VIADER

One of the timeless Napa wines, VIADER is all about hard work and dedication. Delia Viader only made one wine for years, a Bordeaux style blend, which she first crafted all the way back in 1986. She achieved a a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, and founding winemaker Delia Viader found her beautiful wines in top Michelin star restaurants across the globe.

Her son, Alan, is making some incredible wines now that all come from their estate site on Howell Mountain. This location is on a rocky hillside and has amazing stony character in the wines.

I have tasted these wines for more than 20 plus years. I tried their new ‘DARE’ wines which have novel varietals grown at this stony location. I love the 2024 VIADER ‘DARE’ Grenache (OB, 94) which is stony and floral with amazing novelty. I don’t think there is anything quite like this in Napa. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2024 VIADER ‘DARE’ Touriga Nacional- The 2024 ‘DARE’ Touriga Nacional comes from this rocky site set at 1200 feet. Black florals and wet gravel mark the nose with shades of cassis. The palate is structured and concentrated with refined tannins and great weight and length. This has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2024 VIADER ‘DARE’ Tempranillo- One of the only Tempranillo bottlings from Napa that I have tasted, the 2024 ‘DARE’ shows smoky and savory herbal notes on the nose with shades of milk chocolate. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and terrific texture, with faint orange peel and red raspberry notes. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2024 VIADER ‘DARE’ Grenache- An outstanding Napa Grenache, the 2024 ‘DARE’ offers pretty red florals, dill and Nori notes on the nose with Satsuma orange zest. The palate is well-structured and refined with a terrific mouthfeel and great acid backbone. The rocky soil nuance here is really novel. Drink 2026-2040- 94

Diamond Creek

An amazing Napa house, Diamond Creek was actually the first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine as well as the first $100 bottle of wine from Napa. This was unique at the time and Diamond Creek proprietors the Brounsteins created three different wines to show each individual soil type in the vineyard which were all produced separately. At the time thee was nothing close to this made in the Napa Valley.

The wines were exceptional in 2022. They were even better in 2023. I adored the 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which is a dizzying bottling that flirts with perfection. These retail around $300 USD. They are collectors item that would be perfect for a special occasion. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.diamondcreekvineyards.com and here are my notes on the new 2023 Diamond Creek releases.

2023 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows rocky soils and violets as well as asphalt tones that combine on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky mouthfeel and great sense of weight and verve. Concentrated and powerful, yet light on its feet, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The knockout 2023 ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon really needs about an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Once on the nose this takes on layers of volcanic rock, anise and creme de cassis with shades of creme de violette and tar. The palate is impeccably balanced, and undeniably rocky. A silky combination of black and blue fruits greet you alongside sensational terroir in the glass. Elegant with a serious mineral backbone and refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2023 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon icomes from this estate vineyard set on small pebbles. Espresso grounds and blueberry compote combine with fresh sage and shades of wet rock all combine on the nose. The palate is plush and elegant with a serious weight and tension on the mouth, alongside pretty blue fruits and dark florals. This is a stunning wine that has many decades in front of it. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2023 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The dizzying 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ was sourced from this seven acre vineyard set on comes from this seven acre site with steep, iron-rich soils. Anise, scorched earth and dried herbs all mark the nose alongside crushed wet gravel on the nose. The palate has amazing power and verve, alongside a core of silky black and blue fruits with Turkish coffee notes. A stunning wine that has a long life in front of it, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99

Champagne Bollinger

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

After the death of Jacques Bollinger in 1941, Lily Bollinger managed the brand and expanded production considerably. Since 1994, Ghislain de Mongolfier has managed Bollinger. A great-grandson of the founder, Mongolfier has also served as president of the Association Viticole Champenoise since 2004, after leading the Commission of Champagne for 10 years. I love the range of Bollinger Champagnes and they are probably best known for their ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne that is Pinot Noir dominant and includes reserve wines that are up to fifteen years of age.

I am enamored by the new Champagne Bollinger PN AYC21 (OB, 96) which is gorgeous, round and generous stuff. This Pinot Noir based stunner is based on the 2021 vintage. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here is my review of the beautiful new release by Champagne Bollinger.

Champagne Bollinger ‘PN TX20’ Champagne- The ‘PN TX20’ Champagne by Bollinger mainly comes from Tauxières terroir, as this utilizes a 2020 base year. It is golden in the glass, as 2008 and 2012 vintage wines make up more than 25% of the blend. It has an incredibly soft mousse, with a fat and unctuous mouthfeel. Starfruit and papaya fruits mingle well with ginger, and salted green melon on the palate, with cashew nut accents. Extremely complex and dense, enjoy this heady and delightful Champagne now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2040- 95

Champagne Bollinger PN AYC21- The Champagne Bollinger ‘PN AYC21’ Champagne is made of wine from the 2021 as a base, including 51% reserve wines from years such as 2012, 2013, and 2014. It comes from Aÿ, as well as parcels from Tauxières and Mutigny and was given 8G/L dosage. It is a big, round and generous wine that really needs to be served in a larger vessel. Pretty guava and red cherry fruits combine with shades of orange blossom on the nose. The palate is heady and decadent with a tremendous lift from what is most likely more mineral-laden vintages (E.G. 2013). The refined mousse really entices as this is drinking brilliantly now and has another fifteen years to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2018 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Annee’ Champagne- The brilliant 2018 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Annee’ Champagne really needs half an hour of air before consuming. The wine comes off very reminiscent of the 2015 in terms of its warmth and flavor density. It is a world-class blend of 66% Pinot Noir, with 34% Chardonnay that was aged on the lees for more than five years before disgorgement in March 2025. Given 7G/L dosage, this slowly unveils layers of marzipan and salted melon fruit aromatics that collide with nectarine skin. The palate comes off big, round and dense with a refined mousse and fabulous texture. Drinking marvelously now with its nutty and stony mineral nuances, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

Review: Ritz-Carlton Portland, A 5 Star Hotel Showing Both Greatness and Major Flaws

Founded back in 2024, I had been waiting to finally stay at the Ritz-Carlton Portland hotel. We had a four night stay there for some rest and relaxation. This was the first actual week off I had experienced all year and the stay had some definite highs and lows. In some ways this hotel is considerably better than The Nines, another great downtown hotel. But in other ways our experience at the Ritz-Carlton was actually worse than what we experience at The Nines. Considering The Nines is half the price and sometimes more than half the price, this doesn’t exactly exude value in being at the Ritz-Carlton Portland. Check-in was excellent and quick. You expect that at any Ritz-Carlton. Service downstairs was thoughtful and excellent throughout our stay. The valet which we utilized was also excellent.
We checked in and then made our way to our room, located on the 12th floor. I decided to upgrade our room to a suite for an extra 200 bucks. We had already booked a room with Club Lounge access. It was a special weekend for my wife’s birthday. The downstairs staff definitely tried to make it special, albeit not always succeeding.

The suite had a big living room with great views of the city. The beds were remarkably comfortable. The bathroom was large and spacious with Dipthyque products. This was a really nice touch. All of the roughly 900 square feet were well-appointed and well-cleaned. There was an espresso machine which made great coffee. The feel of the room was spacious and has terrific floor to ceiling windows.

Bathrooms have both a tub and shower which was really nice for bathing our three year old. Overall the rooms are everything you would expect at a 5 star hotel. People answered the phone when you asked for something which is something you should absolutely expect at any Ritz-Carlton.

The room view was incredible and the nicest I have seen in Portland. The bed itself was incredibly comfortable and brand new. We slept really well. Temperatures in the room were easy to control. It was great having the extra space for our three year old especially during nap time. The room was not loud and the noise levels in the hotel generally were very good. You can tell that the hotel was well-constructed with a lot of steel and concrete.

