• Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Resources
Menu

Owen Bargreen

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Resources

Margo Van Staaveren is one of the great winemakers of the Napa Valley.

Beringer

January 15, 2026

It was 2002 and my first visit to Beringer Vineyards. I was enamored by the history of the property and how consistently good the wines were — even at the entry level. 23 years later I once again visited this famed property that is one of the oldest wineries in California, dating all the way back to the 1860s.

It was such a pleasure tasting with winemaker Margo Van Staaveren. She actually began her winemaking career at Beringer and has more than 45 harvests of experience. She made some incredible wines for Chateau St. Jean for years.

The new wines were dense, rich and full of finesse. I love the 2023 ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is dense and heady stuff with a lengthy finish. Don’t miss out on the stunning 2021 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is amongst the finest editions of this wine that I have tasted. Learn more about these awesome wines at beringer.com Here are the awesome new premium wines by Beringer Vineyards.

2023 Beringer “Private Reserve’ Chardonnay- A stunning, more nervy edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Private Reserve’ offers dense brioche and pineapple flavors alongside yellow plum and great freshness on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 95

2023 Beringer ‘Borrow Pit Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Oakville AVA, the 2023 ‘Borrow Pit’ comes from younger vines set on gravel and loam that is right across the fence from Screaming Eagle. The first harvest from this site was back in 2015. Once on the nose this shows dark currants alongside tar, bay leaf and shades of black licorice. The palate has great loamy soil character alongside blackberry compote and graphite with good elegance. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Beringer ‘Ste. Helena Home Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Beringer ‘Ste. Helena Home Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a slightly warmer site that is at the winery and across the street from the winery. This has fennel and black raspberry notes on the palate, with terrific finesse and great damp soil character. Lifted and bright with loads of tension and mouth-watering acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Beringer ‘Chabot Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 ‘Chabot Vineyard’ delivers bright acidity and a seamless mouthfeel throughout the drinking experience. Desne dark fruits collide with dark chocolate shavings and Arabica bean with loamy soils on the palate. A joy to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Beringer ‘Bancroft Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon - Coming from this high elevation location on Howell Mountain set on volcanic soils, the 2021 ‘Bancroft Ranch’ are now older, 30 plus year old vines. This is seamless upon entry with a silky mouthfeel. Green herbs, orange bell pepper and blackberry compote flavors mingle well with gravel with great tension. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2021 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 201 ‘Private Reserve’ is a stunning wine that shows loads of aging potential. This is deep, concentrated and intense wine that has loads of cellaring potential. Once on the nose this shows off sandalwood notes alongside anise and creme de cassis notes. The palate is intense and downright delicious with firm tannins that frame a dizzying array of black fruits with espresso grounds and gravel soils. Drink 2025-2045- 97

Comment

Here is the gorgeous new lineup by Hertelendy.

Hertelendy

January 15, 2026

Today we share the incredible journey of Ralph Hertelendy. Originally from Hungary, Hertelendy settled down in the San Francisco Bay Area. Born to be an enophile, he was 15 when he created his first beer and then made his first wine in a basement at age 25. After getting his business degree from the University of San Francisco, Ralph became a sommelier and worked for several wineries in the Napa Valley as a Winemaker’s Assistant and in sales.

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

Hertelendy made amazing wines in 2022. The 2023 wines are even better. I adore the 2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) which is already drinking so beautifully and has loads of texture and flavor range. The best Chardonnay I have tasted from this house, their 2023 ‘Woolsey Road’ (OB, 95) is concentrated, performed and exudes class. Learn more about this famed Napa house at https://hertelendy.com/ and here are the outstanding new wines by Hertelendy.

2023 Hertelendy ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Better and more finesse-driven than the ’22, the 2023 ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ comes from this esteemed location in Russian River Valley. Golden in the glass, this comes off dense and delicious with a seamless mouthfeel and glorious length. Rich pineapple and mango parade with saline drenched peach, baking spice laced pastry crust and shades of Macadamia nut on the palate. Downright delicious to enjoy now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Hertelendy ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2023 ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir was aged in both new and neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. Juicy raspberry and Yakima cherry combine on the nose with salted walnut tones. The palate is elegant and shows gorgeous soil character, alongside bright cranberry and guava fruits, with cola accents. Complex and neatly-textured, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2022 Hertelendy ‘Audere’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Audere’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Malbec, all sourced from the Napa Valley. Inky in the glass, this shows off black tea, Middle Eastern spices and dark rose petals on the nose. The palate is powerful and well-structured with terrific weight and refined tannins. Loads of chocolate and espresso bean flavors collide with dense dark fruits. Juicy and delicious, enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- A delightful bottling, the 2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc has a portion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. This is decadent and delicious stuff that is already drinking beautifully. Arabica bean and huckleberry compote flavors meld well with graphite, Provencale herbs and refined tannins on the palate. Full-bodied and filled with salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine- The incredible 2023 Hertelendy ‘Signature Mountain Red Blend’ Red Wine is a sensational combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that was stored in nearly all new French oak before bottling. Alluring right away, this offers cedar and potpourri aromatics alongside wet gravel and shades of sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is harmonious and rich with refined tannins and great viscosity as this Right Bank-inspired blend is already drinking beautifully. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another world-class edition of this wine, the 2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in a combination of manly new French and Hungarian Oak barrels prior to bottling. This is beautifully-expressive in its heady youth. Red and dark florals parade with Turkish coffee, cardamom dusted black fruits and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is silky and soft on the approach as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Voluptuous, sturdy and dense, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Malbec- Admittedly, this is the first edition of this wine I have tasted. The 2023 ‘Napa Valley’ Malbec is beautifully-perfumed stuff with loads of pencil lead, blue fruits and violets on the nose. The palate is powerful and poised with serious tension and salty/stony minerality. Intense blackberry and huckleberry flavors combine with Turkish coffee and exotic spices on the palate. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2023 Hertelendy ‘Legend’ is world-class Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine that was stored in nearly all new French and Hungarian oak. Very inky in the glass, this is opulent and decadent stuff on the mid-palate. Dark currants and creme de violette combine with tar and wet loamy soils on the palate. A delight to savor in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Comment

Great photo of Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Farms who now own Chateau Ste. Michelle.

Interview of Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wyckoff Farms

January 13, 2026

Court Wyckoff was one of the friendliest people I met at Whitman College. I had a great time getting to know Court and his brother, Tygh during my four years at Whitman. Tygh was also a tennis player and we had a lot in common. Court and Tygh’s family business, Wyckoff Farms has recently purchased Washington’s largest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle. It is quite a full-circle feeling being able to interview Court.

Court and his family have deep roots in the Washington wine industry, selling grapes to Ste. Michelle for decades and planting their own vineyard in the late 1970s. For years Ste. Michelle also made a single vineyard Chardonnay from the Wyckoff Vineyard. It is very exciting that this winery is once again family owned by a Washington family. Court is a great guy to interview as he talks wine with me. I think you will very much enjoy hearing his story in wine. Here is my exclusive interview with Court Wyckoff, CEO of Wykoff Farms.

OB: Can you talk about your first involvement in Washington wine?

CW: I’ve been connected to the Washington wine industry from a very young age. My father planted his first wine grapes in 1978, just a year after I was born, and started making wine in the early 1980s. Growing up, I spent many summers working in our vineyards, doing just about every job you can imagine during the summer season. I also had the privilege of meeting and learning from many great winemakers who worked with Coventry Vale.

I have fond memories of traveling with my father to Chateau Ste. Michelle for meetings with Allen Shoup and later Ted Baseler. I have been fortunate to have been involved in the Washington wine industry all of my life.

OB: How does your background as a lawyer help you with running Washington’s largest winery?

CW: Thanks for the question.  As a fellow Whitman alumni, we were both fortunate to attend a smaller liberal arts undergraduate college that taught us to think critically and expansively. My going to law school at Seattle University was a natural extension of this undergraduate experience.  Certainly the skill sets gained from a legal education are particularly helpful in many facets of business, but as it pertains to the practice of law I leave that to the great legal professionals whom I have had the privilege of working with, including Scott MacCormick, Managing Partner of Holland & Knight, who represented us on our purchase of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.

OB: What has it been like working with Chateau Ste. Michelle over the years?

CW: While the last several years have been challenging for Ste. Michelle and the communities that it supports, including growers, I think it is important to remember the decades of success we all experienced with Ste. Michelle and the bright future ahead.  Many families, including mine, have benefited from a tremendously positive relationship with Ste. Michelle and we look forward to a promising future being a part of the largest and most iconic winery in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  Ste. Michelle has an impressive executive and leadership team and we are committed to supporting the growth initiatives that are in place.

OB: I was in the Qatar First Lounge in Doha and saw the 2015 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon on their wine list. It was amazing to see Washington wine on an international scale. Do you think Chateau Ste. Michelle has great potential for global expansion?

CW: Absolutely. Ste. Michelle is already well-known nationally and internationally as one of the leading wineries in the U.S., offering exceptional quality and value. Our goal is to build on that reputation and elevate the brand’s prestige with innovative brand strategies like the recent refresh of the Chateau Ste. Michelle label, as well as focusing on enhancing the luxury portfolio. At the same time, we’re doubling down on the Chateau experience itself, investing in campaigns to raise awareness of the winery, and capitalizing on plans to make the amazing property an even greater destination.

OB: What is your cellar like, and what are some of your favorite wines in the world?

CW: I’m a passionate supporter of Washington wines. While I enjoy a luxury bottle of Washington Cabernet now and then, my everyday go-to is Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay and Cabernet from the Columbia Valley. The combination of exceptional quality and price is hard to beat.

Comment

Here are the great wines by Fidelitas.

Fidelitas

January 12, 2026

It is my pleasure to share one of the great houses on Red Mountain. Fidelitas began with legendary Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes and his vision to focus on making red wines from this famed AVA. Hoppes formerly 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. He had a short stint in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, he began working with 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. 

He has a deft touch with his white wines and I love the new 2024 ‘Optu’ White Wine (OB, 94) which is generous and has fabulous flavor range. Don’t miss out on the 2023 ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is pound for pound one of the finest Malbecs made in this state. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.

2024 Fidelitas ‘Optu White’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘Optu White’ combines Sauvignon Blanc (66%) with the remainder Semillon, mainly sourced from the Artz Vineyard. Stored in 22% new French oak, this shows toasted hazelnut notes on the nose alongside papaya, white peach and shades of lemon cream. The palate is soft and elegant with a terrific mouthfeel and good sense of weight and length. This is delicious, elegant Bordeaux-inspired white wine that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2033- 94

2023 Optu Red Wine- The 2023 Optu Red Wine combines 0% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot. This is the first edition of this wine that is entirely sourced from their estate vineyard. This was stored in a small amount of new American oak before bottling as well as 50% new French oak barrels. Tobacco and wintergreen notes mark the nose alongside dark currants, tar and graphite. The palate is fresh and viscous with a great sense of mouthfeel and texture, as each varietal works in clockwork unison. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon this was stored in all new French oak before bottling. The nose is perfumed with violets, scorched earth, anise and black raspberry cordial. The palate is rich and refined with a silky texture and glorious weight and finesse. A generous, broad-shouldered bottling, with refined tannins, that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec- The brilliant 2023 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec is a glass-staining purple. 100% varietal, Dark chocolate shavings, anise, black currants and tar nets all combine on the nose. The palate is velvety and smooth with a silky texture and wonderful opulence. Dense and decadent, with great structure, enjoy now and  over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Franc- This is the only Cabernet Franc that Fideitas makes from Red Mountain. 100% varietal, this was stored for 22 months in all neutral French oak before bottling. Potpourri and loganberry notes collide with orange bell pepper on the nose. The palate is complex, dense and delicious with a seamless mouthfeel and glorious length. Stony and salty nuances round out this stunning Cabernet Franc. Drink 2026-2045- 95

2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in mainly new French oak (74%) and comes from four blocks in the vineyard. Fidelitas has made Cabernet from this location since 2006. Flinty tones combine with sagebrush, mocha and tar notes. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious finesse and a great tannic backbone. Drink 2026-2045- 95

2023 Fidelities ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Merlot comes from this acclaimed location on Red Mountain. This comes off juicy and refined with loads of dried herbs, scorched earth, tar and pipe tobacco alongside rich red fruits. Delicious and showing beautifully right now, enjoy over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

Comment

This picture doesn’t do justice to how beautiful the Rivaura property is.

