Reynvaan

Today we share the beautiful wines of Reynvaan Family Vineyards, founded by two of the nicest people in the Washington Wine Industry — Gale and Mike Reynvaan. For many years now Matt Reynvaan has been making some of the finest wines in the Pacific Northwest. Studying the art of Bordeaux and Bordeaux Blanc at Chateau Smith Haut-Lafitte, Matt has a deft touch with white wines, producing some of the best Viognier and Grenache Blanc that you will find anywhere in North America.

He has made another world-class range of wines. Check out the 2023 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier (OB, 97) which is a total stunner in terms of weightlessness, texture, and stony essence. Just as good is his 2023 Reynvaan ‘Queens Road’ White Wine (OB, 97) another world-class amalgamation of Marsanne and Viognier. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Reynvaan.

2022 Reynvaan Grenache Blanc- An amazing edition of this wine, the 2023 Grenache Blanc is a resounding success in this warm vintage. Beautifully textured, this offers rich kiwi and green melon tones on the palate, alongside copious stony minerals. The length and sense of weight here really drives this beauty that is already nicely defined at the two year mark. Enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 95.

2023 Reyvaan ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier- A total masterclass, the 2023 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier is one of the great new world wines of its kind. It possess a Condrieu-esque mouthfeel and buttery texture, with loads of underlying grip and tension. The combination of weight and mouth-watering acidity really shines here, offering dense honeysuckle water, papaya, honeydew melon and shades of roasted pineapple on the palate. Unctuous and dense, showing slightly less nerve but better overall weight than the ’22, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2023 Reynvaan ‘Queens Road’ White Wine- Another otherworldly edition of this wine and an epic follow-up to the ’22, the 2023 ‘Queens Road’ White Wine is an unforgettable amalgamation of Marsanne and Viognier that was stored in mainly natural oak barrels prior to bottling. Marzipan and pastry crust notes combine on the nose alongside star jasmine, Bosc pear and shades of juicy starfruit. The palate is big, bold and marvelously weighted, and impeccably balanced, as the extremely lengthy finish just won’t quit. Showing dizzying flavor range and viscosity, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. There isn’t a wine quite like this in the Pacific Northwest. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2022 Reynvaan Merlot- The gorgeous 2022 Merlot was stored in primarily neutral French oak prior to bottling.  Sandalwood, soy sauce and shades of sweet pipe tobacco all mark the nose with black olives and shades of boysenberry cobbler. The palate is soft and seamless with serious poise and a weightless profile mid-palate. Very nervy and classy, there isn’t a wine quite like this in the world. Stony and savory, enjoy this already beautifully evolved effort now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ Red Wine- The 2022 Reynvaan ‘The Classic’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with equal parts Cabernet Franc (20%) and Petit Verdot. (20%). The nose is marvelously herbal from the Petit Verdot, as graphite and Hoisin sauce aromatics mingle well with wild blackberry and white peppercorn dusted BBQ beef brisket notes all parade in the glass. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and great underlying tension. Very savory, stony and salty from this cobblestone-laden terroir, enjoy now and over the next eight tp ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Reynvaan Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Reynvaan Cabernet Franc is the inaugural vintage of this wine that I have tasted from the famed ‘In The Rocks Vineyard.’ Vines from this site come from the Hawes Block, which is named after former NBA all-star center, Spencer Hawes who is also Matt Reynvaan’s cousin. This is soft and wonderfully herbal stuff, offering bay leaf and cloves that mingle well with menthol, dark currants, pencil lead and wet gravel on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has at least another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Reynvaan ‘The Contender’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘The Contender’ Syrah has a touch of Marsanne co-fermented, as this saw a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. Beautiful thyme and white flowers fill the nose alongside shades of boysenberry compote, tar and menthol accents. The gorgeous aromatic range brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is lush, round and generous, with a silky texture. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘In The Rocks’ comes from this cobblestone-laden site in the Walla Walla Rocks District. One whiff and there is only one place this could be from. Wet stone and Umami aromatics collide with wildflowers, oregano and shades of charcuterie on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and length. Saturated and rich, despite being translucent in the glass, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘In The Hills’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘In The Hills’ is sourced from their winery estate vineyard, set on a slope with sweeping views of the Walla Walla Valley. This edition has a small portion of Viognier co-fermented and was stored in mainly natural oak puncheons before bottling. Beautiful white florals from the Viognier mark the nose alongside bulls blood, anise seed, tobacco leaf and suggestions of blackberry compote. The palate is soft and seamless, with great viscosity, weight and length. Finishing long with loganberry, tangerine zest and minerals, enjoy this fabulous effort now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The sensational 2022 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah comes from their ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ which lies in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The nose smells very Rocksesque, offering smoldering stones, with wintergreen aromatics alongside black rose petals, smoked brisket, and green peppercorns on this flat-out fabulous bouquet. The palate is very concentrated and nervy, offering a scintillating push-pull in terms of weight, texture and underlying acidity. Full-bodied and intense, this flirts with perfection and is truly one of the great wines of the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 99

2022 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- The absolutely captivating 2022 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah comes off brooding in the glass, offering flinty and damp earth aromatics that collide with compost, black truffle shavings, iodine and dense dark fruits. The palate is rich and gratifying, delivering a seamless drinking experience. The length and underlying tension is in wonderful concert with the glorious core of dark fruits, with Umami essence. Full-bodied, viscous and rich, enjoy this decadent treat now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2038- 98

No Girls

Happy Cayuse Weekend to you all. A world-class collaboration between vigneron Christophe Baron and Cayuse GM Trevor Dorland, following the success of Cayuse Vineyards, No Girls features the stony, novel terroir found at the ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’. The ‘La Paciencia (patience) Vineyard' was planted between 2003 and 2005, and is located near the Armada vineyard, as the first couple of vintages of wine from this vineyard were initially declassified. The name ‘No Girls’ is connected with the history of Walla Walla. Christophe purchased a building in 2002 that was a former brothel and inside the new building, he noticed the words ‘No Girls’ painted on the wall— and the wine label is an actual photograph of the former brothel. Their first vintage was in 2008 and No Girls has been a remarkable success since then. I have particularly been mesmerized by the Grenache from this site that is full-octane and beautifully textured, with serious stony essence.

The style of winemaking offers a brilliant purity of fruits, amazing flavor range and great stony essence. These cost around 100 dollars, but are very well-priced when you consider the complexity of these brilliant wines. The 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 96) is tension-filled and rich with amazing smoky, stony and salty character. Learn more about this special boutique winery at https://nogirlswine.com/nogirls/

2022 No Girls ‘Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine- A great edition of this wine coming from the 2022 vintage, the ’Double Lucky No. 8’ Red Wine is a proprietary blend of declassified fruit from several locations in the Bionic Wines collection of vineyards. Translucent in the glass, this delivers tar and bay leaf notes alongside rich red fruits, wild blackberry and shades of charcuterie. The palate is dazzling and gorgeous, showing a seamless texture and otherworldly drinking experience. Fat and generous, this has to be the finest edition of this wine yet. 673 cases made so grab some while you can. Drink 2025-2032- 95

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Grenache was sourced from this unique, tightly-spaced location outside of the town of Milton-Freewater. Right away on the nose this offers alluring red rose petals that combine with menthol, orange peel, white pepper and a dusting of Umami. The palate is plush and seamless with serious texture and verve. Medium to full-bodied red fruits parade with wet stone, Parma ham, kumquat zest and shades of steak tartare on the palate. Complex, delicious and neatly textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah- The alluring and wonderfully stony 2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Syrah is a world-class wine from proprietor Christophe Baron. Stored for 21 months in natural oak, this offers seaweed, allspice dusted smoked meats, green olives and shades of blackberry compote, with dark florals that all take shape in the glass. Medium-bodied, soft and refined, with great minerality and a smooth mouthfeel, this is drinking beautifully right now. Enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2022 No Girls ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo- A gorgeous bottling by No Girls, the 2021 ‘La Paciencia Vineyard’ Tempranillo weighs in at 14.2% alcohol and comes from vines more than fifteen years old. This is round and generous on the mouth, offering loads of stony minerals on the palate, alongside Hoisin sauce and beef drippings with Mandarin orange rind, creosote and suggestions of creme de violette. Medium to full-bodied, nervy and extremely novel, there isn’t a wine quite like this in North America. Drink 2025-2033- 96

Phelps Creek

Today we share the wines of Phelps Creek, a great Columbia Gorge outpost. Founder Bob Morus serves as President and Director of Winegrowing. He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising both wine grapes and kids. The manages his estate vineyard consisting of 36 acres of vines planted mainly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Lauren O’Brien serves as winemaker, having formerly served as enologist at K Vintners. The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is rich and round on the mouth. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Phelps Creek.

