône-style wines made organically. The first plantings took place in 1994 and the first Tablas Creek Vineyard wines produced in 1997. The winery has been an incredible success since that time, reaching worldwide acclaim particularly for their Rhone style red and white blends. I remember first tasting these beautiful wines more than twenty years ago.

I hads a chance to taste an epic range of ‘Esprit Blanc’ wines with CEO Jason Haas. We had some really impressive bottlings including one from their first vintage. The 2001 ‘Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc’ White Wine (OB, 95) is still going strong and has at least five to seven years left. Marvelously complex and round, this is a tremendous effort. I love the new edition of this wine, the otherworldly 2023 Tablas Creek ‘Esprit Blanc’ White Wine (OB, 97) which is without a doubt one of the great white wines that you will taste on the West Coast.  Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://tablascreek.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Tablas Creek. 

2023 Tablas Creek ‘Esprit Blanc’ White Wine- This 2023 edition of the ‘Esprit Blanc’ is led with 48% Roussanne with Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Bourboulenc, Picardy and Clairette Blanche. Standing golden in the glass, this is wonderfully earthy and nutty on the nose with roasted Macadamia nut and hay tones that combine with shads of honeydew melon suggestions of green papaya. The palate is silky and refined, this really has it all for a Rhone-style blend. Poise, texture, richness, salinity and flavor range, enjoy this total stunner over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2018 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc’ White Wine- This 2018 ‘Espirit Blanc’ has 66% Rousanne added with smaller portions Picpoul Blanc, Picardin, Grenache Blanc and Clairette Blanche. The nose offers really beautiful melon fruits alongside salted Marcona almonds and shades of beeswax with mossy undertones. The palate shows beautiful body and poise with great length and a silky mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2014 Tablas Creek ‘Esprit Blanc’ White Wine- This 2014 has nearly all Roussane (72%) with 23% Grenache Blanc and a touch of Picpoul Blanc. The nose is exotic with papaya and One lady apple alongside toasted mixed nuts and suggestions of marzipan. This is right between primary in tertiary and in a perfect spot to be enjoyed. This is marvelously nutty and earthy stuff that still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2010 Tablas Creek ‘Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc’ White Wine- The 2010 ‘Esprit Blanc comes fro this cooler vintage that led to a late harvest. This edition is 60% Roussanne alongside 35% Grenache Blanc and the remainder Picpoul Blanc. This is showing loads of nutty tones on the nose alongside green papaya, banana and shades of cantaloupe. The palate shows bright tension and salinity despite its age. Offering great depth and viscosity, this is a marvelous edition of this wine that seems to be right in its sweet spot. Drink 2025-2032- 96

2001 Tablas Creek ‘Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc’ White Wine- This was the first ever edition of this wine. This is also the only vintage where Marsanne was blended in, as four Rhone varietals were blended in utilizing 6-7 year old grape vines. This is a total stunner, with mesmerizing depth and concentration as well as really good finesse despite its age. Marmalade and bergamot notes combine with honeycomb and walnut notes on the palate. Complex and highly delicious, this is right in its wheelhouse. Drink 2025-2031- 95

Evesham Wood

Today we share a focus on one of the great older producers in the Willamette Valley. Evesham Wood. The winery was founded by Russ Rainey and Mary Raney in 1986. After a comprehensive search throughout the Willamette Valley, they chose a site for the estate vineyard, “Le Puits Sec” (French for “the dry well” which we have in the vineyard). In 1986 Evesham Wood first produced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, using grapes purchased primarily from Temperance Hill & Seven Springs vineyards. In August 2010, Erin Nuccio and his wife, Jordan, became the owners of Evesham Wood Winery & Le Puits Sec Vineyard.

The new wines were really good. I love their entry level Pinot, the 2023 Evesham Wood ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 91) which has lots of texture and freshness, showing good flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at https://eveshamwood.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Evesham Wood wines.

2023 Evesham Wood ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The excellent 2023 Evesham Wood ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir was sourced from several sites throughout the valley. On the palate this offers tart cranberry and pomegranate seed flavors that mingle well with dried herbs and shades of forest floor. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Evesham Wood ‘Eola-Amity Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Evesham Wood ‘Eola-Amity Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir delivers forward and juicy red cherry and red raspberry flavors on the palate that mingle well with marine soils and shades of tobacco leaf on the palate. Light to medium-bodied, this is delightful stuff to savor now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Evesham Wood ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ comes from this 100-acre site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The nose is beautifully performed with peat moss and forest floor notes alongside wafts of black truffle and bright red and dark fruits. Medium-bodied and marvelously earthy on the palate, this is a really intriguing rendition of Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2039- 94

2022 Evesham Wood ‘Mahonia Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Mahonia Vineyard’ comes from this 12-acre site that is farmed at roughly two tons an acre. This shows good power and concentration on the palate, loaded with red and dark fruits, with Shiitake mushroom and Nori accents. Medium-bodied and delicious, showing serious verve, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Evesham Wood ‘Le Puits Sec’ Pinot Noir- A really good bottling from 2022, the ‘Le Puits Sec’ opens with cloves and red cherry compote on the nose with beautiful red florals. The palate is soft and refined with good elegance and a smooth texture. This has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 93

Domaine Carneros

It is my pleasure to share one of the jewels of west coast wine. Domaine Carneros is perched high on a hill, overlooking the valley. The winery has world-class food pairings including Kaluga to match with their outstanding wines. It is hard to believe that this house was started all the way back in the 1970s as Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. The spot he selected is truly unique, as it has a massive maritime influence being perched near the bay. The vineyard is quite windy and produces highly concentrated berries that are very small in size. At the helm is Remi Cohen who serves as CEO and director of winemaking. She took over Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. Their top wine, the ‘Le Reve,’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America.

