Pommery

It was visionary Madame Louise Pommery, who took over Pommery in 1858. She quickly helped Pommery become dedicated to high-quality champagne, and in 1874, they created the first commercially successful brut (dry) champagne, changing the market forever. The company also transformed Gallo-Roman chalk quarries into extensive, 18 km-long cellars for aging champagne. 
They have a range of wines including their top wine, the ‘Cuvee Louise’ which is typically deep, rich and irresistible. I love the new lineup. The NV ‘Brut Apanage’ (OB, 92) has terrific density and mouthfeel. It benefits from some extra aging and is delightful to savor now. The 2006 ‘Cuvee Louise’ (OB, 95) is a fully mature champagne that is right at peak. It is a marvelous wine that I have enjoyed time and time again in the Concorde Room at Terminal 5 for British Airways. Learn more at https://www.champagnepommery.com/pommery-house and here are my reviews of the new Pommery wines.

NV Pommery ‘Brut Royal’ Champagne- The NV ‘Brut Royal’ is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It is light on its feet with biscuit and yellow plum flavors alongside salty minerals and juicy pear notes. Drink 2025-2030- 90

NV Pommery ‘Brut Apanage’ Champagne- The NV ‘Brut Apanage’ comes from 12 different crus, and is comprised of 45% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is richer than the ‘Brut Royal’ and comes off juicy and delicious with rich melon and citrus fruits that combine with toasted shortbread and hazelnut notes. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2006 Pommery ‘Cuvee Louise’ Champagne- An amazing wine from a tough vintage, the 2006 ‘Louise’ is dense and fat on the mouth, with only a faint effervescence. Candied ginger, salted and buttered French bread and shades of red raspberry all combine with a terrific viscosity, weight and length. Very salty and heady, enjoy this beautiful wine now when it is right at its peak. A blend of 65% Chardonnay and the remainder Pinot Noir. Drink 2025-2031- 95

Renato Ratti

For more than 50 years Renato Ratti has been a stalwart in Barolo. Their vineyards spread across approx. 50 hectares, divided among 6 estates, located in La Morra, Mango, Costigliole d’Asti, and Dogliani. Renato Ratti is celebrated as the father of the cru system in Barolo  and in 2025 his museum was made. It is located within the ancient cellars of the Annunziata Monastery in La Morra “to give the Alba region a museum dedicated to its wines.” It was, in fact, the first museum in the Langhe region specifically devoted to the history of local winemaking.

I love the wines from this historic winery. They are classically made and focus on nuance and texture. I adored the 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ Barolo (OB, 96) which shows ultra-pure red fruits with gorgeous red florals. It is a total stunner that is remarkably good in its youth. Learn more at https://www.ratti.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Ratti wines.

2021 Renato Ratti ‘Marcenasco’ Barolo- The world-class 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Marcenasco’ Barolo is a sensational release. It opens with a heady bouquet of cranberry and mulling spices alongside Mandarin orange zest and gorgeous red florals. The palate is tannic and mineral-laden, with worn leather and damp soil notes alongside peat moss and black truffle shavings. Showing fantastic finesse and texture, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ Barolo- The 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ comes from vines set on blue marl soil with some layers of sand. It is very translucent in the glass, offering a lush mouthfeel. Layers of very pretty red cherry and loganberry fruits combine with kumquat rind, salty soils and shades of red licorice on the palate, with herbal accents. This is very light on its feet and is remarkably delicious to consume in its youth. Drink 2026-2043- 96

Elentone

Today we introduce the outstanding sparkling wines of Elentone. One of. The awesome houses winery out of Woodinville, Washington, Elentone winemaker Chris Sherry hails from Brighton in southern England. Sherry is an fervent Brighton football supporter and shares the same passion for sparkling wines. He has formerly trained under Morgan Lee at Two Vintners.
Wines are made 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 2021 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which has an outstanding mousse and texture. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.

2021 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- coming from the Clos Cheval Vineyard, this is 83% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. The wine was stored on the lees for three years before disgorgement in August 2025 and this was given zero dosage. Biscuit and honeydew melon mark the nose alongside yellow plum. This has terrific body and weight with a refined mousse and loads melon and citrus fruits, with great salty nuance. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Elentone ‘Shadowplay’ Rose Sparkling Wine- Coming from the Rainmaker Vineyard, the 2021 ‘Shadowplay’ is a zero dosage Rose sparkling wine that was aged three years on the lees. This is big and rich with an elegant mousse and great underlying finesse. Bright cranberry and red raspberry fruits collide with loads of salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2019 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine- Aged for five years on the lees, the gorgeous 2019 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Clos Cheval Vineyard in the Lake Chelan AVA. This combines 84% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. The bouquet is gorgeous. Honey and shades of saline drenched mixed nuts combine with delicate red fruits on the nose. The palate is heady and delicious with plenty of power, saline topped citrus and melon fruits alongside nutty and damp earth nuances. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Cote Nicault

Today we share a very limited production wine made by one of Washington’s top winemakers. Cote Nicault is a story all about winemaker Gilles Nicault, whose family has a history in agriculture dating back to the 1930s in Africa. Growing up Gilles was exposed to the great wines of the Rhone Valley by his father who was an enophile, particularly enjoying the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Gilles became infatuated with those wines as well and made the decision to study winemaking and viticulture at the acclaimed University of Avignon. Gilles decided to move to the United States and he landed in Walla Walla back in 1994, working for Woodward Canyon. Studying under the guidance of eminent Washington wine icon Rick Small he knew there was unparalleled potential in Washington wine. Washington wine visionary Allen Shoupe hired him as the first and only winemaker for Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, and for many years he has served as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture there, making some of the finest wines that Washington State has to offer.

