Marques de Caceres

Its s my pleasure to share an outstanding house in Rioja that is readily available throughout the United States. Marques de Caceres has made their name by providing beautiful value-driven Rioja wines since the 1990s. I have long admired their Reserva and Gran Reserva and was so impressed with how they age. I had a great visit to their location in Rioja which offers a marvelous tour. Located in the Rioja Alta region, In 1970 Enrique Forner founded the winery which was an alliance between the the Cenicero region in the La Rioja Alta. This family had been focused on the wine trade for five generations, sourcing from some of the great growers and vineyards in the region in a Bordeaux like concept.

Cristina Forner is the fourth generation owner of this wine family. They produce a great Grand Reserva, but their Reserva is also consistently good and commands a lower price tag. Check out the terrific value 2020 Marques de Caceres ‘Gran Reserva Vendima Seleccionada’ Rioja (OB, 95) which is one of the finest wines I have ever had from this house. This is pure, concatenated and beautifully structured Rioja. Learn more about these special Rioja wines at https://www.marquesdecaceres.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Marques de Caceres.

2019 Marques de Caceres ‘Gran Reserva Vendima Seleccionada’ Rioja- The dazzling 2019 Marques de Caceres ‘Gran Reserva Vendima Seleccionada’ Rioja is a concentrated and powerful wine from this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on roasted figs alongside molten chocolate, anise and cedar notes. The palate is viscous and fresh with terrific tension and salty minerality. A totally gorgeous bottling, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 95

Frescobaldi

Today we share the story of the Frescobaldi family, whose Tuscany heritage dates back seven hundred years, beginning in the early 1300s. Their impact in Florence was built upon controlling key guilds, notably the Arte della Lana (wool guild), the Arte di Calimala (guild of foreign cloth merchants and finishers), and the Cambio (money exchange).

The Frescobaldi family began producing Tuscan wine in 1308 and quickly established an esteemed clientele. An intriguing historical detail from 1308 includes a documented exchange where Michelangelo Buonarroti traded his artwork for Frescobaldi wine. Additionally, the Frescobaldis supplied wine to King Henry VIII of England; surviving contracts in the family archives bear the English king's signature.

Lamberto Frescobaldi is now the 30th generation at the helm. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of Unione Italiana Vini, Italy's leading federation of winemakers, becoming its President in 2022. His house produces a range of wines including Brunello di Montalciino and Chianti Classico. I really enjoyed these wines, particularly the 2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino (OB, 93) which is a warm vintage Brunello that is drinking marvelously right now. Learn more about this storied house at https://www.frescobaldi.com/en/history and here are my reviews on the new Frescobaldi wines.

2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino- The outstanding 2020 Frescobaldi ‘Castel Giocondo’ Brunello di Montalcino is a great showing now at the six year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of thyme and red currants that mingle well with clay soils and shades of red licorice. The palate is ripe and rich with a terrific mouthfeel and wonderful concentration of dense red fruits. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2019 Frescobaldi ‘Ripe Al Convento’ Brunello di Montalcino Riserva- The 2019 Frescobaldi ‘Ripe Al Convento’ Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows off sandalwood and exotic spice aromatics that parade with rich red and dark fruits with shades of mocha. The palate is rich and viscous with a dense mouthfeel and great concentration of fig, kirsch and red currant flavors that mingle well with copious stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2043- 94

2024 Frescobaldi Castiglioni Chianti- This 2024 Chianti offers red florals that combine with tart red fruits on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with good minerality. Drink 2026-2031- 89

2021 Frescobaldi ‘Castello Nipozzano’ Chianti Rufina- The 2022 ‘Castello Nipozzano’ Chianti Rufina offers wild mushrooms, dried herbs and tart red fruits that collide with shades of coffee grounds on the palate. Nicely-textured, with great freshness, enjoy over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2021 Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta Perano’ Chianti Classico Riserva- The really good 2021 Frescobaldi ‘Tenuta Perano’ Chianti Classico Riserva offers roasted figs and milk chocolate on the nose alongside suggestions of dark florals. The palate is velvety and soft with terrific grip and refinement. A stunning ‘Riserva’ this is already nicely evolved from this warm vintage. Drink 2026-2038- 93

Doubleback

Today we share the amazing journey of Doubleback, one of the jewels of the Walla Walla Valley. Doubleback was founded by NFL legend, Drew Bledsoe and his wife, Maura. The story completes itself as Drew circled back following his brilliant NFL career. Growing up in Walla Walla, Drew was a star at Walla Walla High School before his illustrious tenure at Washington State University. For many years Drew had visions of starting his own winery for many years and going back to Walla Walla was the perfect choice for him. During his years in the NFL he continued to expand his palate, trying various wines of the world. He knew there was something special about this region. It was back in 2007 that Drew returned to Walla Walla to plant his estate vineyard, McQueen on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA.