The room and the service downstairs was the clear highlight. There were a few challenges with the downstairs staff getting something for my wife for her birthday as she did not initially receive her dessert or card that we signed and had staff also include. This was fixed and they were apologetic.

Now to the less than savory aspects of my stay.

CLUB LOUNGE REVIEW:

I have never stayed at a more disappointing Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. This was a major distraction for our stay and I will go into greater detail in a minute. There are positive aspects of the lounge, and it was not purely doom and gloom.

The main positives in the Club Lounge were the food and wine, particularly the wine. The views were also good. Breakfasts particularly on the weekend with the omelette bar were particularly outstanding. This is not a cheap lounge as my friends paid $275.00 a day to have the access. Lunches were not as good in terms of food quality as breakfasts. The same is true with the small bites before dinner.

The wine selection had several decent Rose bottlings including Whispering Angel and the better option, Chateau Miraval Rose, which retails for about 25 bucks a bottle. Even better is the vintage Argyle ‘Brut Rose’ that they have on hand for you. It retails for 32 dollars a bottle. We enjoyed several glasses with friends with stunning views of Portland. Elk Cove, a local winery and their new 2023 Pinot Noir was a really nice option to have in the lounge as well, as I regularly review their beautiful wines.

This is what the hotel website says about the Ritz-Carlton Portland Club Lounge: “Often referred to as a “hotel within a hotel,” Club enhances your entire stay by providing a dedicated Concierge, a private Club Lounge, unique in-room amenities, and exclusive experiences that immerse you in the best of the destination.”

Nothing like this happened for us at the Club Lounge.There was no concierge there. There was nobody there that really wanted to do anything for you or make your stay special. Requests were poorly responded to. I even told the lead lounge attendant that it was my wife’s birthday and she did not think to try to do anything or make our stay special.

While the views, ambience and wine at the Club Lounge were excellent, the service was nothing short of abysmal. It was by far the least attentive I have ever experienced at any Ritz-Carlton. The lounge service was as if they were doing you a massive favor if you asked them for anything. Sometimes it took ten minutes for them to bring you something.

The first moment I arrived in the Club Lounge I felt uncomfortable. I went to grab some food and was immediately reprimanded for not using tongs to put chips on my plate. It was nearly physically impossible to use tongs in this way and the lounge attendant said that it was a “hygiene issue.” This did not really make sense as there was literally no-one else eating the chips.

Immediately after this we had another issue. I opened a bottle of wine that I was going serve to friends the following day. The main lounge supervisor, forgetting her name, came up to me and said that I could not do that and I could not open the wine. I explained to her that I was going to open the wine to serve to my friends the next day and she then said that I can do that but I can’t pour any wine for myself in the lounge. I explained to her that I am a wine critic and that the wine is not for current personal consumption. I have no idea why she presented with such a poor attitude throughout our four night stay. Service was also so bad that I didn’t consider bring my local friend there for wine. That was really disappointing.

Throughout the four days of our stay the service by the lead lounge attendant was so bad and brusque that we decided several times not to use the lounge and instead have some wine in our rooms. This shows you how bad the service actually was. Service was not only brusque but was disingenuous as at times the servers would say something under their breaths after you asked for a request. We travelled wth our three year old so we did have several requests for food, etc and this was met with a really poor attitude. It is my hope that the hotel eventually makes serious changes to the staffing at the lounge. This was a huge contrast to how good the service was on the main floor and during check-in and check-out.

RESTAURANT BELLPINE REVIEW:

We had a really poor meal at the Ritz-Carlton Portland and it was so poor and so ridiculously priced that we did not go back. Our first night we decided to check out Bellpine and it was massively disappointing. The CACAO-RUBBED WAGYU COULOTTE for 62 bucks was particularly tiny and made me have to eat half of my wife’s entree. The Halibut for 48 bucks was a paltry portion and was massively overcooked. They serve a 45 OZ PRIME TOMAHAWK RIBEYE for 300 bucks. I guess that pricing tells you almost everything.

Wine was also very poorly priced on the wine list. Our cocktails were adequate but not good for a 25 dollar old fashioned. The first one was so bad that I had to send it back, their Olive Oil Old Fashioned.

You expect your cocktails to be world-class in such a great foodie town but they were very disappointing. Want a 40 dollar bottle of Moet Champagne? That will cost you 180 bucks at this restaurant! We had some great food in Portland but it was definitely not served at the Ritz-Carlton which is a totally wasted opportunity by them. For my palate I find that the food and drinks at Urban Farmer Portland at The Nines is so much better. Service was not bad at Bellpine but the cocktail and food quality/value as well as the wine pricing was extremely poor. There are so many better options in the city. We had a world-class meal at Canard the next day.

The pool at the Ritz-Carlton Portland was one of the best parts of our stay. Our kiddo was constantly in the pool and the views from the pool were amazing. They also have a large hot-tub there. The pool was as major reason why we chose this hotel and it did not disappoint.

BOTTOM LINE:

The Ritz-Carlton Portland is a 5 star hotel that has some major highs and lows. We were there for four days so we really got to know the property. The room itself was big and spacious. It was incredibly relaxing being there. The Club Lounge was really such a disappointment and other than the wine selection and the views (which you also have in your room) I can’t recommend spending the extra money to use that. They have to change their staffing there who were cold and brusque — unfortunately unlike any Club Lounge I have ever experienced at any Ritz-Carlton. The service there definitely made this a less-fun stay and marred my wife’s birthday weekend. Fortunately, the service at anyplace other than the Club Lounge was exemplary, particularly the extremely friendly and helpful concierge.

Fidelitas

One of the great houses on Red Mountain, Fidelitas began with legendary Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes and his vision to focus on making red wines from this famed AVA. Hoppes formerly served as former head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle. A University of California, Davis grad, he had a brief job in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, and later began working with Mike Januik as a member of the winemaking team at Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. In 1993, he became the Head Red Winemaker and managed Ste. Michelle’s newest facility at the time, Canoe Ridge near Paterson, Washington. Hoppes had the pleasure of making the first vintages of Col Solare, from 1995-1998. Hoppes finally decided to purchase some land on Red Mountain, founding Fidelitas in 2000 -- and has produced fantastic reds and whites since that time. Fidelitas is known for their red and white Bordeaux blends, as well as their rich Cabernets. 

I love the new wines and what he does with Malbec in particular. Do not miss out on the 2023 ‘Estate’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is clearly one of the finest Malbecs you will find in Washington State. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.