Rivaura

January 10, 2026

People don’t know that Idaho has the potential to make great wines. Such is the case with Rivaura, one of the jewels of Idaho wine. This is an otherworldly riverfront location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, on the Clearwater River. Back in 2014 that Rivaura founders Ron Hewett, Sr., along with his sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, founded this winery. For more than 60 years, this family has grown up along the banks of the Clearwater River in the Lewis-Clark Valley, just a tad east of Lewiston, Idaho at Arrow near Juliaetta, Idaho. Prior to stating their winery the Hewetts talked to Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting who confirmed that their site was perfect for grape growing.

The wines are now made by the Hewett family. The lineup was really consistently great. I love the new 2024 Rivaura Viognier (OB, 92) which has excellent flavor density and weight. Check out the beautiful 2023 Rivaura Merlot (OB, 92) which has good depth and varietal character. These are really well-priced wines and all are under 60 bucks. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines. 

2024 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Viognier- The 2024 Rivaura Viognier offers honeysuckle aromatics alongside honeydew melon, cashew nut and shades of white peach. The palate is fat and generous with a silky texture and great sense of weight. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Rivaura ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘GSM’ combines Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre fro the Rivaura Estate Vineyard. This is neatly balanced stuff with rich red and dark fruits with tar and herbal accents. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Syrah shows smoked brisket and blackberry compote alongside menthol notes on the palate. Medium-bodied with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and approachable on the mid-palate. Flavors of blackberry and black cherry compote combine with loamy soils and shades of black licorice on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Rivaura ‘Estate’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Merlot offers a soft mouthfeel with molten chocolate, Bing cherry and black raspberry flavors alongside damp soils. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc is neatly-textured stuff that has some good aging potential. Dense dark fruits collide with chocolate, mulling spice and pipe tobacco on the palate. Enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2023 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon exudes class in this warmer vintage. On the nose this ‘Reserve’ takes on kirsch cordial and mocha notes alongside green herbal accents. The palate is rich and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel and good sense of weight and finesse. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Insomniac’ is a Bordeaux-inspired blend named after the Rivaura founder. It is well-structured with a refined mouthfeel. Crushed green herbs and exotic spices mingle well with heady dark fruits and a graphite edge on the palate. Drink 2025-2037- 93

Comment

Here are the great new wines by Reali.

Reali

January 10, 2026

Today we share a brand new winery out of Walla Walla. Reali is the vision of Ken and Kristin Reali who in 2021 settled in the Walla Walla Valley. They planted their 15-acre estate vineyard in spring 2023, focusing on both classic French varieties and select Italian varieties. They have hired Serge Laville to be their winemaker.Serge Laville has long made wines in Walla Walla. I loved the wines he made for many years at Spring Valley. He has received multiple recognitions in the Wine Spectator top 100. Serge follows a minimalist approach to winemaking that ensures high quality wines focusing on the characteristics of each variety. The new wines were really good. I love the 2023 Reali Grenache (OB, 94) which has insanely good flavor range and texture. Learn more at https://www.realifamilyvineyard.com

2024 Reali Rose- Sourced from the Reali Estate Vineyard, this 2024 Rose is made from Cabernet Franc grapes. This is soft and juicy with vibrant acidity on the palate. Delicate red fruits mingle well with marvelous damp earth tones on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Reali Sauvignon Blanc- This 2024 Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Columbia Gorge AVA. It is fresh neatly textured stuff with gooseberry and melon flavors alongside shades of kiwi  on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Reali Grenache- The 2023 Reali Grenache comes from the Walla Walla Valley. Wet rock and orange peel combine with pretty red fruits and red florals on the nose. The palate has brilliant tension and stony character, with gravel, red currants and charcuterie notes. Lithe and polished, this is by far the finest I have tasted yet from this estate — and no reason to cellar this beauty. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2023 Reali Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Reali Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and round on the mouth with a generous mouthfeel. Dense red and dark fruits parade with chocolate and a graphite edge on the palate. This is seriously good with its silky texture and good sense of length. Enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

Comment

Here is the incredible ‘PNTX20’ by Champagne Bollinger.

Champagne Bollinger

January 8, 2026

Today we share the storied Champagne house, Bollinger. First founded in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger, at the present day the house continues to be run by members of the Bollinger family. This house has been particularly popular in Britain as Bollinger Champagnes have been come to be known as “Bolly”. It is quite amazing that Bollinger dates back to 1585 when the Hennequins, one of the Bollinger founding families, owned land nearby. Before the Bollinger house was founded, in the 18th century the Villermont family made wine and then 1750, Villermont settled in the location 16 rue Jules Lobet, which would eventually become the head office for Bollinger.

Following the death of Jacques Bollinger in 1941, Lily Bollinger took over the brand and expanded production considerably. Since 1994, Ghislain de Mongolfier has managed Bollinger. A great-grandson of the founder, Mongolfier has also served as president of the Association Viticole Champenoise since 2004, after leading the Commission of Champagne for 10 years. Bollinger has had roles in many James Bond films, including the 1973 film Live and Let Die  where Bond asks for a bottle of Bollinger entering his hotel. In the 1985 film A View to a Kill James Bond notes that his champagne is ‘Bollinger 1975.’

Bollinger produces a great range of Champagnes and is probably best known for their ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne that is Pinot Noir dominant and includes reserve wines that are up to fifteen years of age. I am enamored by the new MV Bollinger ‘PN TX20’ (OB, 95) which is a big and burly style with amazing 9flavor range. This Pinot Noir beauty has based on the 2020 vintage. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here is my review of the beautiful new release by Champagne Bollinger.

MV Champagne Bollinger ‘PN TX20’ Champagne- The ‘PN TX20’ Champagne by Bollinger mainly comes from Tauxières terroir, as this utilizes a 2020 base year. It is golden in the glass, as 2008 and 2012 vintage wines make up more than 25% of the blend. It has an incredibly soft mousse, with a fat and unctuous mouthfeel. Starfruit and papaya fruits mingle well with ginger, and salted green melon on the palate, with cashew nut accents. Extremely complex and dense, enjoy this heady and delightful Champagne now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Comment

Great new wines by Avennia.

Avennia

January 8, 2026

Today we share the beautiful new wines by Avennia.Years ago they acquired the Tapteil Vineyard which has become the Avennia Estate Vineyard where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant plantings, with some vines dating back to 1985. There is also a small amount of Cabernet Franc planted here which is the oldest of its kind on Red Mountain. The site is managed by Dick Boushey.

Chris Peterson has been at the helm since the start and is one of the region’s great winemakers. Formerly at DeLille Cellars, he partnered with Marty Taucher to form Avennia more than a decade ago. I love the new 2023 Avennia ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which is silky and has some great aging potential.  Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new ‘Estate Vineyard’ wines by Avennia.

2023 Frank The Tank Red Wine- The 2023 Frank the Tank Red Blend combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) with the readier Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Black tea and dried herbs mark the nose alongside cassis notes. The palate is fresh and well-balanced with light to medium boded dark fruit and chocolate flavors. Drink 2025-2030- 89

2023 Avennia ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal wine comes from the Avennia Estate and Hedges Vineyards. It is soft, round and beautifully-textured stuff with medium-bodied kirsch and black raspberry notes alongside shades of scorched earth, wintergreen and pencil lead. Enjoy this beautifully-balanced wine now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2037- 94

Comment

Here are the glorious new 2021 wines by Champagne Christophe Baron.

Champagne Christophe Baron

January 7, 2026

Today we share the marvelous wines of Champagne Christophe Baron (CCB). Somewhat of an afterthought in the champagne region, Pinot Meunier is usually used in blends.  Krug has used roughly a third Pinot Meunier in their ‘Grand Cuvee’ and Billecart-Salmon also makes a killer 100% Pinot Meunier Champagne.

The wines of Champagne Christophe Baron are a gem to discover. They are made in a magnum only format and also a and mailing list-only Champagne. All bottlings come from small vineyards in Champagne that that showcase 100% Pinot Meunier. They age incredibly gracefully as I recently uncorked a 2018 and it has massive aging potential.

Born to a long line of vignerons in Champagne, Christophe Baron trained in Avize (Champagne) and Beaune before moving to the United States and founding one of North America’s iconic brands, Cayuse Vineyards. Baron’s estate in champagne includes 3 hectares (7.5 acres) surrounding the villages of Charly-sur-Marne, Crouttes-sur-Marne and the hamlet of Porteron, and its vineyard holdings are made up of only very old parcels of Pinot Meunier.

CCB wines need to be served in a larger glass. They are round and generous, very textural wines that have shown well in a Riedel Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc glass, or a Riedel tasting glass. They also need a lot of time when opened and I recommend letting them sit for least 30 minutes prior to consuming. Finally, make sure to not serve these wines cold. They are best served at 42-45 degrees — or warmer! I personally think these wines really hit their sweet spot when they are quite on the warm side, where you can full evoke the full range of flavors and aromatics.

The new wines come from the 2021 vintage. This year saw frost which wiped out some crop followed by rainstorms in June that caused some flooding. The rains continued which negatively impacted some of the crop.Thinning and crop load was paramount to control in 2021, as yields were obviously down. This should be a producer vintage. Despite the vintage challenges, you are going to adore the CCB wines from this vintage which will be released to their mailing list in one year. Here are my reviews of the world-class 2021 champagnes by Champagne Christophe Baron (mailing list only) and learn more at https://champagnechristophebaron.com/

2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Hauts Blanches Vignes’ Champagne- Another rendition of this outstanding bottling, the 2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Hauts Blanches Vignes’ is composed of Pinot Meunier vines that date back to 1969. This location is a steep, southwestern facing spot, as this stunning champagne opens with ginger and lemongrass aromatics alongside pink grapefruit blossom and suggestions of tart cranberry. The palate is loaded with melon and citrus fruits, coming up fat and generous on the mouth, with loads of salty minerality. With more air wafts of passionfruit and nutty nuances emerge. Give this a year or two before consuming, as this beauty will live on for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2027-2040- 96

2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus Du Bois Marie’ Champagne- The very savory and heady 2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Le Dessus Du Bois Marie’ Champagne comes from this tiny location in Crouttes-sur-Marne, planted to .0768 hectare/1.89 acre of Pinot Meunier that dates back in 1966. Salted French bread and lemon zest combines with rich cantaloupe and Yakima cherry fruit flavors on the palate. Very nervy, with a silky mousse, this is a stunning, dazzling champagne that is both viscous and refined. Try to resist this beauty for at least a year or two. Drink 2027-2040- 96

2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ Champagne- The brilliant 2021 Champagne Christophe Baron ‘Les Alouettes’ comes from a tiny parcel (.94 acre) location in the village of Charly-sur-Marne with vines planted back in the 1960s. Salted walnut and orange blossom mark the nose with wet gravel and suggestions of kumquat zest. The palate is round and fat, with an unctuous texture and gorgeous sense of length. The mineral and citrus zest finish entices, as this beauty has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2027-2040- 96

Comment

HALL Vice President of Winemaking, Megan Gunderson, and her team craft some incredible wines.

