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Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2019 Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2019
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Tasting Notes:
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a tasty, easygoing Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, spice and lifted floral notes lend freshness to this attractive, vibrant, mid-weight Cabernet. The 2019 is very nicely done, and is also one of the most approachable wines of the year, even though there is plenty of grip. (Drink between 2025-2027). Antonio Galloni.
JD 91 (5/2022): Classic Napa Cabernet notes of red and black currants, ripe tobacco, violets, and cedary oak emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, outstanding 2019 that’s perfect for drinking over the coming 10-12 years or so. (Drink between 2022-2034).
WA 87 (9/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon features pleasant cherry-scented fruit shot through with herbal nuances on the nose, framed by notes of cedar and vanilla. It's medium-bodied and easy to drink but not very concentrated or textural, with a fluid, facile feel on the palate and a relatively short finish.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Groth |
2016 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (1/2020): Groth's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) is soft, pretty and understated. A sweet floral and spice character gives this gracious, mid-weight Oakville Cabernet lovely aromatic top notes. The 2016 is an attractive wine, but is also a bit light, even within this more restrained style favored by Groth. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a tasty, easygoing Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. Bright red/purplish berry fruit, spice and lifted floral notes lend freshness to this attractive, vibrant, mid-weight Cabernet. The 2019 is very nicely done, and is also one of the most approachable wines of the year, even though there is plenty of grip. (Drink between 2025-2027). Antonio Galloni.
JD 91 (5/2022): Classic Napa Cabernet notes of red and black currants, ripe tobacco, violets, and cedary oak emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, outstanding 2019 that’s perfect for drinking over the coming 10-12 years or so. (Drink between 2022-2034).
WA 87 (9/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon features pleasant cherry-scented fruit shot through with herbal nuances on the nose, framed by notes of cedar and vanilla. It's medium-bodied and easy to drink but not very concentrated or textural, with a fluid, facile feel on the palate and a relatively short finish. |
|
|
1990 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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1991 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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1994 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/1998): The luxury-priced 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals a dark plum/purple color, and lavish quantities of toasty new oak in the smoky, vanillin, and cassis-scented nose. This forward, soft, medium to full-bodied wine possesses very good to excellent concentration, but the abundant wood flavors push the taster's tolerance to the limit. While this Reserve offering is undoubtedly excellent, I did not detect the depth or concentration necessary to support aging beyond a decade. |
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|
1994 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/1998): The luxury-priced 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals a dark plum/purple color, and lavish quantities of toasty new oak in the smoky, vanillin, and cassis-scented nose. This forward, soft, medium to full-bodied wine possesses very good to excellent concentration, but the abundant wood flavors push the taster's tolerance to the limit. While this Reserve offering is undoubtedly excellent, I did not detect the depth or concentration necessary to support aging beyond a decade. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Alban Vineyards |
2019 |
Patrina Alban Estate Vyd. Syrah |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (9/2022): Moving to the reds, the 2019 Patrina offers lots of smoky red and black fruits as well as violets, pepper, and graphite notes. It's forward, charming, textured, and balanced, with plenty of classic Alban character. I'd be happy to drink it. |
|
| Aubert |
2019 |
CIX Pinot Noir |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard brings together some of the aromatic breadth of the UV with the textural resonance of the CIX. Rose petal, lavender, spice, menthol, kirsch and dark cherry fruit build in a Pinot that balances density, power and energy. Rich and layered in the glass, with striking inner perfume, the UV-SL is superb. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2019 |
EE Napa Valley Red Wine |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (3/2022): The 2019 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine checks in as a 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from two different vineyards. The Cabernet Franc really stands out, and the wine has a complex, forest floor, herbal, bouquet garni-like character as well notes of woodsmoke, iron, and blue fruits. Full-bodied on the palate, it has some background chocolaty oak, a great mid-palate, and a heck of a finish.
WA 96 (5/2022): A 60-40 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Proprietary Red EE Tench Vineyard features leafy, minty nuances and hints of tobacco set against a backdrop of redcurrants. Full-bodied and ripe but remarkably elegant, it finishes supple and long, with a delectable silky texture. It's undeniably sexy, but I have to admit I didn't pick up on the "hot chick-just-done-with-Pilates pheromone quality" that Bevan described. |
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|
2019 |
Tench Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (5/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is a stunning example of eastern Oakville Cabernet. It's loaded with scents of cassis and red plum and tinged with faint hints of thyme and sage, and it's full-bodied, rich and relatively open-knit. Ripe, plush and layered, gently framed by cedar and vanilla, it's lovely stuff that should drink well for up to two decades.
JD 97 (3/2022): I loved the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard. This beauty is a great representation of this terroir, with mineral-drenched aromas and flavors of blueberries, iron, chocolate, graphite, and candied violets. Deep, rich, and full-bodied, it’s another monster of a wine from Bevan that stays beautifully balanced and seamless.
VM 96 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard is packed with inky dark fruit, gravel, smoke, licorice, lavender, chocolate incense and spice. This powerful, virile Cabernet needs a few years to unwind, but it is super-impressive, even in the early going. A whole range of bold, savory accents lend character to the searingly intense finish. This is a very typical wine from Tench in its sheer heft. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bien Nacido Estate |
2019 |
Old Vines Reserve Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (8/2021): Showing more spice, herbal, and forest floor notes, the 2019 Pinot Noir Old Vines Reserve reveals a translucent ruby/plum color as well as thrilling red and black fruits intermixed with spice box, dried herbs, tobacco, and savory flower aromas and flavors. It's rich and medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance, gorgeous tannins, and no hard edges. It's one hell of an incredible Pinot Noir and ranks with the top handful of wines in the vintage. Enjoy bottles over the coming decades. This cuvee comes from vines planted in 1973 and spent 16 months in 60% new French oak. (Drink between 2021-2041).
WA 95 (3/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Old Vines Estate Reserve comes from vines planted in 1973. It has lovely aromas of blueberries, woodsmoke, Earl Grey tea leaves, tobacco leaves and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is seamlessly fresh and gently chalky, with dark, mineral-driven fruits and a long, floral finish. |
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|
2019 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (8/2021): Moving to the reds, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido reveals a deeper ruby, almost opaque hue as well as a killer bouquet of mulled red and black currants, briny herbs, pepper, and wildflowers. It picks up more salinity and crushed stone-like minerality with time in the glass and is medium to full-bodied and flawlessly balanced, with no hard edges and a great, great finish. This pure, ethereal beauty is a “Wow” Pinot Noir as well as one of my favorites in the vintage.
VM 91 (10/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard is a raw, wild wine that captures the personality of this cold year in its brawny nature. Sweet dark cherry, herbs, mint, anise, game and incense all open in the glass. The 2019 is a bit rustic, but certainly has a ton of character. (Drink between 2022-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Blankiet |
2019 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$228.65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2019 |
Prince of Hearts Rose |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Carter Cellars |
2019 |
Three Kings Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): Leading off the four releases from the To Kalon Vineyard, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings boasts a saturated purple color as well as lots of black, chocolaty fruits supported by more gravelly earth and tobacco. A dark, concentrated, structured To Kalon that builds beautifully with time in the glass, I'd happily drink a bottle today, although it will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.
WA 97 (5/2023): Carter's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The Three Kings offers up the barest hints of herbal tendrils wrapped around ripe cassis and cherries and rooted in a base of powdered cocoa. Full-bodied, silky and fine on the palate, it's long, concentrated and elegant on the finish.
VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard The Three Kings is meant to be the most forward of the To Kalon bottlings, and it is. Inky dark fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and chocolate are front and center. Racy, silky curves wrap around a core of supple fruit. Best of all The Three Kings can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring. The 2019 is beautifully done. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cayuse |
2019 |
Bionic Frog Syrah |
$240 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (7/2022): I always love this cuvée and the 2019 Syray Bionic Frog stands out with its own singular character. Incredible crème de cassis and blueberry fruits, notes of iron, ground pepper, violets, and beef blood, full-bodied richness, perfect tannins, and that rare mix of richness and elegance all define this incredible Syrah. It shows the more elegant, cooler style of the vintage yet still brings incredible fruit and is just a magical expression of Syrah that could come from nowhere else. Hats off to Christophe Baron and his team for another flat-out awesome Syrah that I wish every reader could taste. It needs lots of air if drinking any time soon, and it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will have 25+ of prime drinking. (Drink between 2026-2054).
WA 98 (10/2022): Outstanding as always, the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog offers a seductive and generous frame and stemmy notion from having 70% of the stems added back in. The wine is fresh, bright and juicy with flavors of black raspberry, blueberry, blackberry compote and savory essences of dried herbs and peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, the wine coats the mouth with a round and luscious mouthfeel, displaying its impeccable balance and fine tannic structure. It’s yet another fantastic vintage for the Bionic Frog.
VM 97 (3/2023): Today, the bouquet of the 2019 Syrah Bionic Frog is youthfully moody, showing glimpses of rosemary, flintstone, brined olives, red plum and crushed rocks. It comes to life on the palate, mineral-tinged, yet packed full of vibrant red and black fruits that are energized by stimulating acidity and hints of sour citrus. This leaves a reverberation of zesty tension through the dramatically long finish, lightly structured with framing tannins and nearly salty in character, yet still spry, as nuances of sage and exotic spice slowly taper off. The inner harmony here is something to behold, yet the 2019 is just begging for some cellaring to come fully into focus. It’s totally inward today, yet packed full of potential. (Drink between 2025-2034). Eric Guido. |
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|
2019 |
Cailloux Vyd. Syrah |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 97 (2/2022): An expressive nose of cracked black pepper, black cherry and an array of dried herbs. Medium-to full-bodied with incredible spicy character. So much going on here. Silky, fruit-soaked tannins. The supple dark fruit is accented by peppercorn, dried ginger, bay leaf, basil and oolong. Umami. Superb. Co-fermented with 4% viognier. Drink or hold. |
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2019 |
En Cerise Vyd. Syrah |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (10/2022): Made without the use of Viognier, the 2019 Syrah en Cerise is a firmer and denser expression of Syrah with Walla Walla attitude and swagger. Aromas of dark cherry, smoke and a hint of baking spices with turned earth express beautifully with notions of black plums with black peppercorn. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol on the label, the palate and mouthfeel are generous as it offers a broad-shouldered structure with a firm tannic edge that is fresh and food-friendly. The wine glides to an impressive finish with lingering hints of sage and olives as the fine-grained tannins continue with persistence.