2023 Fidelitas ’4040’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), the ’4040’ opens with a beautiful bouquet of espresso  grounds, scorched earth and green herbs. The palate is medium to full-bodied with terrific weight and length. This is beautifully-balanced stuff that is already neatly-evolved. Open 30 minutes before enjoying. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Fidélitas Estate Merlot- A limited production, 200 case wine, the 2023 ‘Estate’ Merlot was stored for 22 months in 44% new French oak as well as 22% new American oak before bottling. Tar, Cuban cigar and shades of anise with black florals all mark the nose. The palate is luxurious and refined with amazing weight and length. A glorious bottling that is already drinking marvelously, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Fidélitas Estate Malbec- The outstanding 2023 ‘Estate’ Malbec was also stored in a fairly large portion of American oak (28% new) before bottling. It opens with heady aromatics of blueberry compote, creme de cassis and violet rose petals that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and concentrated with amazing depth and richness. Glorious now, enjoy this well-structured beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Fidélitas Estate Petit Verdot- Inky in the glass, the knockout 2023 ‘Estate’ Petit Verdot is one of the best bottlings of its kind in the state. Only 180 cases made, this was stored in 38% new French oak before bottling. Green bell pepper and black currant cordial combine with shades of Turkish coffee on the nose. The palate is silky and delicious with refined tannins and powerful core of back and blue fruits alongside graphite and Earl Grey tea notes. Drink 2026-2042- 95

2023 Fidélitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon- The silky and rich 2023 Fidélitas Estate Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location on Red Mountain and was stored for 34 months in nearly all new French oak before bottling. Dried herbs and purple rose petals combine with Arabica bean notes on the nose. The power and tension here, with salty minerals, all entice on the palate. Glorious now, with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next fifteen pus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 169’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Less than 100 cases were made of the outstanding 2023 Fidélitas Estate ‘Clone 169’ Cabernet Sauvignon which saw all new French oak for 34 months before bottling. It stands jet black in the glass, reveling in its violet flower aromatics alongside dark chocolate shavings, and shades of black licorice. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious depth and finesse. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 96

2023 Fidelitas ‘Estate Clone 412’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A heady and rich bottling, the 2023 ‘Clone 412’ was also stored in new French oak prior to bottling. Sandalwood and espresso bean notes combine with black florals on the nose. The palate is rich and concentrated with refined tannins and a smooth mouthful. Generous and broad-shouldered, with lighter walnut and salty soil tones, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come.  Drink 2026-2041- 94

Cellar Selection: 2020 Bibi Graetz 'Testamatta' [1.5L'

One of my favorite Tuscan houses is Bibi Graetz. I had an unforgettable visit there last year (https://owenbargreen.com/blog/2025/7/7/bibi-graetz). A total renegade in his region, Bibi has transformed the wines made in Tuscany. Since his inaugural release 25 years ago Graetz has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. The Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success as these wines have been revered by critics across the globe. 

Bibi sources from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio which is a remote island that has ancient indigenous vines planted. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines.

2020 was a warm vintage but Bibi did such a great job with these wines. The wine shows warmth of the vintage but also amazing salty tension. This beauty has such a long time to go in the cellar. The 2020 ‘Testamatta’ (OB, 95) is in a glorious place right now. This thing really needed a day of air and I lifted the cork fully after 24 hours to show beautiful florals and concentration. This is one that I picked up to enjoy with friends on my holiday — and the wine continued to delver on the second day. Learn more about this famed winery at http://www.bibigraetz.com  and here is my review of the 2020 1.5L of ‘Testamatta.’

2020 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ [1.5L]- A stunning wine out of magnum, I recently picked up several bottles of the 2020 ‘Testamatta.’ In large format it really needs a day of air to fully be aroused. Red rose petals and potpourri notes combine with sandalwood, amaro and shades of red raspberry puree on the nose. The palate is big, rich and bold with serious texture and salty minerality. A gorgeous wine to enjoy now, this has at least another fifteen years in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Valette

Today we share the magical wines of Chef Dustin Valette. Valette is a limited-production wine brand crafted by star winemakers such as Jesse Katz, Tom Rochioli and David Ramey.

One of the famed Sonoma chefs, Valette formerly was at Thomas Keller’s one-Michelin-star Bouchon in the Napa Valley and later worked at Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco, finally as executive sous chef under Laurent Manrique. Back in 2015 he opened his own restaurant, Valette in Healdsburg. The cuisine here is focused on modern American with a French twist. I recently visited both Valette and his other outpost, The Matheson, and was floored by the food quality and service.

I love this brand of wines. Katz and his fellow winemaker Hillary Sjolund have a knockout new wine, the 2023 Valette Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is sinfully good right now. I am so enamored by this wine that is very nervy from this slightly cooler vintage. So without further adieu here are my reviews of the new releases by Valette. Learn more at https://www.valettewines.com/

2025 Valette Rose- Sourced from the Russian River Valley, this 2025 Valette Rose offers wild mushroom and red rose petals on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific length and weight. 100% Pinot Noir. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Valette ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- All sourced from this famed site, this 2024 Chardonnay utilizes three clones of Chardonnay from the River Block.  Golden in the glass, this offers heady tropical and nutmeg laced melon fruits with buttered sourdough bread. The palate is rich and viscous with tremendous salty minerality. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Valette ‘Bush Crispo’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this location in the Russian River Valley, the 2022 Valette ‘Bush Crispo’ Pinot Noir offers cola, sassafras and rich strawberry notes on the nose. Despite the heat of the vintage, this shows serious tension alongside ripe red fruits with orange peel accents and suggestions of bergamot. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Valette ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from four separate locations in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the 2023 Valette ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers cola, red currants and salty minerals alongside orange peel tones on the palate. Showing great length and freshness, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Valette ‘Bush Crispo’ Pinot Noir- The outtanding 2023 Valette ‘Bush Crispo’ Pinot Noir derives black truffle, black cherry compote and shades of eucaloyus on the nose. The palate is dense and nervy with plenty of salty tension and weight. Finishing very long with sea salt dusted red fruits and peat moss accents, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2023 Valette ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from several locations in the Sonoma Valley, the 2023 ‘Sonoma County’ opens with cassis and dark currants alongside pencil lead and violets. The palate has incredible volume and tension as this glides throughout the drinking experience. This offers some serious value at 85 bucks retail and is irresistible to enjoy now. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Valette ‘Skellenger Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Valette ‘Skellenger Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a knockout, weightless bottling that is showing incredibly well. This is impeccably balanced, with incredible verve and tension with salty minerality. Creme de violette, tar, tobacco, with amazing loamy soil character. A complete wine, with tremendous richness and nerve, enjoy over the next two decades to come. Drink 2026-2046- 100

2023 Valette ‘Pocket Peak’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Pocket Peak AVA the 2023 stands inky in the glass. This location is set at 2300 feet, as this has marvelous astringency and chalky minerality. The palate is intense and highly nervy with amazing viscosity and flavor density. A world-class wine, coming from rocky soils that bleeds through the core of the wine, enjoy over the next two decades. This wine leaves no doubt that it is a perfect wine. Drink 2026-2046- 100

Quilceda Creek

It is my great pleasure to share one of the world’s great producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. Yesterday marked my yearly pilgrimage to Quilceda Creek to review their pre-release 2024 wines [release date Spring 2027]. I had the chance to visit for the first time their 2024‘CVR’ Red Wine which along with the ’23 is one of the finest, if not the finest’CVRs’ made. Sitting with director of winemaking Paul Golitzin he explained how bullish he is on the 2024 vintage. “The consistency of the Columbia Valley is remarkable. A viticultural paradise in 2024” he explained.

“We see the 2024 vintage like the ’18 vintage on steroids” said Paul Golitzin. “We missed out on the freeze and some people were wiped out in some lower areas but this was a beautiful, clean vintage.” The wines themselves shined with ebullient black and even blue fruit profiles. 2024 was a warm vintage with few heat spikes like 2023. Most wines that I have already visited from this vintage show amazing depth and power. They might have a touch less tension than the ‘22s, but show much better weight and flavor density. While I love the wines made in 2018, the ‘24s that I have tasted so far have serious promise.

While no Merlot was produced at Quilceda Creek for their ’23 vintage, they have a new Merlot in their ’24 vintage, their ‘Sasha’ who is named after Paul’s father. The Merlot is unlike anything made in Washington State with a very Pomerol feel and great soil character. A small amount of Merlot was also blended into their 2024 ‘CVR.’

