Chosen Family Wines

Today we share an electric brand out of Oregon, founded by NBA legends. Chosen Family is the brainchild of former NBA star Channing Frye. Frye has utilized the winemaking skills of top winemakers such as Jackson Holstein, Chase Renton and Thomas Savre. NBA all-star Kevin Love joined the business a few years back. Love is an Oregon basketball legend, who is still playing for the Utah Jazz. Frye is deeply passionate about wine and has a great knowledge of Oregon wine. I have really enjoyed talking basketball and wine with him.

I love the new Chosen Family wines.  I adored the new 2024 ‘C&K Select’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is an amazing wine for the price. earn more about these great new wines at chosenfamilywines.com Here are my reviews of the new Chosen Family wines.

2024 Chosen Family ‘C&K Select’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Chosen Family ‘C&K Select’ Chardonnay was stored in mainly neutral oak before bottling. It shows up golden in the glass, offering a silky texture with good nerve. Pastry crust and shades of cardamom drenched peaches combine with salty minerals and kumquat rind on the palate. Complex and delicious with good length, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2022 Chosen Family ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay comes from the Chehalem Mountains AVA and was made by Jackson Holstein. It is heady and wonderfully reductive with its flinty notes on the palate. Layers of tropical, melon and citrus fruits all collide with copious minerals and a great push/pull between saline and stony nuances. This is a stunning new Chardonnay that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2022 Chosen Family ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- Another gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2022 ‘Reserve’ by Chosen Family exudes class in this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of  exotic spices and pine needles that combine with a killer melange of red and dark fruits. The palate is lifted and refined with a seamless mouthfeel, as this is exceedingly smooth throughout the drinking experience. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Chosen Family ‘C&K Select’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Chosen Family ‘C&K Select’ Pinot Noir opens with gorgeous red rose petals and potpourri notes alongside Linzer torte and shades of peat moss on the nose. The palate is lush and round with refined tannins and loads of bright red fruits with bergamot and forest floor accents. Beautifully weighted, it is complex and delicious stuff to enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

Kosta Browne

Today we share a legendary producer of California Pinot Noir. Kosta Browne began with Dan Kosta and Michael Browne who started out working at a local restaurant in 1997. Short on funds, Michael developed relationships with key growers in Northern California, while Dan, along with the help of a third partner, Chris Costello, worked to market and sell the wines. In 2011 Kosta Browne jumped on the world stage as they were named Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year with their 2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Julien Howsepian has been at the helm now for five years. I’ve loved these wines over the years and the new outstanding releases come from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. I adore the 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which has plenty of salty red fruits with stony undercurrents. The Pinots start at $120.00 SRP. Learn more about this outstanding winery at kostabrowne.com and here are my reviews of the new Kosta Browne wines.

2023 Kosta Browne ‘Mt. Carmel’ Pinot Noir- Heady and delicious, with great rocky character the 2023 Kosta Browne ‘Mt. Carmel’ Pinot Noir offers potpourri and bay leaf notes that combine with kumquat zest and marionberry notes. The palate is rich and generous with serious nerve. Showing plenty of mouth-watering acidity and weight, as well as length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Kosta Browne ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Kosta Browne ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location in the Santa Lucia Highlands as this utilizes clones 777, 828 and Pisoni. It offers aromatics of purple flowers and mandarin orange rind alongside sweet pipe tobacco and cola notes. The palate is lush and round on the mouth with great freshness and richness. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Kosta Browne ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- A show-stopping new Pinot Noir, the 2023 Kosta Browne ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. This wine was sourced from ten vineyard blocks and it comes off plush and mineral-laden on the tongue. A gorgeous melange of red and dark fruits greets you alongside salty and rocky soils and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2023 Kosta Browne ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Powerful and heady, with serious texture, the 2023 Kosta Browne ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir comes from mainly the Gap’s Crown and Marshall Vineyards. It is loaded with sea salt dusted red fruits that mingle well with tobacco and orange peel notes. Showing outstanding weight and length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Phelps Creek

Today we share an outstanding producer of the Columbia Gorge AVA. Phlelps Creek founder Bob Morus serves as President and Director of Winegrowing. He moved to Hood River in 1989 with the expressed goal of raising both wine grapes and kids. The estate vineyard consists of 36 acres of vines planted mainly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

I really enjoy the latest from Phelps Creek. Lauren O’Brien serves as winemaker, having formerly served as enologist at K Vintners. Check out the delicious 2023 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is beautifully textured and weighted stuff. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.phelpscreekvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Phelps Creek.

2025 Phelps Creek ‘Gorge Crest’ Gewurtztraminer- The beautiful and nervy 2025 Phelps Creek ‘Gorge Crest’ Gewurtztraminer offers ripe nectarine and green melon notes alongside baking spices and papaya on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay- The really good 2023 Phelps Creek ‘Columbia Gorge’ Chardonnay comes off fat and round on the tongue. Loads of melon and tropical fruits fill the palate alongside a seamless texture and stony mineral accents. Drink 2026-2031- 92

2025 Phelps Creek ‘Fleur de Roy’ Pinot Noir Rose- The outstanding 2025 Phelps Creek ‘Fleur de Roy’ Pinot Noir Rose offers plenty of tension on the mouth with delicate red fruits and satsuma orange zest. Light and flinty, with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Phelps Creek ‘Le Petit’ Pinot Noir- The 2025 ‘Le Petit’ is lean and linear with juicy red fruits alongside tar and orange peel accents. Drink now. Drink 2026-2030- 89

WeatherEye Vineyard

Today we share the wines from one of the unique sites in North America. The WeatherEye Vineyard has become one of the outstanding sites in Washington for Rhone and Bordeaux varietals. Wines from this site are wild, herbal, salty and stony. This remote, northern-facing location on Red Mountain is unlike anything that you see from Washington State. They have a new winemaker as Louis Skinner worked on the final blends of the 2023 whites and reds. Ryan Johnson meticulously farms this site that is filled with sage, yarrow and loads of herbs. The herbal character in the wine is outstanding.

The range of new wines is astonishingly good. Tasting with Skinner we were both so impressed with the white wines from both ’22 and ’23. These were a revisit and are some of the finest white wines you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. They are fleshy, dense and delicious bottlings with terrific freshness and great salty minerality. Learn more at https://www.weathereyevineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the 2023 white wines by WeatherEye.

