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Inventory updated: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 11:02 AM cst
Rare Icons from California’s Finest Estates
From the heart of California wine country comes a remarkable private cellar—an American collection that reads like a roll call of modern legends. Every bottle has been cellared under ideal conditions, reflecting the vision, precision, and passion that define the very best of Napa and Sonoma.
Within this offering, you’ll find producers that have reshaped the landscape of American fine wine. Aubert—the master of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir—crafts wines of unmatched texture and depth, rivaling the Grand Crus of Burgundy. Realm Cellars, a Napa powerhouse, stands at the forefront of innovation, delivering Cabernet blends of striking purity, balance, and longevity. And from the Russian River Valley, Williams Selyem remains a benchmark for elegant, site-driven Pinot Noir—collectible, refined, and utterly captivating.
These wines represent not just excellence in the glass, but the evolution of American winemaking itself—from small-lot artistry to global recognition. With vintages spanning the last two decades, this cellar showcases the region’s golden age, offering both ready-to-drink treasures and bottles poised for graceful aging.
Quantities are limited, and provenance of this caliber is increasingly rare. For collectors and connoisseurs alike, this is a chance to experience California’s most celebrated estates—wines that have defined a generation and continue to shape the future of American greatness.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Alban Vineyards |
2010 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah  |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (8/2015): Coming from the coolest vintage on record at the time (before 2011), the 2010 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard still hit 15.2% natural alcohol, of which it doesn't show a trace. Possessing the telltale Iodine and seaweed character this cuvee always shows, it has lots of darker fruits, smoked herbs, black olive and a touch of floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, firm and structured, it's a serious, age-worthy wine from John that should be forgotten for 4-5 years. |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2017 |
Proprietary Red |
$289 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2023): The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine is a wine I tasted from barrel that I then missed from bottle, as the estate chose to release the 2018 first, and this wine fell through the cracks. Several recent bottles of the 2017 have all been sublime. Readers will find a wine that shows the mid-weight, approachable style of the year off to great effect. Silky tannins wrap around dark-toned fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and chocolate. The 2017 is an elegant, beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next decade or so. If I have any quibble with the 2017, it is that the oak is a bit evident. I suspect much of that has to do with the mid-weight structure of the wine itself. (Drink between 2023-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Proprietary Red (1.5 L) |
$599 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (1/2021): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
JD 98 (12/2023): I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017. (Drink between 2023-2053).
VM 98 (1/2021): A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2023 |
EE Napa Valley Red Wine |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97-99 (1/2025): Darker berries, burning embers, leather, graphite, and assorted tobacco and chocolate notes all define the 2023 EE Red Wine, another absolutely sensational wine from Bevan in 2023 that's going to be legendary. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it stays beautifully pure, focused, and seamless. It's another absolute “wow” wine that readers should snatch up.
WA 96-98 (6/2025): Over the past few years, sourcing for Bevan's EE Red Wine has moved from Tench in Oakville to Sugarloaf in southern Napa. Fortunately, quality continues to rule. The 2023 EE Red Wine—a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot—boasts floral, gently leafy scents alongside hints of violet, folding in mixed red and black cherries and even raspberries. It's full-bodied but also pretty and charming, with a supple, silky mouthfeel and a long finish framed by softly dusty tannins. It's terrific stuff.
VM 95-97 (12/2024): The 2023 Red Blend EE is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Cabernet Franc from Sugarloaf. Deeply pitched spice notes, mocha, espresso and rose petal meld into a core of red cherry/plum fruit. It is one of the most harmonious and well-balanced of the wines in the range this year. (Drink between 2027-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2017 |
Fracture Syrah Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$72 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (2/2020): Shimmering purple. Mineral- and spice-accented black raspberry, boysenberry and candied violet on the highly perfumed nose. Shows superb depth as well as energy to the alluringly sweet red and blue fruit preserve, vanilla, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are complemented by smoky bacon and cracked pepper flourishes. Finishes smoky, broad and extremely long, displaying repeating florality and youthful tannic grip. Two-thirds new French oak. Josh Raynolds.