HALL

January 7, 2026

Great wineries make great wines regardless of the vintage. I have noticed that over many years this has been true with HALL. I have been visiting HALL for more than a decade. This winery has been a pillar of consistency in Napa. Their high end wines are some of the finest you will taste in the valley. I’m also consistently enamored by their entry level wines that exude value.

Last week I had the chance to taste through some of their 2023 wines as well as 2024 futures. The wines were silky, elegant and show incredible promise. 2024 is going to be a really good vintage for HALL. Some of the wines couldn’t be fully reviewed as they needed time.

It was really fun tasting with the incredibly talented winemaking team of Megan Gunderson and Alison Frichtl Hollister. They have a deft touch on the wines that were drinking so well despite being so young. Hollister and Gunderson are bullish on both 2023 and 2024. 2024 for me so far shows a lot of promise, as these are going to be very intense wines with great power. They may show slightly less poise than the ‘23s.

I was so impressed by their 2024 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is silky, pillowy and exudes class. This wine is remarkably good to taste in its youth. Do not miss out on the knockout 2023 HALL ‘Sacrashe’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which really needs a year or two in the bottle but is a total head-turner. The flavor range here is insanely good.

Learn more about these incredible wines at hallwines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by HALL.

2022 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a touch of Merlot blended in. Inky in the glass, this delivers sweet pipe tobacco aromatics that combine with kirsch, sandalwood and blackberry cordial notes. The palate is fresh and well-structured with bright red fruits, graphite and loads of minerality considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 HALL ‘Beller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from this high elevation site on Mount Veeder, developed by Rob Beller. This is an early ripening site that is leased by HALL which is mainly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Very dark in the glass, this shows off gorgeous potpourri notes alongside mountain huckleberry, fresh sage and wild blackberry pie. The intense aromatics bring you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. The palate is big and broad-shouldered with refined tannins and loads of chocolate, tar and tobacco leaf with stony nuances. A delight to savor in the glass now, enjoy this complex and delicious beauty over the next twenty years. Drink 2025-2045- 99

2023 HALL ‘Sacrashe’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 HALL ‘Sacrashe’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the original 20-acre, high-elevation, west-facing vineyard that Craig and Kathryn Hall purchased in the 1990s. Part of this vineyard was planted in 2001 and the other half was planted in the mid-90s — which has been redeveloped. Vines here are set on decomposed volcanic ash near Lake Hennessy. Violets, mocha and Cuban cigar notes combine with loganberry liquor and hints of black licorice all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and delicious with sensational structure and a polished mouthfeel. Give this beauty a year or two in the bottle before enjoying. Drink 2027-2045- 100

2023 HALL ‘Rainin’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The otherworldly 2023 ‘Rainin’ comes from this location on Diamond Mountain set on volcanic soils and surrounded by dense forest. This wine mainly come from Block 6 as well as Black 3 in the vineyard. The nose shows stunning aromatics of black florals, graphite, and pipe tobacco alongside suggestions of walnut. The palate is fresh, viscous and very heady with amazing length and underlying verve. This really needs another year or two in the bottle to come around but your patience will surely be rewarded. Drink 2027-2046- 100

2024 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 ‘Kathryn Hall’ has a small portion of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in as this mainly comes from a range of wines including the famed Sacrashe Vineyard. This is ripe, dense and delicious wine that showing a refined mouthfeel and firm tannins. This comes off very pretty and elegant. Dense and delicious black and blue fruits collide with tar, tobacco leaf and graphite notes on the palate. Impeccably balanced, it is remarkable how well this downright ethereal Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking right now. Drink 2025-2035- 97

2024 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 95-97

2024 HALL ‘Stag’s Leap’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 95-97

2024 HALL ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 96-98

2024 HALL ‘Diamond Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A sensational wine from 2024, the ‘Diamond Mountain’ comes mainly from the Rainin and Constant Vineyard, as well as the 1510 Vineyards. 100% varietal, this offers loads of stony minerals with dense dark and blue fruits alongside Bing cherry, pipe tobacco leaf and volcanic soils. Heady, well structured and delicious, this is already singing in its hedonistic youth. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2024 HALL ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 95-97

Comment

Great photo here of Darioush and his family.

Darioush

January 7, 2026

Today we share the incredible story of Darioush. One of the birthplaces of wine, Northern Iran has records that date back to 5,000 B.C. where culture enjoyed wine. Darioush Khaledi was instilled at an early age with the winemaking craft of his father and began collecting fine wine at a young age. He migrated from Iran to the United States and owned what was once the largest family-owned grocery store business in California. His passion for wine met its apex in 1997 when he formed Darioush winery. Darioush Khaledi is an inspired American dream.

I have long admired the lineup at Darioush. Darioush set out to craft the best overall lineup of wines in Napa. There is little doubt that Darioush is one of the most beautiful wineries in the entire west coast. Upon entering the winery you are greeted by Persian inspired pillars that make you feel like you’re entering a royal palace. Imported travertine lines the entire winery and the calming water feature inside the winery really is something special. The gardens are also spectacular there.

I loved the new wines across the board. Check out the 2023 Darioush Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is beautiful and fresh with a neat texture. I adored the 2022 Darioush ‘Drius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon(OB, 98) which is a stunning rendition of this beautiful wine. Learn more about this beautiful winery at darioush.com. Here are the outstanding new wines by Darioush.

2023 Darioush Chardonnay- The brilliant 2023 Darioush Chardonnay shows good freshness alongside poached pear and vanilla bean notes on the palate, with baking spice laced pastry crust and shades of mango. Complex and very delicious, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2022 Darioush ‘Duel’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Duel’ is half Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. This is made by Darioush and his son, as the wine was stored in new French oak before bottling. This is well-balanced with roasted fig, dark currants, pencil lead and black forest cake flavors. Drink 2026-2035- 94

2023 Darioush Shiraz- 100% varietal the refined 2023 Shiraz is sense and delicious stuff with peppered brisket, dark currants, tar and pipe tobacco leaf. It is full-bodied with great verve and is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2022 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Opulent, nervy and intense, the 2022 ‘Darius II’ is a stunning wine from a challenging vintage. On the nose this takes on layers of tar, tobacco leaf and shades of black licorice. The palate is heady and plush wit serious nerve and richness. This has some

Comment

Here are the brilliant new wines by Champagne Michel Foch.

Champagne Michel Foch

January 6, 2026

Today we share a brilliant new wine brand started by HALL. This is a project between Winemaker Mike Reynolds and Vintner Kathryn Hall. Mike Reynolds has a longstanding history in the California wine industry and was making great sparkling wine at Schramsberg before transforming the HALL program as their founding winemaker.

After serving as U.S. Ambassador to Austria in 2001, Kathryn Hall made a home on Avenue Foch in Paris—a place where Champagne was more than a drink; it was a way of life. The champagne house name honors Mike (Michel) and the Avenue (Foch), where Craig and Kathryn's Paris home for over 30 years is located.

The wines were seriously good. I have now had the entry level bottling three times and it has really impressed each time. Rich and dense with a refined mousse, I adore the NV Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne (OB, 93) which clearly has a large amount of reserve wines blended in. The best wine I tried was the stunning 2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne (OB, 95) which spent a whopping 11 years on the lees prior to disgorgement. Learn more at https://www.michelfochwines.com and here are the outstanding new wines by champagne house Michel Foch.

NV Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne- Round, generous and delicious, this is now the third time that I have tasted this beautiful and well-priced champagne. Once on the nose this has baking spice laced brioche and shades of papaya with starfruit tones. The palate is rich with a terrific viscosity. Oyster shell notes collide with rich orchard and citrus fruits on the palate, with a lengthy finish. Drink 2025-2032- 93

NV Michel Foch Rose Champagne- Stored on the lees for 48 months, the NV Michel Foch Rose Champagne starts with a beautiful salmon hue. Orang peel and red currants combined with cranberry and suggestions of cardamom on the nose. The palate is elegant and soft with loads of tart red fruits that align with salty minerals. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2015 Michel Foch ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- This 2015 Blanc de Blancs spent 9 years on the lees before disgorgement. Salted lemon rind and kumquat zest combine with diatomaceous earth and green apple accents on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with serious verve and texture. This comes off very weightless, with outstanding length. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne- The best wine of the tasting is the outstanding 2013 Michel Foch ‘Brut’ Champagne is mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as this spent a whopping 11 years on the lees prior to disgorgement in 2024. This has refined bubbles with a soft mousse. Lychee and ripe mango flavors collide with loads of salty minerals on the palate. The oyster shell and lemon zest accents really add to the enjoyment, as this dazzles throughout the drinking experience. This is an absolutely killer bottling from a tough vintage in Champagne. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2011 Michel Foch ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Late Disgorged Champagne- Stored for 11 years on the lees, this 2011 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ has great autolytic character right now. Nutmeg drenched macadamia nut, salted sourdough bread and hints of candied ginger all combine on the palate. A glorious wine to enjoy now, watch this elegant and refined 2011 Champagne evolve over the next six to eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

Comment

We share the gorgeous new wines from Castello del Terriccio.

Castello del Terriccio

January 6, 2026

Today we share one of the greats of Tuscany’s Maremma region, Castello del Terriccio. This is one of the largest wine estates in the area (1500+ hectares, 60 under vine), with Etruscan roots and a viticultural history that dates back a thousand years. In the 1990s, Gian Annibale Rossi di Medelana changed this property, bringing innovation to the vineyards and cellar while honoring Bolgheri’s winemaking traditions and its unique terroir, rich in minerals, copper and iron.

 Today, the estate is overseen by Vittorio Piozzo di Rosignano Rossi di Medelana, the only nephew of the late Gian Annibale, who works in partnership with longtime enologist Carlo Ferrini to uphold his uncle’s vision and the cult-like status these wines have maintained since rising to prominence during the Super Tuscan craze of the 1990s.

The wines were world-class. Check out the stunning 2019 Lupiacia Red Wine (OB, 96) which is dense, heady and viscous with gobs of tension and refined tannins.

2021 Castello del Terriccio ‘Tassinaia’ Red Wine- The 2021 Tassinaia combines equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Cedar and red currants mark the nose alongside shades of damp, rocky soils. The palate is fresh and beautifully-textured, with serious tension and salty/rocky nuances. A joy to enjoy now, with plenty of savory herbs and dense dark fruits, framed by firm tannins, give this about 30 minutes of air before savoring. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2019 Castello del Terriccio ‘Lupicaia’ Red Wine- Inky in the glass, the 2019 Lupiacaia is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based beauty with 10% Petit Verdot blended in. It is sturdy and silky throughout the drinking experience. Tar, menthol and sandalwood notes all combine on the palate, with shades of black licorice and creme de violette. This is complex, heady Cabernet that has several decades of life in front of it. Drink 2025-2043- 96

Comment

Here is the gorgeous estate vineyard by Malibu Wine Company.

Malibu Wine Company

January 5, 2026

Today we share the vision of a forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Steve Ruths. Dr. Ruths studied viticulture and enology, completing the UC Davis winemaking certificate program in 2008. 2009 was his first crush as a home winemaker starting with a half-ton of Syrah from the Estelle Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, he has made wine with Alta Colina Grenache and Roll Ranch Syrah. In 2016, Steve purchased a 6-acre property in the Malibu Coast AVA. In 2017, preparing the land for planting began and in 2018 the first vines were planted. Additional plantings continued yearly through 2024 with approximately 6500 vines over 3 acres.  Varietals include 3 clones of Syrah, 2 clones of Grenache, Durif/Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, and Roussanne. Vines are spaced either at 4x6 or 3x5 feet. The vineyard was planted and is farmed by Martin Ramirez of the Ojai Vineyards. 2023 was their first commercial vintage with Nick Elliott making our wines at his winery Nicora in Tin City.