I love their new lineup of wines. I’m amazed at their quality in the entry level, their 2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which is fresh, vibrant and wonderfully nuanced. They did remarkably well in 2020 so buy these wines with confidence. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros

2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Brut’ comes from this challenging vintage, as the wine combines 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. This is wonderfully salty and offers a smooth mousse upon entry. Lime zest and nectarine skin combines with shades of salted pear and honeydew melon on the palate. This is just a killer value in sparkling wine. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Ultra Brut’ has zero dosage and saw extended less aging. This is marvelously fresh and nervy, with great richness. Layers of melon fruits and salty minerals combine with suggestions of roasted mango and Japanese pear on the palate. Very finesse-laden and nuanced, with lovely stony and nutty accents, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 ‘Brut Rose’ comes from the warm 2021 vintage. The blend is exactly the same as the 2020 edition (57% Pinot Noir, 43% Chardonnay) with .9% dosage. Brioche and bright red raspberry tones mark the nose with red rose petals and dried cranberry notes. The palate is round and generous on the mouth, loaded with texture and salty minerals. A joy to drink now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is near equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate. This is round and generous stuff on the mouth, with buttered French bread, salted cashew nut, starfruit and shades of mango on the palate. Rich and voluptuous on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Sea Smoke

It is hard to fathom that Sea Smoke began all the way back in 1999 by Bob Davids in Santa Barbara County, California. The winery is named after the cooling fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. After great success and acquiring Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sea Smoke was sold to Constellation in 2024. Over the years that wines have been consistently great and certainly helped put Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir on the map. They now farm 80 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay plantings.

The new release comes from the warm 2022 vintage. I adored the 2022 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is round, generous and filled with beautiful red fruits. Learn more about these outstanding wines at seasmoke.com and here is my review of the new 2022 release by Sea Smoke.

2022 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir is a stunning effort that is already beautifully evolved from this slightly warmer vintage. Winemaker Don Schroeder. makes this wine from its 10 "clones" of Pinot Noir. The palate is deep, fresh and fragrant with serious weight, texture and tension. Red rose petal water combines with bright cranberry and red cherry fruits alongside salty soils on the palate. Full-bodied and absolutely delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

Cellar Selection: 2009 Chateau d'Yquem

It isn’t every evening that you have a chance to enjoy a perfect wine. Such was the case last night with a friend. I decided to open one of my .375ML bottles of 2009 Chateau d’Yquem. This was my second visit to this wine in several years. The storied Sauternes estate was the only Sauternes property to be given the the Premier Cru Superior designation from the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855. The world wine community recognizes this estate as producing the best wines from Sauternes. The site itself is perfectly situated for achieving a high degree of botrytis in even the most challenging of vintages. 

I was absolutely blown away with the 2009 Chateau d’Yquem (OB, 100) which is nothing short of perfection in the bottle. My friend and I looked at each other dazed while drinking this beauty. It was too good for words! Enjoy this bottle with a friend, as I did. Learn more about the storied estate at http://yquem.fr/int-en/ Here is my review of the Sauternes wines from Chateau d’YQuem.

2009 Chateau d’Yquem Sauternes- Weightless and irresistibly good, the scintillating 2009 Chateau d’Yquem is one of the best wines that I have tasted in the past year. A beautiful golden hue, this opens with serious concentration and texture, yet effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Rich roasted pineapple, vanilla creme brûlée and bananas foster all come to mind, with cardamom dusted shortbread and honeyed pear. Still quite fresh and elegant, this will easily go for another twenty years — but is completely irresistible now. Drink 2025-2035- 100

Cellar Selection: 2018 Bollinger 'PN AYC18' Champagne

When I was in Paso Robles I had the chance to visit one of my favorite restaurants in California, Les Petites Canailles which exemplifies top class French food. On their wine list I ordered a gorgeous wine by Bollinger, featuring the warm 2018 vintage, Bollinger ‘PN AYC18’ Champagne. I was really looking for a big and bold champagne and this did the trick — particularly pairing beautifully with a fresh oyster appetizer.

The ‘PN AyC18’ is a 100% Pinot Noir wine, predominantly from the Aÿ cru. It is blended with other villages on the Montage de Reims, such as Tauxières and Verzenay. I love great Pinot Noir champagnes and this is absolutely one of them. For those who enjoy a bigger style of champagne, I suggest you try this bottling. Check out my review of the 2018 Bollinger ‘PN AYC18’ Champagne

2018 Bollinger ‘PN AYC18’ Champagne- Big, broad-shouldered and sturdy, the 2018 Bollinger ‘PN AYC18’ Champagne is a world-class wine from this warmer year. Made from Pinot Noir grapes mainly from the Ay cru. It is a deep and rich bottling, loaded with bright red fruits that mingle well with orange zest, chalky soils and beautiful tension. Ripe and robust on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

Left Bend

Richard Hanke and Gary Robinson are lifelong friends that started Left Bent and Mashup WInery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They wanted to do something different in the industry noting that most commercial wineries release wines quickly and before they are ready to drink. They came up with the idea to craft a multi-vintage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah and in 2010 Left Bend was founded. Their winery uses a solar system that blends each year.

I had the chance to enjoy most of these wines that had been created since their inception. I love wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and the overall theme of these wines was poise, structure and good flavor density. I particularly love the NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Seven’ Red Wine which is mainly Cabernet and Syrah. This is delicious stuff to enjoy now. Learn more at https://www.mashupwine.com/our-story and here are my reviews of the Left Bend wines.

NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version 3’ Red Wine- The ‘Version 3’ comes from the Solera established in 2010 and this version was bottled in 2017. Black tea and rich figs mark the palate alongside a silky texture and bright underlying acidity. Drink 2024-2030- 91

NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Five’ Red Wine-The ‘Version Five’ comes from the Solera and was bottled in 2019. This is rich and elegant wine with dense dark fruits, chocolate pie and shades of black licorice. Delicious now, enjoy over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2024-2031- 92

NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Six’ Red Wine- The NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Six’ Red Wine was bottled in May 2020 during the heat of the pandemic. This is fresh and smooth with a great combination of red and dark fruits, with shades of pencil lead and coffee grounds. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink 2024-2031- 92

NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Seven’ Red Wine- The really good NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Seven’ Red Wine combines 47% Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% Syrah and the remainder Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Dried herbs and red bell pepper mark the nose alongside dense dark fruits and pencil lead. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine know and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

NV Left Bend Mashup Version Eight Red Wine- The NV Left Bend Version Eight was established with the 2010 vintage as this Santa Cruz Mountains wine offers blackberry and black currants with refined tannins, espresso grinds and suggestions of black tea on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Nine’ Red Wine- The really good NV Left Bend ‘Mashup Version Nine’ Red Wine is soft and approachable right now. Loganberry and black currants mark the palate alongside pencil lead and shades of coffee grounds. Great now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

Mirror Napa Valley

It is my pleasure to share the story of Mirror Napa Valley — the wines of NFL veterran Rick Mirer. Mirer is a former Seattle Seahawk quarterback who was also one of the famed high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history. At Notre Dame Mirer won three bowl games and accounted for more points running and throwing (350) than any other player in Notre Dame history. 

The Seattle Seahawks were struggling when they drafted Mirer in 1993. Still, Mirer finished his rookie season 5th in the AFC with 274 completions and 2833 yards and was AFC Rookie of the Year by United Press International. Mirer’s remaining seasons were not as successful in Seattle, being set behind an abysmal offensive line. Having gone to those games in the 1980s, all of us in the stands knew that Mirer was really not given a fair chance with such poor protection. Mirer continued to play as a backup quarterback until 2004. 

Close friends with Drew Bledsoe, and drafted right behind him in 1993, Mirer admits that his friendship with Bledsoe helped lead him to start Mirror Napa Valley. Bledsoe and Mirer even took off-season­ vacation with their wives to Napa Valley. During the off-season they would also try to stump each other with wines from Port or Brunello di Montalcino.They both have created world-class wineries post-football. While playing for the Raiders and 49ers Rick became even more passionate for wine, being so close to Napa Valley. Finally in 2008 Rick started Mirror Napa Valley, utilizing the winemaking talents of Kirk Venge, formerly of Mumm Napa Valley. Mirer also has an outstanding foundation that gives to a range of charities.

The wines have been consistently great over the last several years. I adored the 2022 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated, with some seriously good aging potential. This is a home run from a very hot vintage. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Mirror Napa Valley.

2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off big and deep from this ripe vintage. Creme de cassis, mocha and dark currants all fill the palate alongside sweet pipe tobacco and baking spices. Delicious, plump and full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful wine from this warm vintage, the 2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers loamy soils and creme de cassis notes on the palate, alongside fresh herbs, chocolate pie and Turkish coffee notes. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ comes from this mountain location set on volcanic soils. Tar, violet rose petals and tobacco leaf fill the nose ealongside huckleberry fruit tones. The palate is heady and viscous with serious flavor density and verve. Decadent black and blue fruits greet you with chocolate cake and espresso bean tones. A delicious rendition of this wine, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Haden Fig

Today we share one of the outstanding value producers in the Willamette Valley. Haden Fig is the brainchild of Erin Nuccio. For years Nuccio worked for a wine retailer in Washington D.C. He later entered wine distrubitoon and later headed west to Northern California. It was there that he built his wine education by attending enology and viticulture school. After working in Napa he decided to move northwards to the Willamette Valley. He drove up to Evesham Wood and met Russ Raney who became a mentor and a good friend. It is from this relationship that Haden Fig was built. Nuccio is now at the helm of Evesham Wood.

The new Haden Fig wines were really good. I love the great value 2022 Haden Fig ‘Juliette’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is beautifully textured and rich. Learn more at https://eveshamwood.com/our-story-haden-fig/ and here are my reviews of the new Haden Fig wines.

2022 Haden Fig ‘Juliette’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Juliette’ Chardonnay comes from the Mahonia Vineyard. It is rich and creamy on the mouth, loaded with bright pear and peach flavrors, showing nutty accents. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Haden Fig ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is loaded with crunchy red raspberry, pomegranate and tart red cherry fruit flavors, showing damp earth and orange peel tones. Nicely textured, enjoy this great value now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Haden Fig ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Croft Vineyard’ comes this cooler Willamette Valley location that has a sneaky good reputation for Sauvignon Blanc. This is medium-bodied and shows lovely damp earth notes on the palate with white truffle shavings and forest floor alongside a smooth texture and bright red and dark fruits. Nicely poised, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Haden Fig ‘Cancilla Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Cancilla Vineyard’ comes from the Tualatin Hills AVA. Translucent in the glass this shows off pretty red currant, strawberry and Bing cherry aromatics alongside salty soils. The palate is smooth and silky throughout the drinking experience. Soft and refined on the palate, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Haden Fig ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ has some  of the oldest plantings in Oregon for Pinot Noir. This is smoky and savory on the nose with bay leaf and flinty nuances that connect well with wild blackberry and boysenberry tones. The palate is refined and generous in terms of weight and freshness. A joy to drink now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Bergstrom

Today we share one of the west coast’s greats for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Bergström Wines was founded by John and Karen Bergström as they planted their Bergström Vineyard on a 13-acre, south-facing slope overlooking the Willamette Valley back in 1999. One of their sons, Josh Bergström, moved back to Oregon after completing a postgraduate program in Viticulture and Enology in Burgundy in 1999. That fall Bergström Wines harvested their first vintage of Pinot Noir from purchased fruit and the rest has been history. Josh serves as general manager, winemaker and vineyard manager at Bergström Wines, and has been rather quietly producing some of the top wines in Oregon.