2022 WeatherEye Vineyard Clairette- Sourced from two sites in the vineyard, the 2022 WeatherEye Vineyard Clairette shows great florals with nutty nuances and ripe pear on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with a terrific mouthfeel and seamless texture with glorious length. A delicious bottling that has some great flavor density and nuance, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 WeatherEye Clairette- The 2023 Clairette was stored on the lees for 20 months in neutral oak barrels before bottling. This comes off marvelously nutty with rich melon and shades of papaya on the nose. The palate is rich and dense with serious tension and texture, with loads of salty and stony nuance, alongside white rose water accents. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 WeatherEye Roussanne- The 2022 Roussanne was stored in 30% new French oak with the remainder amphora and neutral oak for 10 months before bottling. Bright honeydew melon fruits combine with honeycomb, lychee and pineapple notes on the nose. The texture is insanely good with good freshness and beautiful sense of weight. Finishing exceedingly long, this is a heady, dense and delicious Roussane bottling that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2034- 97

2023 WeatherEye Roussanne- 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 2026-2035- 97

2023 WeatherEye Marsanne- The 2023 Marsanne was fermented in a combination of amphora and oak, and then was stored on its lees 20 months until bottling in summer 2025. This offers Macadamia nut on the nose alongside cantaloupe, white peach and hints of ginger. The palate is beautifully-weighted with loads of sea salt and tension. A glorious wine to enjoy now, with serious depth and flavor density, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 97

l2022 WeatherEye ‘L’Atomique’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘L’Atomique’ combines Viognier (36%) with 32% Roussanne and the remainder Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Marsanne. This was unfined and unfiltered. This is a massive white wine that is gorgeous to consume right now. Tangerine zest, lemon curd, almond paste and shades of mango all combine on the palate. Refined and deep, with serious concentration, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 97

2023 WeatherEye ‘L’Atomique’ White Wine- The 2023 L’Atomique White combines 36% Viognier, with 32% Roussanne, 22% Grenache Blanc, and the remainder Clairette and Marsanne. Stored in a combination of one used 600L barrel and one new 228L barrel, this exudes class aromatically offering crushed seashell and nectarine on top of white florals and suggestions of lychee. The palate is powerful and dense with serious concentration and a great melange of citrus, melon and tropical fruits. Unfined and unfiltered, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 WeatherEye Grenache- The 2022 Grenache comes from several parcels in the estate, including one dramatic site near the top of the vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on red rose petals, kumquat rind, Middle Eastern spices, pulled pork and shades of Linzer torte. The palate is silky and refined with serious texture, weight and length. Dense and weightless, with bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 97

2022 WeatherEye Mourvedre- The 2022 WeatherEye Mourvedre comes from two separate parcels in the vineyard, as this is 100% varietal that was stored in mainly neutral oak before bottling. Inky in the glass, this exudes class on the nose with garrigue, Hoisin sauce and shades of black plum alongside wintergreen accents. The flavor range is simply sumptuous.The palate is lush and mineral-laden with terrific tension and a glorious mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 WeatherEye Syrah- The 2022 WeatherEye Syrah had some stems added and is 100% varietal. Dried sage, white pepper dusted bacon, Black Forest cake tar and tobacco leaf all combine on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with a seamless texture and lovely red and dark fruits with a smoky and savory edge. Drinking beautifully now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 WeatherEye ‘Raven’s Share’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Ravens Share’ stands inky in the glass. Primarily Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this offers violets, creosote and red bell pepper on the nose with shades of sandalwood and chocolate cake. The palate is heady and delicious with serious depth and concentration. A total stunner, with herbal, chocolate and graphite nuances, drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 97

2023 WeatherEye ‘Raven’s Share’ Red Wine- Dense, juicy and delicious, the 2023 WeatherEye ‘Raven’s Share’ Red Wine offers heady black fruits on the nose with scorched earth, wet rock and shades of sandalwood, with dried herbal accents. Full-bodied and delicious with a seamless texture, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 97

2022 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that has a long life ahead of it. On the nose this exudes class with mocha, tar and black licorice alongside light green herbs. The palate is plush and lush with a terrific tension and loads of stony minerals and dried herbs alongside heady black and blue fruits. Drink 2026-2040- 97

2023 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon- The dazzling 2023 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon is a spectacular showing from this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on tar and roasted fig notes alongside espresso grounds, blueberry compote and shades of black licorice. Full-bodied and fat on the mouth with terrific acidity and length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 98

2022 WeatherEye Tempranillo- Coming from a highly windy site, the 2022 WeatherEye Tempranillo offers blue fruits on the nose alongside garrigue, tar and shades of smoked brisket. The palate is lush and refined with an amazing texture and gorgeous sense of weight. Dense and decadent with an amazing acid backbone, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2038- 97

2023 WeatherEye Tempranillo- Sourced from their estate vineyard high atop Red Mountain, the 2023 WeatherEye Tempranillo opens with a bouquet of black rose petals and tar alongside tobacco leaf and worn leather notes. The palate is round and generous with good underlying freshness. Very decadent in its glorious core of black and blue fruits, with milk chocolate dusted arabica bean and green herbal accents, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 97

Force Majeure

Force Majeure

Today we share the fabulous wines of Force Majeure Vineyard. For years I have admired the beautiful range of wines from this house that include tension-filled Viognier to inky Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines I tasted were from former winemaker Todd Alexander. They were dense, inky and bold wines with incredible structure and aging potential

Alexander made clearly some of the state’s finest Rhone-inspired wines from 2022 which was a year that saw mixed results, with a late harvest and cooler temperatures. The top producers from this vintage made extraordinarily good wines. 2023 on the other hand is a more seamless vintage and also one that saw few 100 degree days. It was a moderately warm year and Alexander made some stunning wines from ’23. One of the best wines from ’23, the 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) is one of the finest wines I have tasted from this estate. It is dense, powerful and bold — quintessential Red Mountain Cabernet. Learn more at https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 

2022 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Parvata’ has considerably more Mourvèdre (50% v 39%) than the 2021 edition, with 29% Grenache and only 21% Syrah (compared to 46% in the ’21). This wine has gotten better and better since it was first made nearly ten years back. This CDP-inspired blend was stored in a limited amount of new French oak barrels prior to bottling. Smoked brisket and beef drippings with Umami all hit the nose alongside white pepper dusted blackberry and shades of wintergreen. The heady and complex aromatics are truly captivating. Silky and elegant throughout the drinking experience, this has to be the finest CDP-inspired blend made in Washington State.  A touch more elegant than the brooding ’21 edition, this might be a notch better — and certainly will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Bravo! Drink 2026-2042- 98

2023 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine- Another stellar edition of this wine, the 2023 Force Majeure ‘Parvata’ Red Wine combines Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain. Tar, garrigue and shades of loganberry combine with scorched earth notes on the nose. The palate is round and generous with similar viscosity than the ’22 and a touch less finesse. It is a total joy ton consume now with its lush texture and depth, as each working part sings in unison. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 97