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay delivers buttercream and pie crust notes alongside Japanese pear flavors that mingle well with nutty undertones on the palate. Smooth and round on the mouth, with good tension, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2022 ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Gris is an acacia barrel-fermented edition of the wine coming from their estate vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This is dense and fat on the mouth with a silky texture. Rich baked apple and nutty nuances fill the palate alongside salty minerals. This is really well-done. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes off a touch lean with tart cranberry and teaberry notes alongside sour cherry on the palate. Drink now. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Regina’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Regina’ is round and generous on the mouth, loaded with freshness. Medium bodied red fruits mingle well with orange peel and salty soils on the palate. Delicious to enjoy now, savor this over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Phelps Creek ‘Cuvee Alexandrine’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 ‘Cuvee Alexandrine’ is a round, generous and also mineral-laden bottling by Phelps Creek. On the nose this takes on bright red fruits that mingle well with damp salty soils and shades of cloves. The palate is soft and smooth, with a great sense of texture and underlying verve. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Phelps Creek ‘Beehive’ Pinot Noir- The delicious 2021 ‘Beehive’ Pinot Noir is a Dijon 777 clone wine that comes from a corner of the estate that at a time housed beekeeper boxes. This is soft and round on the mouth, offering pomegranate seed and Bing cherry flavors that mingle well with salty nuances and shades of forest floor. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Two Vintners and Covington Cellars

Today we share one of the finest values that you will find in Woodinville.  Morgan Lee is one of the nicest guys you will meet in the Washington wine industry. Hard-working and earnest, Lee is a former Purdue grad that formerly starred at Columbia Crest before helping found Two Vintners. Lee has a brilliant range of wines including probably the best Zinfandel in Washington. He also makes a killer orange wine called ‘O.G’ which graced my Top 100 last year.

One again he has shone his 2023 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer (OB, 93) which is brimming with depth, flavor complexity and texture. I adored the 2022 Two Vinters ‘Claire’ Grenache (OB, 95) which shows the pretty side of the Boushey Vineyard. Learn more about these great new releases at https://twovintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Two Vintners.

2024 Two Vintners ‘Yo Momma’ Rose- The 2024 ‘Yo Momma’ Rose is a tribute to Morgan Lee’s brother, Tanner. Coming from the Stone Tree Vineyard, this offers tart red fruits that angle well with orange peel, white peach and a touch of sweetness. Drink 2025-2020- 91

2023 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer- This 2023 Gewwurtztraminer was sourced from the esteemed Olsen Vineyard and saw extended maceration (8 weeks) in clay amphorae before bottling. Golden in the glass, this offers beautiful honeysuckle and white peach note alongside star jasmine and shades of gardenia. This is another sensational edition of this wine with great depth, flavor density and underlying tension that totally over-delivers for the price. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Make Haste Cinsault- This 2022 Make Haste 100% Cinsault from the Olsen Vineyard. This was given 60% whole cluster fermentation which is a major increase from the previous vintage. Orange rind, candied dates and shades of green olive all fill the nose with an Unami edge. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Generous and rich, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2034- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The gorgeous 2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache has 5% Syrah blended in. Right away this offers beautiful red rose petals alongside kumquat rind, tobacco leaf, and suggestion of white pepper dusted bacon.  The palate is lush and round on the mouth with a refined mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, enjoy now and over the next eight years. A steal at under 30 bucks. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache- The gorgeous 2022 Two Vintners ‘Claire’ Grenache was sourced from the Boushey Vineyard. Great red florals combine with Mandarin orange peel, red currants and freshly tilled salty soils. The palate is plush and elegant, loaded with juicy red fruits and mouth-watering acidity. 35-40% whole cluster fermented, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Two Vintners ‘Dire Wolf’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Dire Wolf’ is a Priorat-inspired bottling that is mainly Grenache with smaller portions Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is texturally beautiful, showing great length, acidity and weight. Pretty red and dark fruits mingle well with chocolate and fresh sage on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- This 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah shows inky in the glass, offering Cuban cigar and blackberry compote alongside shades of smoked brisket and black licorice on the nose. Medium-bodied and fresh, with a touch of Viognier added, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Some Days Are Diamonds’ comes from the Discovery Vineyard and is 100% varietal. Right away this delivers soy sauce and sagebrush notes alongside smoked meats, bacon fat and Kalamatta olives. The palate is very savory and smoky with great texture and lively acidity. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Two Vintners ‘Some Days Are Stones’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Some Days Are Stones’ comes from two acclaimed vineyards in the Rocks District; the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard as well as the Stones Speak Vineyard, farmed by Rich Funk. This is marvelously stony on the nose with great Umami character alongside hoisin sauce, roasted duck and chocolate tones. The palate is rich and refined with a silky texture and great flavor range. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah- The 2022 Two Vintners ‘The Waiting List’ Syrah comes from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. The palate shows beautiful range from dense red and dark fruits with red floral water, orange rind and shades of salty soils. Complexd and delicious, with a smooth mouthfeel and bright acidity, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Oliver’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Oliver’ comes from the Olsen Vineyard and combines Syrah (70%) and the remainder Petite Sirah. Dark chocolate shavings and espresso grounds mingle well with green olives and wintergreen notes on the nose. The palate is dense and concentrated with bright acidity. This is a total knockout. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2021 Two Vintners ‘Lola’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Lola’ comes from the Yellow Jacket Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah, this shows off great stony character on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of boysenberry and black cherry fruits combine with salted meats and orange rind notes on the palate. The flavor range is sensational. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Two Vintners ‘Alice’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Alice’ is a gorgeous new bottling that is mostly Merlot from the Pollard Vineyard. Pencil lead and boysenberry compote combine with espresso grinds and shades of dried herbs on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with great freshness. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- The 2022 Two Vintners ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot comes from the Discovery, Boushey and Pollard Vineyards. Kirsch cordial and milk chocolate flavors mingle well with fresh sage on the nose. The palate is very fresh and neatly textured with good length. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Legit’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Pepper Bridge, Dineen, Discovery, Stone Tree, Yellowjacket and Pollard Vineyards. The wine has Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot blended in. This is smooth throughout the drinking experience with black tea and dark currants that mingle well with chocolate notes. Great to enjoy now, savor over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2022 Two Vintners ‘Sal’ Cabernet Sauvignon-  The 2022 ‘Sal’ comes from the Discovery Vineyard and has Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Showing off its soft texture, this is wonderfully herbal offering medium-boded dark cherry and mocha flavors that meld well with a graphite edge. Well-structured, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Two Vintners ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The gorgeous 2022 Zinfandel comes from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA and has 16% Petite Sirah blended in. The is dense and concentrated stuff that is downright delicious in its bright acidity, brilliant crore of black fruits and chocolate notes. Full-bodied and showing beautiful finesse, this is one of the great examples of Washington Zin that you will find. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Ma Belle’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Ma Belle’ comes from the Olsen Vineyard and opens with bergamot and bright red fruits that mingle well with citrus zest on the nose. The palate offers pure red fruits with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and tension. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Sangio’ Sangiovese- All coming from the Boushey Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Sangio’ offers rustic tannins with juicy red fruits, orange peel and shades of salty soils on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Covington Cellars ‘Ode’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Ode’ is all Sangiovese that was stored for three years in neutral oak puncheons before bottling. This is rich and juicy stuff on the mouth, offering tobacco leaf and wild blackberry fruit flavors alongside dusty soils on the palate. Nicely structured with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Franc’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Franc’ comes from several sites in the Columbia Valley. Red bell pepper, sandalwood and dark chocolate shavings all mark the nose. The palate is fresh and loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied with a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc is mainly sourced from the Pollard Vineyard. Stored in a combination of oak and terracotta, this offers beautiful dark florals that combine with green bell pepper, orange rind and dense dark fruits with a graphite edge. The palate is seamless, precise and concentrated with a silky mouthfeel and refined tannins. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Rough House’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Rough House’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend that is Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The palate is dense and decadent, loaded with dark fruits, chocolate, coffee grounds and salty soils. A gorgeous effort from this slightly cooler vintage, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2022 Covington Cellars ‘Lawson’ Red Wine- The 2022 ’Lawson’ is mostly Merlot (70%) from the Discovery Vineyard. Chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake combine with shades of damp soils and fresh thyme on the nose. The palate is salty and savory with medium-bodied dark fruits, refined tannins, and chocolate notes. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Covington Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot blended in. Black rose petals combine with sagebrush, Arabica bean and shades of dark licorice on the nose. The palate is fresh and refined with a beautiful texture. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Markham