The wines come from the 2023 vintage which was another warm year and excellent growing season. I loved these wines across the board which beautifully showcase the range of terroirs throughout the Willamette Valley. I am enamored by the thrilling 2023  Bergström ‘Bergström Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97) which is one of the finest Oregon wines I have tasted this past year. Dense and showing gorgeous tension, this has the ability to cellar well for two decades. Learn more about these sensational wines at https://www.bergstromwines.com Here are the beautiful new wine releases by Bergström.

2023 Bergstrom ‘Cumberland Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Cumberland Reserve’ is a blend from the five estate vineyards owned by Bergstom. This is a medium-bodied beauty that offers pomegranate seed and salty minerals on the palate alongside shades of orange zest and black plum notes. Fresh and elegant, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Bergstrom ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this Ribbon Ridge Vineyard which is set on 60-million-year-old sandy sea-beds. This is marvelously salty, with ultra-pure saline-drenched red fruits that combine with blood orange zest and shades of pipe tobacco on the palate. Delightful now, with a smooth texture, good viscosity and weight. Savor over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Bergstrom ‘Silice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The sensational 2023 ‘Silice Vineyard’ comes from this Chehalem Mountains AVA site that was first planted back in 2001. Wet rock and wild strawberry mark the palate alongside a smooth viscosity and loads of salty minerals. Fresh and polished, this is already beautifully evolved stuff that will go on for decades. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2023 Bergstrom ‘La Spirale Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2023 Bergstrom ‘La Spirale Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Ribbon Ridge AVA, as this location set on ancient marine sedimentary soils was planted back in 2005. This is marvelously salty stuff, loaded with pure red fruits with red rose water and shades of Satsuma orange zest on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with great underlying verve, and slight wafts of white truffle, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2023 Bergstrom ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The otherworldly 2023 Bergstrom ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from this Dundee Hills AVA location planted more than 20 years back. The tension and mouth-watering acidity really entices, as volcanic soils, pomegranate seed and guava puree all meld together on the palate, offering kumquat rind accents. Full and fleshy, this is a terrific edition of this wine that speaks to the vintage and site. Enjoy over the next twenty years. Drink 2025-2045- 97

Tensley

One of the greats in Santa Barbara County, Tensley began all the way back in 1998. Joey Tensley linitially started Tensley Wines with a one hundred case production. He set out craft reasonably priced Syrah wines from great vineyards of Santa Barbara County. In 1993 Joey first began working as a “cellar rat” for Fess Parker Winery in Santa Barbara County. He later became assistant winemaker at Babcock Vineyards and in 1998 Joey moved on to become the assistant winemaker at Beckmen Vineyards where he first created his own label. Having visited the winery and tasting room on several occasions, I have been very impressed with Tensley releases for more than a decade as there are few California Syrah wines that offer this much value. 

The wines have been remarkably consistent. Do not miss out on the stunning 2023 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 96) which has fantastic range with a great salinity. Learn more about this amazing range of wines at  which is a massive yet structured wine that will cellar beautifully for a decade or more.

2022 Joey Tensley ‘Fundamental’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Joey Tensley ‘Fundamental’ Chardonnay offers juicy pear, papaya and apple flavors that mingle well with shortbread and shades of marzipan on the palate. Rich and polished with a smooth texture and plenty of salty minerals, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Tensley Clairette Blanche- Golden in the glass, this 2023 Clairette Blanche offers good finesse with plenty of stuffing on the palate, showing toasty brioche and banana notes alongside rich melon flavors. A total knockout in terms of verve and richness, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

2023 Tensley ‘Santa Barbara County’ Syrah- This outstanding 2023 Syrah offers serious bang for your buck. Smoke and beef drippings mark the nose alongside black raspberry coils and shades of iodine on the nose. The palate is rich and layered with good texture and tension. Salty and showing plenty of finesse, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Tensley ‘Santa Barbara County’ Syrah Noir- The savory and sultry 2023 Tensley ‘Santa Barbar County’ Syrah Noirs shows a wonderful purity of red and dark fruits on the palate, alongside fennel seed, tobacco leaf and hints of chocolate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2022 Tensley P2KV ‘Zaca Mesa Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Zach Mesa Vineyard’ Syrah comes from plantings that originated all the way back in 1978. This comes off inky and bold with dense dark fruits that parade with smoke, brisket and shades of black olive tapenade on the palate. Very meaty and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Tensley P2KV ‘Colston Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah/Grenache- The heady 2023 Tensley P2KV ‘Colston Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah/Grenache comes from vines planted back in 1997. It is beautifully textured stuff that offers menthol and scorched earth alongside bright red and dark fruits, with a chocolate edge on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Tensley ‘Noir’ Syrah- Inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Noir’ Syrah is very smooth on the mouth, loaded with dense black fruits with bacon fat, cigar ash and salty nuances. Its full-bodied and hedonistic stuff that is drinking marvelous in its heady youth. Drink 2024-2032- 93

2023 Tensley ‘Colson Canyon Vineyard’ Syrah- This sensational 2023 Syrah comes from the Colsen Canyon Vineyard which is set at 1400 feet. There is marvelous flavor density and beautiful tension through the core of the wine. Creme de violette, tar, menthol and molten chocolate flavors all come together marvelously on the palate. Enjoy this beauty over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-235- 96