Côte Nicault is a limited production, Rhone inspired wine that Gilles makes each year. The wine is all about balance between Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah having near equal parts of all three. It is a very different wine to the Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ — one with more finesse, subtlety and nuance. I absolutely love the new 2022 Côte Nicault Red Wine (OB, 97) which is arguably the finest rendition of this wine. Get your hands on this as soon as you can, as only about 500 cases of this wine are made. Learn more about these great wine at https://www.cotenicault.com and here is the great new future release by Côte Nicault.

2022 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Grenache- This 100% varietal wine all comes from the WeathereEye vineyard on the top of the ridge. This shows classic yarrow and Provencale herbal character on the nose alongside shades of wild strawberry and fresh sage. The palate is plush and shows amazing volume, with refined tannins. A massive core of red and dark fruits parade wth chocolate dusted mandarin orange zest and herbal accents. Made in two new puncheons with light toast. Drink 2025-2035- 98

2022 Cote Nicault Red Wine-  Is sourced from mainly the Red Haven Vineyard on Red Mountain. 38% Mourvèdre with 31% Grenache with the remainder Syrah. Inky in the glass, this shows off smoked brisket and tar notes alongside violets, dark currants and shades of Kalamata olive tapenade. The palate is impeccably balanced with plenty of mid-palate depth and viscosity. Drink 2025-2035- 97

Turnbull

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

The new 2023 Turnbull ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) is a beautiful new bottling with excellent poise and texture. Learn more at www.turnbullwines.com Here is my review of the new Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon.

2023 Turnbull ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows garrigue and dark currants on the nose alongside espresso grounds. The palate is fresh and nicely textured with good weight and balance. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Ambassador

Today we show off the wines of Ambassador that began more than twenty years ago in 2004. Under the vineyard management of Dick Boushey, the Ambassador Vineyard is a warm site planted to a host of varietals, from Grenache to Cabernet Sauvignon. Ambassador has a tasting room in the Woodinville Warehouse District which is a wonderful spot to try their awesome range of wines. Winemaker consultant Tom Rinaldi, formerly with Provenance and Hewitt wineries in Napa, makes a brilliant range of wines from this estate vineyard. I really liked the last few sets of wines which are very well-balanced. Check out the 2023 Ambassador ‘Envoy’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which captures the art of blending neatly. Learn more about this great lineup of wines at http://www.ambassadorwinery.com Here are the new 2023 wines by Ambassador Wines of Washington

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Grenache opens with red florals with lavender, tobacco leaf and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and open with a refined mouthfeel and loads of juicy red fruit flavors. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Syrah offers medium-bodied blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors alongside sagebrush accents. Loaded with minerals, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Malbec- The 2023 Malbec by Ambassador is nicely concentrated stuff, showing off black tea and exotic spice notes with blackberry compote and damp soils. It is medium to full-bodied and fresh, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Plenipotentiary’ Malbec- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Plenipotentiary’ Malbec delivers blueberry compote, smoke and wafts of dark currants on the nose with scorched earthy accents. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied with good freshness. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Envoy’ Red Wine- This 2023 ‘Envoy’ is composed of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This is round on the mouth with good tension. Black currants, pipe tobacco and damp soils all parade with a graphite edge on the plate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Minister’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Minister’ combines mainly Merlot (58%) with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Green herbs and graphite mark the nose alongside dense dark fruits. The palate is elegant and smooth with medium-bodied dark fruits and Arabica bean notes. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 100% varietal 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon delvers anise, fresh sage and shades of creme de cassis on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of finesse. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate Plenipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Estate Plenipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off blackberry compote, tar, and anise seed notes on the nose. The palate is rich and layered with a smooth texture and good underlying tension, with salty mineral accents. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Sunset Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2023 ‘Sunset Vineyard’ comes from a small site on Red Mountain, planted to Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon. Tar, scorched earth and dense dark fruits with chocolate accents all line the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel, and good sense of length and finesse. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc shows off dried herbs on the nose with yellow bell pepper and black currants. The palate is soft and elegant, as this drinks smoothly throughout the experience. Medium-bodied, with good freshness, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Diplomat’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Diplomat’ combines 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. It is soft and medium-bodied with dark fruits that parade with mocha, tar and shades of damp gravel on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

Ram's Gate

With its beginnings in 2011, Ram’s Gate is perched on a hillside where the San Francisco Bay meets the edges of Napa and Sonoma counties. It is a beautiful spot to taste wine. Ram’s Gate sources from some incredible sites including ‘Hyde’ and ‘Gap’s Crown’ Vineyards.

Winemaker Joe Nielsen spent ten years at Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa before becoming Director of Winemaking at Ram’s Gate in 2018. He loves making wines from his special estate vineyard that is very windy and produces very small, concentrated berries. The new wines come from the late, 2023 vintage, which produced some world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Don’t miss the new 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is dense and flavorful stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Learn more about this great estate at https://ramsgatewinery.com Here are the great new wines by Ram’s Gate.