VM 96 (3/2023): The word “smoky” doesn’t even do this justice, as the 2019 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard smolders up with a savory blend of air-dried and salt-cured meats, cigar ash and grilled sage offset by a dramatically pretty hint of sweet lavender. It’s soft-textured and round, with a core of saline-minerals and brisk acidity propelling tart wild berries across the palate. Peppery yet refined, the 2019 leaves a staining of blackberry concentration and silky tannins. Nuances of rosemary and a hint of bitter cacao slowly fade. It’s the perfect combination of Northern Rhône character with New World fruit. The En Cerise is simply stunning and with a bright fruit ahead of it. (Drink between 2024-2032). Eric Guido.
JD 95 (7/2022): More shiitake mushrooms, forest floor, and savory notes emerge from the 2019 Syrah En Cerise Vineyard, which offers more fruit and density with time in the glass. Ripe black cherries, currants, peppery herbs, tobacco, leather, and funky earth all make an appearance on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe yet present tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a good core of fruit. It's one of the earthier, more savory wines in the lineup and should evolve gracefully for 20 years or more. (Drink between 2022-2043). |
|
| Chappellet |
2019 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (11/2021): A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is another wonderfully evocative triumph from this family-owned Pitchard Hill pioneer. Deep garnet-purple colored, it storms out of the glass with profound scents of crème de cassis, blackberry preserves, licorice and mulberries, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, wild sage and tar. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers fantastic intensity and great poise, offering fine-grained, ripe tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
JD 98+ (6/2022): The flagship from this great estate is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill, which checks in as a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has an incredible nose of pure blue fruits as well as flowers, crushed stone, fresh thyme, tobacco, and graphite. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it's nevertheless weightless and light on its feet, with wonderfully integrated acidity, polished tannins, and a great finish. This classic, quintessential Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 20, 30, if not 40 years if stored correctly. 3800 cases. (Drink between 2024-2054).
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill is a potent, massively tannic wine. Black fruit, graphite, licorice, spice, menthol, chocolate and dried herbs abound. A huge, tannic beast, the 2019 is all brawn today and not terribly finessed. This is not a particularly distinguished vintage for Chappellet's flagship. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Continuum |
2019 |
Proprietary Blend |
$229 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 98 (5/2022): Continuum's 2019 Proprietary Red is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot, all from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill. Aged in two-thirds new French oak, with the balance in second or third-use barrels and a single concrete amphora, it's remarkably dark in hue, a deep, saturated purple in the glass. On the nose, it's floral and herbal yet fruit-driven, with violets, sage and bay leaf adding nuance to black cherries, while the palate is full-bodied, plush and silky. There's an enticing yin-yang to the interplay between high-toned herbals and bass notes of dark chocolate in this dense, concentrated effort that finishes lush and long. It's a magnificent wine that should drink well for at least two decades.
VM 97 (2/2023): The 2019 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is elegant, plush and sensual like few vintages I can remember tasting on release. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, dried flowers and raspberry jam infuse the 2019 with tons of nuance. Time in the glass brings out lovely energy to balance things out. What a gorgeous, classy wine this is. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
JD 96 (1/2025): The 2019 Continuum is ripe, upfront, and sexy, which is very much in the style of the vintage. Beautiful red and black currants, new leather, and an almost garrigue/wild herb character define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, polished yet still mountain tannins, and incredible length. I love it today, yet it clearly has another two decades of longevity ahead of it. (Drink between 2025-2045). |
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| Robert Craig |
2019 |
Howell Mountain Cuvee Red Wine |
$49 |
4 |
|
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| VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Cuvée is a new entry-level wine in this range. The addition of Merlot works so well in softening some of the young Howell Mountain contours. Even so, there is plenty of energy underpinning the bright red cherry fruit. Mint, pine and floral accents resonate across the persistent finish. The 2019 is a jewel of a wine and a fabulous value. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Daou Vineyards |
2019 |
Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon |
$120 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (3/2022): The 2019 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (9%), aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers aromatic contrast between dark, savory cherry fruit, chargrill and graphite, and top notes of green pepper and rose petals. The palate explodes with detailed flavors and its tannins are already resolved and chocolaty, with seamless acidity and exotic spicy layers emerging on the extended finish.
VM 96 (7/2022): Inky magenta. Primary, mineral-accented cassis, cherry pit, licorice, roasted coffee and incense aromas reveal oak spice and pipe tobacco flourishes. Shows superb clarity and spicy thrust on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit, exotic spice, vanilla and candied rose flavors that deftly blend weight and energy. Youthfully gripping tannins frame a wonderfully long, smoky finish that leaves cherry liqueur and vanilla notes behind. 100% new French oak. (Drink between 2027-2037). Josh Raynolds. |
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| Davis Estates |
2019 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (12/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid, enjoyable effort. Lots of dark fruits, chocolaty oak, and some spicy, herbal notes give way to a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, textured effort that does a lot right. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2019 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
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WA 94 (5/2023): Honoring four vineyard sites on Red Mountain, Ciel du Cheval, Grand Ciel, Klipsun and Upchurch vineyards make up the blend of Four Flags. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags displays a deep ruby core and opens up with juicy dark red fruit essences before offering a firm, dusty nose with oak and elements of vanilla and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate displays a rich and round mouthfeel before delivering a firm tannic edge that will take another year to come around before seductive oak essences sway across the mid-palate. It’s a delightful wine that needs additional time in the bottle, so be patient.
JD 94 (7/2022): A blend of four vineyards on Red Mountain, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags sports a ruby/plum color to go with terrific notes of red and black currants, spicy oak, dried flowers, and hints of tobacco. It has some classic Red Mountain minerality and chocolate on the palate, is medium to full-bodied, has beautiful tannins, and a great finish.
VM 90 (3/2023): The 2019 Four Flags impresses with a mix of wild blueberry, cooling smoke and rubbed sage. It soothes with its silky textures and ripe red and blue fruits, as a pleasant inner sweetness resonates, nicely complemented by zesty acidity. This finishes remarkably fresh with subtly grippy tannins that linger. The 2019 mixes vivid fruit, energy and power in a way that I find wildly appealing. (Drink between 2024-2030). Eric Guido. |
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2019 |
Grand Ciel Syrah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (5/2023): Big, bold and broad-shouldered, the 2019 Syrah Grand Ciel offers a firm, fresh nose with a rocky and dusty blackberry essence and subtle notes of graphite and baking spices. Full-bodied, firm and focused, the palate reveals fine-grained tannins and a long, spicy and textural finish. It’s still tight and just a baby, so give it another two to three years in the cellar before opening. Your patience will be rewarded. Enjoy with food.
JD 95 (6/2023): All Syrah from a great vineyard on Red Mountain, the 2019 Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard reveals a deep ruby/plum hue (it's not opaque) to go with a great perfume of mulberries, meaty blue fruits, pepper herbs, leather, and hints of iron. Rich, medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has fine tannins, a silky, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for 15-20 years as well. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 94 (3/2023): Cracked ashen stones, savory herbs and smoky black currants form the 2019 Syrah Grand Ciel's beguiling bouquet. This is silky and round on the palate, with depths of dark fruit, savory spice and herbal tones that swirl throughout. It leaves the palate caked in salty minerals and a web of fine-grained tannins while tapering off with pretty inner violet florals and a dark fruit concentration. (Drink between 2024-2032). Eric Guido. |
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2019 |
Minuit Proprietary Blend |
$35 |
1 |
|
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WA 91 (5/2023): The 2019 Minuit is a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is lifted with a juicy fruit frame, offering a firm and sturdy core of ripe fruit. Full-bodied, it offers flavors of dusty black raspberry across the mid-palate with a balanced structure and firm tannic edge. The Minuit continues to evolve on the palate and delivers a seductively long finish. I recommend decanting at least 30 minutes prior to enjoyment.
VM 91 (3/2023): The 2019 Minuit, a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, impresses with its vibrant mix of black raspberries complemented by violet florals and sweet smoke. This is silky-smooth, with a seductively spicy mix of ripe red berries accelerated by juicy acidity that keeps the style wildly fresh. The 2019 is packed full of energy, tapering off wickedly spicy and fresh with only the slightest hint of tannin that lingers on. (Drink between 2024-2030). Eric Guido. |
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|
2019 |
Red Willow Vyd. Red Wine |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (5/2023): Mostly Cabernet Franc with 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Red Willow opens to a nose of dark cherry with hints of roasted red pepper, black raspberry and soft red and purple florals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features soft and elegant brown baking spices from the 38% new French oak and exudes a ripe and juicy frame across the mid-palate. The wine continues to unpack and reveal its secrets as persistent flavors of fresh, ripe, picturesque red plum and blackberry skin sway with a food-friendly and delightfully oaky finish.
VM 92 (3/2023): Dusty florals and peppery herbs give way to crushed black raspberries and a dusting of cocoa as the 2019 Red Willow comes to life in the glass. This coasts along the palate, cooling and full of energy, showing its minerality up front. Juicy red and black fruits give way to grippy tannins that settle in toward the close. The 2019 has sneaky concentration that leaves the palate wrapped up in youthful tension, along with fine tannins that will require a number of years to fully mellow. The Red Willow is a blend of 56% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. (Drink between 2024-2032). Eric Guido. |
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| Diamond Creek |
2019 |
Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon |
$260 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace opens with a striking bouquet redolent of crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, blood orange and mint. Medium in body and silky, with tremendous fruit purity, the 2019 impresses with its finesse and open-knit personality. There's good energy and tension, but the Red Rock in 2019 is, unusually, a wine of total sensuality. I loved it. (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): From a riper, more Californian vintage, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace offers up scents of black cherries, cassis and hints of vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, a bit more tannic than the Gravelly Meadow, with ample concentration and a long finish, framed by rich, velvety tannins. |
|
| Domaine Eden |
2019 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a sexy wine. Plush, deep and seductive, the 2019 is an opulent beauty the likes of which I don't think I have ever tasted here. A rush of black plum, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and licorice makes a strong first impression. Time in the glass brings out the wine's compelling aromatic nuances. Silky and plush, with tremendous depth, the 2019 is a huge overachiever. I loved it. (Drink between 2024-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Emeritus Vineyards |
2019 |
Wesley’s Reserve Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Fait-Main |
2019 |
Becktstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): Certainly in the same league as the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is another full-bodied, ripe, incredibly sexy wine that has an incredible bouquet of red and blue fruits, sandalwood, crushed stone, and exotic spices. As with the 2018, it's flawlessly balanced and has a round, lush texture, supple tannins, and a great finish. The 2018 is more straight and classic, and the 2019 is more up-front, sexy, and exuberant. Both are incredible wines.