Paul Golitzin is one of the great North American winemakers, taking over for his father decades ago. Mark Kaigas joined their team from Colgin and has been a revelation. He works closely with President and Director of Winemaking Paul Golitzin and Vineyard Manager Dan Nickolaus.

Do not miss out on the 2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is a knockout new bottling that is pillowy and soft, with exceptional smoothness and flavor density. Definitely more towards power than the ‘Columbia Valley’ the 2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) is a decadent treat to consume in its heady youth. This beauty has decades of life in front of it. Learn more about these incredible wines at quilcedacreek.com and here are my reviews of the sensational 2023 pre-release Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Quilceda Creek.

2025 Quilceda Creek ‘Quilceda Blanc’ White Wine- The 2025 ‘Quilceda Blanc’ is all Sauvignon Blanc from a site that neighbors the Champoux Vineyard. The wine was farmed at a meagre 1.25 tons an acre and only 215 cases were produced. Mostly stored in new French oak puncheons, the wine takes on amazing aromatic range that pushes melon, citrus and tropical fruits.  It comes off silky and elegant on the mouth and stands extremely bright in the glass. The palate is powerful and deep on the tongue with amazing weight and length, brimming with mouth-watering acidity. A stunning wine that has a long life in front of it, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2040- 98

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘CVR’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘CVR’ Red Wine is primarily all Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) with small parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot blended in, both coming from the Champoux Vineyard. Showing off an inky core this opens with toffee and mocha tones that combine with red and black florals alongside creme de cassis notes. The palate is deep and voluptuous on the mid-palate, with terrific volume and underlying finesse. A complex, hedonistic treat to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Sasha’ Merlot- The 2024 ‘Sasha’ combines 79% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc. The nose shows toasted walnut and gorgeous red florals that combine with fresh sage and shades of Turkish coffee. The palate is dense, plush and elegant with a silky texture, good salty character, and refined tannins. Mocha, tar, milk chocolate coated black cherry and cassis flavors mingle well with shades of black licorice on the palate, with stony soil nuance. Lush and round on the mouth, with incredible length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2026-2044- 99

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes nearly all from the Champoux Vineyard (90%) with the remainder sourced from the Mach One Vineyard.The wine was aged in all new French oak barrels before bottling. The nose is mesmerizing with a hedonistic bouquet of black rose petals, oud and dark currants that mingle well with sagebrush, creme de violette and anise. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience as this effortlessly glides through the mid-palate. A total stunner, enjoy this heavyhitter now and over the next twenty years. This is nothing short of perfection in the bottle. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2046- 100

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Palengat’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 ‘Palengat’ is entirely comprised of Clone 685 Cabernet Sauvignon. Purple florals and wet stone mark the nose alongside scorched earth and fresh sage notes on the nose. The palate is silky and opulent throughout the drinking experience. It offers a glorious core of Arabica bean, dark chocolate shavings and black currant cordial flavors that connect with a bright beam of tension. A stunning wine that is already beautifully evolved, savor this beauty over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2026-2046- 100

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Tchelistcheff’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The otherworldly 2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Tchelistcheff’ Cabernet Sauvignon was entirely sourced from the Mach One Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Aged in all new French oak barrels, this delivers tar, anise and creme de cassis on the nose with roasted date notes. The seductive nose brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is pillowy and deep with a massive core of black and blue fruits. The salty minerality and concentration creates an amazing perception of mouth-watering acidity on the mid-palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy this heady beauty and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 100

2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The next-level 2024 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a total masterclass that is your quintessential iron fist in a velvet glove. Cedar wood and blackberry blossom meld with dark chocolate shavings on the nose. It is velvety and soft on the approach. A glorious combination of black and blue fruits fill the palate alongside a graphite edge and refined tannins. This is a polished masterpiece that has many decades of life in front of it. Drink 2026-2050- 100

Tamber Bey

Today we share the great wines of Tamber Bey. Named after the Arabian horses at the estate, Tamber Bey began back in1999 and is a family-owned business, with Barry and Jennifer managing operations and marketing, and Barry's daughter, Kendra, managing the wine club. The winery is located in Calistoga and focuses on estate-grown wines at their Sundance Ranch, a functioning 22-acre equestrian facility.

The new wines were seriously good. Sally Johnson Blum crafts an outstanding lineup and I adored her 2024 UV Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated with amazing soil character. Learn more about these great wines at https://tamberbey.com/ and here are my reviews of the outstanding new Tamber Bey wines.

2024 Tamber Bey Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from Lake County, this 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers pear and gooseberry notes alongside stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2024 Tamber Bey ‘UV Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Tamber Bey ‘UV Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is smooth and voluptuous with a terrific mouthfeel and texture. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, this offers cran-cola, sassafras and dried herbs that mingle well with wet clay on the palate. The soil character is outstanding. Salty, beautifully balanced and very savory with its bay leaf tones, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Tamber Bey ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Tamber Bey ‘Hallberg Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is juicy, broad-shouldered Pinot Noir that is drinking marvelously now. Dark rose petals and cardamom dusted red fruits mark the nose alongside orange peel tones. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth mouthful and lovely salty soil character. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Tamber Bey ‘Oakville Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Tamber Bey ‘Oakville Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal, offering loamy soils, dark currants and tar on the nose alongside shades of wet rock. The palate is dense and delicious with a terrific mouthfeel and great loamy soil character. The sense of place is awesome. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Spring Valley

It is my pleasure sharing the wines of Spring Valley, founded by Shari and Dean Derby. They planted vines on the land and made their first vintage in 1999. The Derbys’ son Devin Corkrum Derby served as winemaker until his passing in 2004. Serge Laville took over as winemaker and transformed the wine program.

A few years back Kate Derby, a sixth-generation family farmer and winemaker, took over the help at Spring Valley Vineyard. She has worked at Spring Valley Vineyard for much of her life. Growing up she spent summers hoeing the vineyard rows with her grandfather and racking wine with Spring Valley’s first winemaker, her uncle Devin Derby. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began her full time career with Spring Valley in the tasting room, then on the road representing the brand across the country and finally joining the winemaking team in 2011. She did a great job with the 2022 wines. The 2023 wines are even more consistent. I love the 2023 Spring Valley ‘Fredrick’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is smooth and silky throughout the drinking experience. Learn more about these outstanding wines at springvalleyvineyard.com Here are my reviews of the fantastic new Spring Valley wines.

2023 Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ Red Wine- A gorgeous new wine, the 2023 Spring Valley ‘Uriah’ is unique to this vintage, as the ’22 was near equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Tihis vintage is 60% Cabernet Franc, and 40% Merlot. The Cabernet Franc has the upper hand right now with its Earl Grey tones alongside red bell pepper, dark currants and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Neatly-textured and full-bodied, this is dense and delicious stuff that is already drinking beautifully. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Spring Valley ‘Katherine Corkrum’ Cabernet Franc- Another sensational bottling of this wine, the 2023 Spring Valley ‘Katherine Corkrum’ Cabernet Franc shows off orange bell pepper and thyme on the nose with heady dark fruits. The palate is lush and inviting with good freshness and flavor density. Glorious now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Spring Valley ‘30th Anniversary’ Merlot- Sourced from their estate vineyard, the 2023 ‘30th Anniversary’ Merlot is brimming with juicy dark fruits on the nose with shades of violets, cedar and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied and chewy with a terrific mouthfeel, and refined tannins, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Spring Valley ‘Frederick’ Red Wine The 2022 Spring Valley ‘Frederick’ is a silky blend of 61% Cab Sauvignon with 34% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. This is bold and delicious with pencil lead tones alongside black cherry compote, sandalwood and roasted dates on the palate. Soft and refined on the mouth, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Spring Valley ‘Nina Lee’ Syrah- The outstanding 2023 Spring Valley ‘Nina Lee’ Syrah offers milk chocolate, tar and scorched earth notes on the nose with light dried herbal accents. The palate is dense with an excellent mineral backbone. Fresh sage and chocolate with Arabica bean flavors combine showing excellent decadence and underlying tension. Drink 2026-2036- 94