2023 Tensley ‘Turner Vineyard’ Syrah- The delightful 2023 Tensley ‘Turner Vineyard’ Syrah is sourced from this location in the Santa Rita Hills. This is a dense and heady effort with marvelous nerve. Boysenberry compote, and dark currants mingle well with bacon fat and violets on the palate. Delightful to consume now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2023 Tensley ‘Thompson Vineyard’ Syrah- The amazing 2023 Tensley ‘Thompson Vineyard’ Syrah is a killer wine from this hot vintage. On the nose this shows off red currant tones that mingle well with white pepper dusted brisket and fresh sage. The palate is lifed with serious freshens and finesse. Herbal and wondederully salty, this is showing beautifully now with an iodine and beef dripping edge, at the two year mark. Enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2023 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah- The sensational 2023 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah opens with a beautiful bouquet of black florals alongside dark currants and loganberry cordial.  The palate is fleshy and ripe with good tension and a marvelous core of black and blue fruits. Full-bodied and showing a light saline streak, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 96

2021 Joey Tensley ‘Fundamental’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Fundamental’ offers black tea and exotic spice on the nose alongside dark currants. The plate is rich and layered with good tension. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

Cairdeas

It is my pleasure to share one of the greats from Chelan. Cairdeas is an ancient Gaelic word meaning friendship, goodwill or alliance. Founded by Charlie and Lacey Lybecker in 2009, Cairdeas is named after Charlie’s Irish heritage and Lacey’s goodwill (that is how they met). Lacey and Charlie are some of the nicest people you will find in the Washington wine industry.

For many years now they have been sourcing their grapes from outstanding sites throughout Washington including the acclaimed ‘Boushey Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley and the ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ in the new Royal Slope AVA. The winery is perched atop the lake with stunning views of Lake Chelan and the surrounding valley. It is a gorgeous spot to enjoy their fantastic Rose wine.

The new edition of their 2022 Cairdeas ‘Caiselan An Papa’ Red Wine (OB, 95) is a world-class Chateauneuf inspired bottling that has great freshness and flavor complexity. This one is all about balance and moving parts. Learn more about this excellent Chelan outpost at https://cairdeaswinery.com/winery/about-us/ and here are my reviews of the new Cairdeas wines.

2023 Cairdeas Viognier- The 2023 Cairdeas Viognier comes from the Boushey and Coyote Canyon vineyards. Stored in a range of vessels, this offers honeysuckle and white peach on the nose alongside sweetened gooseberry. The palate is fresh and elegant with a smooth texture, good sense of weight and vibrant underlying acidity. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Cairdeas ‘Nellie May’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘Nellie May’ combines Viognier (64%) and Roussanne (36%). The wine was sourced from both the Lawrence and Coyote Canyon Vineyards.  This is lush and ripe on the palate, with beautiful texture, tension and vibrant acidity. Melon and citrus fruits parade with shades of salted macadamia nut on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Cairdeas Grenache Noir- The 2023 Grenache Noir comes from the Thunderstone Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Red rose petals and orange peel with tobacco leaf and red currants all mark the nose. The palate is vibrant and downright sexy, showing lovely verve and texture that combine with a pure core of bright red fruits. Highly enjoyable now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Cairdeas ‘Concrete’ Syrah- Inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Concrete’ Syrah comes from the Lawrence Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Dense dark fruits combine with iodine, tar, menthol and shades of pencil lead on the palate. Beautifully weighted and textured, this is already drinking beautifully in its heady and vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Cairdeas ‘Stone Ridge Vineyard’ Syrah- This 2022 Syrah comes from the acclaimed Stone Ridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. 2% Viognier has been blended in, as this is offering pretty white florals with tar, anise, black currants and shades of scorched earth. The palate shows loads of mouth-watering acidity, with a smooth mouthfeel. Loganberry preserves, espresso bean, graphite and wet stone all combine on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Cairdeas ‘Consonance’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Consonance’ combines mainly Petite Sirah and Syrah with a small amount of Mourvèdre blended in. Fresh and neat on the mouth, the wine delivers blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors alongside shades of wet rock, wintergreen and dark currant compete. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Cairdeas ‘Tri’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Tri’ combines mainly Syrah (73%) with smaller portions Mourvèdre and Grenache.  Dried herbs and white pepper dusted bacon all mark the nose alongside beef drippings and suggestions of iodine, with blackberry compote. The palate is fresh and beautifully-textured showing good weight and acidity. Fabulous now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2022 Cairdeas ‘Caislean An Papa’ Red Wine- The 2022 Cairdeas ‘Caislean An Papa’ Red Wine is a gorgeous wine made from Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Counoise. The nose is highly complex, offering garrigue and white pepper dusted smoked meats alongside black olives, menthol and shades of huckleberry. The palate maintains beautiful freshness and softness, loaded with red and dark fruit flavors, alongside cigar ash, bacon fat and fresh thyme.  Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Cairdeas ‘Finial’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Finial’ combines mainly Syrah and Petite Sirah with smaller parts Mourvèdre and a dash of Viognier. It is a lush and dense red blend, showing black and blue fruits on the palate alongside tar, anise and sagebrush accents. Offering good freshness and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Fullerton

Today we share the great Pinot Noir wines of Fullerton, founded back in 2012. Head winemaker and founder Alex Fullerton produces a wide range of wines that have now expanded into Washington State. Alex has a longstanding industry history, formerly working for Penner-Ash, as well as Drylands in New Zealand, Alex began making his own wine out of his garage in 2011.