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Pinot Blanc- The outstanding 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Pinot Blanc comes from their estate vineyard and shows rich melon and lychee notes on the nose alongside shades of walnut. The palate is plush and rich with an outstanding sense of texture and verve. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next six years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Sauvignon Blanc also comes from young vines at their estate vineyard. The wine utilizes two clonal selections including Musque. The wine was barrel fermented (10% new), showing off nutmeg dusted shortbread and peach notes alongside musty undertones. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished mouthfeel and a great sense of richness with melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ comes from several sites across this AVA. Reductive notes and sea salt dusted melon mark the nose alongside ripe pineapple and suggestions of freshly cut limes. The palate is fresh and viscous with a terrific mouthfeel and loads of salty minerals. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Cellar Note’ is a cuvee that combines a range of barrels. White peach and star jasmine combine with shades of mango on the nose. The palate is fresh and viscous with great length. Enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Bucher Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from the Russian River Valley, the 2023 ‘Butcher Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers lemongrass and shades of honeysuckle on the nose with juicy melon fruits. The palate is plush and round with a great sense of texture. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is made from both Montrachet and Robert Young clonal selections. This location tends to be easy ripening. Golden in color, this is round, generous and broad-shouldered with a great sense of body and underlying fitness. Dense melon and citrus fruits combine with suggestions of persimmon on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is one of the famed sites in the Carneros region. Stored in mainly neutral French oak, this bottling is driven by clone 114 and also has Robert Young clone Chardonnay. Golden in the glass, this opens with aromatics of Japanese pear and shades of baking spices alongside caramel. The palate is viscous and dense with great minerality, weight and length. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- An amazing new bottling, the 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay comes from this Carneros location. Ripe mango and pineapple combine with baking spice laced pastry crust on the nose. The palate is refined and dense with loads of salty minerals alongside dense melon fruits. Weighty and intense, this is incredible stuff to enjoy in its youth — and will live on for at least another decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Cellar Note’ comes from a range of locations across Sonoma. Right away this opens with cardamom and cloves alongside cran-cherry and damp earthy accents. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied with good finesse. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir comes from several locations in this AVA. The wine had a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. This opens with ripe raspberry and red cherry notes alongside salted orange. The palate is round and mineral-laden with good finesse. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘El Diablo’ was sourced from two separate clonal selections in the ‘El Diablo Vineyard.’ The nose offers downright killer red florals alongside wild mushroom, damp earth and tangerine zest. The palate is fresh and dense with a great core of red and dark fruits with great earthy tones and refined tannins. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Bush Crispo Vineyard’ PInot Noir- The ‘Rush Crispo Vineyard’ is a small, 4 acre vineyard entirely sourced from Ram’s Gate, located on River Road, not far from Martinelli Vineyard. This is Pommard and 115 clonal selection Pinot Noir. The palate is smooth and vicious with cooking spices, damp earth and shades of black cherry compote. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gunsalus Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Gunsalus Vineyard’ is a site located in the Russian River Valley that neighbors a Dutton Vineyard, west of the town of Grayton.

. This opens with red florals on the nose alongside satsuma orange zest, white pepper and hints of loamy soils. The palate is plush and rich with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of tension. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Barbed Oak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Barbed Oak Vineyard’ comes from this location in the Bennett Valley that is set on gravel soils with steep slopes. The nose offers cloves and white pepper alongside shades of red currants. The palate has hints of cola, with great flavor density and underlying tension, loaded with salty minerals. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this famed location that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. This shows beautiful red rose petals on the nose with tangerine peel, damp salty soils and shades of red raspberry preserves. The palate is rich and dense with amazing tension and refined tannins. Mainly whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- An amazing wine in 2023, the Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from this windy and cooler site in the Carneros AVA. There are new plantings of Pinot Noir that are blended into the estate wine. Cinnamon and cloves mingle well with loamy soils and shades of guava puree on the nose. The palate is dense and rich with a terrific melange of red and dar fruits. Loaded with tension and salty nuance, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. From a certified organic vineyard. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed Carneros site, the 2023 ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah. This is inky in the glass, delivering aromatics of beef drippings, orange peel and iodine alongside blueberry compote. The palate is dense and delicious with heady dark and blue fruits alongside tar, menthol and shades of green peppercorns. Nearly all whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Richard’s Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Richard’s Vineyard’ Syrah is brooding in the glass. This saw 31 months of barrel age before bottling. The wine was 100% whole cluster fermented. Creosote and black licorice notes combine with shades of white pepper dusted brisket. The palate is inky and dense with a sensational mouthfeel and great sense of flavor density. Only 175 cases made of this beauty. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Berler Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Berler Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and tobacco leaf on the nose alongside shades of red bell pepper and blackberry compote. The palate is dense and delicious with creme de violette notes. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Isenhower

Today we share a Walla Walla stalwart winery. Founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower Isenhower was the 18th winery in Walla Walla. Denise has served as general manager while her husband has been serving as the winemaker. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated. They built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. Currently Isenhower Cellars produces 7,500 cases a year.

I was really impressed with the new Isenhower wines. Check out the 2022 Isenhower ‘Wallula Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous with great floral character. Learn more about this great winery at https://isenhowercellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Isenhower wines.