I had heard about these wines before. I’lll fully admit that I had never tasted these wines before last weekend — but they were marvelous! I love the 2023 ‘The Monk’ Syrah (OB, 94) which has great viscosity and nerve. Learn more at https://www.malibuwinecompany.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company.

2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Jungfrau’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Jungfrau’ combines mostly Grenache (70%) with the remainder Syrah and a touch of Petite Sirah from the Dr. Ruths Vineyard on the Malibu Coast. It shows pretty red florals on the nose with tobacco leaf, dusty soils and Mandarin orange zest flavors on the palate. Fresh, with vibrant acidity, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Monk’ Syrah- The seriously good 2023 ‘Frogtown Vineyard’ Syrah offers white pepper dusted brisket, violets and tar on the nose. The palate is rich and beautifully-textured with serious weight and verve. A glorious core of dark fruits greets you, with blueberry compote, crushed wet gravel and menthol notes. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah- Also sourced from the Malibu Coast, this 2023 Petite Sirah is a fleshy and delicious bottling that shows some serious potential. Once on the nose this takes on purple rose petals, scorched earth, green herbs and shades of rocky soils. The palate is wonderfully rich and beautifully-textured, with great tension and stony minerality. A generous, broad-shouldered bottling that is drinking great right now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Comment

Here is the otherworldly 2017 Chateau Mouton Rothchild.

Château Mouton Rothchild

January 2, 2026

Today we share one of the most famous houses in all of the world. Chateau Mouton Rothchild has a remarkable history that began in 1718 where Chateau Mouton and Calon-Segur were bought by Nicolas-Andrew de Segur, who owned Chateau Lafite and Chateau Latour. After his death the estate was divided amongst his four daughters.

Mouton Rothchild was initially excluded from being a first growth which was due to the vineyard had recently been purchased by an Englishman and was no longer in French ownership.

It was not until 1973 that Mouton Rothchild was moved to being a first growth. At the present day, Château Mouton Rothschild has 222 acres planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), as we’ll as Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%). Their wine is fermented in oak vats (they are one of the last châteaux in the Médoc to use them) and then matured in new oak casks.

The wines age exceptionally well. The wine I tasted yesterday came from the 2017 vintage, which was sandwiched between two epic vintages. 2017 wines are a bit more austere than the fleshy 2016 and 2018s. They have aged gracefully and I have found them to show better non-fruit character than the ‘16s and ‘18s. In truth, 2017 has turned out to be a really nice vintage, somewhat akin to 2001 which was initially panned as an unsuccessful year.

The 2017 Chateau Mouton Rothchild (OB, 99) is a total blockbuster that flirts with perfection. It is deeply concentrated and silky stuff throughout the drinking experience. It is now my third time tasting this beauty and it has delivered every single time. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.chateau-mouton-rothschild.com/ and here is my review of the incredible 2017 Mouton Rothchild.

2017 Chateau Mouton Rothschild- This is now the third time I have tasted the scintillating 2017 Chateau Mouton Rothcshild — a wine that flirts with perfection. Just as the last time I tasted it, it needed about a full day (24 hrs) of air to fully come around. It is so pleasurable in its wet gravel combined with creme de cassis, sweet pipe tobacco and creme de violette notes. Viscous, rich and dense, this is only just starting to hit its stride. Drink 2026-2050- 99

Comment

Here is the gorgeous Cooley Ranch Vineyard, estate for Rowen Wine Company.

Rowen Wine Company

January 2, 2026

Today we share the wines of Rowen Wine Company. Wines are sourced from their estate, the Cooley Ranch Vineyard, which varies greatly in elevation all the way up to 2400 feet. The location sits above the fog line therefore the grapes get increased sun exposure, which inspires thicker skins. The grapes grow above the hot valley and, they also stay cool during hot days which leads to rich tannins. Bordeaux red varietals are grown here as well as a touch of Syrah and Viognier. Winemaker Ryan Decker is a fifth-generation farmer from the Alexander Valley. He started in the Rodney Strong Tasting Room in 2002, and after returning to Fresno State to earn his degree in viticulture, he returned as viticulturalist and to oversee sustainable winegrowing. Ryan is Director of Estate Vineyards at Rodney Strong as well as winemaker for Rowen Wine Company.

Check out the delicious 2021 ‘Cooley Ranch Vineyard’ (OB, 92) which is rich and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel. Learn more at https://www.rowenwinecompany.com and here are my reviews of the new Rowen wines.

2022 Rowen Wine Company Red Wine- The 2022 Rowen Wine Company Red Wine offers sweet kirsch and red raspberry notes on the nose with tobacco leaf. The palate is soft and approachable with good underlying verve despite the heat of the vintage. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2021 Rowen Wine Company ‘2040’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2021 ‘2040’ is soft and approachable on the mouth. Dark currants and wintergreen notes mingle well with damp earth and chocolate on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Rowen Wine Company ‘Cooley Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Cooley Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon is inky in the glass, offering black rose petals, tar, anise seed and dense boysenberry fruits on the nose. The palate is well-structured with a refined mouthfeel and a graphite edge alongside medium to full-bodied dark fruits. Delicious now, this will easily age for another decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

Comment

Here is the glorious 2019 ‘The Montelena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chateau Montelena

January 2, 2026

It is my pleasure to share the glorious wines of Chateau Montelena. This house was first founded in 1888 and named A.L. Tubbs winery after its founder Alfred Tubbs. Nearly 100 years later in 1976 the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was judged against four white Burgundy wines. The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won the Judgement of Paris, being voted the top wine of the tasting. This was a landmark achievement for California wines, as French wines were typically viewed as considerably superior to California wines. I love the new 2019 ‘The Montelena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is powerful and deep with terrific texture. Learn more at http://montelena.com Here are the outstanding new Cabernet release by Chateau Montelena.

2023 Chateau Montelena Sauvignon Blanc- This 2023 Sauvignon Blanc has a large amount of Semillon blended in. Toasted walnut and Brie cheese combine with shades of Japanese pear on the palate. This is fresh and mineral-laden stuff with a soft mouthfeel and terrific tension. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Chateau Montelena ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- The delicious 2022 Chardonnay is loaded with texture from this warm vintage. Salted gooseberry and white peach combine with pastry crust and shades of mandarin orange zest on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Chateau Montelena ‘Potter Valley’ Riesling- Coming from this cool climate this checks in at around 4G/L RS. Petrol, starfruit and shades of saline drenched guava all combine with loads of stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2021 Chateau Montelena ‘Napa Valley’ Zinfandel- The outstanding and nicely poised 2021 Chateau Montelena ‘Napa Valley’ Zinfandel shows dill and black cherry compote and hints of white pepper. The palate is impeccably balanced with great finesse and juicy red fruits with satsuma orange zest and a dusting of volcanic rock. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2021 Chateau Montelena ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Chateau Montelena ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with bay leaf and dark currants alongside shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is rich, viscous and mineral-laden with outstanding salty mineral nuance. This is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2041- 93

2019 Chateau Montelena ‘The Montelena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Concentrated and filled with bright acidity, the gorgeous 2019 Chateau Montelena ‘The Montelena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is fresh, viscous and beautifully balanced. Dense wild blackberry and graphite notes combine with tar and rocky soils. Drink 2025-2045- 95

Comment

2025 was filled with incredible wines. What were your favorites from 2025?

The 10 Best Wines That I Tasted in 2025

December 18, 2025

It is such a pleasure sharing great wines with family and friends. It has been a hard time in the wine industry. Traffic remains down on the West Coast and we all need to do our best to support the wine community. I have had the great fortune to taste many top champagnes, Rhones and Bordeauxs this year. Today I share some of my favorite world wine choices that I tasted in 2025.

What were some of your favorite wines that you tasted this year? Here are mine:

10) 1988 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Bordeaux- We were at one of the great wine restaurants in the world, Noble Rot in London and I noticed this great ’88 on the menu. It took actually a bit of time to unwind but what evolved was a seamless melange of grave, dark currants and tobacco that was simply unforgettable.

9) 2018 Hors Categorie Syrah- drinking right at its peak right now this was a massive and dense wine, filled with heady dark fruits and iodine/stony nuances. The color was just incredible. I was blown away with the florals from this wine as well which have evolved since its release four years ago.

8) 2006 Dom Perignon- Not a great vintage in Champagne, the 2006 wine right now are really singing. They are dense and heady, and won’t improve but this was such hedonistic and delicious stuff with loads of citrus and melon fruits, alongside musty wild mushroom notes.

7) MV Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siècle No. 26’ Champagne- Top champagne on an airplane can’t be beat. On my first class flight to Doha I savored this beauty, loaded with chalky minerality that is finally really coming around, with a 2012 base. It is intense with a silky mousse and a finish that doesn’t want to end.

6) 2013 Salon Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Champagne- In my mind not the best vintage but this wine is second to none. It has so much intense lemon oil flavor and diatom that it can only come from one source. It is honestly a shame to enjoy this so young but what a pleasurable experience. The length and concentration was incredible.

5) 1998 Chateau Haut-Brion- This vintage seems to really be peaking right now. It was such a pleasure to revisit this very earthy and impeccably balanced Pessac wine. The gravel character was astonishingly good. I would not cellar this anymore, given the balance right now.

4) 2019 Upchurch Vineyard ‘Hero Twins’ Cabernet Sauvignon- In the Mayan tradition the Hero Twins was the story of the genesis of the Sun and the Moon. This wine is made entirely from Clone 2 Cabernet Sauvignon at Upchurch Vineyard, and it was even more fun enjoying this with proprietors Chris and Thea Upchurch. We all marveled at the power and floral notes of this beautiful wine that is really coming into its own right now. It quite simply flirts with perfection.


3) 2005 Chateau Climens Sauternes- One of my all-time favorite Sauternes, the 2005 Climens is a sensational joyride throughout the drinking experience. It is not overly sweet but has such incredible power, finesse and stony character. I savored every sip.

2) 2017 Chateau Mouton-Rothchild- I have now tasted this several times and it is just such a joy to enjoy right now. For those who do not like 2017, I think that you really need to taste a top example of the vintage. This is plush, loaded with heady dark fruits, but also has such nice stony and damp earth nuances. Make sure to open several hours beforehand.

1) 1995 Krug Champagne- Sometimes wine notes are best shortened. Perfection in a bottle. Perfect time to drink this beauty.

Comment

Winemakers Jesse Katz and Hillary Sjolund crafted a perfect 2022 Devil Proof Malbec that is our 2025 Owen Bargreen wine of the year.

Owen Bargreen Top 100 of 2025

December 16, 2025

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to wish you seasons greetings from Owen Bargreen. We very much appreciate your ongoing support and our wine community in the United States also needs your support. Wines have never been better with wine quality literally soaring as wine sales go down. I will do my best to continue to support this incredible wine community.  In 2024 I published more than 150 articles for for OwenBargreen.com. You should expect more of the same in 2025.

It was a very hard decision to come up with our latest #1. For me, this came down to vintage challenges. Winemakers Jesse Katz and Hillary Sjolund pulled a rabbit out of their hat in their 2022 bottlings. 2022 was not at all an easy vintage in Sonoma. Their 2022 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec (OB, 100) is unlike any wine in its category. The depth and tension, as well as flavor density from this wine is exquisite and was extremely difficult to achieve in 2022. There is nobody producing Malbec quite like this in the world. Devil Proof fended off formidable challengers from Quilceda Creek, Cayuse, Horsepower, Hors Categorie, Booker and Saxum.