Rujaya

This is now the second time I have tasted the new wines by Rujaya. It is the second time that I have been seriously impressed with winemaker Benedict Almquist and his precision of crafting wines with a sense of place. For nearly a decade he worked alongside his cousin at Almquist Family Vintners in Seattle, and then in 2018 became their resident winemaker. Since spring of 2023, Benedict worked as assistant winemaker at Darby Winery in Woodinville, WA. He found his inspiration in a bottle of FX Pichler Riesling from the Wachau Valley, Austria and became infatuated with world-class Riesling. His first Riesling release was a home run! The new wines were even better than the first wines that I tasted. These are all fall 2026 releases. You don’t want to miss out on the 2024 ‘Icarus’ Grenache (OB, 95) which has amazing rocks character and is pretty and downright sexy in its incredible flavor range. Learn more about this electric new winery at https://rujayawinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the inaugural wines from Rujaya.

2024 Rujaya ‘Apinya’ Boushey Vineyard’ Grenache- The fabulous 2024 Rujaya ‘Boushey Vineyard’ Grenache was sourced from this famed site in the Yakima Valley. Stored in neutral oak, this opens with a heady melange of red and dark fruits, with pretty red rose petals and orange blossom on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with a seriously good texture, as well as weight and length. Generous, and showing lovely stony nuance, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Rujaya ‘Apinya Royal Slope’ Syrah- The seriously good 2023 Rujaya ‘Royal Slope’ Syrah comes from the acclaimed Stillwater Creek Vineyard and utilizes Joseph Phelps clonal selection. All of this wine underwent whole-cluster fermentation. It stands inky in the glass, with black cherry compote, coffee grounds and green olives that combine with shades of chocolate pie on the palate. This has a bulls blood, sanguine character that makes it very Cote Rote meets Washington. Very dense and exotic, with Asian spices that linger, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Rujaya ‘Apinya Icarus Vineyard’ Grenache- Sourced from the Icarus Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District, this 2024 Grenache is sensational, third-leaf wine that has amazing Rocks character. Once on the nose this takes on layers of anise with charcuterie, beef drippings, orange peel and fresh sage, with great stony essence. The palate is beautifully-textured with serious verve. A joy to consume right now, watch this evolve over the next six to eight years. But why wait? Drink 2026-2033- 95

2023 Rujaya ‘Apinya Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The 2024 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah was entirely whole-cluster fermented and hails from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard. It is soft, savory and neatly-textured stuff. Black olive tapenade and smoldering wet stones all combine with sagebrush, boysenberry and smoked meats on the palate. Beautiful now, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

Chateau Miraval

Today we share one of the famed houses in Provence. Miraval is one of the historic houses in Provence and a true Hollywood drama,  Chateau Miraval is a highly scenic 1,200 acre estate in Provence, which was founded by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Married at Miraval, Pitt and Jolie prior to their split lived there since 2008. The property boasts pine forests, olive groves, terraced hillsides, working vineyards, a private lake  as well as a moat. Much of the chateau dates back to 17th century, including 35 rooms in the main house as well as several tenant residences.The estate also contains remains of a Romanesque chapel, as well as the famed vineyard from which the Miraval Rose comes from. The recording studio at Miraval has housed some famous musicians including personal favorites Sting and The Cranberries (R.I.P. Dolores O’ Riordan). 

It was back in 2012 that Pitt and Jolie purchased this famed land for an estimated $60 million and records indicate that in 1252 philosopher and theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas visited the Miraval estate. The vineyard itself is very large, Jean-Pierre and Francois Perrin are the iconic vintners behind this great Rose wine that produce white and rose wine from the 500 hectare property.  They produce a ton of Rose (roughly 200,000 bottles) and despite the quantity of wine produced, the quality of the wine has been apparently throughout the past five vintages.

I had such a marvelous visit to Miraval last August. Walking through this incredibly beautiful site, you can’t help but notice the immense stony quality of the vineyards. Massive limestone deposits are everywhere as you can see how the heat and stones lead to the struggle in the vines, resulting in extremely high quality grapes. The 2025 Miraval Rose (OB, 91) is direct and shows great mineral backbone with pretty red fruits. Learn more about Miraval at http://miraval-provence.com/en/ Here are the new 2025 Miraval review.

2025 Chateau Miraval Rose- The 2025 Chateau Miraval Rose is a great combination of Cinsault, Rolle, Grenache and Syrah. It shows delicate red raspberry and watermelon tones alongside honeydew melon and vibrant acidity on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 91

Krug Champagne

One of the famed Champagne houses, Krug was founded by Joseph Krug back in 1843. Located in Reims and currently owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy, Joseph Krug, a German, originally founded this house. He later moved to Paris to work in accounting for Champagne Jacquesson and learned so much about Champagne that he began making his own privately. A brilliant linguist, Joseph spoke French, English and German and spoke some Russian, which put his Champagne house in good position to sell to overseas markets.

Following Joseph’s death his son, Paul Krug, took over and began selling Krug across Great Britain. Major turmoil followed Paul’s death in 1910 with two World Wars, although many people contend that the best Champagnes of the century were made between 1926 and 1928. Some have said these were some of the finest wines the house has ever made.

For many years Krug has crafted a range of wines including their famous ‘Grande Cuvée’ (which I reviewed), as well as a stunning non-vintage rosé, a vintage Blanc, a vintage Blanc de Blancs from the Clos du Mesnil Vineyard, a vintage Blanc de Noirs from the Clos d'Ambonnay Vineyard and older vintages released as Krug Collection series.

I adored the the 171 eme. Edition ‘Grand Cuvée’ which has a base from the warm and rich 2015 vintage.Learn more about these very special wines at https://www.krug.com Here is my review of the new ‘Grand Cuvee’ Champagne by Krug.

Krug Grand Cuvée 171 eme Edition Champagne- With a base from 2015, the 171 eme. by Krug is a dazzling bottling that still has so much life in front of it . It really needs about 30 minutes of air to be fully aroused. Lemon rind and salted melon combine with brioche and toasted hazelnuts on the palate. This edition is primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a small amount of Meunier blended in. Bravo! Drink 2026-2039- 97

Long Shadows

For years I have loved the wines of Long Shadows, one of the premier wine lineups that you will find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Allen Shoup had a celebrated 20-year career leading Chateau Ste. Michelle, its affiliate wineries and Washington wines to international prominence. Shoup retired to establish Long Shadows in 2002, the most ambitious and personal project of his storied career. He hired Gilles Nicault to be winemaker, serving as the director of winemaking and viticulture, while collaborating with a team of all-star vintners to refine Allen’s vision. Gilles is making some of the most consistently great wines in the Pacific Northwest, including arguably Washington’s finest Riesling to silky and concentrated Cabernets. He also makes the finest Super-Tuscan inspired wine in Washington, the ‘Saggi.’

Long Shadows has recently released a new line of wines that are their ultra-premium and limited production bottlings, their ‘Meritant’ series. I tasted with Nicault and was so impressed with the wines. I went back the next day and re-tasted the wines. You are going to be blown away with these bottlings. Learn more at https://longshadows.com/ and here are my reviews of the incredible new ‘Meritant’ wines by Long Shadows.