Today we share one of the historic properties in the Napa Valley. Markham Vineyards was founded by Jean Laurent, an immigrant from Bordeaux. He arrived in 1852 to participate in the gold rush. It was 1975 that Bruce Markham purchased several sites in Yountville and Calistoga to produce his own line of wines in 1978. Markham was later sold to Mercian Corporation. It has been owned by Kirin since 2019. Kimberlee Nicholls serves as head winemaker.

The new wines were very good. I love the 2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 90) which offers really nice value and texture. Learn more at https://markhamvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the great new wines by Markham.

2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Markham Sauvignon Blanc offers sweetened gooseberry and pear notes on the nose alongside suggestions of kiwi. Soft and approachable with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 Markham ‘Blue Boots’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Blue Boots’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 37% Merlot all from the Napa Valley. It is smooth and soft on the mouth, offering chocolate and black currant flavors that mingle well with coffee grounds on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2021 Markam ‘Little Cannon Vineyard’ Merlot- The really good 2021 Markham ‘Little Cannon Vineyard’ Merlot comes from the Oak Knoll district and utilize Clone 3 and 181 selections. Rich kirsch cordial combines with cocoa powder, espresso grounds and shades of loamy soils on the palate. Round and lush on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

TOR

Today we share the brilliant wines of TOR. Former Beringer Vice President, Tor Kenward, helped put top Beringer wines on the map. He was one of the architects of Beringer’s famed ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet and Chardonnay program which became some of the most acclaimed wines of their kind. Tor also has a new book out that is a truly outstanding read for any lover of Napa Valley wine. TOR is most famous for their inky, concentrated Cabernets but they also make some of the finest Chardonnay in the valley. Winemaker Jeff Ames crafts his Cabernet bottlings to be burly and bold, yet maintaining beautiful structure and flavor range. They are wines that are not to be missed by Napa Cabernet lovers.  The new wines come from the very hot 2022 vintage. However, these wines are not at all overblown and have great structure and flavor range.

I love the 2022 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is deep and concentrated with serious texture and length. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://torwines.com Here are the exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon releases by TOR.

2022 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ is sourced from this famed location in Oakville in the foothills in the Mayacama range. Tar and violets mark the nose alongside pine needles, scorched soils and shades of black tea with Middle Eastern spices. The palate is silky and refined as this is much more elegant than the ’21, offering a great sense of texture and underlying tension. Salty and stony nuances mark this beautiful bottling that still has a long way to go in the cellar — but is simply irresistible right now. Drink 2025-2040- 98

2022 TOR ‘Vaca Ridge Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Vaca Ridge Vineyard’ comes from this high elevation location that overlooks Napa Valley and Lake Hennessey. Loganberry compote and creme de violette all combine on the palate, with stony soils, mocha and shades of Black Forest cake. Complex, polished and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 TOR ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022l ‘Oakville’ was sourced from a range of great sites throughout Oakville including the Tench Vineyard. Exotic spices and espresso grounds all mark the nose alongside shades of black licorice and loamy soil. The palate comes off fresh and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel, loaded with black fruits and savory herbs. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Corollary

Today we share the outstanding wines of Corollary. They began with the 2017 vintage and more recently in 2022, they acquired 57 acres of land in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA where they are one of the only properties in Oregon dedicated exclusively to sparkling wines.

I visited their beautiful site last summer and tasted through their lineup. The location is remote and highly scenic, with incredible views of the valley. Each bottling offers a refined mousse with good nuance. I adore the 2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is loaded with citrus tones and tension. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://corollarywines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Corollary.

2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The brilliant 2020 Corollary ‘X-Omni Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is a stunning warm vintage wine that is showing marvelous at the five year mark. Marzipan and lemon rind tones combine on the nose alongside shades of shortbread, oyster shell and kumquat zest. The palate is marvelously fresh and beautifully textured, as the sensational mouse grips you. Loaded with freshness and beautiful tension, with excellent length, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2020 Corollary ‘Namaste Vineyard Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2020 ‘Namaste Vineyard’ is 100% Chardonnay from this site in the Van Duzer Corridor. The nose offers Meyer lemon zest alongside oyster shells, freshly cut limes and shades of marzipan. The palate is tightly-knit, with serious tension and weight that contributing to the loads of lip-smacking acidity. A joy to consume, enjoy this limited production wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2020 Corollary ‘Winter’s Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- The 2020 ‘Winter’s Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc sparkling wine  comes from old vine plantings at this Dundee Hills outpost, set on volcanic soils. This is generous on the mouth with loads of lemon and lime zest alongside wet stone, pear and pie crust accents. Excellent now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Brut’ Sparkling Wine comes from a range of sites and was given the wine was given roughly 2g/L dosage, as this combines 64% Chardonnay, 23% Pinot Noir, 8% Pinot Meunier, with the remainder Pinot Blanc.  It is fresh and refined stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Juicy nectarine and Japanese pear flavors meld well with salted macadamia nut and green melon notes on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The brilliant 2021 Corollary ‘Momtazi Vineyard Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is offering brilliant salted red fruits on the nose with red rose petals and shades of persimmon. The palate is refined and elegant with a rich mouthfeel and loads of salty minerals. Generous and lifted, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Corollary ‘Cuvee One Extra Brut’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The really good 2021 ‘Cuvee One’ Rose comes from a range of sites throughout the valley. Granny Smith apple and shades of pomegranate seed combine with salty peach and cranberry tones on the palate. Soft and elegant with a silky mousse, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

Elentone

It has now been about a year since I have written about the outstanding sparkling wines of Elentone. This is a limited production winery out of Woodinville, Washington, and the brainchild of winemaker Chris Sherry. Sherry hails from Brighton in southern England, which is somewhat of a stone’s throw from England’s premier sparkling wine country. Sherry is an avid Brighton football supporter and shares the same passion for sparkling wines. He has formerly trained under Morgan Lee at Two Vintners.
Each wine is crafted in the traditional Champagne method and are given a limited or zero dosage.  He is making wines from one of the outstanding sites in the Columbia Gorge, the Rainmaker Vineyard that Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen of W.T. Vintners has made famous. Sherry’s wines are salty with a soft mousse and very approachable. He does a good job with creating  refinement on the attack — whereas some producers are creating bubble bombs.