2024 Isenhower ‘Francisca’s Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2024 Isenhower ‘Francisca’s Vineyard’ Viognie offers fragrant honeysuckle and white peach on the nose alongside shades of wet stone. The palate offers racy acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this esteemed location in Oregon, the 2022 Isenhower ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows translucent in the glass. Rocky soils and red florals mark the nose alongside juicy strawberry. The palate is juicy with a soft mouthfeel and loads of refreshing acidity. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache comes from the Yakima Valley and has 18% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah blended in. This shows up light on its feet, loaded with bright red fruits with citrus zest, crushed gravel and shades of bergamot on the palate, with smoky undertones. This is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Rouleur’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Rouleur’ is Yakima Valley from mainly the Tudor Vineyard as well as from the Olsen Ranch. Smoked brisket and black florals fill the nose alongside suggestions of kumquat rind and rich red fruits. The palate is soft and brimming with acidity, as this medium-bodied beauty is drinking nicely now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Isenhower ‘Wild Thyme’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Wild Thyme; combines 43% Merit with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It comes off medium-bodied with black currants, tar and tobacco leaf flavors that mingle well with salty minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon has small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Dried herbs and creosote mark the nose alongside pence lead, creme de cassis and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is juicy, brimming with acidity, as this is drinking nicely now. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Wallula Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this acclaimed site in the Horse Heaven Hills, this is dense, pillowy and soft on the mouth with bright acidity. Layers of creme de violette, tar, anise and shades of red bell pepper all collide with chocolate pie undertones and pencil lead on the palate. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 Isenhower ‘Road Less Traveled’ Cabernet Franc-Sourced from the Wallula Vineyard, this 2022 Cabernet Franc delivers medium bodied dark currant flavors alongside green peppercorns, orange bell pepper and Arabica bean on the palate. Fresh, fleshy and filled with bright acidity, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Isenhower ‘A Bloc’ Malbec- The 2021 ‘A Bloc’ Malbec has 8% Petit Verdot blended in. It is inky in the glass, offering violets, tar and black licorice flavors alongside a smooth mouthfeel and a graphite edge on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92

Pott Wines

Today we share one of the brilliant talents in the Napa Valley. Aaron Pott built an illustrious winemaking resume as he took his studies at University of California, Davis, across the pond to Bordeaux. Pott was chosen to serve as winemaker at famed Right Bank house Château Troplong Mondot and later director of Château La Tour Figeac. Pott wanted to return to the Napa Valley and make world class Cabernet Sauvignon there, and served as Beringer’s “flying winemaker” making wine in France, Italy and Chile, later taking over as winemaker at St. Clement in 2001. Aaron was then named winemaker at Quintessa in 2004 which was the same year that he brilliantly purchased a 76 acre (.2 acres planted) property on Mt. Veeder and began to develop their own vineyards. 2007 marked the birth of Pott Wines and as the first vintage of Incubo was created. This has been an incredibly popular brand, producing wines that have a beginning, middle and an end, with power and beautiful finesse. This is far from overblown Napa.

These wines are incredibly consistent. I love the 2023 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite with a Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is marvelously earthy and has dense dark fruits. Check out the 2023 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is dense and delicious stuff coming from the Remedium Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.pottwine.com/ Here are my tasting notes for the new Pott Wines.

2023 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite With A Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir- The amazing 2023 ‘Dynamite With A Laser Beam’ comes from the Elswick Vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Damp salty soils and white truffle shavings mark the nose alongside boysenberry fruit tones. The palate is rich and elegant with serious tension and a terrific flavor density. This is layered and complex Pinot Noir that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2023 Pott Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ Red Wine- The 2023 Pott Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ Red Wine offers heady red and dark fruits with chocolate fudge and fresh sage notes. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of finesse, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Syrah- The outstanding 2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Syrah shows loads of tension with salty and stony nuances alongside dense fig and dark chocolate notes. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Th really good 2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Zinfandel shows bramble, black cherry compote and loganberry preserves on the palate, with plenty of stony minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Stacked’ Red Wine comes from the Remedium Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Inky in the glass, this offers amazing flavor density with black currants, tar, anise and creme de cassis on the palate. Full-boded and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 97

DeLille Cellars 'Grand Ciel' Vertical Tasting

Today we share one of the greats of Woodinville. DeLille Cellars is a historic Washington winery that helped put both Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style white wine on the new world map for the state. Meeting with director of winemaking Jason Gorski, we shared our thoughts on what was a spectacular vertical tasting of their ‘Grand Ciel’ which comes from their estate holdings on Red Mountain. The Grand Ciel Syrah is a single clone (383) wine that comes from their site on Red Mountain. Stem inclusion was added after 2020 (small amount). The wine has been traditionally stored in 35-40% new French oak.

They are doing a gift set of three vintages of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon each, which is only available for purchase at their Woodinville and Seattle locations. “I wanted to be sure we had a warmer vintage in there and the ‘12s are at the point where we want customers to enjoy” said Gorski.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is also a single clone wine from a single block at the Grand Ciel vineyard. The wine is always stored in 100% new French oak before bottling. “By 2017 we are close to half native fermentation and by ’22 it is all native fermented.” Gorski described the 2012 drinking right now at peak with some secondary notes. I completely agreed.

Out of the tasting, I am enamored by the 2012 ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is one of the finest wines from this vintage that I have recently enjoyed. This one is right at its peak. Learn more at DeLillecellars.com and here are my reviews of the ‘Grand Ciel’ wines by DeLille.