JD 98 (10/2019): Notes of crème de cassis, ground pepper, and crushed flowers emerge from the 2017 Fracture, which, as always, is all Syrah and was brought up in 65% new French oak barrels. Full-bodied, beautifully layered and textured, it has classic Booker power and richness yet shows the pretty, elegant style of the vintage as well. |
|
|
2017 |
Ripper Grenache |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (10/2019): Bottled in February of this year, the 100% Grenache 2017 Ripper has a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, white flowers, licorice, and subtle background oak. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it has wonderful purity, fine tannins, and a great finish. |
|
| Kinsman Eades |
2019 |
Anjea Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$800 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (2/2023): Last of the 2019s, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea (always 100% Clone 22 Cabernet Sauvignon) is more floral and aromatic, with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as lots of floral, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. As with the other 2019s here, the balance is flat-out perfect, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is the most sensual of the Kinsman Eades Cabernets, as it always is. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red fruit, blood orange, mint and crushed flowers. Classy and alluring the Anjea is a total knock-out. It's a tremendous example of Sleeping Lady and the vintage. Readers lucky enough to own it should be thrilled. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): Sourced from the Bettinelli Family's Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Anjea offers up a bouquet of mixed cherries and complex baking spices, plus hints of mint and thyme. It's full-bodied, with crisp acids that serve to accentuate the wine's soft tannins, resulting in a slightly hard edge on the long, lingering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar. |
|
|
2019 |
Anjea Cabernet Sauvignon |
$400 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 98 (2/2023): Last of the 2019s, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea (always 100% Clone 22 Cabernet Sauvignon) is more floral and aromatic, with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as lots of floral, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. As with the other 2019s here, the balance is flat-out perfect, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is the most sensual of the Kinsman Eades Cabernets, as it always is. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red fruit, blood orange, mint and crushed flowers. Classy and alluring the Anjea is a total knock-out. It's a tremendous example of Sleeping Lady and the vintage. Readers lucky enough to own it should be thrilled. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): Sourced from the Bettinelli Family's Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Anjea offers up a bouquet of mixed cherries and complex baking spices, plus hints of mint and thyme. It's full-bodied, with crisp acids that serve to accentuate the wine's soft tannins, resulting in a slightly hard edge on the long, lingering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar. |
|
|
2022 |
Hierothesion Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2025): Based on 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Hierothesion delivers ripe red, blue, and black fruits, tobacco, leather, graphite, and crushed stone. Pure, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it's beautifully balanced with a silky profile. Already drinking beautifully but it will keep for 15 years or more. (Drink between 2025-2040).
VM 92 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Hierothesion is the entry-level offering in this range from Nigel and Shae Kinsman. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit and kick of orange peel are some of the notes that grace this exquisite, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon. Drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot surely help in that regard. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Kodo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo emerges from one of the top sites in southern Oakville—a site I consider as elite as it gets, but that can't be named for the time being. A sensational wine, the 2021 saturates the palate with dense dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco. But, it’s the textural richness, resonance and persistence that impress most. This is a truly unforgettable wine. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (7/2024): Sourced from the M-Bar Ranch (western Oakville, across Hopper Creek from Vine Hill Ranch), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo offers up dusty earth notes, mixed red and black cherries, some cassis notes and a hint of dried herbs. It's full-bodied, ripe and rich without being heavy, and it's bright on the long, softly tannic finish. Is there just a touch of alcoholic warmth evident? |
|
|
2019 |
Rhadamanthus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98+ (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District is a heady, hillside wine endowed with an explosive energy that races across the palate from the very first taste. Scorched earth, menthol, gravel, licorice and a good dose of Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot savoriness add weave through a core of dark fruit. The tannins are pretty much buried in this captivating Cabernet from Nigel and Shae Kinsman. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (9/2022): Sourced from the old Reverie Vineyard on Diamond Mountain planted by Norm Kiken, the 2019 Rhadamanthus is roughly 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, co-fermented when possible, depending on what is ripe at each pick. Incredibly dark and concentrated, it delivers huge cassis fruit, accented and made savory through the addition of some sage and bay nuances. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with maybe just the barest hint of warmth. Long and softly tannic on the finish, with hints of licorice, this is a superb effort that may threaten triple digits in another decade.