I sincerely hope that you are able to try some of the beautiful wines on this list. I wish you my deepest gratitude for all of your support, and wish you all fruitful and safe holiday season. Happy Holidays and hope that 2026 brings you all great joy and prosperity, with beautiful wines in your glass.


1) 2022 Devil Proof ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec

California | Sonoma | $275.00 | 100 Points

The 2022 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec comes from tiny berries at Block 17 in this dry-farmed site set on volcanic soils with some loamy character. Stored in 90% new French before bottling this is ultra-seamless and opulent stuff on the approach. Creme de violette, tar, sweet pipe tobacco leaf and blueberry compote all combine on the palate. Heady and intense, yet showing remarkable freshness despite the heat of the vintage, this is lifted, highly aromatic Malbec that is truly a one of a kind bottling. Drink 2025-2045- 100

2) 2022 Hors Catégorie Syrah

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $250.00 | 100 Points

Every bit a world-class wine, the 2022 Hors Categorie Syrah is reminiscent of the gorgeous 2017 edition. The aromatics are mind-numbing in terms of range from menthol, sweet pipe tobacco, Nori and bulls blood alongside shades of compost and black truffle shavings with black florals that all meld in the glass. The palate has formidable power considering the coolness of the vintage. Very flinty and soft on the mouth, this is seamless throughout the drinking experience. The amalgamation of tension and mouth-watering acidity alongside heady stony essence makes this impossible to put down. One of the few prefect wines made in 2022, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 100



3) 2023 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00 | 100 Points

The 2023 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon mirrors the blend from ’22, with 90% coming from the Champoux Vineyard and the remainder sourced from the Mach One Vineyard. Stored in all new French oak barrels once on the nose this takes on creme de violette, and graphite notes alongside beautiful purple rose petals, walnut and shades of Black Forest cake. The palate is weightless and seamless throughout the drinking experience, as this has immense depth, and flavor complexity and flavor density with serious verve and length. A complete wine, enjoy this mesmerizing Cabernet Sauvignon over the next twenty years. If savoring now be sure to give this several hours in the decanter. Drink 2026-2046- 100


4) 2021 Saxum ‘Bone Rock’ Syrah-

California | Paso Robles | $250.00 | 99 Points

One of the finest wines of the vintage, the '21 ‘Bone Rock’ comes from vines that date back to 1990, which were originally planted for Wild Horse winery. This is a very steep location that is exceedingly challenging to farm and whale bones were unearthed. The first edition was in 1999 and this is now the 22nd version of this wine from the 2021 vintage. Sourced from a warm, southern-facing location, the chalky minerality is incredible here, offering a very pure combination of red and dark fruits that mingle well with Black Forest cake, cardamom, shades of garrigue, white pepper dusted bacon and shades of cloves on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy this highly complex wine now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 99


5) 2023 Kobayashi ‘Mizunara’ Cabernet Franc

Washington | Columbia Valley | $200.00 | 100 Points

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


6) 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Late Disgorged’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine

California | Carneros | $145.00 | 98 Points

A total masterclass by this storied house, the 2016 ‘Le Reve Late Disgorged’ saw nearly ten years on the lees before disgorgement. The nose is sensational with candied ginger and lemon rind that combines with suggestions of basil leaf, and salted French bread. The palate takes on a silky mousse that glides throughout the drinking experience. The finish will last for an entire minute as this is undeniably one of the finest sparkling wines from North America that I have tasted in the past year. A joy to savor now, enjoy this impeccably balanced sparkling wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 98


7) 2022 Booker ‘Ones’ Syrah

California | Paso Robles | $150.00 | 99 Points

The 2022 ‘Ones’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from their estate vineyard. Stored in 50% new French oak before bottling, this is inky in the glass, embodying class with iodine, bulls blood, beef drippings and shades of Kalamata olives with tar notes. The palate is dense and heady, with marvelous chalky soil character that runs through a massive core of black and blue fruits. A total stunner, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 99


8) 2022 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $115.00 | 99 Points

This 2022 edition of this famed bottling stands considerably more translucent than the ’21. A small amount of Syrah has been added to the otherworldly 2022 ‘Gold Only Knows’ Red Wine. Stored for 21 months in neutral French oak, this comes from vines planted all the way back in 2001. The nose is marvelously floral with pink and red rose petals that parade with Satsuma orange zest, white truffle shavings, strawberry Starburst candy and suggestions of Oyster sauce that all meld in the glass. The heady aromatics bring you back for more enjoyment. The palate is quite different than the ’21, being considerably more nervy — more reminiscent of the 2017. Without a doubt this edition flirts with perfection, as this beautiful bottling is arguably the finest Grenache made in North America. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. But why wait? Drink 2025-2033- 99


9) 2023 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $80.00 | 95 Points

A glorious and dense bottling from this slightly warmer vintage, the 2023 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay was stored for 14 months in mainly neutral French oak barrels before bottling. Brioche and lemon rind flavors combine with suggestions of salty and stony soils alongside hints of gingerbread on the palate. A delight to savor in its heady youth, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95


10) 2021 Verite ‘Le Desir’ Cabernet Franc

California | Sonoma | $350.00 | 100 Points

The 2021 ‘Le Desir’ is nearly all Cabernet Franc (87%) with the remainder Merlot and Malbec. The Cabernet Franc comes from the estate vineyard in Chalk Hill as well as their Alexander Mountain Estate and other sites in Bennett Valley. The nose is downright seductive and sexy, offering gorgeous violet rose petals that perfume the glass, alongside toasted walnut, green bell pepper, anise, dark currants and shades of graphite with dark chocolate shavings. The palate is voluptuous and soft offering sheer class and elegance. 2026-2050- 100


11) 2021 Prophet & Poet ‘Ghost Cat’ Upper Barn Chardonnay

California | Sonoma | $250.00 | 100 Points

Coming from this famed site farmed by Stonestreet, the 2021 ‘Ghost Cat’ Upper Barn offers dense pineapple and mango on the nose alongside citrus rind and baking spice laced pastry crust on the nose. The palate is utterly ethereal, lush, round and generous as this comes off absolutely weightless. It is amongst the finest new world Chardonnays that I have ever tasted. Drink 2025-2035- 100


12) 2023 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay

Oregon  | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 97 Points

The 2023 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay is a stunning wine that was stored in roughly 33% new French oak before bottling. Bright white florals mark the nose alongside pineapple and shades of backing spice laced brioche. The palate is super seamless with serious texture and a weightless mouthfeel. Glorious now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 97


13) 2023 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Columbia Valley | $120.00 | 100 Points

The 2023 ‘Block 1311’ is a barrel-selection wine that was entirely sourced for the Wallula Vineyard. Stored in all new French oak. A beautiful bouquet greets you as toasted hazelnuts mingle well with violets, tar, sagebrush and shades of huckleberry compote. This is impeccably balanced stuff, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. The palate is singular and plush as this can only come from one site — the famed Wallula Vineyard with its incredible veil of decadent blue fruits. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2025-2050- 100


14) 2023 Bergstrom ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $150.00 | 97 Points

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


15) 2023 Reyvaan ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 97 Points

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


16) 2023 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit de Tablas’ Red Wine

California | Paso Robles | $75.00 | 96 Points

Another stunning edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Espirit de Tablas’ combines 33% Mourvèdre (compared to 40% in 2022) and 31% Syrah (compared to 22% in 2022) alongside 26% Grenache and small parts Cinsault, Vaccarese and Counoise. The heady aromatics entice as herbs de Provence, orange peel, white pepper dusted beef, and shades of oyster sauce all parade on the nose. The palate is fresh and rich with a terrific sense of texture and underlying verve. This might not be the most dense or heady edition of this wine, but the flavor complexity and freshness makes this simply irresistible to enjoy right now. Simply put, the novelty is astonishingly good as there might not be another wine quite like this in the world. Be sure to give this about an hour in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2025-2040- 96


17) 2022 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $300.00 | 100 Points

Coming from this famed Oakville property, this wine is sourced from the To Kalon Vineyard which was first planted in the 1860s. This is dense, hedonistic and seamless with silky tannins that frame a gorgeous array of black and blue fruits. Elegant considering the heat of the vintage and obviously quite broad-shouldered and muscular, this has a marvelous push-pull in terms of weight, flavor density and freshness. Everyone remembers their first To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet and this brings everything right back for me in terms of loamy soil character, depth, richness and cassis character. What a wine! Drink 2025-2040- 100


18) 2022 Cobb ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir

California | Sonoma Coast | $95.00 | 97 Points

The stunning 2022 Cobb ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was partly planted back in 1989 with the rest planted back in 1998 to a range of clonal selections. The nose is stunning with pine needles, soy sauce, black truffle shavings, tart red fruits and shades of blood orange zest. The palate is dazzling in terms of tension, as this shows serious weight from the warmth of the vintage. This is a total heavyhitter that is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2025-2040- 97


19) 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Estate Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Walla Walla | $125.00 | 98 Points

Quite arguably the finest wine I have ever had from this estate, the ebullient 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Estate Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an otherworldly effort from this vineyard that has magical flavor density and intensity. On the palate this takes on a concentrated melange of black and blue fruits alongside shades of Turkish, coffee, tar scorched, earth, and sweet pipe, tobacco that all seamlessly meld together in the mouth. A stunning wine that is built to age, enjoy now and over the next 20 years. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2027-2050- 98


20) 2022 Valette Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 100 Points

The 2022 Valette Cabernet Sauvignon has slightly less Petit Verdot than the ’21. The wine comes from this Oakville site that is near Screaming Eagle. Gorgeous red and dark florals with red bell pepper mark the nose alongside chocolate and stony minerals. The palate is seamless and beautifully structured, as this is very pretty and stony. It is a remarkable achievement from this hot vintage. Drink 2025-2042- 100


21) 2007 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling Wine

California | Anderson Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points

The mind-bending 2007 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling Wine is a late released bottling that is showing right at its peak right now. Disgorged in November 2024, this is packed wth poached pear and roasted pineapple on the nose alongside salted praline and shades of ripe mango. The palate is equally exotic with loads of texture, tension and salty minerality. A complete masterclass, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 98


22) 2022 L’Aventure ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine

California | Paso Robles | $150.00 | 98 Points

This 2022 edition of the ‘Estate Reserve’ is mainly Syrah (55%) with 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Petit Verdot. This is an inky, tannic monster of a wine that opens with dark and black currant cordial alongside creme de violette and shades of green bell pepper. The palate is world-class in terms of flavor density, depth and concentration. This is a world-class wine from a tough vintage. Drink 2025-2040- 98


23) 2022 FIGGINS ‘Caves’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Walla Walla | $250.00 | 100 Points

The 2022 ‘Caves’ is a new wine made by winemaker Chris Figgins that utilizes a mere three barrels from two blocks at his estate vineyard. Inky and dark in the glass, the wine was stored for 22 months in all new French oak before bottling. Scorched earth and cuban cigar mark the nose alongside suggestions of Black Forest cake. The palate is lush and inviting with a sinfully good, pillowy texture, as this weightless beauty glides throughout the drinking experience. This just keeps building and building with each texturally opulent sip, offering a soaring combination of decadence, tension and flavor complexity. A world-class wine that is built to age, this is just a stunning accomplishment in what was a somewhat difficult vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2028-2054- 100


24) 2023 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay

California | Russian River Valley | $40.00 | 94 Points

The downright delicious 2023 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay is forward and juicy on the mouth. Caramel and poached pear mingle well with buttered French bread and roasted pineapple, and copious stony minerals. The texture and sense of freshness here is just sensational. This has to be up there with the finest Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ that I have tasted. Drink 2025-2033- 94


25) 2024 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Eola-Amity Hills | $65.00 | 97 Points