In 2008 that Bledsoe began focusing on using top estate fruit to make Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. He needed a top class winemaker and connected with childhood friend and superstar winemaker, Chris Figgins, of Leonetti Cellar, who served as consulting winemaker until Josh McDaniels assumed the role in 2015. Josh is one of the great people you will meet in Washington wine. He is one of the great winemaking talents on the west coast.

I adored the 2023 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which needs at least an hour in the decanter before enjoying now. It is rich and viscous stuff with amazing floral character. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.doubleback.com/ and here are my reviews of the gorgeous new 2026 spring release wines by Doubleback.

2023 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine from this warm vintage, the 2023 Doubleback comes from both the McQueen, Schafer and LeFore vineyards. A touch of Malbec was blended in, as this really needs about 1-2 hours of air before enjoying. Once aroused, this is a total beauty. Gorgeous black rose petals fill the nose alongside Arabica bean, creme de violette and tar notes that combine with heady dark fruits. The palate is plush and seamless with great underlying tension and refined tannins that slowly dissipate with more air. Dense and hedonistic to enjoy now, this has another twenty years in front of it. This is not a pop and pour, so be sure to give this at least an hour or two of air if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2046- 97

2023 Doubleback ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine- Not for the faint at heart, the world-class 2023 ‘Estate Reserve’ Red Wine has small portions of Malbec and Petit Verdot blended in.  It comes from the McQueen, Lefore and Schaefer vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. This is also needing 1-2 hours in the decanter before being fully aroused. Purple and black florals combine with creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, scorched earth and faint green herbal accents all line the nose. The palate is powerful, nervy and tannic with serious structure and weight. A stunning melange of black and blue fruits greet you, as this comes off soft and refined on the mouth, with excellent length. Jet black in the glass, this has plenty of non-fruit character with graphite, rocky soils and cedar accents. Still shedding some of its baby fat, give this at least another year in the bottle to fully evolve. Drink 2027-2050- 99

Rhys Vineyards

Today we share an outstanding California producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Rhys Vineyards produces from some extreme vineyard sites that has slopes which range up to a 40% grade. This is extreme farming.

Rhys Vineyards founder, Kevin Harvey, had a successful software career prior to stating his winery. He began planting Pinot Noir in his backyard near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and has had his first vintage in 2004. The new release wines by Rhys from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. They are not quite the level of their single vineyards but are completely outstanding, with a beginning, middle and an end.

I love the new 2023 ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has great salty character and excellent viscosity. Learn more about this incredible new lineup of wines at https://rhysvineyards.com Here are the exciting new wines by Rhys Vineyards

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Chardonnay- Salty and delicious, the 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ shows excellent flavor density and viscosity. Lifted orange blossom water combines with pear and mango flavors alongside salty minerals on the palate. A joy to drink now, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Chardonnay- The delicious 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Chardonnay offers damp earth and buttered French bread flavors on the palate, alongside rich melon and citrus fruits. Medium to full-bodied with excellent length, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Pinot Noir takes on red currants and red rose petal aromatics that parade with volcanic rock and shades of red licorice. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished texture. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir - Another outstanding bottling from Rhys, their 2023 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir shows off forest floor and hints of wild mushroom on the nose with red and dark florals alongside ripe fig. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with great earthy character. Drink 2026-2034- 92

Starmont

I always love wines that exude value. The Starmont brand began back 25 years ago and has grown in a great value brand out of Napa. Winemaker Winemaker, Jeff Crawford crafts these wines with minimal oak intervention. Grapes are sourced from select sites including Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Napa counties.

I really enjoyed these values. Check out the 2024 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 90) which is fresh and neatly textured stuff. Learn more at https://www.starmontwines.com and here are my reviews of the Starmont wines.

2024 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc- The really good 2024 Starmont Sauvignon Blanc offers pear and kiwi flavors with brisk acidity. Light to medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2023 Starmont Chardonnay- Mainly sourced from Napa, the 2023 Starmont Chardonnay delivers peaches and salty minerals alongside pastry crust notes. Light to medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2023 Starmont Pinot Noir- The 2023 Starmont Pinot Noir offers delicate and salty red fruits with damp earth notes on the palate. A bit lean, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 88

2023 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon shows off chocolate, blackberry and coffee notes on the plate with a smooth mouthfeel. Delicious, enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2026-2030- 90

BACA

Today we share the beautiful wines of BACA. BACA Wines focuses on high quality Zinfandel wines, soured from some of California’s most esteemed Zinfandel sites including some locations planted in the 1920s. The range of Zinfandel is really fun to taste, as the lineup reveals serious range from more restrained, acid-driven styles to rich and jammier renditions. All of the wines are splendid and beautifully showcase the terroir and climate that they are sourced from.

I love the new 2024 BACA ‘Tug O’ War’ Zinfandel (OB, 93) which is a dense and chewy wine with serious richness. Learn more about this great project at bacawines.com and here are my reviews of the new BACA wines.