2022 Force Majeure Grenache- 100% varietal, this had a touch of stem inclusion and was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels before bottling. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience with a weightless appearance. Bright red fruits parade with orange peel, bergamot, smoke and lavender notes on the palate. A gorgeous wine to consume now, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla’ Syrah- Another year, another super edition of this wine from a slightly warmer vintage. The 2022 ‘Walla Walla’ Syrah is viscous and dense with a seamless mouthfeel and loads of rocky/loamy soil character alongside medium to full-bodied kirsch and black plum notes, alongside black pepper dusted beef brisket on the palate. Seriously good now, watch this evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah- A dizzying follow up to the 2021, the 2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah was sourced from this 11 acre Red Mountain estate vineyard set on basalt deposits. The wine had 2% Viognier blended in and shows shades of creosote and beef drippings on the nose alongside suggestions of espresso grounds, black rose petals and suggestions of blueberry pie. The palate is rich, viscous and absolutely delicious, with sensational finesse and opulent concentration. This is next-level Syrah that will compete with the finest wines of its kind on the West Coast. Flirting with perfection, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 99

2023 Force Majeure ‘Estate’ Tempranillo- One of the unique wines in Washington, the inky, bold and utterly delicious 2023 ‘Estate’ Tempranillo tastes unlike anything you will find on Red Mountain. It is tightly wound and highly structured, with great opulence and depth on the mid-palate. Concentrated fig and blueberry compote flavors collide with chocolate and graphite on the palate, with a slight herbal edge. Slightly tannic and a touch backwards now, this has a very long life ahead of it. Give this beauty another year in the bottle before consuming. Drink 2027-2040- 97

2022 Force Majeure ‘Epinette’ Red Wine- Mainly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon blended in, the 2022 ‘Epinette’ offers mocha, tar and anise notes alongside red bell pepper on the nose. The palate is heady and dense with great freshness and tension. A joy to consume now, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2043- 98

2023 Force Majeure ‘Epinette’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Epinette’ is a Right Bank-inspired beauty that has a long life in front of it. On the nose this takes on dried herbs, sandalwood and decadent dark chocolate shavings with espresso ground accents. It is hedonistic and rich with a soft mouthfeel as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 98

2022 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from vines set on cobblestones, the 2022 ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers good freshness and texture with loads of stony character alongside soy sauce and dense dark fruits with good freshness. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Force Majeure ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific edition of this wine coming from old vines set on cobblestone soils. The rocky character on the mid-palate is seriously good, as soy sauce and beef dripping flavors combine with medium to full-bodied huckleberry and wild blackberry fruits. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2022 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is the best wine of the tasting. Once on the nose this takes on mocha, tar and tobacco leaf as well as creme de violette notes. The palate is plush and layered with tremendous acidity and freshness alongside granite and sandalwood notes. A world-class wine, enjoy now and overs the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2026-2043- 99

2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- One of the great wines made in 2023, the Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is heady and intense, slightly better weighted and less poised than the fabulous ’22 edition. Once on the nose this takes on marionberry and black cherry compote aromas that combine with creosote, and shades of milk chocolate with sagebrush accents. The complex and downright delightful aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. This is bold and viscous with serious intensity, power and weight. Give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2026-2044- 99

Stony Hill

Today we share the wines of one of California’s historic wineries. Stony Hill Vineyard dates back to1943 and was founded by Fred and Eleanor McCrea, is one of Napa Valley's oldest post-Prohibition wineries. This property was originally a168-acre goat ranch on the slopes of Spring Mountain, the estate was initially intended to be a summer retreat for the San Francisco-based couple.

The winery was built back in 1951 and the first wines they made were Chardonnay back in 1952. Against the advice of viticulture experts who recommended diversification, the McCreas focused on white varieties, primarily Chardonnay, which was rare in California at the time. They also planted Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sémillon.

I love the new wines by Stony Hill. Check out the outstanding 2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is marvelous and lush on the mouth with serious tension. Learn more about this historic site at https://www.stonyhillvineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Stony Hill wines.

2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Stony Hill ‘SHV’ Chardonnay comes from a three different sites throughout the Napa Valley. Right away this is alluring on the nose, offering pink grapefruit blossom and freshly cut limes alongside crushed wet rocky soils. The palate is soft and neatly textured with plenty of tension and a seamless mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2033- 94

2023 Stony Hill ‘Cote Rouge’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Cote Rouge’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a location set on iron-rich volcanic soils which is uncommon for the area. Inky in the glass, dark currants combine with graphite and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is lush and inviting with serious texture and flavor range. A stunning wine, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Stony Hill ‘Cotes des Pierres’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Cotes des Pierres’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a stony site at the base of the vineyard. This location is set on shale and sandstone. On the nose this takes on violets, with tar, sweet pipe tobacco and shades of anise seed. The palate is lush and refined with serious texture, rocky soil character and comes off with serious flavor density. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2023 Stony Hill ‘Eleanor McCrea’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Stony Hill ‘Eleanor McCrea’ Cabernet Sauvignon is named after the proprietor of the estate, who ran the winery for many years. It is inky in the glass, offering alluring purple flowers with shades of mocha, tar and cassis. The wine is seamless and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2044- 95

Domaine Carneros

Today we share wines from one of the most beautiful estates in California. Domaine Carneros is a standout winery in Carneros, producing some of the best sparkling wines you will taste in North America. Not only do they have some of the best sparkling wines but the pairings they have for them are ingenious and very thoughtful.

This house was started all the way back in the 1970s as Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. The spot he selected is truly unique, as it has a massive maritime influence being perched near the bay. The vineyard is quite windy and produces highly concentrated berries that are very small in size.

At the helm is Remi Cohen, CEO and director of winemaking. She took over Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. I had the chance to taste base wines with her last fall and I have been so impressed with her guidance of this program. There is little doubt that the ‘Le Reve’ is one of the finest sparkling wines made in North America.