Check out the outstanding 2020 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which saw extended tirage and has really good flavor range. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.

2020 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The really good 2020 ‘Brut’ combines mainly Chardonnay (83%) with the remainder Pinot Noir. Aged en tirage for 36 months this delivers green apple and salted orange peel notes on the palate, with lemon zest and wet stone character on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Elentone ‘Noa’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- Nearly all Chardonnay with a small amount of Pinot Blanc, this was stored on the lees for three years and given 4G/L dosage. This offers bright citrus florals on the nose with shades of pie crust and white peach notes. The palate is reined and elegant with great length and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Totally captivating and complex, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Elentone ‘Juno’ Rose Sparkling WIne- The 2022 ‘Juno’ combines 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Pinot Meunier that was stored on the lees for 20 months before bottling. A light salmon hue, this delivers bright melon and citrus fruits on the nose with red raspberry notes. The refined mousse entices as loads of freshness and salty minerals enter the mid-palate. Juicy and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2020 Elentone ‘SHadowplay’ Sparkling WIne- The 2020 ‘Shadowplay’ is all Pinot Noir sourced from the Rainmaker Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This comes off big and burly, loaded with bright red fruits alongside orange zest, white pepper and hints of green papaya on the palate. Zero dosage, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Cloudbursting’ spent five years on the lees before disgorgement in May 2025. The nose comes off wonderfully nutty with ripe honeydew melon, juicy nectarine and shades of chamomile tea. The palate is round with great volume and texture that melds well with the outstanding flavor range. Drink 2025-2033- 94

Virtue Cellars

It has now been more than four years that I have reviewed the wines of Virtue Cellars— a Seattle-area winery that was founded in 2013 by Kevin and Kathryn Mueller.  Jake Edens and Kevin Meuller serve as co-winemakers. They source from some great sites in Eastern Washington and produce roughly 1,000 cases of Bordeaux and Rhone style wines each year. The wines are well-priced from some awesome vineyards.

Check out the 2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Sincerity’ Syrah (OB, 91) which is laden with minerals and shows excellent flavor range. Learn more about these wines at https://www.virtuecellars.com Here are the great new releases by Virtue Cellars.

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Enthusiasm’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Enthusiasm’ comes from the famed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. This offers pretty red rose water and strawberry tones alongside blood orange zest and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

22 Virtue Cellars ‘Unity’ Red Wine- The 2022 Unity’ is a GSM-style wine that offers garrigue and orange zest with red currants and smoked meats on the nose. The palate is quite linear with good structure and light to medium bodied red fruit flavors. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Wisdom’ Mourvedre- The 2022 ‘Wisdom’ is sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard as this is 100% varietal wine. This comes off light to medium-bodied with beef drippings, tar and black olive notes alongside lighter black fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Sincerity’ Syrah- Coming from the Wallula Vineyard, this 2022 Syrah offers a smooth mouthfeel with loganberry and Bing cherry flavors that parade with salty minerals and orange peel notes on the palate. Lighter to medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Charisma’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Charisma’ comes from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Despite being a hot site this comes off a bit herbal and lean with dark currants, chocolate and tobacco leaf. I would like more flavor density here. Drink 2025-2031- 89

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Temperance’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 ‘Temperance’ comes from the Weinbau Vineyard. It offers garrigue and pencil lead tones on the palate alongside creme de cassis notes and salty soils. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Vitality’ Malbec- The 2022 ‘Vitality’ is a Weinbau Vineyard Malbec from this slightly cooler vintage. It comes off lighter to medium-bodied on the palate, with good structure and texture. Chocolate, iron and shades of creosote all combine with flavors of dried herbs on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 91

2022 Virtue Cellars ‘Fortitude’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Fortitude’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend that opens with cocoa powder and dark currants on the nose with shades of coffee grounds and red cherry tomato. The palate is soft and inviting with lighter to medium bodied dark fruits alongside savory herbs, graphite and chocolate tones. Drink 2025-2032- 91

BV Names Nate Weis as Senior Winemaker and General Manager

We have some big news out of the Napa Valley as Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) has named Nate Weis as General Manager and Senior Winemaker. Weis brings decades of experience after spending 11 years with Silver Oak, where he played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most recognized luxury wines in the world. In addition to leading winemaking and grape growing operations for The Family of Silver Oak—which includes Silver Oak, Twomey, OVID Napa Valley, Prince Hill Vineyards, and Timeless Napa Valley. He also has former stints at Patz & Hall and Antica Napa Valley. I am very excited to see what Weis brings to the new winemaking at BV.

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. Learn more about these beautiful wines at www.louis-roederer/com and here is my review of the latest release 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 2025-2034- 93

Ridge Vineyards

Today we focus our attention on one of the greats for the Santa Cruz Mountains. Not only fabulous in terms of its range of wines, Ridge is one of the oldest marquee producers in the state, producing everything from mineral-driven Chardonnay to inky Cabernet Sauvignon. Paul Draper helped put this winery on the map back in the 1960s. Draper saw the potential to make a range of varietals in the Santa Cruz Mountains as this high-elevation site is set at 2300. This is a must-visit for any lover of great California wine. Ridge Vineyard's 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon achieved international fame for its fifth-place finish in the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine tasting.

Don’t miss out on the 2023 Ridge ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is coming from the Monte Bello Vineyard and is a total stunner in terms of texture, flavor range and value. I am completely enamored by the 2022 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and really needs another year or two of bottle age. This beauty will go for decades. Learn more about this historic winery at ridgewine.com Here are the amazing new release wines from Ridge Vineyards.

2023 Ridge ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is entirely sourced from the famed Monte Bello Vineyard. Coming from this cooler vintage, the wine was stored in a combination of American oak, French oak and Amphorae before bottling. Challah bread and vanilla creme brûlée all mark the nose alongside banana and hints of ripe mango. The palate is plush, ripe and laden with minerality. Very seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a light dusting of salinity and fat mouthfeel, this combination of richness and freshness really makes it sing. Glorious now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2023 Ridge ‘Three Valleys’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Three Valleys’ is mainly Zinfandel (71%) with the remainder Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. Bright red fruits and bramble notes with green herbs mark the nose alongside shades of milk chocolate. This is a fresher edition of this wine, showing great tension from this slightly cooler vintage, alongside salty and stony undertones and a dense core of red fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Ridge ‘Paso Robles’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Paso Robles’ Zinfandel is sourced from the Dusi Vineyard, as this wine was first made by Ridge in the 1960s. 100% varietal, this offers graphite and dark chocolate shavings mingle well with cardamom dusted orange peel and menthol notes on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lithe on the mouth, with terrific tension and texture, as well as salty undertones. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ridge ‘East Bench’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘East Bench’ Zinfandel is sourced from a small site in the Dry Creek Valley, the Funstein Ranch, set on volcanic iron rich soils. This is plush and rich Zin, offering a gorgeous body, salinity and core of red and dark fruits. Full-bodied and showing chocolate and graphite accents, with shades of sagebrush, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2023 Ridge ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel- Ultra-dark in the glass, the seriously impressive 2023 Ridge ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel is sourced from this location in Sonoma County that dates all the way back to the 1890s. This edition has a fairly large amount of Alicante Bouchet and Petite Sirah blended in. This is sumptuous stuff and very nervy on the mouth, offering cocoa powder dusted dark cherry and black licorice notes that combine with shades of blackberry cobbler, iron and lighter beef brisket notes. Very complex and nuanced, with serious density coming from the Alicante and Petite Sirah, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 Ridge ‘Lytton Estate’ Petite Sirah- The 2022 ‘Lytrton Estate’ Petite Sirah is 100% varietal and stands very brooding in the glass. Alluring dark rose petals mark the nose alongside pencil lead, creme de violette, tar and sweet pipe tobacco leaf aromatics that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh and viscous, showing a great push-pull, loaded with black and blue fruits. A gorgeous wine that has some great aging potential, enjoy now and over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Ridge ‘Geyserville’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Geyserville’ is a marvelous, silky blend of mainly Zinfandel (70%) with 18% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah and a touch of Alicante Boushet. Very dark in the glass, this delivers beautiful violet rose petals alongside mocha, tar, Cuban cigar and notes of garrigue with loganberry compote. The palate is fresh and refined, with an elegant mid-palate mouthfeel and light dusting of salinity. Well-structured and weighted, offering plenty of depth and flavor density, this is a marvelous effort that has yet to fully hit its stride —- but the incredible potential is there. The combination of weight and tension suggests this will be very long-lived. Give this another year in the cellar before uncorking. Drink 2026-2045- 96