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah opens with smoked brisket notes on the nose with black olives, black licorice and gorgeous purple rose petals. The palate is well-structured, fresh, dense and delicious, loaded with chocolate and dark fruits, with Christmas spices. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on black plum, Asian spices and Earl Grey tea alongside dark chocolate shavings. The palate is dense and plush with a refined mouthfeel and loads of rich black fruits. This is extraordinarily good to drink right now. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah-- An outstanding, fresh new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was aged in mainly neutral oak (38% new French oak) prior to bottling. Beef drippings, green peppercorns and mocha flavors combine with creosote notes on the nose. The palate is both mineral-laden and viscous with a round mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Salty, savory and herbal, the highly Bordelaise 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine that is really peaking right now. Bay leaf and red bell pepper notes combine with fresh sage and black currants. The palate is dense and harmonious, with a refined mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another decadent bottling, the 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon. It is dense and delicious, powerful stuff that is like a iron fist in a velvet glove. Elegant tannins frame a gorgeous core of Black Forest cake alongside loganberry compote, graphite and shades of sagebrush. This still has a long road ahead of it. Drink 2025-2037- 96

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off very fresh and elegant, with terrific flavor density considering the coolness of the vintage. This is fat and round on the mouth, with plenty of roasted fig, blackberry and black cherry flavors that combine wth serious freshness. This is just a baby that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2042- 96

Smith-Madrone

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

I love the  2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling (OB, 93) which is concentrated and highly complex. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://www.smithmadrone.com Here are the great new releases from Smith-Madrone.

2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling- Sourced from the Spring Mountain District, the outstanding 2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling shows serious texture, weight and nerve from this warmer vintage. Ripe peach and kerosene flavors collide with green apples and copious minerals on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2033- 93

Pursued By Bear

It is my pleasure to bring you the wines of one of Washington State’s most famous actors, Kyle MacLachlan. Originally from Yakima, MacLachlan probably best known for his major role in the hit ‘90s drama, Twin Peaks which also returned to television several years back. MacLachlan this year was in one of the hottest TV series of the last year, Fallout. This is a must-watch program that has some tremendous acting. I am really excited for the new season!

MacLachlan relies on one of Washington’s great winemakers, Dan Wampfler, of Abeja fame, to craft his wines. For the second year in a row I assigned a perfect 100 point score to their ‘Skysill’ Cabernet Sauvignon. The new wines come from a range of sites across the Columbia Valley.

Check out the 2022 Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which is generous and dense and has some seriously good aging potential. This one is everything you want in Columbia Valley Cabernet. Learn more about this awesome project out of Washington at http://www.pursuedbybearwine.com/ Here are the great new wines by actor Kyle MacLachlan and his winery, Pursued By Bear.

2024 Pursued By Bear ‘Twin Bear’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, the 2024’Twin Bear’ was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. It comes off ripe, juicy and loaded with tension. Fleshy and rich mango and melon fruits collide with sea salt dusted pastry crust on the palate. Highly enjoyable now, watch this evolve over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon has 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot blended in. Mostly sourced from the Les Collines Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley as well as the Dionysus and Sagemoor vineyards in the White Bluffs AVA, this opens with a beautiful bouquet of sandalwood and potpourri that meld well with Asian spices, dark currants and hints of milk chocolate. The palate is round and generous with terrific flavor density, yielding cloves and dense dark fruits with a graphite edge. Glorious now, this will easily cellar for another decade. Drink 2025-2036- 94

Rex Hill

Today we share the story of Rex Hill that dates back to1992 and continues to share their legacy today. Winemaker Michael Davies has a longstanding history making Pinot Noir. Originally from a small town in New Zealand, Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Scandinavian Studies and Political Science at the University of Auckland leading to some unusual jobs, before returning to Lincoln University for a post-graduate diploma in Viticulture & Enology. Prior to joining Rex Hill and A to Z, he served as Vineyard Manager and Assistant Winemaker for 6 years at Chehalem, as well as in Burgundy, California, the Hunter Valley of Australia and numerous regions of New Zealand. 

I really enjoy the new Rex Hill ‘Seven Soils’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which brilliantly speaks to the vintage with its good richness and great sense of texture. This is a sure bet for any serious lover of Oregon Chardonnay. Learn more about these great wines at rexhill.com

2022 Rex Hill ‘Seven Soils’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Seven Soils’ was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This comes from a range of locations throughout the willamette valley. It is nicely textured stuff with clove laced pastry crust, banana, salty soils and shades of juicy peach on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Rex Hill ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Rex Hill ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir delivers lighter bodied red fruits with fresh sage and satsuma orange zest on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

Willamette Valley Vineyards

It is my pleasure to bring you one of the great historic wineries in Oregon. Willamette Valley Vineyards founder, Jim Bernau, bought the estate back in 1983 and planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) as well as Pinot Gris. Bernau took winemaking classes at UC Davis and finally started the winery full time in 1989. Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown considerably in the past 20 years, as they merged with Bill Fuller of Tualatin Vineyards (established in 1973), the O'Briens for Elton Vineyard (established in 1983) and Loeza Vineyard (planted in 2015). They make a fabulous range of wines.