JD 98 (2/2023): A different blend compared to the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus checks in as 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. As with the Voleuse Du Chagrin, this is more elegant and finesse-driven, with a full-bodied, seamless, wonderfully pure profile that carries lots of ripe, darker fruits, notes of truffly earth, flowers, and earthy tobacco, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. While it has plenty of up-front appeal given its balance and elegance, it has ample underlying structure. It's going to keep for two decades as well. (Drink between 2023-2043). |
|
|
2021 |
Rhadamanthus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$410 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus comes from the Reverie Vineyard on Diamond Mountain and is a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot brought up in 70% new barrels. Cassis, crushed stone, classy oak, and violets notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. The balance here is incredible, and this is a wine that grows on you with time in the glass due to its complexity, balance, and elegance. Clearly meant for the long haul, it warrants 4-6 years in the cellar and I suspect will have 3-4 decades of overall prime drinking. (Drink between 2028-2058).
VM 98 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District has really come on strong over the last year. A vertical, explosive wine, the 2021 offers up copious dark fruit, leather, incense, crushed rocks and gravel. There's tons of Diamond Mountain savory and mineral energy. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2021 is an infant. Superb. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kistler |
2007 |
Cuvee Catherine Occidental Station Pinot Noir |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95-97 (2/2010): The compelling 2007 Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine from the Occidental Station Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast is made entirely from the Calera clone. Deep ruby/purple with crushed raspberries, violets, Chinese black tea, and chalky, almost wet stone-like notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, multi-dimensional, with superb depth and length, and a remarkable finish.
VM 93 (5/2010): Vibrant ruby. Aromatic, high-pitched nose combines black raspberry, cherry, violet pastille and smoky minerals. Juicy, spicy and sweet, with a supple texture and excellent complexity to the flavors of dark berries, minerals and candied flowers. As densely packed as this is, it's extremely fresh as well, finishing with a fine dusting of tannins and incisive, spicy length. Stephen Tanzer.
BH 88 (10/2010): An extremely ripe nose redolent of menthol, wood spice and fruit compote is less obviously pinot in character than the Sonoma Coast. The big-bodied flavors are dense, powerful and relatively extracted with ample mid-palate sap that buffers the firm tannic spine on the solidly long finish. This is not an elegant wine, in fact it's robust to the point of overt rusticity but it's certainly a dramatic effort. For fans of power pinot. Drink 2014+. |
|
|
2011 |
Cuvee Natalie Silver Belt Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (5/2014): Brilliant ruby. High-pitched aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola, incense and fresh rose, with a zesty mineral nuance adding lift. Juicy, sharply delineated red berry and floral pastille flavors are given spine by tangy acidity. Expands with air, leaving sexy floral pastille and spicecake notes behind on the strikingly long finish. This suave, energetic pinot is already delicious.
WA 91 (12/2013): The 2011 Pinot Noir Silver Belt Vineyard Cuvee Natalie includes more of the Joseph Swan clone than the Kistler Vineyard. It offers hints of strawberries, pomegranate, clove and cinnamon along with crisp, tart acidity, and less texture and depth than the Kistler.
WS 89 (9/2014): An intense version, brimming with rich, vivid dark berry and peppery, spicy stem notes. Raw and chewy, with a seam of suppleness midpalate on. Should reward short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2022. 1,070 cases made. |
|
|
2010 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Slightly Raised Cork |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (9/2013): Young, intense, vibrant and full-bodied, with rich dark berry fruit and firm, gripping tannins. Shows impressive density, but remains a little raw around the edges. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2023. 2,077 cases made. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2015 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$130 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (8/2019): Bright medium ruby. Muskier and less exuberant on the nose than the 2015 Solari; a bit lower-toned. Shows excellent punch if not quite the personality and early sex appeal of the Solari, with its plum and spice flavors underpinned by minerality. Not quite the early balance of the Solari, as the wine's serious spine of acids and tannins will require patience. Ultimately a bit drier on the back half. Stephen Tanzer.