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2023 Ridge ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine- The 2023 Ridge ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine combines manly Zinfandel (76%) with 14% Petite Sirah and the remainder Carignan, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. The nose offers great potpourri notes with milk chocolate, fresh herbs and shades of ripe strawberry. The palate is smooth and silky with a refined mouthfeel and a great sense of tension and salinity that runs through the core of red and dark fruits. Every bit as gorgeous as the ’22, and slightly less burly and more mineral-driven, enjoy this beauty over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2022 Ridge ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The glorious 2022 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 9% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot blended in. Stored in American oak barrels, this delivers dark florals and red currants that parade with chocolate, pencil lead and suggestions of coconut dusted sandalwood aromatics. The palate is rich and viscous with a terrific sense of mouthfeel and tension. Smooth and refined, this really needs another year in the bottle to fully be aroused. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2022 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A totally stunning wine from a warm vintage, the 2022 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ combines nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with 10% Merlot and small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from their estate vineyard high atop the Santa Cruz Mountains. Silky tannins frame a generous core of dark currants, roasted figs, dark chocolate shavings, anise seed and shades of black licorice on the palate. The remarkable power, intensity and minerality leads to a mouth-watering effect on the palate. A dazzling and dense wine that has some great cellaring potential, try to resist this beauty for another year. Drink 2026-2046- 99

Robert Biale

Today we share one of the great California Zinfandel producers. Robert Biale has a storied history in the Napa Valley. They source from some of the oldest Zinfandel sites in the area, producing wines with good ripeness but overall a focus on poise, flavor and aromatic range. These are a beautiful, restrained style of Zinfandel that would impress any Cabernet lover.

Winemaker David Natali is a New York native, David graduated from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and developed a passion for winemaking after bottling at a friend’s small winery. He formerly served as cellar hand at Clos Pegase Winery and later studied at the University of Montpellier in France, where he received his master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology. After two and a half years of living and studying abroad in Montpellier, France, and Udine, Italy, David returned to California. He became the Assistant Winemaker for La Rochelle Winery, later taking the Assistant Winemaker position at Robert Biale Vineyards. In 2022, David was promoted to Head Winemaker. While David replaced a world-class winemaker, he is making a name for himself at Biale. The last two sets of releases come from the difficult 2022 vintage which saw a heat dome at harvest which led to intense heat spikes and early picking decisions. Despite this David did an amazing job maintaining acidity in the wines. These are wines that are concentrated, plush and very enjoyable now.

I love the 2022 Robert Biale ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Zinfandel (OB, 95) which is a refined and very rocky effort from this location high atop the Napa Valley. Learn more about this storied Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the great new wines by Robert Biale. 

2023 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Black Chicken’ was a code name for Zinfandel made by Aldo Biale during the Great Depression. This comes off beautifully performed with black florals that meld well with salty soils, orange peel and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is fresh and nicely textured with good minerality. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Robert Biale ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The R.W. Moore Vineyard dates all the way back to 1905 when Zinfandel was first planted at this Coombsville location. Bright red rose petals combine with shades of bramble, loamy soils and hints of milk chocolate all follow on the nose. The palate is fresh and neatly textured, showing a great sense of tension, as this is loaded with texture and salty minerals alongside well-defined dark fruits and chocolate. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The brilliant 2023 ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ Zinfandel is sourced from this Napa location in the Rutherford appellation. Translucent in the glass, this offers potpourri and black plum notes on the nose alongside orange peel and shades of coffee grounds. The palate is silky and refined with soft tannins that frame a glorious core of black and red fruits — with no rough edges. A gorgeous, elegant bottling that is already showing well, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ is sourced from this high elevation site that overlooks the Napa Valley. Zinfandel vines are set on rocky soils here, as the wine begins with black tea and exotic spices on the nose alongside black florals and fresh tobacco notes. The palate is refined and elegant, with great rocky soil character and a smooth mouthfeel. Great to savor in its heady youth, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Robert Biale ‘Palisades Vineyard’ Petite Sirah- The 2022 ‘Palisades Vineyard’ Petite Sirah is a stunning edition of this wine coming from this rocky spot above Calistoga. Blueberry compote and huckleberry flavors collide with graphite, dark chocolate shavings and shades of creme de violette on the palate. Full-boded, powerful and muscular, with a silky texture, enjoy this brazen beauty now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Grande Vineyard’ Zinfandel- An ancient site for California Zinfandel, the Grande Vineyard was planted by an immigrant from Venice, Theodore Grande, back in 1920. This shows some nice herbal undertone alongside milk chocolate, a dusting of fresh sage, and wild blackberry on the palate. Rich and generous, with salty undertones and a bright acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Consistently one of my favorite Zinfandel wines from California, the ‘Varozza Vineyard’ is set in St. Helena as this small site is farmed by Jack Varozza. This comes off seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a gorgeous melange of red and dark fruits alongside sweet pipe tobacco, baking spices, cocoa nibs and shades of coffee grounds on the palate. Silky and pillowy on the mouth, this is drinking marvelously now at the two year mark. Drink 2025-2037- 96

2023 Robert Biale ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The historic 2023 ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ comes from this tiny vineyard right outside the town of Napa in the Oak Knoll Vineyard. Zinfandel vines date back to 1937. Chocolate and oregano notes combine with fresh dill and loamy soils on the nose. The palate is plush and elegant with silky tannins that frame a great core of black and red fruits, with a chocolate edge. Juicy and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Dickerson Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The Dickerson Vineyard wa splinted in the 1920s and is located in the St. Helena district. Translucent in the glass, this is silky throughout the drinking experience, with very pure red fruits that mingle well with chocolate, Arabica bean and copious minerals on the palate. Generous and loaded with freshness and texture, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Heminway Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Heminway Vineyard’ comes from this location right on the eastern edge of Napa Valley. Red florals meld alongside espresso grounds and shades of orange peel on the nose. The palate is elegant and lively with bright acidity that combines with the soft mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel- Coming from Howell Mountain, the 2023 ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel offers rich red currants and strawberry notes on the nose alongside satsuma orange zest and flinty undertones on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant showing off its smooth texture. Great now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- The 2023 ‘Royal Punishers’ shows up inky in the glass. Mocha, tar and dark chocolate shavings mingle well with fresh blue fruits on the palate. Soft and savory with a seamless texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Robert Blale ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Pagani Ranch’ comes from this Sonoma site that was planted back in the 1920s. This is very seamless wine that shows great power and concentration in terms of black fruits. With more air layers of chocolate, fresh herbs and espresso bean notes all collide with copious minerals. A resounding success, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The famed ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ dates all the way back to the 1880s. This is concentrated stuff, showing great black florals on the nose with boysenberry compote, chocolate and shades of white pepper. This exceedingly delicious bottling offers a great combination of poise, richness and copious minerals, with excellent length on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Located in St. Helena, the Old Kraft Vineyard dates all the way back to the 1860s. This is soft and plush on the mouth, loaded with rich red and dark fruits alongside pipe tobacco and chocolate. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Robert Biale ‘Party Line’ Zinfandel- The 2023 ‘Party Line’ is a blend from famed sites across California. It comes off soft and approachable, with mocha and scorched earth accents alongside heady dark fruits. Soft and supple on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Robert Biale ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The famed Monte Rosso Vineyard is located high atop the Sonoma Valley and is planted to old vine Zinfandel and other varietals. It is seamless and soft on the mouth with wonderful stony character, alongside fresh green herbs and a dusting of salinity. Full-bodied and broad-shouldered, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2038- 95