A world-class wine, the 2024 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Made in a reductive style, this was stored for 9 months in 50% new oak, stainless and neutral oak, including feuillettes. Freshly cut limes and salted nectarine skin fill the palate alongside suggestions of baking spice laced pastry crust and crushed seashells on the palate. Very salty and savory, with a seamless texture, this glides throughout the drinking experience. A total beauty, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 97


26) 2023 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 97 Points

One of the finest Chardonnays you will taste in Oregon, the very flinty 2023 ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a total head-turner that has a long way to go in the cellar. On the nose this shows orange blossom and lemon rind tones that combine with rich melon fruits, nutty accents and shades of wet pavement. Very reductive and fat on the mouth, with a dazzling sense of tension and great mid-palate weight, it has some serious power that would make you shocked that it comes from a cooler vintage. Drink 2025-2040- 97


27) 2023 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $300.00 | 100 Points

An utter joy to consume right now, the ethereal 2023 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this Oakville location first planted back in 1978. It is now farmed by Bruce Phillips, as TOR sources from two blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon at this historic location. It is ultra-dark in the glass, offering loamy soils and pencil lead that collide with Black Forest cake, anise, and suggestions of Asian spices. The palate is utterly pillowy and seamless throughout the drinking experience. This is powerful, very eye-catching stuff that has a finish that won’t stop. Rocky, and loaded with dense dark and blue fruits, with savory herbal accents on the palate, do not miss out on this total stunner. It is an unforgettable wine that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2050- 100

28) 2023 Merry Edwards ‘Coopersmith’ Pinot Noir

California | Russian River Valley | $120.00 | 97 Points

The 2023 ‘Coopersmith’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this 6-acre site that is the winery’s home ranch and was purchased by Merry Edwards in 1999. Salted red fruits parade with bergamot, Asian spices, and Satsuma orange on the palate. Round and generous, with a seamless texture, this is a total head-turner that is amongst the finest I have tasted from this estate in the past fifteen years. Drink 2025-2042- 97


29) 2023 Ridge ‘Estate’ Chardonnay

California | Santa Cruz Mountains | $65.00 | 95 Points

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


30) 2023 Rochioli ‘River Block’ Pinot Noir

California | Russian River Valley | $125.00 | 98 Points

The stunning 2023 Rochioli ‘River Block’ Pinot Noir is another world-class effort by Sonoma legend Tom Rochioli. Once on the nose this offers cran-cola tones that combine with bitter orange, loganberry preserves and Goldridge soils. The palate is plush, round and generous with an inviting mouthfeel and plenty of flavor range. The combination of pretty red fruits and cola really makes this work wonders, as the mouth-watering acidity brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. Very complex and delicious, enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 98


31) 2023 Sphaerics ‘If And Only If’ Chardonnay

California | Sonoma | $100.00 | 97 Points

The 2023 ‘If And Only If’ comes from the famed Upper Barn Vineyard in the Alexander Valley. The wine comes from original plantings from 1982. A golden color in the glass, this was stored in roughly 60% new French oak prior to bottling. This is very nervy and tense wine that has beautiful opulence, texture and flavor density. Gorgeous melon and tropical fruits parade with citrus zest, vanilla cream and pie crust notes. This is somehow even better than the ’22, with more nerve and sensational richness. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 97


32) 2023 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah

Washington | Columbia Valley | $60.00 | 96 Points

The totally dazzling 2023 ‘Arnaut’ Syrah comes from the Boushey Vineyard and is 100% varietal and native yeast fermented. The wine was stored in nearly all neutral French oak before bottling. It can benefit from a one hour decant and once aroused this exudes class with bacon fat and green peppercorns on the nose alongside tar, Cuban cigar and shades of black licorice. The palate is silky and refined with serious texture and underlying verve. Dense and rich, as well as very savory, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96


33) 2022 Jett ‘Skysill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $150.00 | 99 Points- The gorgeous 2022 Jett ‘Skysill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 20 months in 77% new French oak before bottling. This is a silky, refined and luxurious wine that has gobs of freshness and flavor density. Heady black fruits mingle well with pencil lead, anise, dried herbs and shades of black licorice. This is the quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove. Drink 2027-2050- 99


34) 2021 Abeja ‘Skysill’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $275.00 | 100 Points

Once again made 100% varietal, the otherworldly 2021 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon originates from this high-elevation, highly windy site in the Walla Walla Valley. Stored in mainly new French oak before bottling this has crazy good weight, length. and seamless character throughout the drinking experience.  Loaded with power, this bursts out of the glass with heady loganberry compote, creme de violette, Turkish coffee, graphite and Middle-Eastern spices. The mid-palate is highly concentrated and intense, with refined tannins, as this comes off opulent and refined, loaded with black and blue fruits, with cocoa powder, iodine and graphite accents. Pillowy, soft and decadent, this is a perfect wine made in a great vintage. Only 184 cases made. Tasted over two days with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2050- 100


35) 2024 Clarice Wine Company ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir

California | Santa Lucia Highlands | $75.00 | 96 Points

The ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ is an older site that is planted to 30 year old Pinot Noir vines, named after owners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni. On the nose this delivers purple rose petals with shades of marionberry, red currants, and salted Mandarin orange zest. The palate is powerful and concentrated, with great acidity and salty/stony nuances. A joy ton consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 96


36) 2023 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay

California | Sonoma | $70.00 | 96 Points

A downright killer wine, the 2023 ’Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay was sourced from this location in the Sonoma Coast AVA and owned by the HALL family.  This is loaded with richness and texture upon entry. Baking spice laced pastry crust, roasted pineapple and banana aromatics fill the nose alongside roasted fig and walnut accents. The palate is drenched with salinity and verve, with a terrific sense of richness, weight and length. This is nothing short of a complete wine that will cellar well for decades. Drink 2025-2040- 96


37) 2023 Cimento ‘Tenuta Bianca’ White Wine

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $95.00 | 97 Points

The 2023 ‘Tenuta Bianca’ is quite simply unlike anything that you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Sourced from sites in The Rocks District (55% Orselli, 45% San Tomasso) the wine was stored in all neural French oak barks for 16 months before bottling. It is composed of mainly Piquepoul and Clairette Blanche with 16% Rousssanne, 5% Viognier and 3% Bourbelenc. It is intense and golden in the glass, offering honeysuckle water, and mango notes alongside wet stone, cantaloupe and suggestions of salted cashew nut on the palate. Rich and unctuous, with serious verve and texture, this is absolutely amongst the greats that you will taste on the west coast. Drink 2025-2035- 97


38) 2024 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine

Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points

Another gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2024 ’Chaleur Blanc’ is a beautiful blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. Gooseberry and star jasmine mark the nose alongside salted nuts and suggestions of nectarine on the nose. The palate is big and bold with terrific underlying freshness and nutty nuances from the Semillon. Drink 2025-2035- 94


39) 2023 Siduri ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir

California | Santa Rita Hills | $75.00 | 96 Points

The ‘Hapgood Vineyard’ is located near Melville winery. The wine is comprised of selections 459 and Mt. Eden. This 2023 Pinot Noir was given a small amount of whole cluster fermentation having amazing weight and freshness, with ultra-pure red fruits alongside orange peel and rose water notes. This is pure Santa Rita Hills. Drink 2025-2038- 96


40) 2023 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine

Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $225.00 | 99 Points

The 2023 ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine combines fruit from the Schafer Vineyard (48%), in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, as well as a large portion from the McQueen Vineyard (45%), with the remainder coming from their estate in the Rocks District. Nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Petite Verdot blended in, this delvers ultra-dark black rose petals on the nose with violets, black tea and Asian spices that mingle well with green bell pepper, dark chocolate shavings and shades of scorched earth on this intoxicating bouquet. The palate is dense, dark and brooding, with crazy good acidity and finesse, as well as a pillowy texture. A world-class made in a somewhat difficult, cooler vintage, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years. Give it another year in the bottle if you can. Drink 2026-2049- 99


41) 2021 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine

Washington | Columbia Valley | $85.00 | 98 Points

The otherworldly 2021 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 36% Merlot and the remainder Malbec and Petit Verdot. Very dark in the glass, this offers alluring black florals on the nose wth tar, tobacco leaf, mocha, anise and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The stunning aromatics are simply head-turning. The palate is ultra-refined offering a seamless drinking experience. This is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted since its inception back in 2003. Drink 2025-2045- 98


42) 2023 Melville ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir

California | Santa Rita Hills | $35.00 | 93 Points

The brilliant 2023 Melville ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir is a brilliant wine from winemaker Chad Melville. A whiff of cola marks the nos alongside deep pomegranate seed, Bing cherry and shades of Mandarin orange rind. Soft and approachable, loaded with dense red fruits and copious salty minerals, it is hard to find a better California Pinot Noir at this price point. Enjoy now and over the next eight years or so. Drink 2025-2033- 93



43) 2023 Lingua Franca ‘Novo Vino’ Pinot Noir

Oregon | Eola-Amity Hills | $150.00 | 97 Points

A stunning new edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Novo Vino’ is a barrel selection wine coming from the Lingua Franca estate vineyard. The reduction and aromatic complexity from the whole cluster fermentation, this wine utilizes clone 943 that was stored in 50% new French oak before bottling. This is powerful, very seamless stuff that is built to age. Drink 2025-2042- 97


44) 2023 WeatherEye Roussanne

Washington | Columbia Valley | $85.00 | 97 Points

The 2023 Roussanne was also stored in a combination of amphora and oak before bottling.  Very golden in the glass, this offers sinfully good aromatics of lemon peel, candied apricot and suggestions of papaya on the nose. The palate comes off weightless, offering supreme concentration and depth without coming off heavy. Opulent and dense, enjoy this electric wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 97


45) 2022 Caliza ‘Azimuth’ Red Wine

California | Paso Robles | $85.00 | 96 Points

The 2022 ‘Azimuth’ combines mainly Mourvedre and Grenache with 19% Syrah and a touch of Mataro. Stored for 18 months in 60% new French oak, this offers lovely smoked meats and black olives on the nose alongside shades of wild blackberry and white truffle shavings. The palate showing beautiful texture and freshness with a great push-pull incorporating fruit and non-fruit flavors. Very earthy and complex, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2039- 96


46) 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 98 Points

The stunning 2022 ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from an hour or two in the decanter. It is silky and refined stuff with fabulous stony character. It comes off lush and rich on the mouth, with blueberry compote, wild blackberry and freshly tilled rocky soils on the palate, alongside mocha notes. Showing great depth and poise considering the heat of the vintage, this will live on for another several decades — but is flat out fabulous to enjoy in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2025-2042- 98


47) 2024 Dossier Sauvignon Blanc

Washington | Columbia Valley | $42.00 | 94 Points

The 2024 Dosser Sauvignon Blanc has the Equis Vineyard added to the other sources (Lonesome Spring Ranch, Corfu Crossing and Connor Lee). Lychee, green herbs and shades of white peach all mark the nose. The palate is lush and round with terrific mouthfeel and tension. Salty and delicious, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Malolactic fermented and don’t serve too cold! Drink 2025-2033- 94


48) 2023 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points

Another classy edition of this wine, the 2023 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah was sourced from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Stored for 16 months in natural oak, this opens with red raspberry and green olives alongside shades of white truffle shavings and wild herbs. The palate is both fresh and viscous with a fabulous texture and loads of mouth-watering acidity. This is made more akin to the ’22 bottling in terms of underlying finesse. Watch this beauty evolve over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 96


49) 2022 Cote Nicault Red Wine

Washington | Columbia Valley | $85.00 | 97 Points

The 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


50) 2022 Haynes Vineyard ‘Corazon’ Chardonnay

California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 95 Points

Coming from a south-facing portion of the vineyard, the 2022 Haynes Vineyard ‘Corazon’ Chardonnay offers great flavor density and weight. Roasted pineapple and mango notes combine wth salted nectarine and shades of honeydew melon and wet rock on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 95