2024 Long Shadows ‘Meritant’ Chardonnay- One of the finest Chardonnays that I have tasted in the past year, the 2024 Long Shadows ‘Mertiant’ Chardonnay was sourced entirely from the famed Celilo Vineyard. The wine was stored in all 600L barrels (light toast, tight grain) prior to bottling. Brioche, bananas foster and shades of rich cardamom dusted melon all mark the nose. The palate is big and bold, with amazing tension and salty minerality. The sense of place and salinity from this special vineyard is clear. The finish is exceedingly long as this is dazzling in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2037- 97

2022 Long Shadows ‘Meritant’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Meritant’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a barrel selection wine hailing from Red Mountain. It was stored in all new French oak, as the oak integration is spectacular. There is loads of tension and bright acidity from this slightly cooler vintage — yet this beauty builds in weight and flavor density with more and more air. Creme de violette and tar flavors combine with sagebrush, black currant cordial and blackberry pie with milk chocolate dusted Arabica bean on the palate. Decadent and dense with serious minerality, make sure you give this another year in the bottle to fully evolve. Flirting with perfection, enjoy this total heavyhitter now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Tasted twice over two days with consistent notes. Drink 2027-2050- 99

Kairal Wines

Today we share a brand new winery with the talented Steve Wells (Time & Direction owner/winemaker) at the helm. Kairal is a reference to the greek words kairos and chronos, which mean “the opportune moment” and “time”, both of which are absolutely necessary in winemaking. I thought that the inaugural wines were seriously good, particularly their ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah (OB, 93) which is very elegant and smooth throughout the drinking experience. Learn more at https://kairalwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Kairal Wines.

2024 Kairal Viognier- The 2024 Kairal Viognier offers honeysuckle water and lychee alongside ripe banana on the nose. The palate is clean and laden with loads of nuance and tension alongside freshly cut limes, salty minerals alongside shades of white peach. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2024 Kairal ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The 2024 Kairal ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah offers green peppercorns and fresh sage alongside blood orange zest and ripe red fruits on the nose. The palate is lush and refined with a smooth mouthfeel, as this is silky throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2034- 93

Walla Walla Vintners

It is my pleasure to introduce one of the oldest wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. Proprietors Scott and Nici Haladay have really been investing time and energy into their winery. A few years ago they hired Derrek Vipont from Long Shadows who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019. He makes some beautiful wines for Walla Walla Vintners.

I adored the new 2024 ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which impresses for the price. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners. 

2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Woven Fields’ is primarily cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller portions Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This is well-balanced and poised stuff with a chewy mouthfeel and terrific core of dark fruits, pipe tobacco and chocolate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Bello Rosso’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Bello Rosso’ combines equal parts Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon from the Seven Hills Vineyard. This shows good astringency with velvety tannins that line the core of pipe tobacco, wintergreen, dark chocolate shavings and fresh sage. With more air Arabica bean and graphite notes emerge, as this is best enjoyed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 93

2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Alera’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Alera’ combines mostly Merlot (77%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cut Bank Vineyard. This comes off silky and refined with a sinfully good texture. Milk chocolate and sweet pipe tobacco combine wth shades of fresh herbs and scorched earthy notes. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An outstanding bottling, the 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Cut Bank Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this higher elevation spot up Mill Creek in the Walla Walla Valley. Pencil lead and anise combine with shades of creme de cassis and dark florals on the nose. The palate is juicy and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and loads of texture alongside stony minerals. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon stands inky in the glass. Black tea and exotic spices parade with sandalwood tones and dark currants on the nose. The palate is refined and silky throughout the drinking experience, as this is exceptionally seamless, yet maintains amazing power and poise. Drink 2026-2044- 95

Gard

Happy Saturday to you all. Gård was founded by brothers Sandy and John Lawrence, who have farmed the Royal Slope for more than 50 years, along with John’s son Josh, who joined the operation in 2002. The winery is managed by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations. Josh and Lisa are some of the nicest people in the wine business. I had the pleasure of chatting with them last night as they are now one of the largest landholders in The Rocks District. They have a new line of knockout wines from this region.

Matías Kúsulas has served as head winemaker since 2021. He has taken the Washington wine scene by storm with his dizzying array of wines and creativity. He boats three masters degrees and is a former Marine. He is an incredibly talented person who is such a pleasure to talk wine with. Tasting with him yesterday he offered his thoughts on the 2023 vintage which he sees as “great.” He finds that in winemaking he is “never satisfied. Always pushing” as he has such an incredibly diverse range of wines for Gard but also for his lines of Valo and Massalto wines.

I adore the 2023 Gård Vintners ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling (OB, 94) which is one of the finest wines of its kind in the state. Do not miss out on the stunning 2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Cinsault (OB, 96) which is the finest single varietal wine of its kind that I have ever tasted in North America. Spicy and savory, this wine has sensational flavor range. It comes off very pretty, almost Pinotesque, yet has superior Rocks character. Learn more about these great wines at gardvintners.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Gård Vintners.

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling- This 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ Riesling comes entirely from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. This has roughly 2G/L residual sugar. Wet rock and papaya come together with shades of nectarine on the nose. The palate is dense and beautifully textured with serious weight and length. This comes off big and burly yet maintains incredible freshness. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2024 Gard Sauvignon Blanc- Fermented in foudre, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is done in a Sancerre-inspired style, this was entirely coming from the Connor Lee Vineyard. Papaya, white peach and white flowers all combine on the nose. The palate has great texture with green herbal undertones on the palate. Beautifully now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2025 Gard ‘Franc Blanc’ White Wine- The ‘Franc Blanc’ is entirely sourced from the Stone Ridge Vineyard. Stored in stainless steel, this had some less stirring and stands at only 12.5% alcohol. Walnut and green papaya combine with tropical fruits on the nose. This is super-delicious, mouth-watering wine, offering rocky nuance that has crazy good finesse and texture. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard Vermentino- The 2025 Vermentino comes from the Corfu Crossings Vineyard. Stored in stainless with some lees stirring, this is rich and complex on the palate. Dense melon with nutty and stony flavors combine with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Gard Albarino- This 2024 Albarino was stored in Acacia and mainly neutral French oak before bottling. This is now the third vintage of this wine. Mango and star jasmine combine with shades of green melon on the nose. The palate has amazing volume, texture and freshness. This has to be the finest edition of this wine with its wet stone nuance and will push anything of its kind in the state. Drink 2026-2033- 94