2024 BACA ‘Home Base’ Zinfandel- The 2024 ‘Home Base’ offers dill and white pepper alongside boysenberry compote. The palate is concentrated and fleshy with terrific mouthfeel and bright acidity, with orange zest notes. This is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2024 BACA ‘Tug O’ War’ Zinfandel- Sourced from the Maffei Vineyard, this 2024 Zinfandel offers dense dark fruits with chocolate and tobacco leaf aromatics. The plate has great flavor density with loads of dark fruits and Black Forest cake notes alongside good tension and salty nuances. Drink 2025-2032- 93

St. Innocent

One of the great value lineups in Oregon wine, St. Innocent was founded by Oregon Wine Pioneer, Mark Vlossak. Mark made his first single vineyard wine in 1989 from the O’Connor Vineyard. The wines that Mark makes have a beginning, middle and end. They are textural beauties that age so gracefully.

Mark has a deft touch for white wine and his whites have consistently been on my Top 100 wines of North America over the past five plus years. Check out the 2024 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc (OB, 93) which is rich and dense stuff with serious mouthfeel and great flavor range. Learn more about these awesome wines at https://stinnocentwine.com Here are the great new releases by St. Innocent. 

2021 St. Innocent ‘Cremant Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Made from mainly Pinot Blanc (87%) grapes fro the Freedom Hill Vineyard, this is a vibrant pink in the glass. This is both dense and weighty with serious salty tension. Gorgeous red fruits parade with nutty nuances on the palate. There isn’t a wine quite like this in the new world, offering both a refined mousse and glorious length, with the faintest kiss of sweetness. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- Rich, fleshy and delicious, the 2024 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc has just a kiss of sweetness on the palate. Peach and green papaya flavors parade with nutty nuances and copious minerals on this highly-complex bottling. Enjoy this beauty over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2022 St. Innocent ‘Cavalier Cuvee Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Cavalier Cuvee’ comes from old vine Chardonnay sourced from the acclaimed Freedom Hill Vineyard. This is wonderfully reductive and flinty on the nose with beeswax, white flowers and Japanese pear notes. The palate comes off big, rich and fat despite the coolness of the vintage. Beautifully-textured, with serious length, be sure to not serve too cold! Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this location in the Mt. Pisgah AVA, roughly ten miles southwest of Salemon, this is old-vine Chardonnay set on marine sedimentary soils. It is viscous stuff with great salty character. Pastry crust, mango and shades of nectarine skin all combine with baking spices on the palate. Both nervy and rich, enjoy over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 St. Innocent ‘Villages Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- A seriously good value, the 2024 ‘Villages Cuvee’ Pinot Noir is loaded with loganberry, strawberry and red cherry fruits alongside wet gravel and bergamot nuances on the palate. Medium-bodied, with good lift and texture, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2022 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this accliamed location in the Mt. Pisqah AVA, the 2022 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes off salty and savory, loaded with tension and bright red fruits. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific texture and mouthfeel, this is already drinking beautifully at the four year mark. Enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 94

Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Eroica Single Berry Select' Riesling

Today we share one of the great dessert wines made in the United States. The ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ is made in partnership between two of the world’s leading Riesling producers, Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington state and Ernst Loosen of Germany. Eroica Single Berry Select Riesling is made as a German Trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) style and is one of the only TBA-style wines in North America today. This is a lush and complex TBA with gobs of richness and world-class tension and finesse.

Grapes for this wine come from the Horse Heaven Hills. Each grape is individually hand-picked and hand-sorted. For years I have admired this wine that is truly one of the wines of its kind in the world. This is a must-try for any lover of top dessert wine. The wine is made in a half bottle (.375L) format. It is a stunning, mesmerizing wine that for my palate does not come short of perfection in the glass. This is also the first 100 point dessert wine that I have ever awarded from any wine in North America. Learn more at https://www.eroicawine.com/wines and here is my review of the thrilling 2017 ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ Riesling.

2017 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ Riesling- From a tiny bottle a behemoth of a wine emerges as the 2017 ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ Riesling is easily the best dessert wine made in Washington State. This TBA-inspired bottling oozes with honey, butterscotch, poached pear and candied apple flavors that all seamlessly combine with the silky texture. Weightless, dense and utterly sensational to enjoy now, with serious underlying nerve, this will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2026-2046- 100

Elevee

Today we share the wines of Elevee. UC Davis educated, Burgundy trained Winegrower, Tom Fitzpatrick, and wife France, began their journey in 2002 with Hunter's Wines in New Zealand, Pine Ridge Winery in Napa Valley, and Domaine Hubert Lignier in Morey-St-Denis. They arrived in Oregon in 2007, when Tom became the Associate Winemaker with Hamacher and then Winemaker/GM with Alloro Vineyard.

The new wines are really good. I thoroughly enjoyed the 2022 ‘Departure’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is very mineral-laden and shows excellent range from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more at https://www.eleveewines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Elevee wines.