51) 2024 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $32.00 | 93 Points

The 2024 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris offers loads of texture and tension. Bright melon and starfruit tones combine with Japanese pear, baking spice laced pastry crust and lemon curd notes on the palate. Very complex and delicious, enjoy this fabulous Gris now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93


52) 2023 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling

Washington | Columbia Valley | $25.00 | 93 Points

The 2023 ‘Eroica’ Riesling is made in the Kabinette style. This comes off fat on the tongue. Nectarine, oyster shell and passion fruit tones combine with lemon rind and kerosene on the palate. This is really good stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2032- 93


53) 2022 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Red Mountain | $85.00 | 96 Points

The outstanding 2022 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers Turkish coffee and tar notes on the nose alongside creme de violette. The palate is deep and rich with terrific flavor density and marvelous weight and depth. This is a steal at this price point. Drink 2025-2037- 96


54) 2023 Brooks ‘Bois Joli Vineyard’ Riesling

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points

The 2023 ‘Bois Joli’ Riesling comes from this location set on Willakenzie soils. Refreshing and neatly-textured, this offers loads of nectarine and pineapple flavors on the palate, with petrol and stony accents. Impossible to put down once opened, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94


55) 2023 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $30.00 | 94 Points

Mark Vlossak has been one of Oregon’s great champions for this Alsatian varietal for more than a decade now. This bottling comes from the famed Freedom Hill Vineyard, from vines planted back in 1993 and 2008. It is silky, refined and elegant, showing beautiful peach and Japanese pear flavors that meld well with shortbread, cashew nut and shades of ripe papaya on the palate. A stunning bottling that is a killer value, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94


56) 2022 Darioush Cabernet Franc

California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 96 Points

A stunning and generous rendition of this wine, the 2022 Cabernet Franc is 100% varietal that was stood in 75% new French oak barrels before bottling. This is highly polished, concentrated stuff, with a fabulous acid backbone. Deep black and blue fruits march on with pencil lead, anise, and shades of creme de violette and tar on the palate. Complex and hedonistic, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2042- 96


57) 2023 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $100.00 | 96 Points

The 2023 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir is a lush, generous and also very nervy wine that has a long way to go in the cellar. On the nose this takes on gorgeous red florals that combines with orange zest, scorched earth and shades of bergamot. The palate is dense and refined as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A gorgeous wine from a great vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 96


58) 2021 Daou ‘Patrimony’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Paso Robles | $300.00 | 99 Points

The stunning 2021 ‘Patrimony’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the Daou estate vineyard that was stored in new French oak for 30 months before bottling. This is a decadent, monster of a wine that flirts with perfection. Black and blue fruits seamlessly parade alongside copious minerals, chalky soils, tar, anise seed and suggestions of creme de violette. Complex, hedonistic and unbridled in terms of depth and finesse, this will easily go for another twenty plus years. Drink 2025-2045- 99


59) 2020 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon

Washington | Red Mountain | $150.00 | 99 Points

Sourced from all three estate vineyards, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 22 months in 65% new French oak before bottling. Very inky in the glass, this offers sandalwood and shades of cassis that combine with boysenberry compote and black licorice on the nose. The palate is plush and soft with a refined sense of weight. Very fresh and fragrant, with a concentrated core of black currants, creme de cassis and scorched earth, with herbal accents, this is a gorgeous, very generous bottling that is already really nicely defined at the five year mark. Drink 2026-2037- 99


60) 2021 K Vintners ‘Royal City’ Syrah

Washington | Royal Slope | $125.00 | 96 Points

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


61) 2022 Clos Solene ‘L’Insolent’ Red Wine

California | Paso Robles | $125.00 | 96 Points

This 2022 ‘L’Insolent’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with 19% Petit Verdot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. Inky in the glass, this shows green bell pepper and fresh herbs on the nose alongside pencil lead, dark currant compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is beautiful structured and powerful, offering serious texture and weight. Drinking marvelously now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. This is a totally different animal than the ’21 — but equally as delicious. What it might not have in terms of refinement and elegance, this makes up in well-structured hedonistic decadence. Drink 2025-2038- 96


62) 2021 Fidélitas ‘Estate’ Malbec

Washington | Red Mountain | $85.00 | 95 Points

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


63) 2014 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points

The 2014 ‘Extended Tirage’ was disgorged in July 2023. Given 3 G/L dosage, this shows off baking spice dusted pastry crust, Pink Lady apple, and juicy peach notes with shades of diatomaceous earth on this luxurious nose. The mousse is super refined and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This is ethereal stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2024-2038- 96


64) 2023 Audeant Rose

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $50.00 | 93 Points

The 2023 Audeant Rose comes from both the Cherry Grove and Luminous Hills Vineyards. The wine was de-stemmed and then sat on the skins for six days before fermentation. The wine then was stored on the lees for 11 months before bottling. This comes off very a la Big Table Farm in terms of flavor density, weight, viscosity and flavor range. Mandarin orange zest combines with guava puree, wild strawberry and walnut alongside shades of peat moss on the palate. Very complex and delicious, don’t serve this beauty too cold! This is not cheap at 50 bucks, but it is every bit a thrilling joyride to consume. Drink 2025-2033- 93


65) 2023 Alexana ‘Mosaic’ Pinot Noir

Oregon | Dundee Hills | $55.00 | 95 Points

The 2023 ‘Mosaic’ comes from a whopping 22 soil types and utilizes Pommard, Wadenswil, La Tache and a range of clones. This comes off fresh and marvelously earthy, with sea salt and stony accents that collide with a fresh Satsuma orange zest and a glorious core of red and dark fruits. Big, bold and sumptuous on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 95


66) 2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine

Washington | Columbia Valley | $35.00 | 93 Points

This stellar edition of Trutina was stored in mainly natural oak barrels (30% new French oak) before bottling.Mocha, tar and anise flavors mingle well with dark currants and chocolate on the palate. A killer value, with good mouthfeel and mid-palate depth and complexity, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93


67) 2024 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc

California | Napa Valley | $55.00 | 95 Points

A dazzling rendition of this wine, the 2024 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc offers plump gooseberry and kiwi notes on the nose with lemongrass and dried green herbal accents. The palate is fresh and lively with bright acidity and a seamless sense of texture. Very mineral-laden, each sip offers lip-smacking minerality and great flavor density. Glorious now, this will evolve well for another eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 95


68) 2024 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points

Another sensational edition of this wine, the highly nuanced 2024 Laughing Pig’ Rose was stored in all neural oak barrels before bottling.  A beautiful watermelon color, this offers white rose water and orange peel notes on the nose with salty soils and shades of cranberry. The palate is beautifully astringent and intense, with serious texture and minerality, showing some fabulous earthy tones with peat moss and damp hay. The length impresses, as this lasts for a near-minute on the mouth. This is once again an incredibly showing in its mineral-laden youth. Drink 2025-2031- 94


69) 2021 Hill of Tara ‘Maeve The Warrior’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Sonoma | $85.00 | 97 Points

The 2021 Hill of Tara ‘Maeve The Warrior’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the Monte Rosso Vineyard. At this site there are 20 year old vines of clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon as vines here are set on a bench at 800 feet. Volcanic soils mingle well with suggestions of Asian spices, blackberry compote, black rose petals and shades of violets. The palate is dense and fresh with serious tension and richness. Totally stunning, heady and full of viscosity, enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2045- 97


70) 2023 PerUs ‘Armaan’ Red Wine

California | Napa Valley | $425.00 | 97 Points

The stunning 2023 ‘Armaan’ is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tench Vineyard with a touch of Sage Ridge Vineyard. It is a decadent and rich journey throughout the drinking experience with scorched earth and stony minerals that collide with dense dark and blue fruits on the palate. The chocolate edge from the Merlot is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 97


71) 2022 Open Claim Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points

Rich, sultry and gorgeous from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 Open Claim Chardonnay is best served on the warmer side. Rich buttered French bread combines with Meyer lemon oil, mango, kumquat rind and suggestions of shortbread on the palate. Dense and also very nervy, with serious length and texture, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95


72) 2022 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $125.00 | 95 Points

A downright killer wine from a challenging vintage, the 2022 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking beautifully now. Round and generous on the tongue, with good freshness, this offers a dense core of dark cherry and roasted fig flavors alongside espresso bean, loamy soils and shades of menthol on the palate. This is just a sensational effort in ’22. Drink 2025-2038- 95


73) 2022 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir

California | Santa Rita Hills | $120.00 | 95 Points

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


74) 2023 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir

California | Marin County | $95.00 | 96 Points

The brilliant 2023 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location in western Marin County, planted to Dijon clone Pinot Noir. Translucent in the glass, this show aromatics of red currants and red rose petals alongside citrus blossom notes. The palate is fleshy and viscous with terrific mouthfeel and length. A stunning rendition of this wine that is both gratifying and very pure, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 96


75) 2023 Granville ‘O’Della Reserve’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 97 Points

The outstanding 2023 ‘O’Della Reserve’ is named after Jackson Holstein’s daughter. The Chardonnay comes from a range of sites throughout the Willamette Valley including their new Nova Ridge Vineyard (70%). It is a dense and heady effort that was stored in 40% new French oak for 11 months prior to bottling. Golden in the glass, this delivers incredible seamless character on the palate. Weightless and intense melon, citrus and tropical fruits greet you on the palate, with copious stony minerals, alongside nutty nuances. Complex, highly novel and delicious, this is a mind-bending wine that will surely appeal to any lover of Oregon Chardonnay. Drink 2025-2040- 97


77) 2022 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir

California | Anderson Valley | $150.00 | 96 Points

The scintillating 2022 ‘Ten Degrees’ is a barrel selection wine by Goldeneye.  It is dense, heady and has marvelous richness and texture. Decadent loganberry and strawberry fruit flavors collide with sandy/salty soils, wet rock, menthol and shades of cardamom on the palate. Fresh and lively with serious flavor density, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 96


78) 2023 Echolands ‘Resurgent Vineyard’ Syrah

Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points

The 2023 ‘Resurgent’ Syrah comes from this site set on basalt cobblestones. This is wonderfully stony no the nose with wet gravel, tar, bay leaf and shades of Hoisin sauce with dark raspberry notes. The palate is silky smooth with a great sense of tension that runs through the core of milk chocolate, crushed wet rock and stony minerals. Seriously good, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Absolutely no reason to cellar this beauty. Drink 2025-2033- 95


79) 2021 Masalto ‘Facade’ White Pinot Noir

Washington | Royal Slope | $75.00 | 95 Points

Coming from the Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA, this spent 22 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. Salted peach, pie crust, kumquat zest and Yakima cherry flavors mingle well with nutty and stony accents on the palate. Dense and rich with an unctuous texture, this is absolutely stunning that has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95


80) 2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah

Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points

The 2021 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah is a knockout wine from this storied site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The Syrah was entirely whole cluster fermented with some Viognier. Dark in the glass, this offers classic dried herbs on the nose with wet stone, iodine, wild blackberry compote and shades of dark licorice. The palate is round and generous with a smooth mouthfeel and great sense of finesse. Very refined and elegant throughout the drinking experience, showing no rough edges, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95


81) 2022 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 96 Points

The outstanding 2022 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. Very inky in the glass, this opens with gorgeous violet rose petals that parade with espresso grounds, creosote, blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is silky and refined with great texture and good verve considering the heat at harvest. This is already beautifully evolved stuff that will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 96


82) 2022 Single Barrel ‘Conner Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay

Washington | Columbia Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points

Sourced from vines planted all the way back in the late 1980s, the 2022 Single Barrel ‘Conner Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay delivers serious weight and texture with beautiful flavor density. Rich honeydew melon and Japanese pear combine with baking spice laced shortbread and roasted pineapple on the palate. This is astonishingly good. Drink 2025-2033- 95


83) 2023 Pinstripe Pinot Meunier ‘Ne Jamais Abandonner’ Sparkling Wine

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 93 Points

The 2023 Pinstripe Pinot Meunier ‘Ne Jamais Abandonner’ Sparkling Wine was given 4G/L dosage.offers tart red fruits on the nose. The palate offers beautiful guava and strawberry fruits alongside baked apple and shades of kumquat zest. Beautiful now, watch this evolve over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 93


84) 2023 Royer ‘548’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 96 Points

The 2023 ‘548’ focuses on single clone Chardonnay set on Nekia soils. This comes off seamless and also very stony throughout the drinking experience, as copious minerals and lip-smacking acidity both greet you on the palate. Kumquat zest, persimmon and shades of bergamot all fill the palate, alongside crushed wet rock and walnut accents. The terroir imparted here is astonishingly good. Very complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 96


85) 2023 Januik ‘Sagemoor Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc

Washington | Columbia Valley | $20.00 | 92 Points

The really good 2023 Januik ‘Sagemoor Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc offers gooseberry and pear notes on the palate alongside nectarine skin notes. Rich and viscous, this is absolutely singing right now. Drink 2025-2031- 92


86) 2023 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer

Washington | Columbia Valley | $20.00 | 93 Points

This 2023 Gewurtztraminer 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


87) 2022 Denner ‘Cirrus’ Red Wine

California | Paso Robles | $75.00 | 96 Points

Mostly Grenache, the 2022 ‘Cirrus’ offers wonderful herbal and savory notes on the nose alongside dense red fruits, black currants and tar accents. The palate is juicy and shows great weight and length. Delightful to enjoy now, savor this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96


88) 2022 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 96 Points

The stunning 2023 ‘Family Reserve’ is a wine that has such a long life ahead of it. Silky and refined on the mouth, this shows amazing depth, power and concentration. A glorious core of red fruits surrounded by salty and stony soils all combine on the palate, with peat moss and shades of menthol on the palate. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2026-2044- 96


89) 2023 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay

California | Carneros | $95.00 | 96 Points

A truly sensational new release, the 2023 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay stands golden in the glass. Flint and juicy peach mark the nose alongside shades of poached pear and vanilla creme brûlée on the nose. The palate is elegant and refined with serious verve and weight. This is marvelously salty and nutty on the palate, with a seamless mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. DuMol has been sourcing from this site since 2001 — and we are very glad that they do. Drink 2025-2037- 96


90) 2024 Groth ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc

California | Napa Valley | $50.00 | 93 Points

The 2023 ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding wine now in its second edition. It has a touch of Semillon blended in, as this was stored in neutral French oak before bottling. It has deep melon fruits that parade with shades of passion fruit, white peach, salted Macadamia nut and copious minerals on the palate. This is complex stuff, as the Semillon really adds to the equation here. Drink 2025-2033- 93


91) 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir

California | Sonoma Coast | $85.00 | 95 Points

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


92) 2023 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah

California | Santa Barbara County | $75.00 | 96 Points

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


93) 2021 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Patriarch’ Cabernet Sauvignon

California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 98 Points

Another amazing rendition of this wine, the 2021’Patriarch’ was aged for 21 months in 75% new French oak barrels prior bottling. It is up there with the ’19 as the finest renditions of this wine that I have tasted. Ultra-dark in the glass, this shows off creme de cassis, dusty soils, violets, tar and black licorice notes on the nose. The palate is silky and refined as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Very well-structured, with copious minerals and refined tannins, this really needs another year in the cellar for everything to come together. Your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2026-2050- 98


94) 2023 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $40.00 | 94 Points

Another stellar edition of this wine, the 2023 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris makes its case for one of the best wines of its kind in the United States. It comes off rich and fat on the tongue, with outstanding texture and minerality. Heady papaya, mango and starfruit flavors collide with gobs of flinty tension Finishing very long, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94


95) 2021 The Walls ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ Red Wine

Washington | Columbia Valley | $65.00 | 94 Points

The 2022 ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ is a gorgeous bottling that is rich, dense and heady. Mainly Tempranillo, this is very stony and rich on the palate, with roasted figs, wet rock and pipe tobacco alongside dark currant notes. Fresh and neatly textured, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94


96) 2023 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Red Wine

California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 97 Points

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


97) 2022 ROCO ‘RMS’ Brut Sparkling Wine

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points

The seriously good 2022 ‘RMS’ is equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has outstanding weight and flavor density, with plenty of flinty and salty nuance. Juicy peach, freshly cut Key lime and saline drenched pear combine with pastry crust and nutty accents line the palate. A stunning rendition of this bottling, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2035- 95


98) 2022 Ambar ‘Lustral’ Chardonnay

Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points

The 2023 ‘Lustral’ is a barrel selection Chardonnay that was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. This comes off dense, rich and fat on the mouth with a terrific mouthfeel and gobs of minerality. This comes off seamless throughout the drinking experience. Salty minerals combine with rich citrus and orchard fruits on the palate. This is somehow even better than the ’22 edition. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 96


99) 2023 Kanzler ‘Kanzler Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir

California | Sonoma | $125.00 | 96 Points

The 2023 Kanzler ‘Kanzler Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine from their estate vineyard the Russian River Valley. Given 23% whole cluster fermentation. The nose is gorgeous with bright red rose petals that mingle well with exotic spices, cola, Mandarin orange peel and shades of black truffle shavings. The palate is ultra-refined, fresh and gorgeous in terms of texture and verve. A world-class wine made from this slightly cooler vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 96


100) 2024 Amavi Rose

Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $30.00 | 93 Points

A stunning new edition of this wine, the 2024 Amavi Rose is made from Cabernet Franc grapes and then was stored in stainless steel with some lees stirring before bottling. Damp earth collide with fresh strawberry, guava and shades of blood orange zest. This is ultra-fresh with a superb texture and great mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2031- 93

Comment

Here is one of the jewels of the Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa.

Castello di Amorosa

December 15, 2025

One of the most beautiful spots in Napa, Castello di Amorosa is a must visit for anyone interested in Tuscan history. The history dates back many years with Dario Stattui, who is is the great grandson of pioneering vintner Vittorio Sattui, an Italian immigrant who founded St. Helena Wine Cellars in 1885. The Sattui family lived at the winery, even after Prohibition closed the business in 1920.  Dario returned to the U.S. in 1972, with plans to re-open the family winery that had been dormant for more than 50 years. In 1975, he launched V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena. Then in 1993, and after decades of searching Dario finally found the ideal parcel — 171 acres near Calistoga where Colonel William Nash had planted one of California's first vineyards in 1846. Dario bought the property, which had acres of beautiful forest and hills, a stream and a lake, and a great Victorian home where he decided to settle. And the rest has been history.

It is incredible how this was built. The Castello was finally born using more than 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled local stone and nearly one million antique bricks imported from Europe to complete the construction. More than 200 containers of old materials and furnishings were shipped over from Europe to decorate the interior. The construction took 15 years and opened to the public on April 7, 2007.

I love the 2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Il Rubino’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is juicy and delicious Pinot Noir from this warm vintage. Learn more about this beautiful winery at https://castellodiamorosa.com and here are my reviews of the outstanding new Castello di Amorosa wines.

2024 Castello di Amorosa ‘Cresta D’Oro Vineyard’Chardonnay- The 2024 Castello di Amorosa ‘Cresta D’Oro Vineyard’Chardonnay offers great flavor density with poached pear and salted French bread flavors alongside shades of roasted pineapple. Full-bodied, with great poise, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 Castello di Amorosa ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Reserve’ comes from a range of sites throughout the Napa Valley. Once on the nose it offers buttered popcorn, Japanese pear and starfruit tones alongside baking spice laced hazelnut. The palate is soft and seamless throughout the drinking experience, with outstanding weight and length. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2024 Castello di Amorosa ‘Rosato di Pinot Noir’ Rose- The dense and intense 2024 Castello di Amorosa ‘Rosato di Pinot Noir’ Rose offers copies minerals on the palate, with tart cranberry and Yakma cherry fruits that combine with a smooth mouthfeel. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Il Rubino’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Il Rubino’ offers cola and Bing cherry with cranberry fruits that combine with sassafras and a smooth mouthfeel on the palate. Showing good tension considering the heat of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Castello di Amorosa ‘Morning Dew Ranch’ Pinot Noir- The generous and mineral-laden 2023 ‘Morning Dew Ranch’ comes from this cooler location in the Anderson Valley. This is loaded with rich dark fruits and cola tones on the palate, with damp earthy notes. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2024 Castello di Amorosa ‘Cresta D’Oro Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Cresta D’Oro Vineyard’ is set in the Green Valley and combines 115, 777 and Pommard 4 clonal selections.

This is heady and well-structured with a refined mouthfeel. Cran-cola and pomegranate seed flavors combine with Mandarin orange zest, damp soils and fresh sage. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Voyager Vineyard’ Sangiovese- The 2022 ‘Voyager Vineyard’ Sangiovese offers dusty soils with red currants, red cherry candy and shades of sagebrush. Juicy and delicious, with bright acidity, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Zingaro’ Zinfandel- The 2020 ‘Zingaro’ comes from old vine Zinfandel vineyards that neighbor the Pacific Ocean. This is jammy and delicious wine with a great melange of red and dark fruits alongside Arabica bean and salty soils. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2021 Castello di Amorosa ‘Quattro’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Quattro’ was sourced from four locations across the Napa Valley. This comes off well-structured with black currants, blackberry pie, tar and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied and well-structured, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of sites in Napa. Stored in new French oak barrels, this delivers creme de cassis and loganberry notes on the nose alongside espresso grounds, loamy soils and shades of dark chocolate. The palate is refined and elegant with a seamless mouthfeel and great sense of Napa character. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Diamond Mountain District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2022 Castello di Amorosa ‘Diamond Mountain District’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this hot vintage in the Napa Valley. It is soft and approachable with medium-bodied black fruits with tar, scorched earth and wintergreen. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘Il Barone’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The gorgeous 2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘Il Barone’ is inky in the glass. It opens with opulent aromatics of creme de cassis, anise, tar, blackberry compote and violets. The palate is dense and well-structured with refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘La Castellana’ Red Wine- A Super Tuscan-inspired wine, the 2019 Castello di Amorosa ‘La Castellana’ Red Wine combines 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot and Sangiovese. Very dark in the glass, this delivers heady aromatics of black rose petals, tobacco leaf and loamy soils alongside shades of pencil lead. The palate is well-structured with serious texture and verve. The balance and moving parts here is incredibly good. Drink 2025-2038- 94

Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →
 

Latest Posts

Featured
Feb 18, 2026
Dutton Goldfield
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Open Claim
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Eroica' Riesling Vertical Tasting
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 18, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Echolands
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Tamber Bey
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Woodward Canyon
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 16, 2026
En Garde
Feb 16, 2026
Feb 16, 2026
Feb 13, 2026
Willamette Valley Vineyards
Feb 13, 2026
Feb 13, 2026
Feb 13, 2026
Jachter
Feb 13, 2026
Feb 13, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
Charles Heidseick
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
Domaine Serene
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
Westborn
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
Chateau de Beaucastel
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 11, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
Marques de Caceres
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Frescobaldi
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 9, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
Doubleback
Feb 6, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
Rhys Vineyards
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
Starmont
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026
BACA
Feb 5, 2026
Feb 5, 2026