I recently had the chance to sample the range of new wines by Fullerton and they were very good across the board. I love the new value driven 2022 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Gris (OB, 90) which offers fabulous wine for an inexpensive price. I adored the new 2022 Fullerton ‘Brvtvs’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is big and burly, 100% stem inclusion Pinot Noir. Learn more about these wines at http://www.fullertonwines.com Here are the great new releases from Fullerton Wines:

2022 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Gris- This is a bright and juicy edition of the 2023 ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Gris. Copious minerals combine well with green apple, sour kiwi and papaya notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2028- 90

2022 Fullerton ‘Hvid’ White Wine- This white blend combines 60% Sauvignon Blanc with 35% Pinot Blanc and the remainder Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It is well-made and sturdy with a soft mouthfeel. Melon and citrus fruits combine with a nutty edge on the palate. Drink 2025-2029- 90

2022 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Three Otters’ Chardonnay comes from a range of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. This offers straightforward peach and apricot notes alongside shades of saline dusted apple on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 Fullerton ‘Lux’ Chardonnay- A barrel selection wine, the 2022 ‘Lux’ is drinking marvelously now at the three year mark. This comes off beautifully textured and wonderfully nervy, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Salted wet rock combines with juicy pear, nectarine and brioche notes on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, showing good tension and aging potential, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Dupee Vineyard’ White Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Dupee Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA, this white Pinot Noir is both soft and mineral-laden on the mouth. Juicy orchard fruits mingle well with wild strawberry and shades of buttered French bread on the palate. Delightful now, enjoy over the next six to eight years to come. Drink 2025-2032- 91

2023 Fullerton ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Three Otters’ Pinot Noir is a really nice wine that is drinking well in its youth. Delicate red fruits combine with orange rind and tobacco leaf, with copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 Fullerton ‘Five Faces’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Five Faces’ is really well-done value from this slightly cooler vintage. Medium-bodied tart red fruits march on the palate, alongside bergamot and forest floor accents. Smooth and silky, with good minerality, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Fullerton ‘Johan Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 Pinot Noir was sourced from the Johan Vineyard which is located in the Van Duzer Corridor. Shades of black truffle mark the nose alongside tart black fruits and dusty soils. The palate is really enjoyable and fresh with a vibrant tension that runs through the core of red and dark fruits. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Lichtenwalter Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Lichtenwalter Vineyard’ comes from the Ribbon Ridge AVA, as this location is set on ancient marine sedimentary soils. The palate comes off ver pretty with bright red raspberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside red rose water and orange peel. Delightful now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The 2022 ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site set on Willakenzie soils. It is generous, round and delicious on the mouth, with loads of finesse. Black and red fruits greet you with shades of bergamot and forest floor accents. Complex and delicious, this is drinking really well in its bright youth. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Fullerton ‘Nemarniki Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 Fullerton ‘Nemarniki Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from the Laurelwood AVA, as this site is set on a setter western facing slope. Pretty guava and red currants mark the palate alongside salty soils and kumquat zest notes. Complex and delicious, with plenty of minerality, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Fullerton Bjornson Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Bjornson Vineyard is set on volcanic soils in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Wonderful rocky soils mark the palate, alongside a collection of black and red fruits, with good acidity and a soft texture. With more air orange zest and pine needle accents entice, as this is drinking really well already now at the three year mark. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2022 ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from a slightly cooler location in the Coast Range region, utilizing Wadenswil clonal selection. The palate is vibrant with plenty of finesse, yielding juicy red cherry and red raspberry fruit flavors, with shades of blood orange zest and salty soils. Medium-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2036- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Nicolas Family Vineyard - Bella Vida’ Pinot Noir- This wine comes from the Nicolas Family Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. It is wonderfully rocky on the nose with wild mushroom, red currants, menthol and shades of orange peel. The palate is lithe and polished with excellent tension. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Fullerton ‘Brvtvs Pinot Noir- The 2022 ’Brvtvs’ was sourced from the Fir Crest Vineyard and is named after the rebel and leader that took down Julius Ceasar. A Pommard selection Pinot Noir, this saw 100% stem inclusion, opening with plenty of tart red fruits on the nose alongside peat moss and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is plush and refined with a soft texture and beautiful sense of verve. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Fullerton ‘Tenebris’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Tenebris’ is an outstanding wine crafted by Alex Fullerton. This is a barrel selection wine that has a range of clonal selections. It comes off elegant, silky and refined on the palate, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Red currants mingle well with salty and rocky soils alongside ripe strawberry and forest floor notes on the palate. Complex and delicious, this will be a two decade wine. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2022 Fullerton ‘Hallowed Stones Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2022 ‘Hallowed Stones Vineyard’ Syrah offers hoisin sauce and umami on the palate with wet rock, orange peel, red currants and shades of charcuterie. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2022 Fullerton ‘Yellowjacket Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Yellowjacket Vineyard’ Syrah is smooth and soft throughout the drinking experience. Concentrated black fruits mingle well with black rock, stony minerals and hints of flint with tobacco leaf on the palate. Neatly textured and round, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Fullerton ‘Summit View Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Summit View Vineyard which is a high elevation site in the Walla Walla Valley.  Nicely yxftqred, this offers medium bodied blackberry, cassis and black cherry fruit flavors alongside good freshness and herbal accents on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Fullerton ‘Gertrud’ Sauvignon Blanc- A brilliant late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc from the Columbia Gorge AVA, this delivers sweet peach and apricot jelly notes on the palate, with nutty and stony accents. Full-throttle and still showing some bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Lavinea

I have been really impressed with Lavinea, an Oregon producer of world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery was founded by Greg Ralston and Isabelle Meunier. From 1988 to 2009 Greg worked closely with Jim Barrett at Chateau Montelena Winery, the last ten years as Managing Director. He then took on a role as Sr. VP of Strategic Initiatives with Wilson Daniels, collaborating with Jack Daniels and renowned Estates such as Castello di Volpaia and Ceretto from Italy, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Domaine Leflaive from Burgundy, Schramsberg from Napa Valley among others. Recruited to become President & CEO of Evening Land Vineyards in 2012, Greg oversaw related wineries in California, Burgundy and Oregon.

Isabelle Meunier is one of Oregon’s great winemakers. She formerly worked for Dominique Lafon to oversee winemaking at his then-new Oregon consulting project, Evening Land, in 2007. In a short amount of time she became one of Oregon’s most acclaimed winemakers. Isabelle has degrees in winemaking and viticulture from the University of Dijon in Burgundy, and in New Zealand at Lincoln University. Her new wines were spectacular. I adored the 2022 Lavinea ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is more about tension than the ’21 edition but has crazy good aromatic and flavor range. Learn more about these top class wines at lavinea.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Lavinea.