Do not miss out on the 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which has to be one of the great wines of its kind, wth amazing texture and a soft mousse, Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros

2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Brut’ is a marvelous blend of 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. It is inviting with its soft, refined mousse. Salted Macadamia nut combines with nectarine skin, kiwi and shades of freshly cut limes on the palate. Rich and refined, with plenty of beautiful tension, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2020 Domaine Carneros ‘Ultra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2020 ‘Ultra Brut’ is made with zero dosage and saw extended less aging. This comes off very tense and nervy, with a rich mouthfeel and great sense of verve. Salty minerals combine with green papaya and cantaloupe flavors, with nutty nuances on the palate. This is going to be a sterling match for sushi. Drink 2026-2035- 93

NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine- The NV Domaine Carneros ‘Cuvee de la Pompadour’ Rose Sparkling Wine is a wine made in small amounts, that combines 62% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay from their estate vineyard. It is made in homage to Madame de la Pompadour, the paramour of French King Louis XV. Given .9% dosage this opens with nutty and damp earthy nuances on the nose with tart pomegranate seed, orange peel, with bergamot accents. This is lifted and soft on the palate with a refined mousse and good sense of length. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 Domaine Carneros ‘Late Disgorged Brut’ Sparkling Wine is comprised of 61% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate. Toasted walnut, white peach and shades of salted sourdough bread all combine with lemon rind accents on the nose. This is ripe, fleshy and mineral-laden stuff that is drinking so beautifully now. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- A totally dazzling wine, the 2018 ‘Le Reve’ is all Chardonnay coming from their Carneros estate vineyard. Given .8% dosage, this opens with gardenia flower alongside citrus rind and shades of cardamom dusted pastry crust on the nose. The palate is loaded with power and tension with a silky mousse. Dense and delicious, enjoy this stunning sparkling wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

Elk Cove

Today we share one of the great wine brands out of Oregon. Elk Cove is now celebrating 50 years in Oregon wine. Growing up the five Campbell children helped work in the vineyards at Elk Cove. Adam Campbell took a special interest and stayed close to home for college, attending Lewis & Clark and spending summers on the bottling line. Upon graduation he joined the business year-round to learn the craft of winemaking from his parents. Adam is now responsible for making Elk Cove’s wines. He now oversees six vineyard sites with 380 planted acres. Check out the amazing 2023 Elk Cove Riesling (OB, 92) which is vibrant and neatly-textured.  I love the new 2023 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which will surely age for another two decades.  Learn more about these outstanding wines at elkcove.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Elk Cove.

2023 Elk Cove ‘Willlamette Valley’ Riesling- The 2023 Elk Cove ‘Willlamette Valley’ Riesling offers petrol and kiwi notes on the plate alongside electric tension and weight. This is inviting and alluring with its viscosity. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Elk Cove ‘Willlamette Valley’ Pinot Gris- The 2024 Elk Cove ‘Willlamette Valley’ Pinot Gris comes off rich and beautifully textured on the palate. Laden with minerality, this shows rich melon and Japanese pear flavors alongside stony minerals on the palate. A really great effort, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Elk Cove ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Elk Cove ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir delivers a soft mouthfeel, with layers of ripe red currants, strawberry and Bing cherry fruit flavors. Medium-bodied, with good verve, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 90

2023 Elk Cove ‘Five Mountain’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Five Mountain’ comes from the Laurelwood District AVA. It comes off soft and refined on the mouth, with loads of salty soil character. Layers of marionberry and Black cherry combine with wafts of peat moss and black truffle shavigns on the palate. Seriously good, with terrific weight and finesse, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Elk Cove ‘Clay Court’ Pint Noir- The 2023 Elk Cove ‘Clay Court’ Pint Noir is a juicy and delicious bottling that shows ripe red fruits with red rose petals and exotic spices on the nose. It comes off medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture and gorgeous sense of length and purity of its red and dark fruit core. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme’ Pinot Noir- The dense and lush 2023 Elk Cove ‘La Boheme’ is a flat-out fabulous new edition of this wine that is sourced from their old-vine estate, the La Boheme Vineyard. This is complex, delicious and very savory stuff with its herbal edge. Hints of wintergreen and dried herbs combine with wet rock, red rose water, black raspberry and forest floor notes on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with seriously good texture, and salty/stony character, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

Sojourn Cellars

Today we share the outstanding wines of Sojourn Cellars. The winery dates back to 2001 when two tennis friends–Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley–who shared a passion for two things: great wine and tennis. With Erich’s experience as an Assistant Winemaker at Arrowood Winery, the two developed a plan to produce small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from outstanding vineyard sources. They began with a hundred cases of Cabernet Sauvignon that they sold to our friends and family. Today they produce 21 different wines and have customers worldwide.The new wines by Sojourn were remarkably consistent. I love the 2024 Sojourn ‘UV Silver Eagle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is salty and savory with a seamless texture. Learn more about these great wines at https://sojourncellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the beautiful new release wines by Sojourn Cellars.

2024 Sojourn ‘Durrell Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Golden in the glass, the 2024 Sojourn ‘Durrell Vineyard’ Chardonnay is rich and viscous with terrific tension. Sea salt dusted peaches combine with cardamom laced pastry crust, and roasted pineapple on the palate. Dense and heady with great viscosity, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Sojourn ‘Ueberroth Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Sojourn ‘Ueberroth Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from a windy portion of the Petaluma Gap. Tart red fruits mark the nose alongside shades of bergamot and orange rind on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific underlying verve, as a glorious core of red fruits greets you, alongside salty and stony nuances. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2024 Sojourn ‘UV Silver Eagle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Sojourn ‘UV Silver Eagle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from a foggy, breezy location in the Sonoma Coast AVA. A terrific melange of red and dark fruits combine on the palate, alongside salted Mandarin orange zest and wet rock on the palate. Drink 2026-2039- 94

2023 Sojourn ‘Moon Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from two vineyard in the Moon Mountain District, the 2023 Sojourn ‘Moon Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers wet rock and tar on the nose with cassis and pencil lead. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and wonderful feel of tension, as medium to full bodied red and dark fruits parade with rocky soils. Drink 2026-2040- 93

2023 Sojourn ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sojourn ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from several sites in this AVA. A dark core in the glass, this offers Turkish coffee and exotic spices notes that mingle well with bay leaf and shades of violets on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific tension and loamy soil character. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Sojourn ‘Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sojourn ‘Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a massive and decadent bottling that is drinking marvelously in its heady youth. Once on the nose this shows off creme de cassis and loganberry preserves alongside graphite, tar and loamy soils. The palate is viscous and rich with great length and bright underlying acidity. Fresh and inviting from this slightly cooler vintage, with amazing flavor density, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Mercer Wine Estates Acquires Matthews, Tenor, Jaine and Single Barrel

Family-owned Mercer Wine Estates (a multi-generation family business with deep roots in Washington dating back to 1886) is acquiring four leading Washington wine brands from Avallé – Matthews, Tenor, Jaine, and Single Barrel. The deal was just signed and will expand the Mercer Wine Estates portfolio and winemaking capabilities.

As part of the acquisition, the winemaking team (Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson and Andy Ferguson) behind the Avallé brands will transition to Mercer Wine Estates, ensuring continuity in style, quality, and institutional knowledge. Their leadership and expertise will also elevate the quality and focus of the Mercer brand. In addition, Jen Bell will join Mercer Wine Estates as Vice President, leading the Wine Division and overseeing the expanded portfolio.