WA 96+ (11/2021): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras explodes with vibrant scents of blackcurrant preserves, wild blueberries, candied violets and Indian spices, plus wafts of potpourri and tobacco leaf. The full-bodied palate is packed with rich, perfumed black fruit preserves flavors, framed by firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with a whole array of mineral and exotic spice sparks. |
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2019 |
Bettinelli Sleeping Lady Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (12/2021): I always love the Cabernet Sauvignon Bettinelli Sleeping Lady Vineyard from winemaker Benoit Touquette and the 2019 is no exception, offering a kaleidoscope-like array of cassis, blueberries, iron, crushed stone, and spice. Nicely focused on the palate, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and straight-up gorgeous, drink it over the coming 15+. (Drink between 2021-2037).
WA 96+ (11/2021): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Bettinelli Sleeping Lady Vineyard charges out of the gate with bold notions of blackcurrant pastilles, stewed plums and blueberry pie, plus hints of rose hip tea, cracked black pepper and tar. Big, concentrated and muscular in the full-bodied mouth, it has ripe, plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and fragrant. |
|
| Fingers Crossed |
2019 |
Til Death Do Us Part Grenache |
$164 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (5/2022): The 2019 Grenache Two Become One comes from four vineyards—The Third Twin, Vogelzang, Bien Nacido and Sebastiano. It is blended with 13% Mourvèdre and 11% Syrah, made with 29% whole clusters, and matured for 20 months in 56% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, it begins with reticent scents of blackberry jam, tar, licorice, lavender and bouquet garni with touches of coffee beans, taking plenty of time to unfold in the glass. The full-bodied palate surprises with its concentrated, dark berry fruit, framed by seamless acidity and finely grained tannins. It gains complexity over time, offering up more layers as it airs, and it finishes with soaring floral perfume, suggesting it could use a few more years in bottle or a long decant to show at its best. 381 cases were made, and it will be sold as a six-bottle set with one bottle of white wine, two bottles of Syrah and three bottles of Grenache ($685). This was bottled in July of 2021 and tasted May 24, 2022.
JD 96-99 (8/2020): I was able to taste both the 2019 Grenache and Syrah from barrel, both showing beautifully. The 2019 Grenache TBD is slightly more fruit-forward with lots of red and blue fruits as well as sappy flower and violet notes. A finesse-driven Grenache that still brings serious richness and power, it's full-bodied and has silky tannins, terrific balance, and a sensational sense of freshness. |
|
|
2019 |
Til Death Do Us Part Grenache |
$165 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 96 (5/2022): The 2019 Grenache Two Become One comes from four vineyards—The Third Twin, Vogelzang, Bien Nacido and Sebastiano. It is blended with 13% Mourvèdre and 11% Syrah, made with 29% whole clusters, and matured for 20 months in 56% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple in color, it begins with reticent scents of blackberry jam, tar, licorice, lavender and bouquet garni with touches of coffee beans, taking plenty of time to unfold in the glass. The full-bodied palate surprises with its concentrated, dark berry fruit, framed by seamless acidity and finely grained tannins. It gains complexity over time, offering up more layers as it airs, and it finishes with soaring floral perfume, suggesting it could use a few more years in bottle or a long decant to show at its best. 381 cases were made, and it will be sold as a six-bottle set with one bottle of white wine, two bottles of Syrah and three bottles of Grenache ($685). This was bottled in July of 2021 and tasted May 24, 2022.
JD 96-99 (8/2020): I was able to taste both the 2019 Grenache and Syrah from barrel, both showing beautifully. The 2019 Grenache TBD is slightly more fruit-forward with lots of red and blue fruits as well as sappy flower and violet notes. A finesse-driven Grenache that still brings serious richness and power, it's full-bodied and has silky tannins, terrific balance, and a sensational sense of freshness. |
|
|
2019 |
Two Become One Syrah |
$180 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (5/2022): The 2019 Syrah Two Become One is just as stunning as its 2018 counterpart but will require a bit more time in bottle to blossom completely. Blended with 3% Mourvèdre and 3% Roussanne, it was made with 25% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 70% new French oak. Opaque purple-black in color, it opens slowly to blackberry jam aromas with layers of graphite, tar, lavender, charcuterie and bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate's concentrated, floral fruits are addictive, and its weightless, silky texture brings you back to the glass again and again. It has a juicy backbone of acidity and a hauntingly long, layered finish, suggesting it will develop over many years in the cellar.
JD 96-98 (8/2021): Moving to the reds, the 2019 Grenache Two Become One, which saw 56% new 600-liter barrels, is a full-bodied, rich, yet always elegant and focused Grenache that has beautiful darker berry fruits as well as notes of orange blossom, pepper, spice, and violets. The blend is 76% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, and 11% Syrah that saw 29% whole clusters. If you get a chance, you should buy it. |
|
|
2019 |
Two Become One Syrah |
$194 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (5/2022): The 2019 Syrah Two Become One is just as stunning as its 2018 counterpart but will require a bit more time in bottle to blossom completely. Blended with 3% Mourvèdre and 3% Roussanne, it was made with 25% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 70% new French oak. Opaque purple-black in color, it opens slowly to blackberry jam aromas with layers of graphite, tar, lavender, charcuterie and bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate's concentrated, floral fruits are addictive, and its weightless, silky texture brings you back to the glass again and again. It has a juicy backbone of acidity and a hauntingly long, layered finish, suggesting it will develop over many years in the cellar.
JD 96-98 (8/2021): Moving to the reds, the 2019 Grenache Two Become One, which saw 56% new 600-liter barrels, is a full-bodied, rich, yet always elegant and focused Grenache that has beautiful darker berry fruits as well as notes of orange blossom, pepper, spice, and violets. The blend is 76% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, and 11% Syrah that saw 29% whole clusters. If you get a chance, you should buy it. |
|
| Folded Hills |
2019 |
Santa Ynez Valley Syrah |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (8/2024): The 2019 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley) is a blend of Estella clone Syrah from the estate and Stolpman. It is the one wine in this range that is a touch forward and overt. Then again, this is a five-year-old appellation wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and a hint of mocha give this racy Syrah tons of immediacy. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Fortunate Son |
2019 |
The Diplomat Red Wine |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2023): The Merlot-dominated 2019 The Diplomat comes from a handful of sites and would give a great Pomerol a run for its money with its darker red and black fruits, smoky herbs, and earthy goodness on the nose. These carry to a full-bodied, rounded, opulent 2019 with sweet, building tannins and a great finish. Give it a few years. |
|
| Dom. Jean Francois |
2019 |
The Twleve Rows Sanford & Benedict Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (10/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard The Twelve Rows is magnificent. Rich and textured on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2019 exudes class. Inky dark fruit, lavender, spice and tobacco are wonderfully vivid. The 2019 is endowed with so much complexity and sheer pedigree. What a wine! (Drink between 2023-2034). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (12/2022): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir The Twelve Rows features blackberries and blueberries on the nose, with tones of aniseed, clay, dark spices and blood orange. The medium-bodied palate is soft, plush and inviting with intense, savory fruits, seamless acidity and a youthful sheen of new oak spices on the long, gently warming finish.
BH 87 (6/2023): A background hint of volatile acidity adds lift to the vaguely advanced aromas of mostly red berry fruit, spice and soft floral nuances. There is excellent vibrancy to the utterly delicious middleweight flavors that conclude in a dusty and somewhat one-dimensional finish that slowly leans out as it sits on the palate. Despite the description, this is drinkable but with that said, it would be fair to observe that it's not at the level that I have come to expect. Two bottles tried with consistent results. (Drink starting 2028). |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2019 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2021): In contrast, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is more round and supple, with loads of pure Napa magic in its notes of crème de cassis, toasted spice, smoked tobacco, and cedar pencil. Full-bodied, opulent, and loaded with fruit, it still stays pure, precise, and focused, with ripe tannins, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and one incredible finish. I finished my notes with “Awesome.” Both the 2018 and 2019 are incredible, singular wines readers should seek out.
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is a flat out stunner. Rich, ample and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and pedigree to burn. Dark red cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol race across the palate. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of aromas and flavors that add stunning complexity. Iron, scorched earth, tobacco and incense linger on the potent finish. What a wine! (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hall |
2019 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$134.10 |
11 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is in the same ballpark, with slightly more blue fruits in its bouquet of blueberries, mulberries, violets, and spicy oak. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly textured 2019 can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more. (Drink between 2023-2043).
WA 96 (9/2022): Blended to be a more robust, mountain-driven counterpart to the Kathryn Hall bottling, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece blends fruit from Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak, Sacrashe and Montagne. Aged in 75% new French oak (mostly Taransaud), it delivers scents of cassis, herbal shadings like bay leaf and sage, cedar, dark chocolate and vanilla. It's full-bodied, firm but ripe and velvety, then shows more of a silky, dusty edge on the finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, brought up mostly in new barrels. It’s a killer bottle of wine offering lots of ripe black fruits intermixed with savory herbs, melted chocolate, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows the lush, round, velvety style of the 2019 vintage and is already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 15+ years if well stored. (Drink between 2023-2039).
WA 93 (9/2022): There are 6,500 cases of the flagship 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall, based largely on fruit from the Sacrashe Vineyard, at the eastern edge of the Rutherford AVA. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, aged in 75% new barrels (mainly Taransaud), it's cedary on the nose, with plenty of cassis and black cherries in support. Full-bodied and plush, this well-endowed effort finishes long and softly dusty, with just a touch of alcoholic warmth. |
|
|
2019 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179.10 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Terra Secca Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Hartford Court |
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): Readers looking for an incredibly charming, delicious Pinot Noir that’s going to deliver the goods should check out the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley from Hartford Court. Revealing a translucent ruby/plum color, it has a wonderful nose of spiced red and black fruits, candied violets, orange blossom, and incense. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s wonderfully balanced, with soft, supple tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. Drink this beauty any time over the coming 5-6 years. (Drink between 2021-2027).