2023 Lavinea ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 Lavinea ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay delivers a smooth mouthfeel with good weight and length. This glides throughout the drinking experience with buttercream and shades of brioche bread that combine with lemon rind and green melon accents. With salty and stony accents and bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2036- 94

2023 Lavinea ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant new 2023 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir stands dark in the glass, offering aromatics of tar, wet stone and menthol alongside shades of wild blackberry. The palate is fresh and neatly textured, with a fleshy mouthfeel and great underlying verve. Very stony and rich, in terms of its black and red fruit core, for an entry-level Oregon Pinot this is nothing short of world-class. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2022 Lavinea ‘Tualatin Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Lavinea ‘Tualatin Estate’ Pinot Noir stands translucent in the glass, offering red currants and guava puree on the nose with mulberry and orange rind notes. The palate is beautifully textured with good weight and lip-smacking acidity. Glorious now in it vibrant youth, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Lavinea ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The sensational 2022 Lavinea ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored in nearly all neutral French oak before bottling. Soft and supple upon entry, this shows boysenberry compote and black truffle shavings on the palate, alongside toasty oak, and bergamot tones, with forest floor accents. This is highly-complex and delicious stuff that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Sparkman Cellars

One of the outstanding stops in Woodinville, Sparkman Cellars is a consistently good producer of a huge range of wines — from crisp Rose to deep and layered Cabernet Sauvignon. Chris and Kelly Sparkman founded their namesake winery many yeas back in 2004. Chris has a diverse background formerly working in the Peace Corps and then as well as some top fine dining restaurants in Seattle. Sparkman sources from some of the best vineyards in the state including the Boushey, Klipsun, Sagemoor and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards.

I really enjoyed tasting with their winemaker, Linn Scott, who has been doing a beautiful job for them. We talked vintages and tasted through most of his lineup. I adored the 2022 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wonderland’ Grenache (OB, 94) which is fresh and vibrant with beautiful texture and a pure core of red fruits. Even better is the world-class 2021 Sparkman Cellars ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is built to go for decades. Learn more about this outstanding producer at http://www.sparkmancellars.com/. Here are the great new wines by Sparkman Cellars.

2023 Sparkman ‘As You Wish’ Sauvignon Blanc- Coming from the Gamache Vineyard, this 2023 Sauvignon Blanc was stored in neutral oak as well as stainless steel drums, this was stored on the less prior to bottling. Freshly cut limes and bay leaf mark the nose alongside orange blossom water. This comes off very lithe and polished with a smooth texture. Nicely concentrated, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Sparkman ‘Lumiere’ Chardonnay- Coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Lumiere’ is a gorgeous effort from the Royal Slope AVA. Stored in 57% new French oak, this offers shades of poached pear and pastry crust all mark the nose alongside shades of vanilla cream. The palate is smooth and refined, with really nice tension and mid-palate richness. Delightful now, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2018 Six Atmospheres Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ was disgorged in November 2024.  Coming from the Bacchus Vineyard, this spent two years in tank and barrel as well as two years on the lees in bottle before disgorgement. This is marvelously yeasty with sweetened gooseberry and melon tones alongside salted peach. The palate is dense and ripe with serious finesse and good length. The silky mousse entices, as this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2020 Sparkman ‘Ethereal’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Ethereal’ was stored for two years in the barrel and then 20 months in bottle before disgorgement. The palate is fresh and lithe with a soft mousse. Salty minerals combine with Japanese pear and starfruit notes on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Sparkman ‘Salish Lodge & Spa’ Rose- The ‘Salish Lodge & Spa’ Rose combines 60% Syrah with the remainder Grenache. Stored in mainly neutral oak barrels, this delivers wild mushroom and cantaloupe notes on the nose alongside shades of cranberry and salty soils. The palate is plush and soft, loaded with juicy red fruits. Drink 2025-2030- 92