Vina Pedrosa

One of the coolest places to taste in the world, the Ribera del Duero is a mountainous, rustic location not too far outside Madrid. You will probably be the only people tasting at these wineries. There are also beautiful lodging options in this region known for earthy and rich Tempranillo wines. Many of the wines from this region are either 100% Tempranillo or have 10% or less of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in.

Bodega Hnos. Perez Pascuas is a historic site in the Ribera, crafting earthy and layered Tempranillo wines that will stand the test of time. I recently had the chance to visit this beautiful lineup and was completely blown away across the board. Look to the 2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa La Navilla Reserva’ Ribera del Duero (OB, 93) which is powerful and beautifully structured stuff. Learn more about these great Ribera del Duero wines at Here are the outstanding new release wines by Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas.

2022 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘El Pedrosal Crianza’ Ribera del Duero- The really hood 2022 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘El Pedrosal Crianza’ Ribera del Duero delivers concentrated dark fig and blackberry notes alongside chocolate and tobacco leaf accents on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Crianza’ Ribera del Duero- The 2022 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa Crianza’ Ribera del Duero is a powerful, beautifully-structured effort that needs about an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Kirsch and coffee ground flavors meld well with shades of garrigue and scorched earth on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa La Navilla Reserva’ Ribera del Duero- The outsanding 2020 Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas ‘Vina Pedrosa La Navilla Reserva’ Ribera del Duero delivers powerful tar and graphite aromatic notes on the glass, alongside red currants and dark rose petals. The palate is concentrated and structured, as refined tannins frame a brilliant core of black fruits. Drink 2025-2037- 93

Fidelitas

It has been many years since I first set foot at Fidelitas — a beacon of consistency on Red Mountain. Legendary Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes served as former head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle. Prior to working at Chateau Ste. Michelle, he attended the world renowned Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California, Davis and in 1988 he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management with a special emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. After a brief stint in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, he began working with superstar winemaker Mike Januik as a member of the winemaking team at Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. In 1993, he became the Head Red Winemaker and managed Ste. Michelle’s newest facility at the time, Canoe Ridge near Paterson, Washington. Hoppes had the pleasure of making the first vintages of Col Solare, from 1995-1998. Hoppes finally decided to purchase some land on Red Mountain, founding Fidelitas in 2000 -- and has produced fantastic reds and whites since that time. Fidelitas is known for their red and white Bordeaux blends, as well as their rich Cabernets. 

Hoppes made some great 2020 wines where many houses floundered. He did the same in the epic and very warm 2021 vintage. These are wines that are marvelously consistent with great structure, refined tannins and fabulous flavor density. I do not think you will be disappointed in the wines. Check out the gorgeous 2021 Fidelitas ’Quintessence Vineyard’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is round and voluptuous, leaving little doubt that this is one of the finest Malbecs in the state. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.

2023 m100 Rosé- The 2023 m100 Rose comes from Merlot grapes rom the High River Vineyard. Stoed and aged in natural oak barrels, this offers copious minerals that combine wth strawberry and red currant flavors with orange zest notes. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 m100 Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, the 2022 m100 comes ro mainly the High River and Weinbau Vineyards. This is a delicious edition of this wine with mocha, tar and anise notes that combine with medium bodied dark fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate’ Merlot- A brilliant and juicy edition of Merlot from the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard, this was stored in 66% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. Inky in the glass this offers pencil lead and Black Forest Cake on the nose alongside shades of dark currants and anise. The palate is plush and full-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel and great underlying verve considering the heat of the vintage. Glorious now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate’ Malbec- Also 100% varietal, the 2021 ‘Estate’ Malbec’ was stored in 25 new American oak barrels for 18 months prior to bottling. Brooding in the glass, this delivers plenty of rich dark fruits on the palate, alongside huckleberry compote, dark chocolate shavings and a graphite edge. Every bit outstanding, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate’ Petit Verdot- A dense, inky and hedonistic edition of this wine, the 2021 ‘Estate’ Petit Verdot was aged in mainly new American oak barrels before bottling. This is dense, heady and wonderfully earthy on the palate. Creme de cassis, tar, anise seed, fresh tobacco and shades of green bell pepper all combine with intense black and blue fruits on the palate. A total joy to drink now, this has some beautiful aging potential. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate' Red Wine- The outstanding 2021 Fidelitas Red Wine combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc that was stored in 70% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. This shows good poise and balance with medium bodied dark fruits that parade with espressos grounds and sagebrush notes. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This gorgeous 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain. Stored in mainly new French oak barrels, this delivers tar, anise seed, black currant jelly and espresso ground aromatics. The palate is refined and elegant with a smooth texture and generous mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2021 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 169’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A unique clonal bottling from 2021, this was stored in 25% new American oak for 28 months prior to bottling. This comes off wonderfully earthy on the palate with dusty soils that combine with dark cherry and boysenberry notes alongside dusty soils and shades of creme de violette. Delicious and lithe, with a polished texture and bright acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2021 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 412’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Clone 412’ is 100% variety combing from the Fidelitas Estate Vineyard. Aged in 75% new French oak barrels, this offers a plush texture on the mouth. Walnut and cassis notes mingle with violet cream and shades of tar with black licorice on the palate. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Fidelitas Quintessence Vineyard Merlot- A dense and heady, quintessential Merlot off Red Mountain, the 2021 Quintessence Vineyard Merlot was stored in a combination of mainly new French and American oak barrels prior to bottling. Black raspberry and violets mark the nose alongside shades of creosote and fresh sage. The palate is soft and refined with generous dark fruits that parade with chocolate and shades of Turkish coffee. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2021 Fidelitas 'Quintessence Vineyard’ Malbec- The 2021 ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Malbec is 100% varietal coming from this site on Red Mountain. Very inky in the glass, this offers violets and scorched earthy notes that combine with graphite, and creme de cassis notes on the palate. Full-bodied and beautifully structured, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Fidelitas ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2021 Quintessence Red Wine combines 32% Petit Verdot and 32% Cabernet Franc with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remainder Merlot. Gorgeous red florals mark the nose alongside thyme, black currants and damp soils. Each varietal is ticking is in clockwork balance here in terms of oak, herbal accents and dense dark fruits with scorched earthy accents. What a beautiful blend! Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Fidelitas ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2021 ‘Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in mainly new French oak barrels before bottling. This is dense and heady with sandalwood and cassis notes on the palate alongside serious structure and refined tannins. Full-bodied and full of verve, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

Audeant

Happy Friday to you all. Somehow it has been over a year since I have written about the beautiful wines of Audeant. Founded by Andrew Reichers who studied under Santa Barbara great Matthias Pippig.,  Reichers applied his trade spending time learning winemaking in New Zealand, at Burn Cottage, and in Burgundy in the Haute Cote working for Claire Naudin at Domaine Naudin Ferrand. In Oregon he served for five years as the assistant winemaker at Antica Terra and Lillian with Maggie Harrison prior to joining and founding Audeant Wines with Proprietor, Teal Walker, in 2016. Reichers has a world-class wine resume and is even making some incredible bubbles for his Missoula Flood project with Pippig.