I love the new 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Bernau Block’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is a dense and delicious bottling with some great aging potential. Here are the new releases from Willamette Valley Vineyards and learn more at http://wvv.com

2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards White Pinot Noir- A really great bottling, the 2023 White Pinot Noir offers nutty and baking spice nuances on the palate, with white peach and hints of star jasmine water. Complex and earthy, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Whole Cluster’ Pinot Noir shows bright and delicious strawberry, Bing cherry and cranberry fruit flavors on the palate, alongside dusty soils. Salty and savory, enjoy now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Bernau Block’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Bernau Block’ comes from the first 15 acres of Pinot Noir planted by Jim Bernau back in 1983. It is lively and tasty, bursting with bright red fruits, with hints of peach, baking spices and suggestions of fresh thyme, alongside orange zest nuances. Complex and delicious, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Passing Time

Evening friends! Tonight we share one of the outstanding producers of red wines in Washington State. But did you know that they also make a world-class Chardonnay? Passing Time was founded by NFL legends Dan Marino and Damon Huard, utilizing the talents of famed winemaker Chris Peterson. This is clearly one of the state’s most electric wine brands. The wines have been amazing since their first 2012 vintage with Chris Peterson at the helm. Peterson was the first graduate of the Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and working at DeLille for eight years under legendary winemaker Chris Upchurch. He makes some incredible wines for Passing Time.

I love the new 2024 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is dense, viscous and filled with concentration. Learn more about this fantastic  boutique winery at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my reviews of the new Passing Time wines. And GO DAWGS!

2024 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Columbia Valley’ by Passing Time comes from the Weinbau and Connor Lee as well as the Spanish Castle, Boushey and Frenchman Hills Vineyards. Stored in 60% new French oak, this comes off unctuous and round on the mouth, with a silky mouthfeel. The palate is dense and viscous with lemon rind dusted shortbread, banana, mango and suggestions of Japanese pear on the palate. Showing gobs of salty minerals, with glorious length and verve, this beauty will sure live on for another eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

REVIEW: American Airlines First Class LAX to Seattle, A Very Meh Flight

American Airlines is currently the largest world airline and a member of the oneworld alliance. There are nearly 1K aircraft in its fleet, as I flew on an American Eagle plane which is a regional carrier for American. This flight left from a tiny commuter terminal at LAX which was really hard to find and a long way from Terminal 4, the main hub for American Airlines.

Seat: As you can see there is not a lot of leg room in First Class. My knees were nearly hitting the end. There was no acknowledgment of my oneworld Emerald Status on check-in or during the flight. I also had no access to the American Airlines lounge despite my Emerald status, being that I am an Alaska Airlines status holder.

The seat is a similar seat to the rest of the coach class on this small plane. First class is a 1-2 configuration so I was sitting by myself in 1A. I had originally booked a seat in 4A but there was really no difference in room between the two seats. There are seat chargers on the seat but they did not work properly.

First Class Vs. Coach: First class has a meal compared to coach where you have to pay for drinks and meals. I found the meal quality to be incredible poor despite this, as was the drinks list which you will see. American Airlines advertises more legroom and room than the coach cabin but you don’t really see this as a passenger.

I decided to look through the in flight entertainment which was only provided by the American Airlines app. If you do not have the app then obviously you have zero entertainment.

I was impressed how poor the American Airlines drink list was. The wine options were horrible. They did have some basic spirits selection but not having a basic, palatable wine selection is really poor. Flying the same day in Alaska Airlines First Class there was at least some better wine choices. I would have liked to enjoy a glass of afternoon wine but that quite simply was not an option.

As I admired the very basic seat I saw that I was surrounded in filth. The seat itself was incredibly unclean and needed a deep cleaning desperately. Food was trapped all over the corners of the seat.

Service: Service was very slow. Some of the staff were trying to make the customers happy while others seemed like they could care less about providing service. This was consistent with what passengers experience in other US carriers. It was absolutely no surprise to me.

They did disappear for a long time in the galley and were chatting for much of the trip. It took a long time for my water glass to be refilled. Overall, I would give the service a D+, slightly ahead of Spirit Airlines.

Food: Food quality was incredibly poor. The wrap they had was essentially inedible and dry. I had a bite and then decided against any further torment. The bean salad pictured was mushy and also inedible. The plastic cutlery was poor and they just dropped the box on my lap.

I did not expect a great meal, but a hot meal on a 3 hour flight would be a nice idea. I was impressed how poor the overall food quality was in that nicely-wrapped box. It was like receiving a gift-wrapped box of half-eaten fruit salad for Christmas.

Bottom Line: Overall, this was a really unimpressive flight. I was somewhat looking forward to trying First Class on an American Airlines domestic flight, but the experience fell short in essentially every category. Some of the flight attendants were nice and seemed to be somewhat trying, while others sat in the galley and chatted the entire time. Food quality was incredibly poor. There was filth surrounding me everywhere on the seat. Unfortunately, these experiences seem to be endemic to essentially all US airline carriers where attitude, training, preparation and overall quality all miss the mark by a landslide.

Saviah Cellars

I love the wines of Saviah — a Walla Walla mainstay that was founded back in 2000, starting with only 300 cases produced. Saviah has been made famous particularly from their wines sourced from their two estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Saviah was started by winemaker Richard Funk and his wife, Anita, who are both natives of Montana who moved to Walla Walla in 1991 and later planted their first vineyard in 2001. Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother, a schoolteacher, artist and author, who settled in western Montana in the early 1900s. 

Several times I’ve toured their two great estate vineyards, ‘The Stones Speak’ and ‘The Funk Estate’ vineyards. With a foundation  in microbiology, Richard previously worked as the Environmental Health Specialist with the Walla Walla County Health Department and is a self-taught winemaker. Richard has assisted several wineries with their start-up processes and served as the winemaker for Watermill Winery from 2006-2009, àMaurice winery from 2005-2006 and also has served as a consulting winemaker for several new wineries.

Richard’s son, Jared, has been helping make the wines for several years now, training under his father. He shows some serious promise. I adored the 2023 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah (OB, 96) which is rich, complex and viscous with great stony essence. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.saviahcellars.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Saviah.