2022 Elevee ‘Meredith Mitchell Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Translucent in the glass, the 2022 Elevee ‘Meredith Mitchell Vineyard’ Pinot Noir delivers lighter to medium bodied red fruits that mingle with copious minerals and citrus rind accents on the palate. A touch linear, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 91

2022 Elevee ‘Elevee Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-Very lightly colored in the glass, the 2022 ‘Elevee Vineyard’ shows off red florals and cloves on the nose alongside lighter red fruits. The palate is a touch lean and linear with copious minerals and delicate red cherry and salmonberry tones. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2022 Elevee ‘Bjornson Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Also standing translucent in the glass, the 2022 ‘‘Bjornson Vineyard’ shows off cranberry and teaberry notes on the palate, with orange peel and bergamot notes. Light on its feet, enjoy this elegant, lighter bodied Pinot Noir now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 91

2022 Elevee ‘Madrona Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sleek and filled with minerality, the 2022 Elevee ‘Madrona Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows a soft mouthfeel on the approach with plenty of lip-smacking tension. Lighter red fruits parade with kumquat zest and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2022 Elevee ‘Departure’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Departure’ is an excellent wine that comes off both complex and delicious. Lithe and mineral-laden on the tongue, this shows off medium-bodied cranberry and Yakima cherry flavors, with hints of damp earth and salty nuances on the palate. Already nicely evolved, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2026-2034- 92

The Winemakers Reserve

Today we share the outstanding wines of The Winemakers Reserve. The winery was founded by Matt Loso in 2017. The space has a tasting room and event space. Loso is the founder of Matthews Cellars, and now focuses on The Winemakers Reserve and

Matteo Wines.The inaugural release of Matthews Cellars in 1993 saw its first vintage completely sell out within 30 days! By 1997, Matthews Cellars had firmly established itself as one of Washington State's most respected wineries. Loso’s wife, Zoie, handles the business side of The Winemakers Reserve.

I love the new wines by Loso. Check out the incredible 2018 Matteo Grenache (OB, 93) which is heady and intense with gorgeous range. The same is true for the 2018 Matteo Syrah (OB, 93) which is a gorgeous example of Washington Syrah. Learn more at

2024 The Winemakers Reserve Sauvignon Blanc- This 2024 Sauvignon Blanc shows up dense on the palate, with good weight and underlying minerality. Rich stone and tropical fruits combine with salty minerals and nutty nuances. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 The Winemakers Reserve Pinot Gris- A great Gris bottling from 2024, this delivers a solid combination of weight and tension as pear and starfruit flavors give way to suggestions of salted cashew nut on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 The Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay- The 2022 The Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay is a great new bottling by Matt Loso. Once on the nose this exudes class with toasty brioche and banana alongside shades of Japanese pear. The palate is soft and elegant with a good sense of viscosity and weight. Enjoy this great wine now and over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 The Winemakers Reserve ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘GSM’ combines 50% Grenache with 25% Mourvèdre and smaller portions Syrah and Cinsault. It is elegant and soft with lighter to medium-bodied red fruits that mingle well with chocolate and fresh sage. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2018 Matteo Grenache-The outstanding and very pretty 2018 Matteo Grenache is brimming with bright red fruits alongside blood orange zest, wintergreen and shades of red licorice on the palate. Medium-bodied with good richness and flavor density, this is a beautiful rendition of Columbia Valley Grenache that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2018 Matteo Syrah- Deeply performed in the glass, the 2018 Matteo Syrah opens with heady dark currants, smoked brisket and white pepper dusted bacon on the nose. The palate is lush and nicely concentrated with a seriously great texture and sense of dense dark fruits, with a chocolate and wet granite edge. Complex and delightful to savor now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2018 Matteo Red Wine- The 2018 Matteo Red Wine is mostly Cabernet Franc (57%) with 36% Merlot and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is rich and viscous stuff with terrific energy and weight. Black currants and blackberry compote flavors combine with chocolate covered coffee bean on the palate. This seems to be really peaking right now. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 The Winemakers Reserve Merlot- This 2022 Merlot offers sagebrush, pencil lead and black florals on the nose with hints of Arabica bean. The palate is plump, rich and downright delicious, as this seamless bottling is both gratifying in terms of flavor density but also has excellent nerve. Enjoy this black fruit and chocolate-driven bootleg now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 The Winemakers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- Inky in the glass, the 2011 The Winemakers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is lined with a beautiful bouquet of dark rose petals that combine with espresso grounds, cassis and anise notes. This is round and generous on the mid-palate, with a terrific push/pull of weight and flavor density alongside energy and tension. A gorgeous wine to devour now, enjoy over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 The Winemakers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon- A delicious wine from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 The Winemakers Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark florals and potpourri notes alongside black plum, dark chocolate shavings and sandalwood accents. The palate is neatly-balanced as medium to full-bodied dark fruits parade with dark licorice and fennel accents. Drink 2025-2038- 93

Chateau Palmer

Today we present one of the standout houses on the left bank of Bordeaux. From 1814 to 1831, Palmer bought up surrounding land and vineyards until Château Palmer stretched 163 hectares from Cantenac, to Issan to Margaux.The wine is one of the fourteen Troisièmes Crus (Third Growths) in the historic classification of 1855. Located between the towns of Margaux and Cantenac, this is seen as one of the most famed third growths. It is by far the most expensive third growth as well.