Avennia

Today we celebrate the wines of Avennia, which is a partnership between famed winemaker Chris Peterson and former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher. They now have two lines of wines, from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain as well as wines from choice sites throughout the Columbia Valley. They are making some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Rose in Washington State.

Avennia have been producing world-class wines since their inception more than a decade ago. I adored the 2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is a beautiful rendition of Right Bank-inspired wine from Washington. Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new ‘Estate Vineyard’ wines by Avennia.

2023  Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard Red Mountain’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Estate Vineyard Red Mountain’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak barrels before bottling. Vey dark and perfumed this is brimming with dark currant flavors alongside pencil lead, anise, creme de violette and scorched earth on the palate. A tad better than the ’22, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine- The really good 2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ is nearly all Merlot (90%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc. It is big and bold with terrific freshness and mid-palate depth. Black tea and exotic spices fill the nose with shades of orange bell pepper and heady dark fruits, with dark chocolate shavings. Lush and ripe on the mouth, this exhibits terrific length and underlying tension. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Sestina’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Sagebrush, mocha and tar notes combine with black florals and hints of graphite on the nose. The palate is lush and inviting with a silky texture and outstanding combination of weight and underlying verve. This is astonishingly good in its heady youth and will continue to evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2043-96

Liminal

It is a pleasure to share the wines of Liminal. Each bottling comes from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard (https://www.weathereyevineyard.com) which is set on a windswept ridgeline of Red Mountain in Washington State and is planted to 30 acres of Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varieties. This is a highly novel and unique Pacific Northwest vineyard. The vineyard ranges from 950’ to 1410’ of elevation, and has extreme slopes and soils ranging from dune sand to fractured bedrock basalt. Ryan Johnson serves as vineyard manager, having previously managed the esteemed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard for 15 years. Ryan farms this vineyard meticulously and wines from this site have a very wild appearance from the sagebrush, rabbitbrush and yarrow as well as many other native plants that can be found amongst the vines.

The wild character in the wines is overt.  They did an amazing job with their ‘22s and their ‘23s are just as good. Check out the thrilling 2023 Liminal ‘Block 47’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which shows stunning range and is impossible to resist in its heady youth. Learn more at https://www.liminalwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Liminal Wines.

2023 Liminal ‘The Aerialist’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘The Aerialist’ has a higher percentage of Roussanne (85%) than the ’22 bottling, with 15% Marsanne blended in. Sourced from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard, this opens with golden raisin, white pepper and peaches on the nose alongside dried wildflower. The palate is lush and inviting with a seamless texture and marvelous sense of salty minerality. Showing outstanding weight and length, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years to come. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2023 Liminal ‘Block 16’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Block 16’ Syrah stands inky in the glass, and shows amazing aromatic range with violets, tar and tobacco leaf alongside shades of blood orange zest and a heady melange of red and dark fruits. Full-bodied and neatly textured, with iodine and beef dripping accents, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Liminal ‘The Mountain Tower’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Mountain Tower’ combines Cabernet Franc (48%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is study, well-structured wine with outstanding flavor and aromatic range. Tar, anise seed, dark chocolate shavings, red bell pepper and black rose petals all mark the nose. The palate is lush and soft on the tongue, with good underlying tension. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Liminal ‘Block 47’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Jet black in the glass, the stunning 2023 Liminal ‘Block 47’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the very wild and high elevation WeatherEye Vineyard. Creme de cassis, dark chocolate shavings, boysenberry compote and bulls blood all mark the nose. The palate is fresh and elegant with a sensational texture and great sense of weight and length. Initially a bit reticent, so try to give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2027-2045- 98

Aperture

Today we share the amazing wines of Aperture, founded by famed winemaker Jesse Katz. Of course we can’t talk Aperture wines without mentioning the best North American Malbec also produced by Katz and his team, Devil Proof. A chic and modern tasting facility, Aperture is a must-visit for anyone serious about California wine. The dream team of Jesse Katz and Hillary Sjolund have been making some of the best wines in Sonoma.

Katz has worked winemaking jobs spanning the globe including harvests at Pétrus in Bordeaux, as well as time on the winemaking teams at Screaming Eagle Winery and Robert Foley Winery in Napa Valley, and Viña Cobos and Bodega Noemia in Argentina. He was named head winemaker at Lancaster in 2010. Wine Enthusiast named Jesse one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and he was also the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He was Wine Enthusiast winemaker of the year last year!

The new wines I tasted were incredible. I adored the 2023 Aperture ‘Del Rio Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is a stunning, perfect wine made from this slightly cooler vintage. It is a must-taste for any lover of California Cab. Learn more at https://aperture-cellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Aperture ‘Collage’ wines.

2023 Aperture ‘Proterra’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Proterra’ is a similar blend to the ’22, with 82% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Napa Valley. It comes off inky in the glass, exuding class with its gorgeous core of black currant and black rose petal aromatics that combine with fresh sage, and loamy soils. The palate is beautifully structured and nervy with a firm graphite backbone and refined tannins. Very delicious in its heady youth, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 Aperture ‘Oliver Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Oliver Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this 3.5 acre location that is set on gravel soils. It is beautifully perfumed, with a serious dark core in the glass. Violets, tar and black licorice all mark the nose alongside suggestions of creme de cassis. The palate is pillowy and soft with a refined texture and glorious sense of weight and length. A complete wine that flirts with perfection and has gorgeous nerve  being more tension filled than the ’22 edition. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2026-2042- 99

2023 Aperture ‘SJ Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘SJ Ranch’ is located in the Chalk Hill AVA with vines set on clay loam soils. Stored in all new French oak, this opens with a gorgeous bouquet of mocha, scorched earth and shades of espresso grounds and black tea accents. The palate is thrilling throughout the drinking experience as the loamy soil character shines through an ebullient core of black and blue fruits. Showing amazing pillowy texture, decadence and nerve, this is a total stunner that is a must-try for any lover of Sonoma Cabernet. Enjoy this total heavyhitter over the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2046- 100

2023 Aperture ‘Del Rio Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Del Rio Vineyard’ comes  from this unique hillside location that is set on chalky soils, and neighboring famed winery Verite. 100% varietal, this is jet black in the glass, showing off Turkish coffee aromatics that parade with purple rose petals, anise and suggestions of creme de violette on the nose. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience, showing some sensational chalky soil undertones that sing in unison with its opulent dark and blue fruit profile. Head-turning and utterly mesmerizing to taste, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 100

Alpha Omega

Today we share one of the most beautiful destinations in Napa, Alpha Omega. For many years now Alpha Omega has crafted a brilliant range of wines from sites throughout the Napa Valley. Founded back in in 2006, Alpha Omega has had a knack for producing great wines even in the toughest of vintages. Current winemaker Melissa Paris is the current winemaker and took over this position inJuly 2024 after joining in 2020. She leads blending, lab technology, and cellar operations. Notable past winemakers include Matt Brain (2020–2023), Jean Hoefliger (founding winemaker), and consultant Andy Erickson.