2022 was a cooler vintage in Oregon. Reichers made great wines from this year that show terrific depth and a touch more tension than the ‘21s. Check out the world-class  2022 Audeant ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which totally overdelivers for the price. I adored the 2022 Audeant ‘Nysa Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which has a great volcanic character. Learn more about this exciting winery at https://www.audeant.com Here are the beautiful new wine releases by Audeant.

2022 Audeant 'Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- A deep, complex and concentrated Chardonnay, the 2022 ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. Right away alluring cloves and allspice dusted pastry crust fill the nose alongside Japanese pear and suggestions of freshly cut mango. The palate is rich and shows fantastic verve, with loads of mouth-watering acidity and a seamless texture. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Audeant Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2022 Rose is a knockout bottling that is viscous, earthy and downright delicious. Concentrated red fruits collide with damp earth, juicy peach and shades of Yakima cherry on the palate. Neatly-textured, with great verve, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Audeant ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Audeant ‘Willamette Valley’ is wonderfully nervy and tense, loaded with bright red fruits with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Fresh and fragrant with red rose petal aromatics, and loads of salty/stony character, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Audeant ‘Foothills’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Foothills’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful potpourri notes alongside shades of guava, pomegranate seed and Satsuma orange zest. The palate is full of texture and freshness with great nerve. Complex and delicious, showing a very pure core of red fruits, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Audeant ‘Luminous Hills Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Luminous Hills’ Pinot Noir comes from this vineyard in the southwestern corner of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. This is a higher elevation site set on marine sedimentary soils. It is marvelously salty, offering a gorgeous core of bright red fruits alongside shades of white pepper, pine needles, menthol and shades of bergamot on the palate. This is a total knockout that is already drinking beautifully in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2022 Audeant ‘Nysa Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Nysa Vineyard’ comes from this dry-farmed location in the Dundee Hills AVA. It is loaded with volcanic soil character, alongside tart red fruits, orange peel, amaro, and shades of forest floor on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and very fresh and fragrant, enjoy now and over the next ten to twelve years to come. Drink 2025-2038- 94

Hambledon

Today we share the oldest sparkling wine producer in England. Hambledon Vineyard was originally planted back in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones. Hambledon is set in the 'Cradle of Cricket’ and vines are planted on chalky soils that resemble some found in champagne. In fact, the soils are the Newhaven Chalk formation that developed between the Santonian and Campanian eras of the Upper Cretaceous period (known as the Senonien period in Champagne). The same chalk, with the same Belemnite content, is found in some of the most famous Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne. Hambedon has a very impressive winemaking team. Hervé Jestin has overseen the production of more than 200 million bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine during his career and was chef des caves at Champagne Duval Leroy for over 20 years.

The new wines by Jestin were really good and saw some extended less aging. I love the new NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) which is fruity and fresh with a soft mouthfeel. Learn more about this historic winery at https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk/ and here are my reviews of the new Hambledon wines.

NV Hambledon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- An amazing effort, the NV Hambedon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparking Wine is shining brightly right now. Aged on the lees for 35 months, this combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from South East facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, in the historic village of Hambledon. Rich and generous on the mouth, the silky mousse entices. Ripe red raspberry and Pink Lady apple fruit flavors mingle well with lemon zest and chalky soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine- Loaded with crunchy red fruits, the NV Hambedon Rose offers bright cranberry, tart cherry and red raspberry notes alongside salty and stony minerals on the palate. With a soft mousse and gobs of great finesse, this is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

Upchurch Vineyard

It my pleasure to share one of the great wineries of Washington on Red Mountain, Upchurch Vineyard. I think this is one of the most beautiful locations in the Pacific Northwest, with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley. Chris Upchurch is a legendary winemaker, having crafted an incredible range of wines for DeLille Cellars before starting his first outpost more than a decade ago.

For years Upchurch made some of the finest Bordeaux style white wines in Washington State and he has continued that trend with his own brand. I love the new 2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94) which is rich and viscous, with great tension and texture. I was absolutely blown away with their finest wine, the 2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Hero Twins’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and is a world-class wine that will cellar well over 20 years. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://upchurchvineyard.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Upchurch Vineyard.

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Southwest Facing’ Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from the Boushey Vineyard this 2022 Sauvignon Blanc offers honeysuckle and white peach on the nose with pink grapefruit blossom. The palate offers great richness and grip from the underlying finesse. Showing great length, this is gorgeous stuff that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Candy Mountain’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Candy Mountain’ comes from this site set on clay soils. Inky in the glass, this offers dark currants alongside milk chocolate and shades of tobacco leaf and creosote notes. The palate is deep and viscous with serious tension and richness, showing salty nuances. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ Red Wine- 2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Counterpart’ is all Merlot from the Upchurch Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain. The nose is gorgeous with exotic spices and tar notes that combine with figs and shades of espresso grounds. The palate is big and broad-shouldered with serious verve, richness and underlying tension. Beautifully structured, brimming with acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Quintessence Block 51’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Quintessence Block 51’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this the furthest east block on this site in Red Mountain. Inky in the glass this offers scorched earth and loamy soils with tobacco leaf and dark chocolate shavings. The palate is beautifully concentrated and well-structured with serious depth and flavor density. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from the esteemed Heart of The Hill Vineyard. The wine shows beautiful tension and refined tannins that combine with shades of creosote, anise, dark currant cordial and shades of creme de violette. Complex and delicious, showing beautiful flavor density, this is showing some serious potential and could easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2022 Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Upchurch Vineyard is is all Cabernet Sauvignon, clonal selections 191 and 8 coming from this site planted back in 2007. Black florals mark the nose alongside milk chocolate and espresso bean notes. The palate is plush and rich with serious viscosity and tension. Refined and generous, with broad shoulders, refined tannins and shades of anise seed, with scorched earth accents, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2045- 97

2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Hero Twins’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Hero Twins’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a barrel-select wine that is very inky in the glass. This is pillowy, soft and concentrated stuff that is nothing short of world-class. This gets better and better with more air,  showing a gorgeous array of huckleberry, scorched earth, blueberry compote, espresso grounds and refined tannins on the palate. With glorious length and weight, alongside bright underlying acidity, this flirts with perfection from this slightly cooler vintage. Try to give this beauty another year in the bottle. There is little doubt this will be exceedingly long-aged. Drink 2026-2049- 99

Time & Direction Retrospective

Steve Wells is unabashedly obsessed with the ‘80s. He has an '80s themed tasting room that is tons of fun to visit.  Wells makes a range of amazing mineral-driven wines that are well-priced and really easy to drink. The idea behind Time & Direction was inspired by his move from Manhattan to Walla Walla. This pilgrimage was made as Wells joined the winemaking program at Walla Walla Community College. “I wanted the name to be unique and individual. I didn’t want to use my name or the names ‘cellars’ or ‘vintners’ or ‘vineyards.’ It had to have meaning and be easy to pronounce. Let’s make it easy for the consumer to remember. I didn’t want to use any animals or anything geographic because it has been done a thousand times over. I look down at my forearms and designed the tattoos for myself. This tattoo is for my daughter, 1:02 in the morning is when she was born. I also like maps so the compass is not a direction it is initials. Time & Direction symbolizes my journey from New York City all the way out here to make wine.”