2024 Saviah Chenin Blanc- Coming from the Three Mile Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA, shows loads of texture and tension on the mouth. Layers of kiwi and gooseberry combine with suggestions of juicy white peach on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Saviah Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Saviah Chardonnay was sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. This is neatly-textured stuff with terrific finesse and loads of salty minerals. Pastry crust and shades of lemon cream combine with honeydew melon and baking spices on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2024 Saviah Viognier- Coming from the Saviah Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2024 Viognier delivers wet stone and melon fruits alongside shades of honeysuckle water and Japanese pear notes on the palate. Fresh and vibrant with a refined mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The really good 2023 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah delivers black olives and black tea alongside shades of boysenberry compote on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Saviah ‘G.S.M.’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘G.S.M.’ offers blood orange zest and wet stone on the nose with bright red fruits and beef brisket. The palate is juicy and silky with soft tannins and vibrant acidity, with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Saviah ‘Une Vallee’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Une Vallee’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Black tea and exotic spice notes collide with red bell pepper and beef drippings on the nose. The palate is fresh and refined with a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows up soft on the mouth, with soft tannins. Black currant, tar and tobacco leaf flavors mingle well with a graphite edge on the palate. Fresh and fragrant, showing black florals, this is already neatly defined stuff that will last for at least eight more years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Malbec- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Malbec offers Asian spices and huckleberry compote on the nose with gorgeous violet rose petals. The palate is plush and loaded with freshness, showing outstanding flavor density and excellent length. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Saviah ‘Hallowed Stones Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Hallowed Stones Vineyard’ Grenache  shows smoked pork shoulder with juicy red raspberry, charcuterie and hints of green olives on the nose, with pretty red florals. The palate is neatly textured with serious depth and concentration. A gorgeous wine that is already showing beautifully, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Saviah ‘Hunt & Gather’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Hunt & Gather’ combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah from the Funk Estate Vineyard. This shows great tension and texture, loaded with bright red and dark fruits, alongside shades of oyster sauce and stony accents on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Tempranillo- The 2022 ‘The Stones Speak’ Tempranillo has a small amount of Syrah blended in. Hoisin sauce and smoked brisket flavors combine with bright red fruits and Satsuma orange zest on the palate. This is fresh and delicious stuff that is best enjoyed over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The amazing 2022 ‘The Stones Speak’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this cobblestone-laden vineyard in the Rocks District. It is soft and juicy, loaded with stony character alongside oyster sauce, boysenberry compote and shades of red currants on the palate. Fresh and also dense, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Reseve’ was sourced from The Stones Speak and Funk Estate and Waterstone Estate Vineyards. The palate is dense and delicious, with a seamless mouthfeel and amazing flavor range. Smoked meats, soy sauce, white pepper dusted bacon and shades of blackberry compote all combine on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- Fresh and vibrant, the outstanding  2022  Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah offers green herbal tones alongside beef drippings, black currants and shades of black olive tapenade on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific tension and mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2033— 95

2023 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah- Just like the ’22 edition, the 2023 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah has 4% Viognier blended in. Inky in the glass, this shows off honeysuckle, coppa ham and suggestions of bulls blood with crushed wet rock, Umami and seaweed notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and beautifully-textured with concentrated black fruits, alongside serious tension and stony essence. Drink 2025-2033- 96

Kobayashi

Today we share one of the electric wine brands of the Pacific Northwest. Tasting with winemaker Travis Allen, he shared his 2024 and 2023 wines with me. “I really enjoy these vintages” he said. “’24 in particular was really good for whites” he explained.

I was spellbound by the shocking good 2024 Kobayashi Viognier (OB, 97) which is arguably the finest wine of its kind in Washington. This one is definitely upper echelon Vio.

As good as the ’24 Viognier was, the stunning ‘Minzunara’ bottling from 2023 was another perfect wine for me. “You’ll notice the barrel impact is considerably less” explained Allen. I found that sandalwood and cedar tones to really caress the beautiful floral and black fruit character of the Cabernet Franc. I think this is easily one of the best, if not the best Cabernet Franc made in the United States — really rivaling anything out of Napa or Sonoma right now. Elegant, seamless and full of tension and viscosity, try to get your hands on the scintillating 2023 ‘Mizunara’ Cabernet Franc. Learn more at https://kobayashiwinery.com and here are my reviews of the sensational new wines by Kobayashi winery. 

NV Kobayashi ‘Nikko’ Sparkling Wine- Coming from the Celilo Vineyard, this is 100% Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine that was planted back in 1973. Beautiful red fruits grace the nose alongside sourdough bread and shades of yellow plum. Zero dosage, this is concentrated and rich with terrific flavor density and great saline and nutty accents. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2024 Kobayashi Viognier- This 2024 Viognier was sourced from entirely the WeatherEye Vineyard.This was stored in a range of vessels including amphorae, stainless steel and even a glass orb (wine globe). Golden in the glass, this delivers yarrow and wild herbs that combine with yellow plum and marzipan notes. The palate is rich and viscous with serious tension and loads of wet stone character. Viscous and tense, very nervy, enjoy over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 97