2024 Gard Semillon- The 2024 Gard Semillon is an inaugural wine in this lineup. Coming from the Connor Lee Vineyard, this was stored in one neutral puncheon before bottling. Marzipan and brioche notes combine with banana and shades of honeydew melon on the nose, with faint nutty accents. The palate gives you unexpected freshness with serious texture and weight. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard Muscadelle- All coming from old vines from the Connor Lee Vineyard, the 2023 Muscadelle offered tangerine blossom, peaches and nutty accents on the nose. The palate has outstanding volume and skin contact, as this saw an overnight maceration and barrel fermentation. This has great push-pull between sweetness and bitterness on the palate, with excellent length. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard ‘Freyja’ White Wine- This 2025 ‘Freyja’ combines Viognier (48%) with the remainder Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. This is the first edition with a good amount of Grenache Blanc. Co-fermented, this was stored in stainless before bottling. Very floral on the nose, this takes on a silky mouthfeel. The palate has cashew nut from the Grenache Blanc alongside heady melon and starfruit tones with a refined texture.This drinks better than the ’24. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Tigre’ Pinot Gris- A skin-contact Pinot Gris from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Tigre’ is so perfumed on the nose with star jasmine, baking spice, orange zest and shades of cashew nut. The palate has amazing freshness and richness with great damp soil and nutty nuance with a core of melon fruits. This is incredible stuff that is drinking great now. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Gard Rose- This 2025 Gard Rose is mainly Columbia Valley Grenache with some Mourvèdre blended in. It is distinctly earthy on the nose with dried herbs and delicate red fruits. The plate is pretty and downright sexy with its core of red fruits alongside damp earthy notes. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Gard ‘BDX Blanc’ White Wine- The 2023 BDX Blanc was sourced from the Connor Lee and La Reyna Vineyards. Mainly Sauvignon Blanc, with 35% Semillon, this delivers walnut and white rose petals alongside shades of salted green melon on the nose. Standing golden in the glass, the wine takes on sensational flavor density with heady melon, tropical and citrus fruits. This is impeccably balanced stuff. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ mainly was sourced primarily from the Solaksen Vineyard and Connor Lee Vineyards. Salted brioche, Japanese pear and baked brie all mark the nose. The palate has great power and poise with a terrific melange of pastry crust alongside baking spices, melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker’s Select’ Chardonnay- There was no ‘Select’ made in 2022, as this is a barrel selection Chardonnay that was stored entirely in new French oak before bottling. A brilliant golden hue, this opens with baking spice laced pastry crust alongside roasted pineapple and shades of salted mango. The palate is decadent and delicious with amazing richness and underlying finesse. Finishing exceedingly long, watch this evolve over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Viognier- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Viognier is a stunning wine that was stored in roughly half new French oak before bottling, as this went through partial malolactic fermentation. The nose is gorgeous with gardenia and white rose petals that combine with mandarin orange zest and hints of pie crust. The palate has amazing volume and finesse and terrific salty and stony nuance. Drink 2026-2035- 94

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Roussanne- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Roussanne comes from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. Stored in roughly 50% new French oak before bottling, this delivers walnut and honeydew melon alongside salted peach and orange blossom on the nose. The palate has incredible volume and tension, with loads of stony and salty nuance. A world-class wine, enjoy now and never the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2025 Gard ‘Carbonic’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Solaksen Vineyard, the 2025 ‘Carbonic’ has amazing freshness and finesse with bright red fruits, and hints of cola with rocky soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Gard Tempranillo- The 2023 Tempranillo offers damp earth with smoked meats on the nose and bright red and dark fruits. The palate is refined and plush with great salty and meaty character. The savory and herbal notes really pop here. Partially whole-cluster included. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Vaucluse’ Red Wine- This 2023 ‘Vaucluse’ vintage has considerably more Viognier blended in that was all co-fermented. The nose is beautifully high-toned from the Vio, with white flowers alongside hints of blood orange zest, iodine and bright red fruits. The palate has amazing balance with a seamless texture. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Gard ‘The Don’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The excellent 2023 ‘The Don’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Royal Slope AVA. The palate shows medium-bodied dark fruits with chocolate and green herbal notes. This is juicy and delicious stuff that is meant to be enjoyed now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Gard Malbec- The 2023 Malbec was stored in roughly 40% new French oak before bottling. Violets, tar and dark chocolate all combine on the nose. The palate is soft and juicy with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Gard Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Gard Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Scarline and Solaksen Vineyards. It is soft and elegant on the mouth with juicy kirsch and boysenberry fruits that combine with smoky and savory tones. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine coming from mainly the Connor Lee and Solaksen Vineyards. This comes off lush and round on the mouth with terrific volume and flavor density. Arabica bean and milk chocolate combine with heady dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Gard Cabernet Franc- Coming entirely from the Connor Lee Vineyard, the 2023 Cabernet Franc was stored in both new and neutral French oak prior to bottling. Red currants and orange bell pepper combines with white peppercorns on the nose. The palate is nervy and well-balanced with a refined texture. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Gard Merlot- This 2023 Merlot was sourced from the Connor Lee and Scarline Vineyards. Beautiful red florals mark the nose with tar and red licorice. The palate is polished with great salty mineral character alongside bright red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Gard ‘Kvasir’ Mourvedre- The outstanding 2023 ‘Kvasir’ was aged in large format oak barrels prior to release. Very meaty and wld, with its herbal tones, the wine comes alive on the palate with racy acidity and a silky mouthfeel. The palate sows beautiful freshness and texture, with loads of salty minerals, smoke and charcuterie notes. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Gard Grenache- This 2023 Grenache comes from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard. It is seamless and elegant on the palate with amazing texture, weight and length. Bubblegum and gorgeous loganberry fruits combine with green herbal accents and bright salinity on the palate. Amazing to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Reverence’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Reverence’ is primarily Grenache (69%) with the remainder Syrah. The palate is beautifully-textured with a refined mouthfeel. Smoked brisket and green peppercorns combine with dense dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Gard ‘Grand Klasse’ Syrah- This 2023 ‘Grand Klasse’ Syrah is inspired by the wines of Cote Rotie. Aged in mainly new French oak this is incredible stuff with outstanding flavor complexity. BBQ beef ribs, chocolate, green herbs and shades of white pepper all combine on the palate.Mainly sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyard, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 Gard ‘Thunderstone’ Syrah- Sourced from the Scarline Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Thunderstone’ saw all whole cluster fermentation. Dark currants combine with wet rock, iodine, beef drippings, blood orange zest, and tar notes on the palate. The flavor range here is utterly sensational. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Gard ‘Toro’ Red Wine- A gorgeous wine, the 2022 ‘Toro’ combines 60% Grenache with the remainder Tempranillo that was stored in American oak barrels for 30 months prior to bottling. Coconut and orange rind flavors mingle well with a gorgeous core of red fruits and a seamless texture on the palate. A stunning wine, with great weight and freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2021 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The sensational 2022 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a barrel selection wine that was stored in new French oak before bottling. This is heady and intense on the mouth with serious texture and good stuffing. Fresh sage and chocolate flavors mingle well with sweet pipe tobacco leaf and loamy soil character on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Gard ‘Stoneridge’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Stoneridge’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo from this stony location. The palate is sublime in terms of its seamless nature and power with serious poise. Loganberry and dark currants combine with roasted figs and tobacco leaf on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, savor this elegant, opulent wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Gard ‘Connor Lee’ Red Wine- A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Connor Lee Vineyard. It is rich and velvety with a seamless texture on the mouth. Loads of espresso ground and freshness greet you with chocolate covered cherry and shades of tar on the palate. Delicious and dense, with bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Gard ‘Solaksen’ Red Wine- The 2023 Gard ‘Solaksen’ Red Wine is a barrel selection wine that is near equal parts Syrah and Malbec. Jet black, this shows off black floral and fresh sage on the nose with shades of iodine, tar and blueberry compote. The palate is heady and dense with incredible power and great poise. There is not a wine quite like this in the state. Incredible! Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Gard ‘Scarline’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Scarline’ is a barrel selection wine composed of equal parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Gorgeous florals mark the nose alongside dark chocolate shavings, graphite and black licorice. The palate is amazing with incredible weight, verve and salty minerality. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Gard ‘Laura Lee’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after Josh Lawrence’s mother, the 2023 ‘Laura Lee’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon coming from this stony location set on chalky soils. Fermented in concrete and then barrel-aged, this delivers sagebrush and milk chocolate tones that combine with black tea and exotic spices on the nose. The plate is beautifully-balanced and posed with great stony and salty character. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next ten pls years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Connor Lee’ Red Wine- Made from equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the 2023 ‘Connor Lee’ is a powerful, concentrated wine that has a long life in front of it. This comes off plush and polished on the palate with a seamless character. Dried herbs and red bell pepper flavors combine with heady dark fruits and milk chocolate covered coffee bean on the palate. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Syrah- A barrel select wine, the 2023 ‘Winemaker Select’ offers tar, dark currants and chocolate notes on the nose with dried herbal accents. The palate is powerful and complex with heady dark and blue fruits that mingle well with espresso bean accents. With a lush mouthfeel, enjoy this delicious bottling over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 Gard ‘Winemaker Select’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A barrel select Cabernet Sauvignon, this. 2023 comes from several estate sites. Bay leaf, espresso ground and chocolate with graphite all fill the nose. The palate is decadent and lush with a silky mouthfeel and refined tannins. Super refined and elegant stuff to enjoy now, yacht this evolve one the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire Vineyard’ Marsanne- All Marsanne, this 2024 Rocks bottling offers honeysuckle and melon tones on the nose alongside shades of green papaya. The palate is dense and delicious with great nerve and rocky character alongside a core of melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 95