I love the 2021 Alpha Omega ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is a total stunner with serious viscosity and tension.  Check out the incredible 2023 Alpha Omega ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is just an infant right now in its drinking but has so much aging potential. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.aowinery.com Here are my reviews of the gorgeous new wines by Alpha Omega.

2021 Alpha Omega ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay- A brilliantly aged wine, the 2021 Alpha Omega ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay offers layers of melon and tropical fruits alongside baking spice laced pie crust on the palate. Rich and viscous, with serious tension, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Alpha Omega ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Alpha Omega ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay is loaded with tension and salty minerality. Salted peach and lemon rind flavors combine with pastry crust on the palate. This is exceedingly delicious with its brilliant finesse. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Alpha Omega ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- A blend of choice lots, the 2023 Alpha Omega ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay is layered and delicious with loads of tropical fruits and melon. Buttercream and lemon zest accents combine with rich baking spices on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2021 Alpha Omega Proprietary Red Red Wine- The 2021 Proprietary Red combines 30% Cabernet Sauvignon with 27% Merlot, 26% Petit Verdot and small parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This is beautifully structured with dense dark fruits alongside graphite, molten chocolate and dried herbs. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2021 Alpha Omega ‘Proprietary Red Spring Mountain District’ Red Wine- All coming from the Spring Mountain District, this combines 55% Merlot with 40% Cabernet and the rest Petit Verdot. This is ultra-refined stuff with amazing structure and tension with refined tannins. Pencil lead, anise and creme de cassis flavors combine with mocha tones on the palate. This is a spectacular showing that has outstanding working parts. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2022 Alpha Omega ‘Atlas Peak’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Mocha, tar and anise mark the nose. The palace is beautifully structured with terrific tension and richness. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2021 Alpha Omega ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Alpha Omega ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers sandalwood and cassis notes alongside tones of graphite and espresso grounds. The palate is refined and elegant with a terrific mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2040- 93

2022 Alpha Omega ‘Angel’s Vista’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from a site neighboring Pritchard Hill, this gorgeous 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon comes off rich and viscous with terrific tension. Mocha, tar and cassis tons combine with stony minerals on the palate. This is smooth and viscous stuff that is already neatly defined. Drink 2026-2045- 95

2021 Alpha Omega ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Highly structured, as well as dense and nervy, the 2022 Alpha Omega ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that is showing brilliantly. Tension filled and nervy, this is loaded with stony minerals. Dense dark fruits coming with volcanic soils on the palate, with green herbal accents. A stunning wine, this is complex and delightful stuff that is built to age. Drink 2026-2046- 97

2022 Alpha Omega ‘Lamoreaux Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this location in the Oak Knoll AVA, the 2022 Alpha Omega ‘Lamoreaux Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant and concentrated with great power. This is already neatly defined with mocha, black licorice and shades of creme de violette on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2021 Alpha Omega ‘Marston Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Alpha Omega ‘Marston Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful, well-structured wine that has beautiful violets on the nose. Cassis, sandalwood and tar notes combine on the palate, with sweet pipe tobacco notes. A total stunner, loaded with loamy soil character, enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Cayuse Vineyards

Today we share one of the famed producers in North America. Cayuse Vineyards was founded by vigneron Christophe Baron back in the 1990s. Baron was raised in Champagne and was was the youngest heir of the famed Champagne house, Baron Albert. His ancestors had worked the land at Baron Albert since 1677. As a young boy Christophe worked harvests and eventually studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne. After some travels he was drawn to the Willamette Valley, and was set on making great Pinot Noir. One day he was outside of Walla Walla and saw terroir inspired by the stony galets of Chateauneuf du Pape. He made the brilliant decision to plant his first vineyard back in 1997 on the cobblestone-laden lands outside of Milton-Freewater. Baron has had unparalleled success in the Walla Walla Valley since that time, crafting stony wines that show an incredible combination of tension, range and terroir.

2023 was an easier vintage than ’22. It was one that saw relatively moderate heat, with not many 100 degree days in the Walla Walla Valley. The 2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose (OB, 95) is one of the great Rose wines that I have tasted in the past year. It is flinty and stony, with serious nerve and richness. I love the new 2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine (OB, 100) which is plush, rich and dense with a fabulous stony backbone. This beauty reminds me of the unforgettable  2018 bottling. Learn more about these incredible future release wines at https://cayusevineyards.com Here are the incredible wines by Cayuse Vineyards (release fall 2026).

2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Viognier- Coming from the Cailloux Vineyard which was planted back in 1997, the 2024 Cayuse Viognier was stored in a combination of stainless steel and concrete eggs before  bottling. This is loaded with tension and richness, coming off fat on the tongue. Cantalope, white rose water and Key limes combine with hints of mango and star jasmine water on the palate. Seamless and dense, enjoy this mineral-laden bottling now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- One of the best Rose wines that I have tasted in the past year — new world or old world —the 2024 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose is a complete wine that was stored for 10 months in a combination of stainless steel and concrete. Showing off its beautiful pink hue, this opens with bright strawberry and white peach aromatics with pink grapefruit blossom and shades of salted wet rock on the nose. The palate is filled with mouthwatering acidity that hits the tongue and creates a lip-smacking effect. Fleshy and rich, with great stony character, this is unlike any wine you will taste in the new world. This has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another eight plus years — or more! Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine- The stunning 2023 ‘God Only Knows’ is up there with the finest Grenache wines I have tasted in the past year. This edition reminds me somewhat more of the ’18 and comes off marvelously stony, with loads of tension and texture. Stored for 21 months in natural oak barrels, this offers a cornucopia of non-fruit aromatics from kumquat rind and wintergreen tones alongside red roses, pretty guava and strawberry fruits, with plenty of stony accents. The palate is downright delicious, as the mouth-watering acidity entices. Showing outstanding length this stunning wine is a thrilling joyride to consume now. Drink 2026-2035- 100