There have been changes at the chateau and they began producing ‘Alter Ego’ their other wine since 1998. Roughly 40% of the estate's production, is now sold as Alter Ego de Palmer. The result has been a significant reduction in the quantity of wine sold as Château Palmer. I had the chance to revisit the incredible 2017 Chateau Palmer (OB, 97) which is at an amazing spot to enjoy now. It is rich, viscous and very terroir-focused wine. Learn more at https://www.chateau-palmer.com/en/article/charles-palmers-claret and here is my review of the 2017 Chateau Palmer.

2017 Chateau Palmer- A glorious wine, the 2017 Chateau Palmer is a heavyhitter that has a long way to go in the cellar. Dense creme de violette, anise, dark chocolate shavings and dark cherry flavors combine with silky tannins and copious stony minerals. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy now and over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2024-2044- 97

Leonetti Cellar

I’ll never forget my first Leonetti Merlot. It was a bottle of 2000 that I sampled when I was in graduate school more than 20 years ago. For years Leonetti has been producing world class red wines from the Walla Walla Valley.

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

I love the new 2020 Leonetti Cellar Aglianico (OB, 94) which is amazing considering the vintage.  I think that you will be completely enamored by the 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 100) which is a perfect wine by them. This is the finest edition of the ‘Reserve’ that I have ever tasted. Learn more about these stunning new wines at http://leonetticellar.com/ Here are my reviews of the beautiful new Leonetti Cellar wines. 

2022 Leonetti Sangiovese- Always 100% varietal and needing an hour in the decanter to fully develop the astonishingly good 2023 Leonetti Sangiovese was stored for 22 months in new and once-filled French oak barrels and neutral oval Botti before bottling. Intriguingly, the last three editions of this wine all come from the Holy Roller, Loess, Seven Hills and Mill Creek Upland Vineyards. It shows off its deep core in the glass, delivering alluring sandalwood and potpourri aromatics alongside wintergreen, tart red fruits and orange peel notes. The palate is rich and viscous — unlike anything you will find in the Pacific Northwest. This has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Try to resist this beauty for one more year. Drink 2027-2042- 95

2024 Leonetti Merlot- The 2024 Leonetti Merlot also needs considerable time in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Also 100% varietal, this comes from the Loess, Mill Creek Upland and Leonetti Old Block Vineyards. It is loaded with chocolate and Arabica bean flavors that combine with damp earth, cedar, rich dark fruits and gobs of finesse. Like the ’23 Sangiovese, this really does need another year in the bottle — but you can see the incredible potential here. If opening now, consider popping the cork the night before and leaving it in the bottle. Drink 2028-2045- 96

2023 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine from this warmer vintage, the 2023 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon has a small portion of Petit Verdot and Malbec blended in. It comes from the Mill Creek Upland, Serra Pedace, Loess, Seven Hills and Holy Roller vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. It stands very inky in the glass, offering intense aromatics of scorched earth, sagebrush and shades of creme de cassis, alongside shades of violets and pencil lead. The palate is extremely gratifying and deep with sensational tension, texture and weight. A total stunner, this just might be the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted. Opulent, broad-shouldered and extremely gratifying to consume, give it at least another year in the bottle to fully evolve. Drink 2027-2050- 98

2023 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- A mesmerizing wine, the 2023 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ melds 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Malbec and the reminder Petit Verdot. It begins with purple rose petals, tar, Turkish coffee and green herbs from the PV alongside opulent black and blue fruits. The palate is plush and seamless throughout the downright ethereal drinking experience, as this effortlessly glides, showing both sensational weight and poise. You can see each varietal working here with clockwork efficiency. This is the best I have yet tried from Leonetti and eminent winemaker Chris Figgins. Give this remarkable wine at least another year in the bottle. Drink 2028-2055- 100

2020 Leonetti Aglianico- A great wine from a tough vintage, the 2020 Leonnetti Aglianico was stored for 44 months in terracotta amphorae, as well as new and neutral French oak barrels prior to bottling. It is tannic, rich and bold with shades of tar and blueberry compote alongside rocky soils and shades of black licorice on the palate. Considering the vintage this is a resounding success. Drink now. Drink 2026-2030- 94

Pasxa

One of the electric wine brands of the Pacific Northwest, Pasxa focuses on producing wines sourced from the vineyards of The Rocks District of Milton- Freewater. The Pášxa wines were a huge hit right out of the gate, and back in their inaugural 2018 vintage they focused on River Rock Vineyard fruit. They now have an estate program with the 2020 purchase of ‘Rockgarden Vineyard.’ This is a huge development for this program. The wines have been consistently great.

I really love the 2024 Pasxa ‘White Blend’ White Wine (OB, 95) which is very stony and beautifully-textured. Check out the 2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Syrah (OB, 95) which has amazing Umami character. Learn more about this truly thrilling new project at pasxa.com Here are the downright

killer new wines by Pášxa.