JD 94+ (12/2017): A blend of 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 LMV Salon is a cuvee that’s moving towards being a Cabernet Franc-dominated release as the estate plants more Cabernet Franc. Cassis, spring flowers, chocolate and a rocky, river bottom-like earthiness all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic 2015 that has exceptional purity and a great finish. Give bottle 3-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. |
|
|
2015 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (8/2019): Bright medium ruby. Muskier and less exuberant on the nose than the 2015 Solari; a bit lower-toned. Shows excellent punch if not quite the personality and early sex appeal of the Solari, with its plum and spice flavors underpinned by minerality. Not quite the early balance of the Solari, as the wine's serious spine of acids and tannins will require patience. Ultimately a bit drier on the back half. Stephen Tanzer.
JD 94+ (12/2017): A blend of 60/40 Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2015 LMV Salon is a cuvee that’s moving towards being a Cabernet Franc-dominated release as the estate plants more Cabernet Franc. Cassis, spring flowers, chocolate and a rocky, river bottom-like earthiness all flow to a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic 2015 that has exceptional purity and a great finish. Give bottle 3-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+. |
|
|
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
|
| Martinelli |
2016 |
Blue Slide Ridge Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (4/2018): The medium ruby-purple colored 2016 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge gives a totally seductive spice cake, incense and rose water-laced nose over a core of Black Forest cake, crushed black cherries and mulberries with a waft of dusty soil and truffles. The full-bodied palate is fabulously decadent, with black fruits available in Rubenesque proportions and a wonderfully velvety texture, finishing very long and very layered.
VM 94 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Blue Slide Ridge packs a serious punch. Dark, powerful and intense, with beams of persistent tannins underneath, the Blue Slide Ridge speaks with a commanding voice. This is a decidedly broad, ample Pinot with good depth, but also a bit of chunkiness that hopefully will soften over time. It will be interesting to see if the 2016 acquires a bit more energy with more time in bottle. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Realm |
2022 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard is stellar. Compellingly dark and layered, it melds together spice, licorice, lavender, pine and rose petal. Vibrant and explosive, yet also refined, the Farella shows what is possible when the stars align. This is one of the best and most complete wines in the range. Moreover, the Farella Cabernet provides a very clear example of how well naturally late-ripening sites fared in 2022. (Drink between 2027-2037). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (1/2025): Almost all Cabernet Sauvignon yet with 5% Merlot (which started in 2019), the 2022 Farella Vineyard is deep ruby/purple-hued with a deep, layered, medium to full-bodied profile as well as both black and blue fruits, some tobacco, crushed stone, and incense. It’s focused, has beautiful tannins, and outstanding length.
WA 94 (6/2025): Realm's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Farella Vineyard incorporates 5% Merlot. Scents of pencil shavings, black cherries and cassis appear on the nose, and while it may lack the floral notes of the 2021, this concentrated medium- to full-bodied wine is still focused and fresh, with echoes of crushed stone on the finish. |
|
|
2017 |
Houyi Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard comes from Pritchard Hill (from the Nine Suns property) and is all Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in roughly 85% new French oak. It has a rocking blue fruit character as well as full-bodied richness, notes of liquid violets, liquid rock, graphite, and spice, medium to full body, beautiful purity, and outstanding length. It's not a blockbuster, but it’s beautifully balanced and just a classy, elegant wine. |
|
|
2017 |
Moonracer Proprietary Blend |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (1/2020): Lastly, the 2017 Moonracer comes from the estate in Stags Leap and includes small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. With a terrific sense of minerality as well as chocolaty dark fruits, tobacco, and spring flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, outstanding balance, ultra-fine tannins, and a dense, concentrated, ageworthy vibe. Give bottles a solid 4-5 years of bottle age and it’s going to drink brilliantly for 20 years or more. |
|
|
2023 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend Blair Edition |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2020 |
Monte Bello |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 87 (11/2023): The 2020 Monte Bello opens with a burst of dark red fruit. Leather, tobacco and mocha open nicely in the glass. There's no getting past smoke taint in this wine. That's a shame, as the flavors are nicely delineated and the tannins are well balanced for the year in this small-scaled Monte Bello. The 2020 has signs of taint when I tasted it from barrel, so I can't say I am terribly surprised. (Drink between 2024-2030). Antonio Galloni.