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Flying Pig’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Flying Pig’ is a world-class blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in mainly neutral French oak (70%) before bottling. It is a rich and viscous edition of this wine, with a firm mineral-laden backbone. Layers of sandalwood and garrigue combine with smoldering rock, beef carpaccio and wafts of black truffle shavings on the palate. Very earthy and dense, with a fabulous core of black fruits, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘The Lovers’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Lovers’ is a fabulous blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) with Syrah (14%) that was aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak barrels. This might be slightly more dense and layered than the ’22 edition. The heady aromatics entice with green peppercorns and Umami alongside wild blackberry and shades of fresh sage. The gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Light on its feet, the lush mouthfeel entices, as does the fabulous core of black fruits, with great stony undertones. Complex and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Camaspelo’ Red Wine- A truly unique wine, the 2023 ‘Camaspelo’ combines primarily Cabernet Sauvignon alongside Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Damp earth and black florals mark the nose alongside shades of cedar, crushed wet rock and seaweed. The palate is plush, with copious stony minerals. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy this sturdy, well-structured beauty now and over the next eighth to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Widowmaker En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another stunning edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Widowmaker’ was stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak prior to bottling. Dark rose petals combine with Hoisin sauce, green peppercorns and cedar notes on the nose with hints of boysenberry compote. The palate is dense and heady — slightly more so than the ’22. Beef drippings and Nori accents complete this beautiful wine that still has a long way to go in the cellar. This is clearly one of the finest editions of this wine and is nearly impossible to resist in its full-throttle, tension-filled youth. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Cayuse ‘Cailloux Vineyard’ Syrah- The prettiest, Northern Rhone-inspired bottling of the Cayuse lineup, the 2023 ’Cailloux Vineyard’ a small portion of Viognier blended in. Stored for 18 months in primarily neutral oak puncheons, the wine comes from vines planted all the way back in 1997. This comes off wonderfully lifted from the Viognier, offering faint honeysuckle tones alongside pomegranate seed, smoked pork shoulder and wet stone accents on the nose. The palate is very laden with finesse, showing a gorgeous purity of red fruits, alongside tangerine peel and stony essence. Glorious now, watch this evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 98

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 ’En Cerise Vineyard’ Syrah comes from a 10 acre parcel planted back in 1998 that was formerly a cherry orchard. The wine was stored in a small amount of new French oak barrels before bottling. It gives of a Jamet-level of fruit purity, with serious tension and a fat mouthfeel. Bacon fat, tar, sweet pipe tobacco and boysenberry compote flavors all combine with copious stony minerals, with salted charcuterie notes on the palate. With more air the sous bois and black truffle crudo undercurrents emerge. Quite literally a meal in a glass, with serious savory, stony and Umami character, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 99

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘En Chamberlin Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 Cayuse ‘En Chamberlin’ was sourced from this vineyard set on ancient cobblestones and planted back in 2000. Aged in primarily neutral oak, this shows off black tea and exotic spice notes that combine with white pepper dusted bacon, soy sauce and suggestions of Satsuma orange zest. The palate is dense and heady with a fabulous mouthfeel and great sense of weight and underlying tension. A joy to consume in its mineral-laden youth, watch this evolve over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 98

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah- The mesmerizing 2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Bionic Frog’ is a perfect wine made from this really good vintage. Stored in a small amount of new French oak barrels for 18 months, this is powerful and concentrated on the mouth, with terrific viscosity and stony character. Crushed wet gravel and fresh sage combine with shades of seaweed, bulls blood, Parma ham and oyster sauce on the palate. The glorious minerality and mouth-watering acidity is the perfect compliment to the dense core of dark fruits. Showing tremendous depth and flavor density, as well as flavor range, this is benchmark North American Syrah. Enjoy now and over the next decade. . . but why wait? Drink 2026-2036- 100

2023 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah- The ‘Armada Vineyard’ is a tightly-spaced, biodynamic, organically-farmed vineyard mainly planted to Syrah all the way back in 2001. This dazzling Syrah opens with Chinese five spice, white pepper dusted brisket and anise seed aromatics that parade with middle eastern spices and blood orange zest notes. This comes off very salty and savory with serious nerve and flavor range. Showing stunning rocky soil character, enjoy this vibrant and generous wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 99

REVIEW: Alaska Airlines First Class Seattle to San Luis Obispo

I’ve flown Alaska Airlines well over 100 times. Being a top flyer for them, I know that they have good and bad flights — and everything in between. I equate Alaska Airlines First Class to Premium Economy on British Airways. Sometimes either seems to exceed each other. The flight was standard for this class. Not great, not bad but very meh.

I did not have lounge access as this was an upgraded flight. The newer Alaska Lounges are new and spacious but can also be very congested. They have no premium alcohol and even their wine for purchase is not very good. I know that they have been working on improving the amenities of their lounges and food quality has slightly improved. We made our way to the plane and sat down in Row 3. First lass plane has a 1-2 configuration for these regional flights on a QX E175 aircraft. The rest of the plane is in a 2-2 configuration.

A safety card was in the armrest. Leg space was decent but not much more than that in Premium Economy. There were power outlets in the middle that both seats could use.

Alaska Airlines advertises that you get more legroom than any other domestic carrier. That might be a bit like saying the Goodwill is offers better shopping than Value Village. In truth, I have found most US premium cabins to similarly offer less than premium experiences. As an example, Premium Economy on Emirates or Qatar Airways would be considerably more comfortable, with way more amenities than on Alaska Airlines.

You can see here that the First Class row isn’t all that spacious. I am also 6’5’’ and there is plenty of room for my feet in front but not a ton of room to place bags in the row. You do feel a bit more crammed compared to other international Premium Economy carriers. There is storage under the seat and a bit of storage in the seat in front of you.

There is a drinks menu in the seat in front of you. The wine selection is pretty basic and uninspired with some entry level selections from Oregon. For a true first class experience, I think this would be typical to other US carriers — although United Airlines is now offering top producers such as Domaine Serene and Lingua Franca. Alaska Airlines is clearly cutting costs with their first class wines. That said, their first class wines are better than the laughable wine selection for economy/premium economy.

As I was not impressed with the wine list, I opted for some sparkling water. Alaska Airlines also has a fairly standard spirits selection and beer selection compared to other US carriers. Service on this flight was typical for Alaska Airlines and US carriers — doing the bare minimum. There was no rudeness, just overall disinterest. These are staff who would never be hired on Emirates or Qatar Airways but due to the lack of hospitality training they continue to do basic service and then retire to their chair or galley for the duration of the flight.

This was a basic cheese plate ordered for my three year old. It was not the best presentation but also not the worst and had some Beechers, a local Seattle cheese that was nice.

I was brazen and chose to try their ‘Angus burger’ which was as inedible as this photo depicts. But seriously, there are many microwave burgers that taste considerably better than this one. The burger is an example of how the airline continues to do the bare minimum on the culinary side. Yes, it technically was a hot meal. But no, it was nothing that you want to ingest with any pleasure.