2024 Pasxa ‘White Blend’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘White Blend’ is a compelling blend of Marsanne and Roussanne. This has terrific viscosity and verve with rich tropical and melon fruits alongside shortbread notes, laden with stony mineralogy. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Grenache- Another sensational edition of this wine, the 2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Grenache opens with cardamom laced ripe strawberry and wet rock with a green herbal edge on the nose. This comes off fresh and viscous with a terrific texture and good sense of weight. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Pasxa ‘River Rock Vineyard’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘River Rock Vineyard’ Grenache opens up with red florals on the nose alongside bright red fruits and citrus rind accents. The palate is fresh and viscous with ultra-pure red fruits with rocky nuances and shades of orange peel. This is already nicely evolved stuff, with a Umami edge. Drink 2026-2032- 94

2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Syrah- The downright delicious 2023 Pasxa ‘Rockgarden Estate’ Syrah opens with Hoisin sauce, seaweed and shades of black currants on the nose, with black florals. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished texture and terrific sense of weight and length. Enjoy this earthy and savory beauty now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

The Walls

It is my pleasure to share the great wines of The Walls. The winery is located in Walla Walla and has a beautiful interior and great backyard space. It is an amazing spot for a glass of wine.

WinemakerSally Johnson Blum and Associate Winemaker Peter Urian joined the team a few yeas back. Johnson Blum has a massive amount of experience, formerly being at St. Francis and Pride in Sonoma County. She also has served as winemaking consultant at Mullan Road under Dennis Cakebread. She is a great person who also makes a world-class Rose from Napa.

I love the 2023 The Walls ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ (OB, 93) which is a dense and chewy wine made form Tempranillo grapes. I adore the 2023 ‘Curiositas’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is just as good as last year’s wine, with serious flavor density. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.thewallsvineyards.com Here are the great new releases from The Walls. 

2023 The Walls ‘The Ramparts’ Red Wine- Sourced from the Yakima Valley is a blend of mainly Grenache and Mourvèdre. Smoked meats, red currants and dried herbs all fill the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a great core of red fruits alongside meaty and herbal accents. This is very well-done. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 The Walls ‘Mahana’ Red Wine- Their Syrah-based wine from The Rocks District, this is a gorgeous, beautifully-textured bottling that is drinking great now. Soy sauce, bacon fat and shades of Umami all fill the nose with suggestions of loganberry compote. The palate is elegant and concentrated with a great core of black fruits with Nori and compote accents. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 The Walls ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Wonderful Nightmare’ is a stunning Tempranillo wine from the Walla Walla Valley. This is deep and heady with good stony minerality. Roasted dates, dark cherry and blackberry compote. Neatly textured, with good concentration and length, this is already drinking beautifully. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 The Walls ‘Bellamy’ Red Wine- The 2023 The Walls ‘Bellamy’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. This is soft and refined on the mouth. Deep dark fruits parade with wintergreen and milk chocolate notes. Concentrated and showing a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 The Walls ‘Curiositas’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2023 The Walls ‘Curiositas’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Red Mountain. Concentrated and powerful, this delivers sagebrush, scorched earth and creme de violette on the nose. The palate is complex and powerful with serious finesse and power. Drink 2026-2042- 96

Aubaine

One of the excellent producers of Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Aubaine focuses on single vineyard and estate only wines  Founder Andy Lytle has a love of Burgundy and Champagne, as he is half of Lytle-Barnett. An iconic winemaker, Isabelle Meunier, has made a range of wines for producers across the Willamette Valley.  Meunier is native of Quebec, and she studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Dijon in Burgundy, as well as in New Zealand at Lincoln University. Following her eduction she worked at famed producers Felton Road in New Zealand, as well as Dominique Lafon of Domaine des Comtes Lafon.

Isabelle moved to the Willamette Valley in 2007 to work with Evening Land and had incredible success with that program. She later started her own winery venture, LAVINEA, an artisan production of distinctive single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

I love the 2023 Aubaine ‘Joie’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is very pretty and shows great viscosity and a core of tart red fruits. Learn more about this outstanding producer at aubainewine.com and here are my reviews of the new Aubaine wines.