I have really enjoyed these wines since he first began making them in the 2016 vintage. The brand has expanded considerably since then. He is making some of the most delicate and highly nuanced Rose you will taste in Washington State. We tasted together last Friday and went all the way back to his first wines, which was so interesting to see how well they had aged.

His first wine, the 2016 ‘Old School’ Syrah (OB, 93) is gorgeous and plump on the mouth. It is drinking so well now. Similarly the 2017 ‘Old School’ (OB, 93) had a lot of depth and flavor complexity from this slightly cooler vintage. I love there the 2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring’ Syrah (OB, 95) is showing right now. This wine is a beautiful tribute to Wells’s parents.

Learn more about these amazing wines at https://www.timeanddirectionwines.com/ and here is my reviews of the older wines by Steve Wells and his Time & Direction brand.

2017 Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ White Wine - This is the first vintage of the golden-hued ‘Fretboard’ white wine. A blend of 60% Roussanne and the remainder Viognier all coming from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. Intense on the nose this delivers beeswax and honeysuckle alongside cantaloupe and shades of green papaya. Super fresh and lithe with a polished texture, what an outstanding bottling from a slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2018 Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ White Wine- This 2018 edition is 100% Viognier from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Stored in all stainless steel, this offers lychee, white tea, lemongrass and shades of cashew nut on the nose. Super fresh and lively, brimming with bright acidity, this leads with rich orchard and citrus fruit flavors that mingle well with the smooth mouthfeel on the palate. 13.3% alcohol. Drink 2025-2030- 92

2018 Time & Direction ‘Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Select Start’ Rose- The pale colored 2018 Time & Direction ‘Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A Select Start’ Rose offers delicate red florals with honeydew melon, orange zest and suggestions of strawberry Starburst candy. The palate is smooth and delicate with gorgeous nuance and a refined texture. This is a gorgeous rendition of this wine that is aging gracefully. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2016 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- Very smoky and savory on the nose, the 2016 ‘Old School’ Syrah was the first wine that Steve Wells made on his own. This has a touch of Viognier co-fermented. Honeysuckle and smoked pork shoulder aromatics combine with soy sauce and stony minerals on the nose. The palate is plush and soft with a refined texture. Gorgeous now, with great texture and freshness considering its age, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2017 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Old School’ has 5% Viognier blended in. It is neatly floral alongside shades of white pepper dusted bacon, Oyster sauce and suggestions of wild blackberry with Mandarin orange zest. This is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘Old School’ is all Syrah and doesn’t have any Viognier blended in but has some Eritage Vineyard fruit blended in. This is a stunning edition of this wine and brings serious weight, poise and flavor density. Very savory with an herbal edge, this offers a great core of dark fruits that combine with suggestions of black plum. Vibrant and showing serious tension, with a great sense of salinity and stony essence, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2019 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- The 2019 is 100% Syrah from the Solaksen Vineyard. This is salty and savor  stuff with a smooth mouthfeel and good depth considering the coolness of the vintage. Bright and acid-driven, this offers great loganberry flavors that meld well with smoked meats and Earl Grey tea. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2020 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Old School’ Syrah comes off remarkably clean with lighter bodied black fruits that mingle well with soldering stones and shades of black olives on the palate. Drink now. Drink 2025-2029- 91

2021 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah- The sensational 2021 Time & Direction ‘Old School’ Syrah comes from the Corfu Crossings Vineyard. This edition has 7% Viognier blended in. Gorgeous white florals mark the nose alongside red currants, shades of black tea and exotic spices with smoked meats. The palate is plush and mineral-laden with serious freshness and texture. This still has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2017 Time & Direction ‘Bruce’s Island Reserve’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Bruce’s Island Reserve’ comes from the Solaksen Vineyard and has 5% Viognier blended in. The florals pop with honeysuckle notes that combine with smoked brisket, tar and pipe tobacco leaf notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is rich and viscous with serious tension and smoky/savory with black olives, bacon fat and boysenberry preserves. Well-done! Drink 2025-2033- 95

2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring Reserve’ Syrah- The gorgeous 2018 ‘Wellspring’ Syrah was made for Steve Wells’s parents. The wine comes off very smoky and savory with bay leaf and shades of Kalamatta olive that mingle well with beef brisket and suggestions of wild blackberry. The palate is tension-filled, showing loads of mouth-watering acidity. A gorgeous wine from a great vintage, this is really hitting its stride now — and has a long way to go. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2019 Time & Direction ‘Sol’ Syrah- The 2019 ‘Sol’ Syrah has 5% Viognier blended in. The wine offers dense dark fruits with espresso bean, chocolate and shades of stony accents. The palate is plush with a smooth mouthfeel and great sense of flavor density. Generous and broad-shouldered, brimming with underlying acidity, this is a gorgeous wine made from a somewhat difficult vintage. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2020 Time & Direction ‘P&S Reserve’ Syrah- The ‘P&S Reserve’ comes entirely from the Eritage Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. This is fresh and fragrant stuff, offering bright red fruits with tar, tobacco leaf and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2029- 91

2023 Time & Direction ‘Sol’ Syrah- Coming from this warm vintage, the 2023 ‘Sol’ has 5% Viognier blended in. Very floral with red rose petals and orange blossom notes this combines with wet stone, Umami, and suggestions of white pepper dusted brisket. This is beautifully balanced and textured wine that has a ton of potential, with loads of salinity and minerality. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2018 Time & Direction ‘Diamond Cutter’ Syrah- This is nearly all Syrah with 5% Mourvèdre blended in. This offers a glorious combination of red and dark fruits on the nose alongside Hoisin sauce and suggestions of orange zest. This is wonderfully smoky and meaty, offering blood orange zest notes that combine wth salty minerals. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Time & Direction ‘Tri Force’ Syrah- A blend of three different vineyards, the 2023 ‘Tri Force’ comes from the Eritage, Patina and Solaksen Vineyards. This is gorgeous, mineral-laden Syrah that has some killer cellaring potential. Lip-smacking acidity mingle with saline drenched tart dark fruits with chocolate and shades of dark raspberry. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Holocene

Today we share some of the finest wines of Oregon. Holocene began in 2015 and the new releases come from the warm 2023 vintage — one that was hot but had few major heat spikes. 2023 continues a long line of warmer vintages in Oregon, -- years like ’16, ’18, ’20 and now ’23. Regardless of vintage winemaker Todd Alexander has crafted consistently great wines for this brand. I’ve now tried every vintage of this wine and I have also found that the wines have gotten better and better.

I love the 2023 Holocene ‘Memorials’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which has terrific depth and flavor density from this site in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Learn more about this awesome Oregon outpost at http://holocenewines.com Here are the beautiful new 2023 release wines by Holocene. 

2023 Holocene ‘Memorials’ Pinot Noir- Initially first made in 2015, the 2023 ‘Memorialis’ is a 360 case production wine from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. It is 100% whole-cluster fermented and stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This is concentrated, gorgeous stuff, loaded with crunchy red fruits that parade with menthol, white pepper, exotic spices and shades of blood orange zest. Full-bodied and beautifully-textured, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Give this 30 plus minutes in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2023 Holocene ‘Sidereal’ Pinot Noir- The astonishingly good and very pure 2023 ‘Sidereal’ is 100% Pommard clone Pinot Noir that was all whole-cluster fermented. It is sourced from a small, 7-acre parcel in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Guava puree and Yakima cherry notes mark the nose alongside suggestions of cardamom dusted orange peel and salty soils. A bright salinity bursts through the core of pure red fruits, alongside crushed wet rock, and peat moss accents on the palate. Showing really good length and viscosity, this is a marvelous warm-vintage showing that is already nicely evolved. Just give this about 30 minutes in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2025-2040- 96