2024 Kobayashi ‘Sans Soufre’ Cabernet Franc- The 2024 ‘Sans Soufre’ comes from old vines at the Red Willow Vineyard as this location is organically farmed. Stored and fermented in nearly all concrete, this offers violets and tar notes on the nose alongside bacon fat, and suggestions of wild blackberry pie. The palate is rich and concentrated with serious depth and finesse. A stunning wine made from this warm vintage, watch this evolve over the next six plus years. Only 300 bottles made. Drink 2025-2033- 97

2023 Kobayashi Cabernet Franc- Sourced from the Blue Mountain Vineyard, this 2023 Cabernet Franc opens with concentrated black fruits with Middle Eastern spices, orange bell pepper and shades of crushed mint. The palate is deep, viscous and unbelievably good with serious texture and shows great salty/stony nuance. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2023 Kobayashi ‘Mizunara’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 ‘Mizunara’ comes from old plantings at the Red Willow Vineyard. This wine was made in the third use barrel. Sandalwood notes combine with potpourri, anise and creme de cassis notes. The palate is plush and smooth with a seamless texture and sensational viscosity. This is unbelievable wine that has so much life ahead of it. Only 500 bottles made. Drink 2025-2050- 100

2023 Kobayashi Syrah- Entirely coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard, this has a touch of Viognier blended in. Stored in roughly 25% new French oak, this delivers bacon fat and green olive on the palate alongside salty nuances and crushed wet rocky notes. Concentrated, with loads of finesse, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 96

Cellar Selection: 2016 Chateau D'Issan

Today we share an outstanding house in Margaux. Chateau D’Issan remarkably dates back to a property fortress in the seigneury of La Mothe-Cantenac. This 12th century building was demolished five hundred years later by Baron d’Essenault when he inherited the estate. The Baron had the present property built, which today still has some beautiful medieval features, such as its imposing gateway, its towers and its moat, relics of its former defenses. A wall built in 1644 still surrounds the vineyard. The chateau is lived in today, having undergone several phases of renovation. In 1970, after the Cruse family undertook refurbishment work, the chateau was included on the French complementary list of historical buildings. The chateau name dates back to the Essenault family, who ended up renaming it, contracting their name to “Issan” and thus Château d’Issan was born. The property has been a 3rd Grand Cru Classe since the 1855 classification. During the period between the two World Wars, the estate was unfortunately left to deteriorate, but was reawakened by the Cruse family, owners since 1945. Under the management of Lionel Cruse, the chateau has been restored, the installations modified and the vineyard replanted. Since 1998 Lionel’s son Emmanuel Cruse has been making significant investments in the vines and cellars.

The property spans 67 total hectares including 52 hectares (109 acres) in Margaux, 5 hectares (7.5 acres) in Haut-Médoc and 10 hectares (24.5 acres) in Bordeaux Supérieur. Soils are well-draining gravel and 15-metre (50-foot) high alluvial hills, rounded by erosion.

I love the 2016 Chateau D’Issan (OB, 94) which is really stunning at the nine year mark. It shows the richness of this great vintage.  If enjoying now, give this a two to three hour decant. Here are my notes of the incredible 2016 from Chateau D’Issan.

2016 Chateau D’Issan Bordeaux- The 2016 D’Issan is a stunning blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. It was aged in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. Once on the nose this takes on layers of baking spices, anise, creme de cassis and wet gravel accents. The palate is medium to full-bodied with gorgeous dark fruits and dark florals that meld well with sandalwood and rocky accents. This should easily go for another twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2045- 95

Valette

Welcome to November, friends. Today we share one of the electric newer wine brands on the West Coast. Chef Dustin Valette not only runs his namesake restaurant (https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/  4.7 on Google!) but also curates a limited-production wine brand with bottlings made by some of the greatest talents in California wine: Jesse Katz, David Ramey and Tom Rochioli.

I have tasted several rounds of his wines. They are truly outstanding. Do not miss out on the 2010 Valette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Champagne (OB, 94) which is dense and rich, as this spent a whopping 14 years en tirage. I love the 2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a stunning Chardonnay by David Ramey. Here are my reviews of the new releases by Valette. Learn more at https://www.valettewines.com/

2010 Valette ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Champagne- A world-class Pinot Noir champagne from the 2010 vintage, the amazing ‘Blanc de Noirs’ comes from a 14-hectare parcel in Arrentières in the Aube department of Champagne. This beauty was aged on the lees lees from tirage in May 2011 until disgorgement in April 2025. It is golden in the glass, loaded with salty minerals and coming up fat, round and generous. Green apple and custard flavors combine with persimmon and ginger on the palate. This is just a joy to consume right now. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous wine made by famed winemaker David Ramey, the 2023 ‘Russian River Valley’ was stored in mostly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This comes off soft, mineral-laden and highly approachable. Crushed wet rock tones combine with yellow plum, juicy nectarine and kiwi flavors alongside hints of buttered French bread on the palate. A gorgeous rendition of Russian River Chardonnay, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Valette ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Made by eminent vintner Tom Rochioli, this 2023 Chardonnay comes from the River Block section of the Rochioli Estate vineyard in the center of the Russian River Valley. The wine was whole cluster pressed, and then aged in mainly neutral French oak barrels before bottling. This is rich and intense stuff, with heady orchard and citrus fruits, that combine with stony minerals and glorious length on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Valette ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant 2023 Pinot Noir comes from the talented hands of winemaker Michael Browne. The nose is dense and heady, with cola, cranberry and sassafras notes alongside shades of cherries jubilee.Plush and soft on the mouth, this is gorgeous texturally, with outstanding weight and length. Enjoy over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95