The QX E175 is a small plane and the bathroom was very cramped with no amenities. It was a game of Tetris getting my body to cram into the space. They have some decent hand soap they use from a local company, Salt & Stone.

In true Alaska Airlines fashion the stewardess disappeared into the galley and shut the door for the remainder of the flight following the food and drinks service. She remained there unbothered for the remaining hour of the flight.

BOTTOM LINE:

This was a typical Alaska Airlines First Class flight. It was very normal with nothing special added. Yes, you get the same service in First as you would in row 32 of the main cabin. It is nothing special. If Alaska wants to compete with United on the wine front, that would be greatly appreciated for the consumer. Sadly, I think there will be no plans to increase food or wine quality or service when you consider the growing costs of fuel. Overall, a very meh experience on Alaska Airlines. First Class

Hors Categorie

Hors Catégorie

Today we share one of the Pacific Northwest’s most coveted wines. Translated to ‘beyond categorization’ Hors Catégorie is an ultra-pure expression of terroir in a bottle. Sourced from a very hilly, 2-acre vineyard hidden in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Hors Catégorie Vineyard is a sight to be seen. It is one of the most scenic vineyards you will find in North America. The vineyard has incredibly tight spacing and Syrah clusters are cropped at less than a ton an acre. Fractured basalt lines the entire property. From the top of the hill you can even hear the river churning. It is one of the most unique spots I have ever visited.

2023 was a warm, generally easy-going vintage. There were few major heat spikes for this vintage that had a smaller crop load and incredibly high quality grapes.

The 2023 Hors Categorie Syrah (OB, 100) is a perfect wine that beautifully captures the warmth of the vintage. Learn more about this stunning, one of a kind Syrah at https://horscategorievineyards.com/horscategorievineyards/ Here is the new review for the incredible 2023 Hors Catégorie Syrah. 

2023 Hors Catégorie Syrah- A stunning edition of this wine and very different to the ’22 — more reminiscent to the ’21, the  2023 Hors Categorie Syrah is a total masterclass by vigneron Christophe Baron. It is seamless throughout the drinking experience with a fabulous stony profile. Loads of salty tension and mouth-watering acidity fill the palate. Menthol and Hoisin sauce combine with wintergreen, and smoked brisket notes on the palate. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 100

Cayuse 'Impulsivo' Tempranillo

A truly unique wine in North America, the Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo comes from the En Chamberlin Vineyard, set on ancient cobblestones near the town of Milton-Freewater. This 8.5 acre location was planted all the way back in 2000. The site is planted to Bordeaux varietals, Syrah and Tempranillo.

Christophe Baron has always loved to have Tempranillo with steaks. He feels that it has the richness and stuffing to hold up to heavier meats and I would completely agree. The Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo is always aged in slightly more new French oak than most of his other wines. In warmer years like the ’23, as well as the ’21 vintage, the wine can be heady, intense and powerful. This is a must-taste wine for any lover of Pacific Northwest wines. Here is my review of the stunning 2023 Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo.

2023 Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- The 2023 Cayuse ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo stands inky in the glass, this opens with black rose petals, Umami and bacon fat notes that collide with dark currants and cardamom dusted roasted figs. The plush oak and inviting texture is simply magical. Heady dark fruits combine with soy sauce, dates, and cloves on the palate, with iodine and wet rock accents. A joy to consume now, this will hold up to anything of its kind that you will find in North America. Drink 2026-2039- 99

Hamilton Russell Oregon

Olive Hamilton Russell is the founder, owner and now winemaker of Hamilton Russell Oregon, a small producer of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. For years Olive had deep involvement in the production and marketing of famed producer Hamilton Russell out of South Africa.

Olive is based in the Willamette Valley and is responsible for every aspect of the business - vineyard partnerships to winemaking, management to marketing. Hamilton Russell Oregon has secured long-term relationships with LIVE Certified growers across the Valley.

The new wines were seriously good. I love the new Pinot Noir, her new 2023 (OB, 94) comes from the famed Zena Crown vineyard an is a total stunner, with outstanding flavor density. Learn more at https://www.vineyardbrands.com/producer.aspx?id=147 and here is my reviews of the outstanding new 2023 Olive Hamilton Russell wines.

2023 Olive Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- The really good 2023 Olive Hamilton Russell Chardonnay offers Key lime and kumquat zest on the palate, laden with stony minerals and green melon notes. Neatly-textured, with good length, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Olive Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- sourced from the famed Zena Crown Vineyard, this outstanding 2023 Pinot noir opens with a bouquet of freshly picked red raspberry and lavender notes alongside rocky soils. The palate is concentrated, with a glorious ménage of red and dark fruits alongside bergamot and orange zest accents. Drink 2026-2035- 94

Benza

Today we share one of the newer wine brands out of the Willamette Valley. Benza is a 25 year old hilltop estate in the Laurelwood District AVA of the Willamette Valley. They produce estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose of Pinot Noir and traditional method sparkling brut. Located 35 minutes from Portland, they are now making a wine from the Walla Walla Rocks District as well that is fantastic.

Set in the new Laurelwood District, the estate vineyard is set on deep Laurelwood soils on top of volcanic Jory soil. I loved the new 2023 Benza ‘Rocks District of Milton-Freewater’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has very refined Rocks character with Umami tones. Learn more at https://www.benza.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Benza.

2022 Benza ‘Brut Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from the Benza Estate Vineyard, this 2022 ‘Brut Cuvee’ offers white peach and juicy Japanese pear notes alongside wet rocks and rich melon notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky mousse and marvelous sense of weight and length. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Benza ‘Touch of Gold’ Chardonnay- This 2023 Estate Chardonnay comes from the Laurelwood District and Chardonnay vines 28 years of age. This comes off bright, juicy and neatly-textured with salty nuances. Macadamia nut, lychee and pie crust notes combine with shades of honeydew melon on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Benza ‘Three Tuxedos’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Three Tuxedos’ comes from the Benza Estate Vineyard. This comes off juicy and rich with layers of pretty red fruits with salted orange rind, and shades of bergamot on the palate. Lush and refined, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Benza ‘Symphony’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Benza ‘Symphony’ Pinot Noir offers red rose petals and cardamom dusted cherry pie on the nose. The palate is fresh and nicely textured with loads of juicy red fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 91

2023 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Benza ‘Le Soir’ Pinot Noir is a dense, delicious and very earthy bottling that delivers terrific length. Black truffle shavings and blackberry compote combine with suggestions of black tea and peat moss accents on the palate. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039- 94

2023 Benza Syrah- Sourced from the Rocks District, this 2023 Syrah offers crushed wet gravel, Hoisin sauce and orange zest flavors that combines with boysenberry compote on the palate. Medium-bodied and fresh, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2033- 93