VM 91 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Russian River) is a terrific appellation-level offering in this range from Hartford Court. Blue/purplish fruit, cinnamon, licorice and spice all grace this expressive, mid-weight Pinot. Enjoy it over the next decade. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels, 27% new. It delivers vibrant notes of black cherries, kirsch and mulberries with suggestions of garrigue and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of ripe, juicy black and red berry flavors, supported by soft tannins, finishing with a lively red berry kick. |
|
| Hundred Acre |
2019 |
Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) 1-Mag OWC |
$1,300 |
1 |
|
| |
Decanter 100 (9/2023): Jayson Woodbridge describes Wraith as his perfect snapshot of the vintage, defined by this blend of all three of his estate single vineyards – Ark, Few and Far Between, and Morgan’s Way (formerly Kayli Morgan). I was able to taste this wine over three days, and it further cemented my impression that Woodbridge’s wines are profoundly structured and balanced and while they offer serious upfront pleasure, they will deliver rewarding complexities with long-term cellaring. Highly recommend decanting the young wines. Upon the first lift of the cork, a heady hit of resin, sap, cedar, and graham cracker crust only hints at what is lurking beneath as mineral nuances shortly emerge. At 15.5% alcohol, it harbours impressive balance. Compact and perfectly knit together, there are no gaps, no edges, and the firm, taut sleek tannin prolife is so perfectly integrated as to be weightless. After half an hour, red-toned fruits with intimations of black become more defined, as pure black cherry, with a crunchy outer skin and a juicy, succulent, flesh core. With more time, the wine becomes beautifully perfumed and elegant, offering hints of chocolate. The sweetness of the fruit is tempting and hovers at the surface, intimating more depth. A day later, the wine is still exceptionally fragrant, with mulled spices emerging, building with intensity layered by black and blue fruit and no sense of imbalance. Still perfectly knit and generous. It begins to drink like a rich Pinot Noir with its gorgeous cedar sappy tannins and even conifer notes. On the third day of tasting, the wine is holding on like a heavyweight champ. It has begun to offer rich, warm earthen humus notes and a real sense of volcanic terroir. It is still broad and expansive with a density of flavour and complexity but manages to remain balletic and almost weightless. Such an impressive feat for a wine that is truly otherworldly. Aged for 40 months in French oak barriques. (Drink between 2024-2045)
JD 98 (12/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is always a barrel selection with the idea being to show the vintage as opposed to a single site. It's slightly more focused and elegant in style, with a beautiful bouquet of darker currants, leafy tobacco, baking spices, and chocolate. This flows to a full-bodied, layered 2019 with ripe, velvety tannins, perfect ripeness, and flawless overall balance.
WA 98 (5/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith is a subtle amalgam of the three single-vineyard wines, showcasing a faint herbal streak, mixed cherries and cassis fruit, with deep undercurrents of loamy earth and cigar box shadings. Full-bodied, plush and creamy-textured, it finishes long and velvety. Just luscious stuff—good luck keeping your hands off it! |
|
| Ink Grade |
2019 |
Howell Mtn. Merlot |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (2/2023): An exciting style of Merlot, with impeccable structure and nowhere near the over-extracted style that has become almost de rigueur in Napa. The colour is practically translucent and aromatically seductive with juicy cranberry, elegant cherry, yellow plum and gravel notes. The sappy, grippy tannins are angular and powerful, and there’s plenty of tension to age and see where it goes. |
|
| Kerr Cellars |
2019 |
Wappo Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$160 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2023): Lastly, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Vineyard comes from a great site in the Stags Leap District and is all varietal. Lots of red, blue, and black fruits dominate the bouquet, and it offers more spice, savory herbs, and even a touch of iron with time in the glass. This full-bodied, balanced, textured 2019 has ripe tannins and a gorgeous finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2023-2043)
VM 95 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Vineyard emerges from a site on the southern edge of Stags Leap. Inky, plush fruit, gravel, lavender, licorice and spice give this explosive Cabernet a good deal of intensity. The 2019 is plush, deep and full-throttle, with all the elements very nicely balanced. Even so, it would be great to see a bit more nuance here. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2019 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| JS 93 (11/2021): Aromas of black and red licorice, black cherries and toasted sage. Full-bodied with a very pleasant nutty character on the palate. Soft tannins. Savory herbs and a blanket of ripe black fruit washes over, carried by subtle but steady acidity. Oak at the finish. Needs a little time to come together. Try after 2023. |
|
|
2019 |
Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard evolves in the glass with dried cherry, sassafras, and wild herbs. It has impeccable concentration and length on the palate, which is full of cinnamon, red plum, and forest floor. Hold 1-3 years and drink 2024-2036. Audrey Frick.
WA 93 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill has a medium ruby color and bright aromas of Bing cherry, cranberry and citrus peel with accents of dried herbs, licorice and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh, with appealingly crunchy fruits and a long, spicy finish. Give it another year or two in bottle to unwind. |
|
|
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$219 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Giusti Vineyard has very layered aromas of cinnamon, dried orange peel, cranberries, raspberries, dusty earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate features layered, spicy fruits along with abundant, grainy tannins and bright acidity. It's elegant but youthfully tense and could use another 2-3 years in bottle. |
|
|
2019 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Keefer Vineyard is aromatically intense and layered, with aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, blueberry, sage and bergamot, woodsmoke and flint. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, juicy and alluring, with nuanced flavors and a long, latent finish that hints at layers yet to emerge. Drink it over the next decade. |
|
|
2019 |
Mount Carmel Pinot Noir |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard is appealingly rustic, featuring scents of dried red cherries and cranberries, resinous herbs, charcuterie and iron. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with earthy, spicy fruits and a long, nuanced finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is scented of cranberry, pomegranate, licorice and autumn leaves, with an undercurrent of bitters-like spices. The light-bodied palate is fresh and detailed with pure, spicy layers on the long finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$74 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2021): A vibrant, pure, and precise style of Pinot Noir from this region, the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley sports a vivid ruby hue as well as a beautiful array of redcurrants, wildflowers, sappy underbrush, and subtle baking spice nuances. Gorgeous on the palate as well, it's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, focused textured, silky tannins, and a great finish. Where most Russian River Pinot Noirs are broad and exuberant, this plays it closer to its vest and has an undeniably Burgundian style, with good acidity, tannins, and precision. It's beautifully done and will evolve for 15+ years or more. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$89 |
8 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (8/2021): Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2021): Another pure, elegant wine from this estate, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers beautiful framboise and dark strawberry fruits to go with complex notes of forest floor, leafy herbs, spice, and damp earth. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a layered, seamless texture, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. If anything, it's a more approachable, softer wine than the Russian River Valley, although it too should easily keep for a decade. Both Pinot Noirs from this team are brilliant wines. |
|
| Kunin Wines |
2019 |
Alisos Canyon Grenache |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Alisos Canyon Grenache Lightly Scuffed Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Camp Four Vyd. Carignane Lightly Scuffed Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2019 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2022): The 2019 Firebelle is based on 57% Cabernet Sauvignon with 43% Merlot, all of which was raised 18 months in 67% new French oak. It has a Bordeaux-inspired nose of darker cherries and currants as well as leather, tobacco, and damp earth. I love it on the palate, where it’s medium to full-bodied, has wonderful purity, and silky tannins. Drink this seamless, elegant, yet still pleasure-bent beauty over the coming 10-15 years.
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Firebelle is fragrant and light on its feet. Crushed raspberry, cedar, tobacco and flowers lend lovely aromatic top notes to this gentle yet flavorful red blend. This is an especially savory style for the Firebelle. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cliff Lede |
2019 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$67 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2022): I loved the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, and readers looking for a great Napa Valley Cabernet under $100 shouldn't hesitate. Deep purple-hued, with classic Cabernet dark red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and graphite, it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and polished tannins. It's already impossible to resist yet will cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars. 6812 cases. (Drink between 2022-2037).
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is a heady, potent wine. Blackberry jam, cloves, licorice, new oak, tobacco and leather are all kicked up in this exuberant, flamboyant Cabernet. Readers will find a luscious, full-throttle Cabernet that delivers the goods. The purity of the fruit really stands out. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (10/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it skips out of the glass with bright, cheery scents of warm blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and Black Forest cake, plus hints of tree bark and pencil lead. The palate has a beautiful, silt-like texture and a restrained, medium to full-bodied style with earth-laced, crunchy fruit and a savory finish. |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2019 |
Walla Walla Merlot (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (5/2021): The 2019 Merlot is juicy and up-front, with lots of black cherry and blue fruits as well as medium to full body, ripe, soft, ultra-fine tannins, a good sense of freshness, and classic tobacco, graphite, and spice aromas and flavors. Drink this sexy beauty over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
| Lerner Project |
2019 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (3/2022): More iron and bloody nuances as well as blue fruits emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, a nicely balanced, ripe fruit bomb of a wine that holds on to a terrific sense of freshness and purity. It’s another sexy mouthful of great Cabernet from this label to enjoy over the coming 15 years or so. (Drink between 2022-2037).
WA 94 (5/2022): The 2019 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is mainly barrels of Tench Cabernet that weren't considered to fit the single-vineyard profile, plus some Merlot and Cabernet Franc. About 5% of the volume comes from another vineyard. On the nose, it delivers plum and black cherry fruit, plus hints of smoke and vanilla. It's full-bodied, with a bit more structure than the Project 18 offering, coming across as firm without being hard or tough, and it finishes long and silky. |
|
| The Maiden (Harlan) |
2019 |
Proprietary Blend |
$500 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2023): There are roughly 1,000 cases of the 2019 The Maiden, a classy, full-bodied, beautifully textured wine that clearly has some Harlan Estate class and style. Cassis, graphite, integrated oak, and flowers all define the aromatics, and the tannins and purity here are brilliant. It’s a hell of a second wine.
VM 94 (2/2023): The 2019 The Maiden is gorgeous. Creamy, ample and expressive, the Maiden is a terrific introduction to the year. Succulent dark cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, leather, menthol fill out the layers beautifully. Medium in body, with gorgeous up-front fruit and radiance (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mayacamas |
2019 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
25 |
|
| |
|
| Maybach |
2019 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$319 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (12/2021): If you can believe it, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium might be even better, and this beauty tops out my scale. An incredible array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as unsmoked tobacco, iron, hazelnut, and toasty oak all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, ultra-fine, building texture, perfect tannins, and a huge finish. This pure Napa Valley magic is going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and drink brilliantly for another 20-30 years. If this doesn't do it for you, I'd avoid Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon! |
|
| Philippe Melka |
2019 |
CJ Cabernet Sauvignon |
$83 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2022): Under Melka's own label, the entry point is the 2019 CJ Cabernet Sauvignon, which I was told is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, sourced from several sites around Napa Valley but primarily Soda Canyon. (Statisticians will note that the winery website claims that it's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot.) The nose features gentle cedar notes overlaid on a base of dark loam, cassis and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied and framed by soft tannins, this is drinkable already, but it has enough concentration and length to suggest several years of good drinking. |
|
|
2019 |
CJ Cabernet Sauvignon Nicked Label |
$83 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2022): Under Melka's own label, the entry point is the 2019 CJ Cabernet Sauvignon, which I was told is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, sourced from several sites around Napa Valley but primarily Soda Canyon. (Statisticians will note that the winery website claims that it's 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% each Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot.) The nose features gentle cedar notes overlaid on a base of dark loam, cassis and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied and framed by soft tannins, this is drinkable already, but it has enough concentration and length to suggest several years of good drinking. |
|
|
2019 |
Mekerra Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
15 |
|
| |
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2019 Proprietary Red Mekerra is another gorgeous wine from Philippe and Cherie Melka. Deep, rich and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous depth and tons of character that comes to the fore with time in the glass. Cherry, plum, mocha and soaring Franc aromatics give the 2019 its alluring personality. The tannins need a few years to soften, but the 2019 is so compelling, even today. (Drink between 2024-2039). Antonio Galloni.