WA 85 (4/2024): Unfortunately, the 2020 Monte Bello is a victim of this harvest's devastating wildfires. Smoke taint is evident from the first pour, after which it receded and then reappeared on and off over the two days I spent with the bottles. The palate tells the same story, with the retronasal signature of campfire smoke and hollowed-out, gritty fruit on the finish. This was only more glaring in the context of a vertical spanning 2021-2015, many of which are banner vintages for Ridge. While an otherwise technically well-made wine is there behind the smoke, albeit with noticeably less depth and concentration than is typical, due to Ridge's decision to bulk out of 90% of the pressed wine, this flaw is unavoidable. In the interest of thoroughness, a sample of the bottled 2020 Monte Bello was submitted to ETS Laboratories in St. Helena, where a series of tests to detect glycosylated smoke markers were carried out (glycosylated tests specifically separate sugar-bound markers from volatile markers that can be imparted by oak élevage). The results confirmed significantly elevated levels of 4-methylguaiacol rutinoside, cresol rutinoside, phenol rutinoside and syringol gentiobioside, all of which correspond to elevated levels of smoke exposure and heightened sensory thresholds by up to a factor of four from the 99th percentile of a non-smoke-affected vintage.' |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2023 |
Joy Road Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2025): The 2023 Pinot Noir Joy Road Vineyard is classy, elegant and polished. Silky tannins envelop a core of dark blue/purplish fruit, new leather, licorice and spice. Medium in body, yet fleshy and quite deep, the 2023 is a rockstar all the way. (Drink between 2027-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2025): The 2023 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard is one of the more understated wines in this lineup. It offers lovely forward fruit to match its understated, mid-weight personality. Dark red raspberry, blood orange, cinnamon and new leather fill out the layers. (Drink between 2027-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Summa Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (1/2025): The 2023 Pinot Noir Summa Old Vines has rarely been this elegant, this refined. Aromatic and floral, the 2023 offers up an exotic mélange of dark red fruit, all lifted by white pepper, slate, crushed rocks, orange peel and mint. I especially admire its delineation and energy. The 2023 is marvelously classy all the way. (Drink between 2027-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2025): The 2023 Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard is one of the more overtly structured wines in the range. Brisk acids and beams of supporting tannin give the 2023 a decidedly old-school feel that is quite attractive. Readers who find the Rivers-Marie Pinots on the fruitier side will find a wine of notable restraint and energy here. (Drink between 2027-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudd |
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$289 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2019): This is the first vintage of this label, named after the recently departed Leslie Rudd, who particularly loved this vineyard. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec and aged for 22 months in French oak, 38% new, the 2016 Leslie’s Blend Mt. Veeder Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color. WOW - it has a fantastically profound nose of black currant cordial, plum preserves and mulberries with hints of mocha, aniseed, dried bay leaves, tilled soil and oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with loads of black fruit and savory layers, featuring a rock-solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Still very youthful, give it another couple of years in bottle and drink it over the next 40 years+.
VM 93 (1/2020): The 2016 Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend is powerful and dense, with tons of concentration and sheer richness. Gravel, smoke, spice, black fruit, chocolate and leather all develop nicely. In the end, though, the 2016 is dominated by heavy torrefaction notes from the oak, which masks some of the Veeder character. Now that the Edge Hill wines are under the Rudd label, my hope is that this bottling can be refined a bit. There is clearly so much potential here. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$589 |
1 |
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WA 98+ (10/2019): This is the first vintage of this label, named after the recently departed Leslie Rudd, who particularly loved this vineyard. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec and aged for 22 months in French oak, 38% new, the 2016 Leslie’s Blend Mt. Veeder Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color. WOW - it has a fantastically profound nose of black currant cordial, plum preserves and mulberries with hints of mocha, aniseed, dried bay leaves, tilled soil and oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with loads of black fruit and savory layers, featuring a rock-solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Still very youthful, give it another couple of years in bottle and drink it over the next 40 years+.