2022 Sparkman ‘Wonderland’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Wonderland’ has 12% Mourvedre blended in. Mainly coming form the Sagemoor and Boushey Vineyards, this was stored in 19% new French oak before bottling. This comes off very pure in terms of bright red fruits alongside orange blossom and shades of red rose petals. The palate is elegant and refined and elegant. This is nervy with good flavor density considering the vintage. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Greater Than Some’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Greater Than Some’ come from the Olsen Vineyards and is equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. Fresh sage and rich red and dark fruits parade with suggestions of chocolate. The palate is fresh and polished with medium to full-bodied red and dark fruits. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2021 Sparkman ‘Darkness’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Darkness’ comes from the Olsen and Boushey Vineyard and saw extensive whole cluster fermentation. This offers gorgeous aromatics of smoke and brisket tones alongside Kalamatta olive and shades of white pepper. The palate is rich and dense with fantastic finesse, showing espresso bean and chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Untamed’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Untamed’ comes from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard as well as the Discovery and Boushey Vineyards. The wine saw a small amount of Viognier co-fermented, as this offers beef drippings and black raspberry tones on the nose with scorched earth and black olives. The palate is fresh and smooth with lovely texture. This is a killer value at only 35 bucks. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Sparkman ‘Wilderness’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Wilderness’ is mainly Syrah with Grenache and Mourvedre. On the nose this takes on a beautiful melange of red and dark fruits, with sagebrush and milk chocolate tones. The palate is soft and juicy with good flavor density and richness. Enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Sparkman ‘Rukus’ Red Wine- A near equal blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022’ Ruckus’ has evolved to being more like a Provence-inspired blend. The palate is fresh and smooth with serious texture and tension, showing loads of mouth-watering acidity. Heady dark fruits combine with espresso grounds and shades of scorched earth. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 Sparkman ‘Black Dragon’ Red Wine- A blend of Petite Verdot and Malbec, the 2022 ‘Black Dragon comes from the Sunset Bench, Dionysus and Red Willow Vineyards. Inky in the glass, this delivers smoke and tar notes alongside black currants, dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of pencil lead. Very luxurious on the mouth and textural, this is loaded with black and blue fruit flavors, as this hedonistic beauty is already drinking marvelously now. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2021 Sparkman ‘Preposterous’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Preposterous’ is mainly Malbec with 15% Syrah blended in. Stored in only 15% new French oak barrels, this delivers beautiful black florals that combine with cocoa powder, fresh thyme and suggestions of creme de violette. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with a smooth mouthfeel. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Sparkman ‘Ruby Leigh’ Red Wine- The really good 2021 Sparkman ‘Ruby Leigh’ Red Wine is mainly Merlot (56%) with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Sagebrush and chocolate notes mingle well with wild blackberry and shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is smooth and soft with a good sense of finesse. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Sparkman ‘Stella Mae’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Stella Mae’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with the remainder Malbec coming from the Columbia Valley. The palate is velvety and nervy with a refined texture and lovely sense of salinity. Elegant and showing great verve, with ripe wild blackberry and huckleberry fruit flavors, alongside salty soils and espresso bean, enjoy this now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2021 Sparkman ‘Rainmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Sparkman ‘Rainmaker’ comes from the Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. It comes off very savory on the palate with bay leaf and garrigue notes alongside shades of black raspberry and copious minerals. Medium to full-bodied and full of mouth-watering acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2021 Sparkman ‘Kingpin’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Kingpin’ comes from Red Mountain and has a touch of Petit Verdot blended in. A touch of green bell pepper marks the nose from the Petit Verdot alongside dark chocolate cake and shades of black licorice with scorched earth on the nose. The palate is smooth and generous with great minerality. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2020 Sparkman ‘En Theos’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘En These’ comes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. It is very inky in the glass, offering dark currants, pencil lead and shades of sweet pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate is dense and heady with a silky texture and great sense of weight. Coming off clean and loaded with dark fruits, enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Holler’ comes from a range of sites throughout the Columbia Valley and was aged in 48% new French oak before bottling. This is juicy and delicious stuff, loaded with black and red fruits alongside chocolate and tobacco leaf.  This is some serious value. Drink 2025-2035-93

2021 Sparkman ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ’21 Evermore old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon that comes from plantings that are more than 40 years of age from the Boushey and Dionysus Vineyards. Very complex and elegant with refined tannins, this is a stunning edition of this wine. Silky smooth throughout the drinking experience, this offers kirsch and tar notes that mingle well with red bell pepper, dark currants and dusty soils. A world-class bottling that shows excellent poise in this warm vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Benza

Winemaker Paden West has been at Benza since 2022 as he came in when they built the winery. He stated “Got here and it was a beautiful old barn being converted to a winery in August. Crush equipment came before I was picking for sparkling.”

His sparkling pick was late in 2022 as the vintage saw a spring event “Which was the first time we had dealt with this. We had frost the first week of bud break, right in the heart of it. Most Chardonnays were hit in the valley. But as we see the bigger issue was how to manage tannin levels.”

In 2022 West was worried that the fall was not going to warm up and have the grapes ripen. The warm temperatures “Saved the vintage but in some other interesting ways 2022 was more of an Oregon vintage in terms of having good acid and there is a lot of good tension that represents old-school Oregon.” West loves earth in the wine and uses different oak to complement the earthy aromatics of the wine. “Trying to find oak to compliment the earthy components of the wine” he said.

The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2023 Benza ‘Block 2’ Pinot Gris (OB, 92) which is dense and heady, as well as the 2022 ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has lovely richness and tension. Learn more at https://www.benza.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Benza wines.

2023 Benza ‘Block 2 Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2023 ‘Block 2 Reserve’ Pinot Gris was aged in 33% new French oak (cigar shaped barrels) before bottling. The palate is broad and rich with great tension and depth. Nutty tones combine with banana, lychee and shades of brioche on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, with good freshness, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Benza ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay- The really good 2022 Benza ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay was stored in 33% new French oak before botting. Right away this has knockout aromatics of hay, gunpowder, golden delicious apple, peaches and nutty undertones, with buttered French bread. The palate is deep and concentrated with a refined texture and gorgeous sense of length. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Benza ‘Three Tuxedos’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Benza ‘Three Tuxedos’ Pinot Noir entirely comes from the Benza Estate Vineyard. Stored in 45% new French oak before bottling, this opens with aromatics of wild blackberry and black cherry notes alongside shades of salty soils and baking spices. The palate is soft and elegant with medium-bodied black and red fruits that mingle well with exotic spice and oyster sauce accents. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Benza ‘Symphony’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Symphony’ comes from several sites throughout the Willamette Valley. Stored in mainly neutral oak, this delivers juicy red fruits with red florals on the nose alongside damp soils. Medium bodied red fruits greet you on the palate, alongside a smooth texture and rocky undertones. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2032- 91

2022 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Le Soir’ is an homage to Paden West’s mentor Isabelle Meunier. A barrel-selection wine, this offers shades of black truffle shavings and forest floor that meld well with dark raspberry and shades of milk chocolate on the nose. The palate is very earthy and salty with a beautiful melange of medium-bodied black and red fruits. Complex and delicious, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2023 Benza ‘Borderlands Vineyard’ Syrah- The really good 2023 Benza ‘Borderlands Vineyard’ Syrah was stored in oak puncheons prior to bottling. This saw more than half whole cluster fermentation. Stored in 30% new French oak, this offers juicy raspberry and Bing cherry notes on the nose alongside shades of wet stone and soy sauce. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined texture and lovely stony undertones. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93