2023 Aubaine ‘Anhata Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Lush and delightful, the 2023 ‘Anhata Vineyard’ is loaded with pear and starfruit flavors alongside a soft mouthfeel on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Aubaine ‘Athas’ Chardonnay- A delicious new bottling, the 2023 ‘Athas’ is a single-block wine from the Anhata Vineyard made by famed winemaker Isabelle Meunier. It is rich and viscous with rocky soils alongside rich melon and citrus fruits on the palate. The richness and tension with serious focus indicates this will easily cellar for another ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Aubaine ‘Vreugde’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Aubaine ‘Vreugde’ Chardonnay is also a single block bottling from this warm vintage. This comes off fat and round on the mouth with loads of minerality. Rich cashew nut and melon tones collide with wet stone, crushed white flowers and a lengthy finish. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Aubaine ‘Anhata Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- A great wine to enjoy now, the 2023 Pinot Noir shows a good melange of black and red fruits on the palate alongside rocky soils and wild mushroom notes. Medium-bodied and fresh, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Aubaine ‘Joie’ Pinot Noir-Sourced from the Anahata Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, this 2023 Pinot Noir opens with red flowers and cardamom on the nose alongside red raspberry tones. The palate is soft and delicious as tart red fruits parade with citrus rind and baking spice notes on the palate. Showing a lengthy finish, enjoy this beauty over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

TOIL Oregon

It is my pleasure to share the beautiful wines of TOIL and winemaker Chris Figgins. We move onto Oregon today and a winery that has been on the rise. TOIL was founded by Leonetti winemaker Chris Figgins who planted his vineyard in the Willamette Valley roughly a decade ago. Toil Oregon started with a production of 200 cases then in 2016 Chris planted his estate vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. His first wine fully from his estate vineyard was the 2019 Rose.

I love the consistency of these wines. I adored the 2024 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a dense and concentrated style, with a black and red fruit core, with amazing texture and verve. This is not purely a fruit-bomb but has loads of nuance and finesse. It will surely appeal to those who adore the bigger side of Oregon wine. Learn more about this great winery at toiloregon.com Here are the brilliant new wines by Toil Oregon. 

2025 TOIL Rose- Year in and year out the TOIL Rose is one of the most brilliant Rose bottlings you will taste in Oregon. This is a big, bold, round and generous edition that shows off the warmth of the 2025 vintage. Sweetened gooseberry and wild strawberry notes parade with cran-chery, orange rind and wafts of salted wet rock on the palate. Beautifully-textured with loads of mouth-watering acidity, enjoy this gorgeous wine now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 TOIL Chardonnay- An amazing edition of this wine, the 2024 TOIL Chardonnay was stored in a small portion of new French oak before bottling. It comes off fresh, heady and dense. Yellow plum, gardenia flowers and shades of buttered and baking spice laced sourdough bread all combine on this complex nose. The palate is elegant and seamless throughout the drinking experience, as the terrific flavor density plays with the mouth-watering acidity and glorious length. This is big, bold and delicious Oregon Chardonnay that has a long life ahead of it. Give it about 30 minute sin the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2024 TOIL Pinot Noir- The 2024 TOIL Pinot Noir is a top-notch effort that was stored in a small amount of new French oak prior to bottling. Black truffle shavings and black raspberry notes fill the nose alongside peat moss and shades of rocky soils. The palate is fresh, viscous and polished as this glides on the mid-palate. Plenty of lip-smacking freshness greets you alongside the concentrated red and dark fruits with earthy accents. A gorgeous bottling in its youth, be sure to give this an hour or two in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2026-2046- 95

FIGGINS

Today I share one of the great Washington State wines. While A wine like no other, the  FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ is a world-class blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot from the high elevation FIGGINS estate vineyard. For my palate this is the finest PV being made in the state right now. It is wonderfully herbal, inky and concentrated, jam-packed with blue fruits.

I was amazed what Chris Figgins and his team did with the 2022 bottling. Despite the coolness of the vintage, the ’22 was not lacking at all in flavor density. The new 2023 edition comes from a warmer vintage that had few challenges. Easily one of the best ‘Figlia’ wines made, the 2023 ‘Figlia’ (OB, 97) really needs an hour or two in the decanter at this stage. But once aroused it is everything but reticent as it takes you through a spellbinding journey of black and blue fruits with serious depth and weight. Learn more about these fantastic wines at figginswine.com. Here are my reviews of the new 2023 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ wine.

2023 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine- A world-class follow-up to the gorgeous ’22, the 2023 ‘Figlia’ combines equal parts Merlot and Petit Verdot. I’ve now said for years that the Petit Verdot sourced from the Figgins Estate is the best you will find in Washington State. This really needs about an hour in the decanter before enjoying as it comes off slightly more fleshy and round than the ’22 edition. Once aroused this shows off tar, sweet pipe tobacco and green bell pepper aromatics that combine with pencil lead and chocolate fudge. The palate is impeccably textured, with serious freshness and concentration. Powerful black and blue fruits parade with espresso bean and graphite notes on the palate. With great length and poise, this beauty will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Koehler

Today we share the great Koehler wines, one of the really enticing producers of Santa Barbara County. Koehler farms a 40-acre property that includes 50-year-old estate vines. Many serving their viticultural team have been with Koehler Winery for decades. Derek Koehler grew up on the estate and spent a semester in France studying international practices within the wine industry. Today he is in charge of the operations of the family winery.

Wines are made by Trace Brueske and were seriously good across the board. Check out the fabulous 2024 Koehler ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which exudes class and value. This is an amazing rendition of good value Santa Barbara Pinot with its salty core of red fruits and is one to buy by the case. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.koehlerwinery.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Koehler Family Wines.