JD 97 (12/2021): A blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Mekerra Proprietary Red comes from a higher elevation site in Knights Valley and was brought up in 80% new French oak. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe black cherry and darker berry fruits as well as plenty of spice, flowers, tobacco, and scorched earth. It's gorgeous on the palate with medium to full body, wonderful purity, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's a gorgeous bottle of wine that shines for its elegance and purity as well as its richness. |
|
|
2019 |
Metisse Jumping Goat Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): From a site just behind Spotteswoode, the 2019 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. More blackcurrants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and scorched earth notes define the nose, and this ruby/purple-hued beauty is medium to full-bodied with a wonderfully fresh, herbal, classic Cabernet character, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, elegant wine.
VM 97 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Métisse Jumping Goat Vineyard emerges from a site on the other side of St. Helena, closer to Spottswoode and Madrona Ranch. It offers up generous red berry fruit intermingled with strong savory, earthy and tobacco accents that add layers of nuance. This potent, impeccably balanced Cabernet should start to drink beautifully in a few years, once the tannins soften a bit. (Drink between 2025-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2019 |
Les Pavots Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (8/2022): The 2019 Les Pavots is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the remainder Petit Verdot. It has unfolding layers of dark minerals, with graphite, boysenberry liqueur, and fresh leather. The palate is expressive of its mountain fruit, with more gripping structure but no harsh edges. This is a remarkable wine to hold a few years and enjoy over the following two decades. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Ch. Montelena |
2019 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is heady and quite extroverted, especially compared with the 2018 tasted alongside it. Readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this jewel of a wine. Silky, plush tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit, chocolate, lavender, spice and leather. The combination of a generous, opulent style with the classically-leaning Montelena style makes for a hugely appealing Cabernet to drink over the next two decades or more. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2019 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$64 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 98 (4/2025): The 2019 Pinot Noir is an outstanding and memorable wine, a tremendously light, bright, and complex reflection of the great site from a great vintage. Lovely aromatics of orange peel, cranberry, and Bing cherry wrap around a supple mid-palate of earthy rose and violet, the tannins unobtrusive and the acidity balanced. Lengthy, the wine takes on different nuances along the mid-palate, showing more forest and black tea, adding a quiet density that stretches to a formidable finish. This wine wows now but should drink well for another 20-25 years. Virginie Boone.
WA 93+ (4/2024): The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate was fermented with 35% whole clusters and aged in 50% new French oak. It has a lively, fragrant, focused nose with potpourri, blood orange, bay laurel and evergreen aromas. The palate is slim and high-toned, supported with structured acidity that softens with aeration. Readers who enjoy Mount Eden's classically proportioned Pinot Noirs might find this a bit angular, but a year or two in the cellar should help it come together. |
|
| Myriad |
2019 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 95 (12/2021): From a site outside of St. Helena, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard is a more mineral-laced, red and blue-fruited effort with some Pauillac-like lead pencil and earthy nuances. With nicely integrated oak, medium to full-bodied richness, and notable tannins, give it 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 10-15. It's another terrific wine in this portfolio. (Drink between 2023-2039).
WA 95 (11/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color. Alluring notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie and fresh black cherries jump out of the glass, plus wafts of bay leaves, truffles and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully savory with lots of herbal sparks among the black fruits and a firm, grainy frame, finishing refreshing.
VM 90 (1/2022): A new wine in this range, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard offers plenty of initial impact, but then loses much of its persistence on the mid-palate and finish. There is no way getting around the young age of these wines. This wine probably should not have been a vineyard designate. (Drink between 2022-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (12/2021): From a site outside of St. Helena, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard is a more mineral-laced, red and blue-fruited effort with some Pauillac-like lead pencil and earthy nuances. With nicely integrated oak, medium to full-bodied richness, and notable tannins, give it 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 10-15. It's another terrific wine in this portfolio. (Drink between 2023-2039).
WA 95 (11/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color. Alluring notes of warm cassis, blackberry pie and fresh black cherries jump out of the glass, plus wafts of bay leaves, truffles and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate is wonderfully savory with lots of herbal sparks among the black fruits and a firm, grainy frame, finishing refreshing.
VM 90 (1/2022): A new wine in this range, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Bourn Vineyard offers plenty of initial impact, but then loses much of its persistence on the mid-palate and finish. There is no way getting around the young age of these wines. This wine probably should not have been a vineyard designate. (Drink between 2022-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Empyrean Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (12/2021): Even better, the 225-case 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is a barrel selection made by winemaker Mike Smith. It has more deep, base notes of blackcurrants, cassis, ripe tobacco, black tea, and chocolate. These all carry to a full-bodied, seamless, incredibly sexy 2019 with velvety tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It already has up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will evolve for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2021-2046).
WA 97 (11/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Empyrean is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little coaxing to release notes of blackcurrant preserves, baked black plums and mulberries, plus underlying hints of Indian spice, fragrant earth and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with firm, ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the muscular fruit, finishing long and earthy.
VM 91 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Empyrean is powerful, dense and super-concentrated. I find the oak overdone, and the wine lacking in freshness as a result of the very pushed, ripe style. (Drink between 2022-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Steltzner Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Steltzner Vineyard is outrageously beautiful. Dark, vivid and sumptuous to the core, the Steltzner captures all the magic of this great Stags Leap vineyard. Crème de cassis, lavender, spice, mint and blueberry jam all come alive in the glass. This is one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted from Mike and Leah Smith. Don't miss it! (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
JD 95 (12/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Stelzner Vineyard comes from a corner block in this vineyard and offers a more black-fruited, chocolaty style that turns more floral and violet-tinged with time in the glass. More tobacco and crushed stone, full-bodied richness, good acidity, and ripe tannins all make for a brilliant, seamless, incredibly impressive wine that can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years. (Drink between 2021-2037).
WA 94+ (11/2021): Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Steltzner Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color, delivering pronounced notes of stewed plums, boysenberry preserves and warm cassis, plus suggestions of fruitcake, tobacco leaf and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the generous fruit is supported by chunky tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory. |
|
|
2019 |
Three Twins Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (12/2021): This will be the last vintage from this site, as the vineyard was lost in the fires in 2020. Deep purple-hued, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard offers a beautiful perfume of cassis and blueberry-like fruits as well as candied orange, violets, and leafy herbs. Reminding me of a mountain Cabernet with its focused, nicely structured, vibrant style, it's medium to full-bodied and brings wonderful depth of fruit, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Drink it any time over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2021-2041) |
|
| de Negoce |
2019 |
OG N. 187 Atlas Peak Syrah |
$15 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
OG N. 221 Ballard Canyon Syrah |
$15 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
OG. N. 192 Knights Valley Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
4 |
|
| |
| JS 92 (8/2022): An attractive nose of blackcurrant, sliced plum, gravel and grated nutmeg. Medium-to full-bodied with powdery tannins. There is a solid undertone of black fruit accented by some mineral and toasted herbal complexity. Chocolate too. Nicely persistent. Drink now. |
|
| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2023): The 2019 Red Blend The Puzzle checks in as mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1.5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This vivid blue-hued 2019 has a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy green herbs and crushed stone. Almost austere on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. I’d give bottles at least 3-4 years in the cellar. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2019 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 13 Proprietary Blend |
$260 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2022): Another straight-up awesome wine is the 2019 No 13 Cumulus Vineyard, a blend 29% each of Grenache and Mourvèdre, 24.5% Syrah, 8% Touriga Nacional, 7.5% Petite Sirah, and 2% Petit Manseng. Kirsch, toasted spices, new leather, graphite, and peppery notes all emerge from this ripe, sexy, seamless, and incredibly compelling red. Full-bodied and concentrated, it stays light on its feet, has beautiful tannins, and a great finish. If this doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will. It's brilliant today yet should easily evolve for 15 years or more. (I expect it will evolve like a great Châteauneuf du Pape.)
VM 98 (8/2022): The 2019 No. 13 Cumulus Vineyard is fabulous. Inky and savory, the 2019 offers up a compelling mélange of black fruit, gravel, incense and spice that all come together. The combination of a warm site and a coolish vintage yields a superb, wonderfully complete red. Grippy tannins and a touch of whole cluster savoriness extend the finish. The blend is 29% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 24.5% Syrah, 8% Touriga Nacional, 7.5% Petite Sirah and 2% Petit Manseng. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2019 |
Kenefick Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| No Girls |
2019 |
Double Lucky #8 Red Blend |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2023): The 2019 Double Lucky #8 is smoky in the glass, smoldering up with notes of olive tapenade, musky black currants and rosemary. It’s silky-smooth and supple on the palate, with brisk acidity, enlivening its dark fruits, as saline-tinged minerals add contrast. This leaves salted licorice and hints of sweet spice tapering off with a lovely freshness. While I don’t see the 2019 as a wine for long-term cellaring, it should perform beautifully over the next five to six years. That said, there’s a lot of balanced pleasure to be found here already. The Double Lucky #8 is primarily Grenache with a balance of Syrah and Tempranillo. (Drink between 2023-2028). Eric Guido.
JD 92 (6/2023): Spiced black cherries, framboise, rose petals, and peppery herbs all emerge from the 2019 Double Lucky, a juicy, fruit-forward, complex, layered red offering plenty of classic Rocks funk as well as pure, clean fruit. It's a delicious, balanced red to drink over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031).
WA 92 (10/2022): The 2019 Double Lucky #8 is black and red-fruited, with a spicy note of cured meat and lavender flowing from the glass along with a delightful mineral essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is broadly-layered and possesses fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity, making me crave charcuterie. The gorgeous wine will remain food-friendly for years and ends with a lingering, spicy grip. |
|
|
2019 |
Walla Walla Valley La Paciencia Vyd. Grenache |
$79 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2022): The 2019 Grenache la Paciencia Vineyard opens to a classic, dusty and red-fruited core with savory tones, worn leather and smoked cherry compote. Medium-bodied, the palate offers a fine mineral tension with an essence of umami before swaying to show the more savory and floral side of Grenache. The wine continues to gain complexity before concluding with a gorgeous floral lift, persistent spicy edge and firm tannic finish. Bravo, this is delicious juice!