VM 93 (1/2020): The 2016 Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend is powerful and dense, with tons of concentration and sheer richness. Gravel, smoke, spice, black fruit, chocolate and leather all develop nicely. In the end, though, the 2016 is dominated by heavy torrefaction notes from the oak, which masks some of the Veeder character. Now that the Edge Hill wines are under the Rudd label, my hope is that this bottling can be refined a bit. There is clearly so much potential here. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Turley Wine Cellars |
2016 |
Hayne Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$75 |
2 |
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| WA 96 (9/2018): The 2016 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard is the most perfumed and elegant of Turley's Petite Syrahs (they don't spell it "Sirah") this year, unfurling in the glass with a pure and fragrant bouquet of cassis, dark plums, rose petals and pencil lead. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with a deep core of vibrant, juicy fruit, satiny but abundant tannins and a long finish. It's an exceptional wine from a singular vineyard. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2021 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$129 |
3 |
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| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 69% new oak, is bursting with scents of pomegranate and raspberry preserves, orange peel, licorice, allspice and earth. Medium-bodied and powerful, the palate features concentrated, hedonistic flavors. It has a surprisingly elegant structure of silky tannins and bright acidity and boasts a long, perfumed finish. |
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2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$120 |
4 |
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| WA 93 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple in color and gives up notions of warm plums and baked raspberries with wild blueberries, tilled soil and dark chocolate hints plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied and generously fruited, it fills the palate with juicy black berry flavors supported by plush tannins and finishing with an herbal lift. 290 cases produced. |
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| | USA White |
| Aubert |
2023 |
Lauren Sonoma Coast Chardonnay |
$239 |
7 |
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| VM 97-100 (12/2024): The 2023 Chardonnay Lauren is the quintessential Mark Aubert wine. Rich, layered and wonderfully dynamic in the glass, the 2023 is another super-complete wine. The Lauren is marked by strong mineral, earthy and savory notes that require bottle age to be at their most expressive. (Drink between 2026-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
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2023 |
UV-SL Vyd. Chardonnay |
$135 |
9 |
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| VM 95-97 (12/2024): The 2023 Chardonnay UV-SL Vineyard is delicate and sensual in the glass. White flowers, tangerine oil, mint, lemon confit and light tropical accents take shape. Rich yet light on its feet, the 2023 UV-SL is sublime. Lifted floral overtones grace the sensual finish. This is all refinement. (Drink between 2026-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Kongsgaard |
2019 |
The Judge Chardonnay (1.5 L) |
$1,195 |
1 |
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| VM 98 (1/2022): The 2019 Chardonnay The Judge offers an intriguing mix of textural richness and energy. Lemon confit, white flowers, almond and dried flowers emerge with a bit of time in the glass, but readers should be in no rush. The 2019 is clearly holding its cards close to the vest. That is probably a very good thing for the future. This dense, beautifully layered Chardonnay has a very bright future ahead of it. Antonio Galloni. |
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2020 |
The Judge Chardonnay |
$600 |
1 |
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| JD 96 (2/2023): The 2020 Chardonnay The Judge is fabulous. It is also easily one of the wines of the vintage. Bright and vibrant, the 2020 is all class. The 2020 is not as opulent as these wines used to be, but no matter, all the elements are so well balanced. Lemon confit, marzipan, spice, minerals and a kiss of French oak all build effortlessly into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Realm |
2024 |
Fidelio White Wine |
$100 |
1 |
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| WA 93 (6/2025): The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Fidelio is all Sauvignon Blanc from the Farella Vineyard in Coombsville. Picked on two or three dates, fermented in stainless steel and then aged in a combination of concrete eggs, clay amphorae and an older foudre, it features hints of crushed stone, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, fig and guava on the nose. It's medium-bodied and silky in texture, with a nice line and length and a clean, refreshing finish. |
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| | USA Red |
| Bryant Family Vineyard |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$450 |
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2022 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$550 |
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| Orin Swift |
2015 |
Happy Birthday Billy Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$300 |
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| Realm |
2021 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
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| Spottswoode |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
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| Williams Selyem |
2021 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
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2018 |
Precious Mountain Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
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2019 |
Precious Mountain Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$139 |
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2021 |
Precious Mountain Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$139 |
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2019 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$149 |
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2021 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$139 |
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| | USA White |
| Aubert |
2022 |
Lauren Sonoma Coast Chardonnay |
$199 |
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2021 |
Park Avenue Chardonnay |
$120 |
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2022 |
Sugar Shack Chardonnay |
$135 |
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