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire’ Viognier- The 2024 ‘Crossfire’ Viognier was stored in all neutral oak before bottling. Honeysuckle and star jasmine all combine on the nose with heady papaya and tangerine zest notes. The palate is reined and elegant with light baking spice notes alongside a core of dense melon fruits, with outstanding rocky character. Drink 2026-2033- 96

2024 Gard ‘Crossfire’ Rousssane- A total stunner that is all Roussanne from the Rocks District, this stands golden in the glass. Flinty aromatics meld well with lychee, pineapple and shades of Japanese pear on the nose. The palate silky and opulent with incredible texture and mouth-watering acidity. Bravo! Drink 2026-2033- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Carignane- The first wine of its kind from the Rocks District, this 2024 Carignane shows lots of exotic spices on the nose with shades of red currants, wild strawberry and orange peel with bergamot notes. The palate is very rocky and citrus-driven with smoky and green herbal character. 50% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Cinsault- Sourced from the Icarus Vineyard in the Rocks District, this 2024 Cinsault offers Asian spices, crushed wet gravel and orange rind, red raspberry and garrigue notes. The palate is refined and sleek with incredible texture, weight and mouthfeel, embodying this outstanding rocky essence. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Mourvedre- The 2024 ‘Icarus’ Mourvèdre offers potpourri and provencal herbs on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and Middle Eastern spices. The palate is super rocky and novel with amazing flavor range with soy sauce, green peppercorn, citrus rind and bacon fat notes. This has fabulous flavor complexity, making it completely irresistible to enjoy now. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Syrah- A monumental bottling from this warm vintage, the 2024 ‘Icarus’ Syrah was 50% whole cluster fermented and then aged in neutral oak before bottling. This immediately gratifies on the palate, delivering beef drippings, oyster sauce, seaweed and shades of mandarin orange zest. The palate is ultra-refined and extremely rocky with incredible flavor range, texture and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2026-2034- 97

2024 Gard ‘Icarus’ Shiraz-Inspired by the Hunter Valley Shiraz wines, this utilizes 309 rootstock. The 2024 ‘Shiraz’ shows dried herbs and eucalyptus alongside dark currants and chocolate tones. The palate is lush and elegant with light rocky soil character and excellent volume. Drink 2026-2034- 96

2024 Gard ‘Forcefield’ Cabernet Franc- The 2024 Gard ‘Forcefield’ Cabernet Franc shows incredible sage and tarragon notes no the nose alongside shades of orange bell pepper. The palate is elegant and seamless with a terrific melange of red and dark fruits that mingle with rocky soils. Drink 2026-2034- 95

Vazisubani Estate

Vazisubani Estate is a historic 19th-century noble landmark, boutique hotel, and winery located in the Alazani Valley of Georgia's Kakheti wine region. Founded in 1891 by nobleman Sulkhan Chavchavadze, the destination features 35 hectares of vineyards, a restored traditional marani (wine cellar), a botanical park, and a Michelin-recognized hotel.

Wines are stored underground in clay vessels. They make 40,000 bottles annually under the lead of head winemaker Lado Uzunashvili. Varietals include five native Georgian varieties: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Khikhvi, and Kakhuri Mtsvane.

One of the most harrowed varietals in this region, Saperavi, is an ancient red wine grape native to Georgia in the Caucasus Region.Its name means "to paint" or "dye" in Georgian. It is a rare teinturier grape, meaning both its skin and its internal pulp are deeply red. This is a varietal that is unique being high in freshness and also tannin. It reminds me of the textural elegance you see in Mencia, as well as the finesse in the varietal.

2023 Vazisubani Estate Qvevri- The 2023 Vazisubani Estate Qvevri is a blend of three indigenous varietals. Nutmeg drenched shortbread and mango tones mark the nose alongside hints of dried green herbs on the nose. The palate is beautifully-textured with shades of walnut nuances alongside melon and tropical fruits. This is really well-done. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2022 Vazisubani Estate Saperavi- The outstanding 2022 Vazisubani Estate Saperavi is concentrated, powerful and highly perfumed stuff. Anise, dark currants and shade sod red licorice all combine with salty and rocky soils on the palate. Neatly-textured and showing bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Plotline

A new winery out of Napa, Plotline was founded in 2023 by John LaCour. The winery focuses on classic Bordeaux varietals—such as Merlot from the Oak Knoll District, Cabernet Sauvignon, and limited white blends like Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc.

The wines are seriously good and well-textured. I love the new 2025 Plotline Semillon (OB, 93) which is smooth and silky throughout the drinking experience. Learn more at https://www.plotlinewine.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Plotline wines.

2025 Plotline ‘Carneros’ Semillon- The 2025 Plotline ‘Carneros’ Semillon is a beautiful, golden edition of this varietal. Honeydew melon, walnut and shades of poached pear all combine with nutty nuances on the palate. Big round and generous, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034 93

2024 Plotline ‘The Blackbird Vineyard’ Merlot- The outstanding 2024 Plotline ‘The Blackbird Vineyard’ Merlot offers kirsch and black currants on the nose with sandalwood tones that connects with hints of espresso grounds. The palate is silky and refined with a terrific mouthfeel, poise and flavor density. A stunning wine to consume now, enjoy over the next fifteen years to come. But why wait? Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 Plotline ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 ‘Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows silky and refined tannins on the mid-palate. Dense dark fruits parade with milk chocolate, dried herbs, loamy soils and shades of creme de cassis on the palate. Smooth and elegant throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

Chateau Siran

An amazing history, Chateau Siran  is one of the oldest recorded wine estates in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France, with roots tracing back to 1428. Taken care of by Miailhe family since 1859, the estate is famous for its unique artistic heritage, a nuclear fallout bunker, and bypassing the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. In fact the aristocratic Toulouse-Lautrec family were loyalists who viewed the 1855 classification process as Bonapartist, they refused to attend or submit wines for the official ranking, leaving Siran unclassified.

Six generations of the Miailhe family have managed the estate, including William-Alain Miailhe, Brigitte Miailhe, and current head Édouard Miailhe.

The wines have been really well-made particularly in the last decade. I love the 2017 Siran (OB, 93) which is drinking beautifully now and has amazing poise and balance. Learn more about this great Margaux estate at https://chateausiran.com/en/history-of-the-estate/ and here is my review of the outstanding 2017 Chateau Siran.

2017 Chateau Siran- Jet back in the glass, the beautifully perfumed 2017 Chateau Siran really needs about an hour in the decanter to get going. Damp, loamy soils, with wet gravel combine with cassis and wild blackberry tones on the palate. Wonderfully earthy, with good viscosity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93