JD 95 (7/2022): Sporting a translucent ruby hue, the 2019 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard offers up a savory, exotic nose of mulled cherries, darker strawberries, truffle, rose petals, orange tea, and scorched earth. This is always an ethereal, seamless, exotic expression of Grenache, and the 2019 is medium-bodied, has a seamless, incredibly pure, almost Burgundian mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years. (Drink between 2022-2037).
VM 94 (3/2023): The 2019 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard lulls me in with a nuanced mix of dusty violets, wild strawberries, with stems and all, complicated by a whiff of crushed stones. This splashes across the palate, silky and refined yet energetic, with mineral-tinged red fruits that slowly saturate under an air of rosy inner florals. It leaves a reverberation of spicy tension through the finish, while becoming quite mineral and nearly salty in character. Hints of green olive and sage slowly fade. The Grenache from La Paciencia vineyard is refined for 22 months in neutral demi-muids and foudre. I love its savory profile and spicy nature, yet another year or two of cellaring is recommended. The soils of La Paciencia are much sandier than the surrounding vineyards, which tends to add an extra level of elegance to the No Girls portfolio. (Drink between 2023-2029). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2019 |
Walla Walla Valley Tempranillo |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (7/2022): Lastly, the 2019 Tempranillo sports a slightly denser purple/plum color to go with both red and blue fruits supported by complex cedar, sandalwood, tobacco, and saddle leather-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's another seamless, elegant wine from this incredible winemaker that has ultra-fine tannins, a great mid-palate, plenty of density, and a great finish. It's a gorgeous wine that can be drunk today or cellared for two decades if you're so inclined. (Drink between 2022-2042).
VM 95 (3/2023): The 2019 Tempranillo is zesty, thrilling with an old-world bouquet of red currants and dried strawberries complemented by dusty rose, balsam herbs, spiced citrus rinds and worn leather. It’s silky and refined, propelled by vibrant acidity which also helps to enliven and sweeten the tart wild berry fruits within. The 2019 finishes lightly tannic yet full of energy, with blood orange and sour cherry candies that linger on. This is deceptively drinkable today, yet with the balance to excel through medium-term clearing. The No Girls Tempranillo refines for 22 months in a combination of demi-muids and barrels, of which 50% are new. Stunning. (Drink between 2024-2031). Eric Guido.
WA 93 (10/2022): Juicy and dark-fruited, the 2019 Tempranillo la Paciencia opens to fresh and savory aromas in the glass. Medium-bodied, flavors of oak and dusty plum sway with notions of dark cherry and blackberry skin before showcasing a balanced structure with lifting tannins. Displaying finesse and power, the wine glides to a food-friendly finish that will remain crushable for years. Enjoy with food. |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2019 |
Merlot |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Patz & Hall |
2019 |
Burnside Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Jenkins Ranch Pinot Noir |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Little Boots Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Sanchietti Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Peacock Family |
2019 |
Dona Margarita Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Perchance |
2019 |
Beckstoffer George III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$400 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard was brought up all in new barrels. Rocking crème de cassis, chocolate, toasted spice, and smoke tobacco are just some of the nuances here, and it's full-bodied, has an expansive, ripe, opulent mouthfeel, great tannins, and the class to evolve for over two decades. It's another brilliant wine from this team well worth seeking out. (Drink between 2021-2042).
WA 96 (5/2022): Less intricately floral than the 2018 but perhaps a touch riper and more powerful (both are labeled at 14.9% alcohol), Perchance's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III features chocolate overtones to the cassis and black cherry fruit. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, with a lingering finish, the wine boasts just enough freshness to keep the finish mouthwatering and compelling sip after sip. Lush and textured, it may be enjoyed now or for up to two decades. |
|
| PerUs Wine Co. |
2019 |
Bryn Red Wine |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (3/2022): Incorporating lots of Merlot, with some Cabernet Sauvignon as well, the 2019 Bryn Proprietary Red has a full-bodied, round, mouth-filling style as well as ample ripe black cherry, chocolate, roasted herb, and bouquet garni-like aromas and flavors. It’s ripe and has great tannins as well as the balance to continue drinking nicely for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2022-2037).
WA 95 (5/2023): A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon (from Tench Vineyard in Oakville) and 25% Merlot (from Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in South Napa), the 2019 Bryn Proprietary Red Wine boasts big, intense fruit notes of cassis, blueberries and black cherries. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, this is lush, with great length and gently dusty tannins. Great potential here at a reasonable price.
VM 92 (1/2022): The 2019 Bryn is packed with inky black cherry jam, espresso, licorice, chocolate and savory herbs. Silky and powerful in the glass, the Bryn certainly delivers plenty of impact. It is another powerhouse from PerUs and winemaker Russell Bevan. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Phifer Pavitt |
2019 |
Date Night Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Prisoner Wine Co. |
2019 |
Unshackled |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Provenance Vineyards |
2019 |
Deadeye Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Quintessa |
2019 |
Red Wine |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (2/2024): Still gorgeous, the 2019 Proprietary Red has a more layered, rounded, opulent style while still being pure, balanced, and elegant. Full-bodied, round, and lush, with currants, tobacco, chalky mineral and some graphite notes, it has velvety tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. The blend is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenere, and the rest Petit Verdot, with the élevage spanning 22 months in 60% new French oak. (Drink between 2024-2043).
VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Quintessa is one of the best wines I have tasted here in some time. Broad swaths of tannin wrap around a core intense dark plum, mocha, licorice and spice. The 2019 clearly needs a few years in bottle to come together. Quintessa is a large, sprawling property with many different exposures. My feeling is that it may not ultimately be suited to making a single large production flagship wine, but that perhaps a series of smaller production wines might showcase the site better. (Drink between 2024-2036). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (9/2022): The 2019 Proprietary Red Wine is more open and effusive than the 2018 version, with gentle floral nuances set against a backdrop of black cherries and cassis, joined by subtle notes of tobacco, cedar and vanilla. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, streamlined, silky and lush, nicely balanced and elegant, with a long, softly dusty finish tinged with licorice and caramel. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. |
|
| Realm |
2019 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (12/2021): Pure perfection in a glass, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Crane Vineyard is all varietal and comes from this remarkable site just outside St. Helena. A wine that offers incredible richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and weightless, it offers up a kaleidoscope-like array of blackcurrants, cassis, tobacco leaf, wildflowers, and scorched earth. As seamless and silky as they come, it has perfect tannins, that rare mix of power and elegance, and a monster of a finish. It doesn’t get any better in this reviewer’s opinion. |
|
| Rhys |
2019 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (5/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a powerful, searing wine. I am not sure I have tasted a Bearwallow with this much sheer intensity. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, cloves and licorice imbue this somber, backward Pinot with quite a bit of complexity. Readers should be in no rush here. The 2019 is an exceptional Bearwallow. (Drink between 2027-2039). Antonio Galloni.
JD 93 (7/2021): Coming from a site in the Anderson Valley region of Mendocino, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard has a classic savoriness in its dried cherry and strawberry fruits as well as loamy soil, spice, and dried herb-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, wonderfully balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has plenty of up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will still be going strong in a decade as well. (Drink between 2021-2032).
BH 92 (10/2021): A more elegant and cooler combination is comprised by notes of red currant, plum and plenty of floral elements. I very much like the texture of the sappy and energetic medium weight flavors that possess a supple mid-palate that contrasts with the dusty, serious and moderately austere finale. This robust and powerful effort is definitely built-to-age and a wine that should amply repay a decade plus of cellaring. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2019 |
Home Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94+ (7/2021): Ample black cherries, sappy herbs, iron, iodine, and gamey, floral notes emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, a sappy, grippy mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's mostly potential at this point, but I love its overall balance and length. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. (Drink between 2023-2035).
VM 94 (5/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard is one of the more savory wines in the range. Holiday spice cake, sweet dried cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar and earthy tones are all finely knit together. A Pinot of subtlety and nuance, the Home Vineyard, will appeal most to readers who enjoy understated wines. The 100% whole clusters add quite a bit of savoriness, but not in an exaggerated way. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (4/2024): The 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard is lifted and aromatically expressive from the outset, with fresh aromas of cherry blossom, wild strawberry and underbrush. Seamless and svelte on the palate, this finishes on a lively, spry note with mouthwatering acidity and subtle, pleasing tannins. This is ready to enjoy now, but I look forward to following it over the next decade.
BH 91 (10/2021): This is one of the spiciest wines in the range with its array of anise, cinnamon, sandalwood and clove nuances that add breadth to the ultra-fresh essence of red currant, plum and violet. Once again there is a plush and generous mouthfeel to the super-suave medium weight flavors that possess a highly seductive mouthfeel, all wrapped in a dusty, firm and mildly austere finale. While this is one of the few wines that could be enjoyed young, it should also be more than capable of rewarding 6 to 10 years of cellaring. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2019 |
Geyserville |
$54 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 94 (5/2022): The 2019 Geyserville marks a pretty huge step up in this range. What a wine! Black cherry, plum, chocolate, cloves, menthol and licorice blast across the palate. Deep and saturated, with tremendous concentration, the 2019 Geyserville is a wine to cellar for at least a few years. Today, it is positively stunning. (Drink between 2027-2039). Antonio Galloni.
JD 92 (7/2021): The 2019 Zinfandel Geyserville is 71% Zinfandel, 19% Carignan, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. This was a cooler vintage yet this wine reveals plenty of ripeness in its black and blue fruits as well as violets, cigar, and toasted spice-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and expansive on the palate, it has some obvious minerality, building tannins, and a great finish. It's not going to match the 2018, but it’s still a complete, nuanced, complex Zinfandel that will keep for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2021-2036). |
|
|
2019 |
Monte Bello |
$219 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all hitting 13.7% alcohol. As usual, it was aged in new American oak. It shows the higher Cabernet component and is deep purple-hued and tight and closed, with a primordial vibe to its dark blue and black fruit, smoked tobacco, vanilla bean, graphite, and cedarwood aromatics. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, building, ripe tannins, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length. It reminds me slightly of the 2018 with its more elegant, streamlined profile, but I expect this to build with bottle age, and it should have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.
VM 97-100 (9/2020): The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic. Antonio Galloni.
JS 95 (9/2022): A unique chardonnay with sliced cooked peach, dried pineapple, lemon curd and vanilla. Some nougat, too. It's full-bodied and layered with a creamy texture. Flavorful and spicy finish. Chalky at the end, with a white-pepper undertone. Drink now or hold. |
|
|
2019 |
Monte Bello (6X750ML) |
$1,314 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is a more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all hitting 13.7% alcohol. As usual, it was aged in new American oak. It shows the higher Cabernet component and is deep purple-hued and tight and closed, with a primordial vibe to its dark blue and black fruit, smoked tobacco, vanilla bean, graphite, and cedarwood aromatics. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has terrific overall balance, building, ripe tannins, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length. It reminds me slightly of the 2018 with its more elegant, streamlined profile, but I expect this to build with bottle age, and it should have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.