2024 Koehler ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the ‘Maria Vista Vineyard’ this 2024 Pinot Noir opens with tart red fruits and sandalwood tones alongside salty soil nuances on the nose. The palate is soft and juicy, brimming with vibrant red fruits alongside damp soil accents. This is already beautifully evolved stuff that is drinking great its heady youth. Buy this by the case! Drink 2026-2032- 93

2023 Koehler ‘Peake Ranch’ Pinot Noir- Another outstanding edition of this wine, the 2023 Koehler ‘Peake Ranch’ Pinot Noir is beautifully-textured and shows great finesse. Bright Bing cherry and red raspberry flavors parade with lavender and salty soils on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2023 Koehler ‘Peake Ranch’ Grenache- The 2023 Koehler ‘Peake Ranch’ Grenache shows off pretty potpourri tones on the nose with Mandarin orange rind, pomegranate seed and tobacco leaf accents. The palate shows nice finesse and a soft texture on the mouth, brimming with bright and sweet red fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Koehler ‘Ballard Abodes Vineyard’ Grenache- Soft and approachable, the 2023 Koehler ‘Ballard Abodes Vineyard’ Grenache offers forward and juicy red fruits with citrus zest and damp soil notes on the palate, with stony accents. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Sangiovese- Light tannic, the 2023 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Sangiovese offers sea salt dusted Yakima cherry and loganberry flavors that combine with rocky accents on the palate. Light to medium-bodied, with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy this really well-made Sangio now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Koehler ‘Sycamore Ranch’ Sangiovese- The 2023 ‘Sycamore Ranch’ Sangiovese shows up translucent in the glass, offering red florals with red lociroce and salty soil notes on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Koehler ‘Estate Grown’ Mourvedre- Sourced from old vines at their estate vineyard, this 2023 Mourvèdre was stored in neutral oak for 16 months prior to bottling. Totally translucent in the glass, this delivers good meaty character alongside pretty red fruits on the palate, with excellent freshness and length. Salty and savory, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2023 Koehler ‘Nolan Ranch’ Mencia- Sourced from the ‘Nolan Ranch’ the 2023 Koehler Mencia was stored for 16 months in neutral oak before bottling. Iodine, tar, black cherry and salty nuances all fill the palate. Fresh, vibrant and neatly-textured, enjoy now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Koehler ‘Ballard Canyon’ Syrah- Quite different than its ‘Whole Cluster’ cousin, the 2023 Koehler ‘Ballard Canyon’ Syrah is more approachable now. A great core of red fruits greets you alongside diatom, wet gravel, charcuterie and red licorice notes on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Koehler ‘Whole-Cluster’ Syrah- Coming from the Ballard Adobes Vineyard, this 100% whole-cluster fermented Syrah delivers concentrated dark fruits on the palate, with tar, green peppercorns, bulls blood and iodine notes alongside salty soil nuances. Full-bodied and intense, give this another year in the bottle to fully develop. Drink 2027-2037- 94

2023 Koehler ‘Happy Canyon’ Cabernet Franc- This 2023 ‘Happy Canyon’ Cabernet Franc is wonderfully herbal on the nose with green bell pepper, exotic spices and dense dark fruits. The palate has a nice graphite edge, with soft tannins that frame a generous core of red and dark fruits, with salty and loamy soil nuances. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2022 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Koehler ‘Santa Ynez Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers medium-bodied dark fruits that mingle with chocolate and anise seed flavors. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

Centennial Mountain

Centennial Mountain Vineyard (formerly known as Æris) is an extraordinary project from the Rhys Vineyards team. The Rhys team has embarked on a new journey bringing Italian grape varieties to California. This is the first vineyard outside of Italy to plant Carricante, a noble white grape from Sicily’s Mt. Etna. Located on a rugged ridgetop in Northern Sonoma County at the borders of Rockpile and Dry Creek Valley, this site has cool nights and a major wind influence.

The new wines were really good across the board. I love the 2022 Centennial Mountain Nebbiolo (OB, 93) which has tons of body and texture with refined tannins. Learn more at https://cmvineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Centennial Mountain wines.

2022 Centennial Mountain Carricante- This 2022 Carricante comes from vines set on shallow schist soils. It opens up with aromatics of green apple, lemon grass, and kiwi. The palate is fresh and neatly textured with plenty of mouthwatering acidity despite the heat of the vintage. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five plus years. Trying to make it a shiny as possible yeah stand up national television don’t deserve to be Drink 2026-2032- 92

2022 Centennial Mountain Nebbiolo- translucent in the glass this 2022 Nebiolo offer sour cherry and red raspberry aromatic alongside red rose petals. The pallet is soft, inviting with a smooth texture and grey tannins that frame of core of bright red fruits with Bergamont tones. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese- The really good 2022 Centennial Mountain Nerello Mascalese opens with potpourri, white pepper and sour cranberry notes on the nose. The palate is inviting, rich and beautifully textured, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2036- 93