VM 97-100 (9/2020): The 2019 Monte Bello, tasted from barrel, is insanely beautiful. Vibrant, deep and pulsing with energy, the 2019 simply has it all. How will it turn out in bottle? I can’t say just yet. But this barrel sample shipped across the country is positively dazzling, so the wine’s potential is clear. The 2019 offers superb fruit density, with mid-weight structure, bright acids and plenty of tannin. It could very well turn out to be epic. Antonio Galloni.
JS 95 (9/2022): A unique chardonnay with sliced cooked peach, dried pineapple, lemon curd and vanilla. Some nougat, too. It's full-bodied and layered with a creamy texture. Flavorful and spicy finish. Chalky at the end, with a white-pepper undertone. Drink now or hold. |
|
| The Ringer |
2019 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2019 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (12/2021): Also dark, concentrated, and dense, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard boasts a saturated purple hue to go with lots of smoky black and blue fruits, notes of scorched earth, tobacco, chocolate and lead pencil, full-bodied richness, and a round, lush, seamless style on the palate. It's another killer wine from this team that I'd be thrilled to drink any time over the coming two decades. |
|
|
2019 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (12/2021): Also dark, concentrated, and dense, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard boasts a saturated purple hue to go with lots of smoky black and blue fruits, notes of scorched earth, tobacco, chocolate and lead pencil, full-bodied richness, and a round, lush, seamless style on the palate. It's another killer wine from this team that I'd be thrilled to drink any time over the coming two decades. |
|
| Schrader |
2019 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$335 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (12/2021): Another spicy, complex, gorgeous wine in every sense, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader reminds me of the CCS with its pure, seamless, perfectly balanced style. Lots of cassis fruits, notes of flowery incense, baking spices, leather, and unsmoked tobacco, silky tannins, remarkable purity, and a great finish all define this beauty, and it's certainly up with the crème de la crème of this great vintage. |
|
|
2019 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2021): Lots of classic darker, herbal notes define the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a rich, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. With air, more chocolate, espresso, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and this medium to full-bodied, textured, ripe, yet also elegant 2019 is going to drink brilliantly for another 20 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2041).
WA 95 (9/2022): All Clone 337 from F Block, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard GIII delivers masses of black raspberries and cassis, accented by dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar. This full-bodied wine is high-octane stuff, but carries it well, framed by supple tannins and finishing rich, velvety and long. |
|
|
2019 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$305 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (12/2021): My notes on the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone started with a big "Wow," and it's clearly a structured, serious, incredibly impressive 2019. Giving up plenty of cassis and assorted black and blue fruits, it has a distinct sense of minerality as well as classic Cabernet tobacco, lead pencil, and tobacco leaf nuances. With bright acidity, building tannins, and a concentrated, massive, backward mouthfeel, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and should have decades of prime drinking. |
|
|
2019 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (12/2021): Revealing a vivid purple hue as well as a powerful, more black-fruited, iron, tobacco, and scorched earth-like aromatic profile, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is full-bodied, has a rich, powerful attack, great mid-palate density, and brilliant tannins. Coming from a famous block located on the western side of this great vineyard, brought up in new barrels, it's another 2019 that has a rounded, supple, approachable style while also bringing impressive density, depth, and structure. |
|
|
2019 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (12/2021): A big, muscular, powerful wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 boasts a monster note of blackcurrants, fresh plums, scorched earth, tobacco, and chocolate. This all carries to a full-bodied 2019 with the ripe, savory, concentrated style of the vintage, building tannins, no shortage of fruit, and a great, great finish. It's certainly one of the biggest, richest, more structured wines in the lineup, yet the balance is spot on and everything is in the right places. It's going to take at least 7-8 years for this puppy to shed some of its considerable baby fat and hit maturity, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 20 or 30 years. |
|
|
2019 |
Wappo Hill Vyd. Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (12/2021): A new wine from this team, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Hill comes from a famous site in the Stags Leap District and is all Cabernet Sauvignon. At a high level, Stags Leap is a slightly cooler region, and the wines shine for their complexity, and that's certainly the case here. Lots of cassis, violets, graphite, dried flowers, and spicy oak define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, some chalky tannins, and notable freshness and purity. The acidity is higher here, but this still brings plenty of classic Schrader opulence and texture. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2019 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Southing is a rich, effusive wine. Bright red cherry fruit, rose petal, blood orange cinnamon and orange peel lend brightness to this mid-weight, articulate Pinot. This opens nicely with air, showing lovely density to play off its natural focus. (Drink between 2022-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$109 |
11 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Southing is a rich, effusive wine. Bright red cherry fruit, rose petal, blood orange cinnamon and orange peel lend brightness to this mid-weight, articulate Pinot. This opens nicely with air, showing lovely density to play off its natural focus. (Drink between 2022-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Southing is a rich, effusive wine. Bright red cherry fruit, rose petal, blood orange cinnamon and orange peel lend brightness to this mid-weight, articulate Pinot. This opens nicely with air, showing lovely density to play off its natural focus. (Drink between 2022-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Ten is bright, punchy and super-expressive. It shows a bit more depth and textural resonance than the Southing. Sweet red cherry fruit blood orange, plum and spice flesh nicely with a bit of time. There's plenty of energy and persistence to support a number of years of fine drinking. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Ten Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Ten is bright, punchy and super-expressive. It shows a bit more depth and textural resonance than the Southing. Sweet red cherry fruit blood orange, plum and spice flesh nicely with a bit of time. There's plenty of energy and persistence to support a number of years of fine drinking. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Shea Wine Cellars |
2019 |
Shea Vyd. ’Homer’ Pinot Noir |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (2/2022): Glistening ruby. A complex, highly expressive bouquet evokes spice- and mineral-accented red and blue fruits, potpourri, vanilla, cola and incense. Shows fine detail and cut on the palate, offering sappy Chambord, boysenberry, spicecake and candied rose flavors, along with hints of mocha and smoky minerals. Conveys a suave blend of depth and vivacity and finishes extremely long and juicy, with polished tannins adding shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2019 |
Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95+ (7/2021): I continue to just love the wines from this site, and Sojourn’s 2019 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard is a beauty. Lots of plums, darker raspberries, leather, sous bois, and burnt herb notes emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with medium to full body, a long, elegant, balanced texture, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. A seriously good Pinot Noir, it should be better with another year in bottle and keep through 2029 or beyond. (Drink between 2021-2029).
WA 92 (6/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard has a medium ruby-purple color and scents of boysenberries and cranberries with touches of watermelon and red flowers. The palate is medium-bodied, silky and deeply fruited with a layered, spicy finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): A small step up, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard offers less overt stemmy nuances (I don’t know the whole percentages on any of these) but still has ample spice, underbrush, and redcurrant aromas and flavors. It’s medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant, with terrific tannins. As with most 2019s, it’s already drinking nicely. (Drink starting 2021).
WA 90 (6/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard has a medium ruby color and aromas of watermelon, cranberries, rhubarb and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, soft, bright and very spicy with an uplifted, bitters-laced finish. |
|
| Sokol Blosser |
2019 |
Goosepen Block Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (5/2023): The 2019 Pinot Noir Goosepen Block has a pale ruby color and aromas of briary fruit, earth, spice and flint. The light-bodied palate is bright and chalky with restrained, spicy fruit and a refreshing finish. |
|
| St. Supery |
2019 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (2/2023): I thought the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate was outstanding, with a medium-bodied, fresh, elegant style as well as plenty of pure blue fruits, leafy herbs, and a kiss of minerality. I loved it’s balance, and this charming, delicious Cabernet will keep for 8-10 years, probably longer. (Drink between 2023-2034) |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2019 |
Armillary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$309 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (2/2023): Coming from a selection from two estate vineyards, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23 sports a deep purple hue to go with a brilliant bouquet of pure blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, black raspberries) as well as violets, lead pencil shavings, and chocolaty nuances. Concentrated, powerful, and full-bodied on the palate, it's a structured, tannic wine delivering ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, perfectly integrated oak, and one heck of a great finish. It's probably going to be one of the longest lived 2019s out there. Do your best to hide bottles for 5-7 years, and it will evolve for decades. Bravo! (Drink between 2028-2050).
VM 96 (12/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cask 23, the estate's top wine, is seriously impressive. It offers a combination of fruit intensity and structure, with an extra sheen of new oak relative to the other Cabernets that works quite well. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, white pepper, gravel and rose petal are nicely dialed up, adding palpable exotic flair. (Drink between 2029-2044). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Cellarius Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Distinguished Vineyards Battuello Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Fay Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Heart of Fay Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Stolpman |
2019 |
Hilltops Syrah |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93+ (8/2021): Cut from the same cloth, the 2019 Syrah Hilltops is also 100% Syrah that was 70% destemmed and brought up in neutral oak. This medium to full-bodied, elegant, beautifully layered Syrah has lots of more black and blue fruits and well as spice and pepper. As with all the wines from winemaker Kyle Knapp, it’s elegant and has a great mix of richness and freshness, followed by outstanding length. I’d give bottles another year in the cellar, and it should keep nicely through 2029. (Drink between 2022-2029).
VM 93 (10/2021): The 2019 Syrah Hilltops is pretty similar to the Originals, but it has more of everything; more power, more earthiness and more fruit. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy brooding, packed Syrahs. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (3/2022): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Syrah Hilltops Estate has a nose of red and black fruits with touches of earth, coffee beans and tar. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and chalky with crunchy fruits and a long, mineral-driven finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Sangiovese |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Sangiovese Estate has savory scents of leather, bitters, licorice and dried citrus peel. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh, with fuller fruits than the nose implies and a long finish with an array of spicy layers.
VM 92 (8/2022): The 2019 Sangiovese showed beautifully, with a vibrant ruby color as well as terrific aromatics of ripe cherries, darker berries, incense, and spice. It's medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. |
|
| Stolpman Vineyards |
2019 |
Ballard Canyon Originals Syrah |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (8/2021): The 2019 Syrah Originals offers a more cool-climate vibe in its peppery herbs, gamey meat, flowers, and black olive-driven aromatics. It hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great overall amount of texture and richness balanced by good freshness. Made from 100% Syrah that was only 50% destemmed, aged 20 months in neutral oak, this is a classic Ballard Canyon Syrah to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2029).
VM 92 (10/2021): The 2019 Syrah Originals is a powerful, earthy wine. Its more brawn than finesse with the Originals, a wine that has plenty of size and power. Game, leather, scorched earth, gravel and intense black-fleshed fruits all build. I am not convinced the Originals has the balance to truly stand on its own, but it is an intriguing wine. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (3/2022): The 2019 Syrah Originals Estate is scented of red and black currants with touches of cast iron, smoked meat, citrus peel and dried flowers. The palate is chalky, fresh and easy to drink, with iron and game meat accents on the long finish. |
|
| Tablas Creek |
2019 |
Esprit de Tablas Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (7/2025): The 2019 Esprit de Tablas opens with a youthfully coiled blend of black cherries and dusty rose complicated by nuances of spiced citrus and clove. It’s seamlessly silky in feel, nearly dense, with crisp mineral tones up front and brisk acidity invigorating its tart wild berry fruits. A gentle tug of fine tannin frames the finish as the 2019 tapers off long and fresh. The 2019 is a cool-toned and classic Esprit de Tablas that’s built for the cellar. I expect this to mature evenly for another 15 years or more. The 2019 growing season started cool but ended quite warm, leading to a compressed harvest, but the fruit that came into the winery was remarkably healthy and perfectly ripe. (Drink between 2028-2040). Eric Guido. |
|
| The Third Twin (Sine Qua Non) |
2019 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$250 |
7 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (8/2022): The 2019 Nuestra Senora Del Tercer Gemelo comes from the Third Twin estate vineyard, which was purchased in 2000. At that time, the vineyard covered 14.33 acres planted to Syrah and Petite Sirah, and the Krankls planted a mix of different varieties starting in 2011. Today, the estate covers just over 35 acres, and this is a cooler, sandy terroir. The wine sports a deep purple hue as well as a monster bouquet of blackberries, Italian leather, dried herbs, smoke tobacco, and pepper. Full-bodied on the palate, it's another seamless, perfectly balanced red from this team that somehow manages to bring incredible richness and power while staying flawlessly balanced and elegance. A blend of 33% Grenache, 23.5% Syrah, 19% each of Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, and the rest Graciano and Muscat, fermented with 19% whole clusters, it shows the more elegant, refined, silky style of this terroir beautifully. I like it today, but smart money will give bottles 2-4 years in the cellar. It should have 15-20 years of overall longevity. |
|
| Tusk Estates |
2019 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$650 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| William & Mary Wine Company |
2019 |
Shifflett Ranch Proprietary Blend |
$92.65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2019 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (6/2022): A cool and decidedly restrained nose reluctantly offers up its array of red and dark currant, spiced plum and a hint of herbal tea. The sleek, intense and refined medium weight flavors possess a silky mouthfeel while delivering excellent persistence on the balanced and markedly firm finale. This gorgeously textured and highly promising effort will need to develop more depth to merit my rating but the potential to do so certainly appears to be present. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2019 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 92 (6/2022): An exuberantly fresh nose blends both red and blue pinot fruit with notes of exotic spice, lilac and violet. Here too the texture of the medium-bodied flavors is super-sleek thanks to the notably fine-grained tannins supporting the intense, delineated and youthfully austere finale. This well-balanced effort could also use better depth, but the underlying material appears to be more than up to the task. Lovely. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2019 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (2/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Central Coast has a medium ruby-purple color and a nose of black and red berry fruit with touches of blood orange, earth and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is soft, silky and open, with juicy uplift and loads of spicy accents on the finish. 866 cases produced.
BH 88 (4/2021): Notably ripe aromas feature those of black raspberry, currant and a whiff of poached plum. There is good richness to the decidedly plush and round medium-bodied flavors possess good energy and an appealing mouthfeel on the ever-so-mildly tangy finale. This could easily be enjoyed now or held for the development of better depth. (Drink starting 2024).
VM 88 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is laced with dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and earthy notes. This understated, mid-weight Pinot is a terrific choice for drinking over the next few years, while the fruit retains some vibrancy. This is an especially savory style. (Drink between 2021-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard has lifted graphitic minerality, red plum, and pine. The palate is energetic and snappy, with lasting red cherry, fine tannins, and mineral-rich earth. Drink 2024-2038. (Drink between 2024-2038). Audrey Frick.
BH 93 (6/2022): A mentholated top note is present on the vigorously spicy blend of poached plum, dark raspberry, Asian-style tea and an interesting hint of hoisin. There is terrific verve and freshness to the beautifully tension-filled flavors that possess a sophisticated texture along with plenty of sappy dry extract that serves to buffer the very firm tannic spine shaping the impressively long, dusty and austere finale. This built-to-age effort will definitely need an extended stay in a cool cellar if you wish to see it at its peak. This too is excellent. (Drink starting 2031). |
|
|
2019 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2022): Super-fresh aromas of essence of various red berries, plum, violet and a hint of tea give way to plush, round and delicious middle weight flavors that manage to retain solid delineation on the dusty and austere finale that is bold to the point of being robust. This attractive and well-balanced effort isn't especially refined, though it stops short of being rustic. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
|
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (7/2021): Lots of smoky red and black fruits, peppery herbs, forest floor, and floral notes emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, another medium-bodied, ethereal, elegant wine from this estate. It too has some oak to integrate yet has beautiful tannins and a great finish. Give it a year or two as well.
WA 93 (2/2021): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lush aromas of wild berry preserves, aniseed, forest floor, potpourri and tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is deeply fruited, wonderfully spiced and seamlessly structured, with a very long, layered finish.
BH 91 (4/2021): More reserved aromas are composed by notes of red and dark cherry, spice, especially anise and a whiff of violet. The sleeker and finer middle weight flavors possess really lovely delineation as well as solid punch on the firm, dusty and mildly austere finish that offers slightly better balance. This too needs a few years to add depth, but it seems very promising and is worth checking out. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a terrific wine in this entry-level part of the range. Supple, open-knit and inviting, the Russian River Pinot captures the essence of the appellation so well. Succulent red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, spice and leather meld into the juicy, inviting finish. (Drink between 2021-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): Lots of ripe cherries and mulberries as well as an almost blue fruit quality all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied and super elegant, this seamless Pinot Noir shines on all accounts. It has a kiss of background oak to integrate, yet the balance is spot on, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it's just a gorgeous appellation Pinot Noir that readers should snatch up.
WA 92 (2/2021): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers spicy black fruits on the nose with savory and earthy undertones. The palate is bright and spicy with a finely grained texture and long, uplifted finish. Drink between 2020-2026.
BH 89 (4/2021): Here the very fresh nose is also relatively restrained with fruit that derives more from the red side of the spectrum, along with more discreet spice and floral wisps that include a hint of herbal tea. The delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors are not quite as rich though there is excellent delineation on the mildly edgy and slightly warm if lengthy finish. The balance isn't quite as well dialed in though a few years of keeping may well help. Drink starting 2025.
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) marries fruit depth and energy so well, brilliantly capturing so much of what makes the coast such an intriguing appellation. Bright mineral accents perk up a core of dark fruit, with a whole range of floral and savory nuances that linger. Drink between 2021-2029. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): Lots of ripe cherries and mulberries as well as an almost blue fruit quality all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied and super elegant, this seamless Pinot Noir shines on all accounts. It has a kiss of background oak to integrate, yet the balance is spot on, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it's just a gorgeous appellation Pinot Noir that readers should snatch up.
WA 92 (2/2021): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers spicy black fruits on the nose with savory and earthy undertones. The palate is bright and spicy with a finely grained texture and long, uplifted finish.
BH 89 (4/2021): Here the very fresh nose is also relatively restrained with fruit that derives more from the red side of the spectrum, along with more discreet spice and floral wisps that include a hint of herbal tea. The delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors are not quite as rich though there is excellent delineation on the mildly edgy and slightly warm if lengthy finish. The balance isn't quite as well dialed in though a few years of keeping may well help. (Drink starting 2025).
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) marries fruit depth and energy so well, brilliantly capturing so much of what makes the coast such an intriguing appellation. Bright mineral accents perk up a core of dark fruit, with a whole range of floral and savory nuances that linger. (Drink between 2021-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Terra De Promissio Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (2/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is broody on the nose with scents of graphite, woodsmoke, turned earth and licorice over a core of black berry fruit. The palate is soft, spicy, fresh and open with layered, spicy fruits and a long, earth-laced finish. 817 cases were made. Drink between 2020-2028.
VM 92 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio is a very pretty wine. Holiday spice cake, blood orange, mint, star anise and sweet dried cherry lend striking aromatic nuance. Medium in body, silky and also wonderfully refined, with striking mineral-infused drive, the Terra de Promissio has so much to offer. I very much like the energy here. All the elements are so nicely balanced. What an attractive wine this is. Drink between 2024-2034. Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (4/2021): An elegant, pure and very pretty nose blends notes of spiced plum with those of various dark berry fruit and discreet floral scents. There is very good volume to the solidly concentrated and plush medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a firm, mildly austere and dusty finale. I like the balance of this firm effort that makes clear that it's going to need at least 6 to 8 years to realize its full potential. Drink starting 2027. |
|
|
2019 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2022): This airy and exuberantly fresh nose possesses one of the broadest range of spices in the range with its essence of cherry, red currant and Asian-style tea scents. The sleek, delicious and fleshy medium-bodied flavors also manage to retain good delineation on the dusty, sneaky long and youthfully austere finish. This solidly concentrated effort will need to add depth and is a wine that should repay a decade plus of bottle aging. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2019 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (7/2022): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard offers deep, pure scents of raspberries, lavender, peppercorn, saline and autumn leaves. The medium-bodied palate is delicate yet concentrated, with a powdery, fresh frame, a rocky mineral streak and detailed floral flavors on the very long, spicy finish. This finessed expression comes from vines planted at about 1,200 feet in elevation in the Yorkville Highlands appellation of Mendocino County, where a lack of coastal influence results in extreme diurnal shifts.
BH 91 (6/2022): A much more restrained nose timidly reveals its aromas of high-toned red berries, anise, violet and a suggestion of lilac. There is excellent intensity to the succulent and caressing yet decidedly powerful flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while exhibiting fine length on the austere, dusty and borderline rustic finale. This very serious effort is already solidly complex, but it does need to flesh out. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2019 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/2021): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors offers plush black fruits laced with youthful, classy new oak that gives way to earth and amaro nuances with time in glass. The medium-bodied palate is polished, finely supported and fresh, and it finishes very long and spice-laced. All elegance and class, I can't wait to taste this with a few years of bottle age. Drink between 2020-2030.
VM 93 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is dense, fleshy and wonderfully inviting. Sweet red cherry, red plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all flesh out in a Pinot that balances suppleness with energy. It is another wine in this range that sizzles with vibrancy. Give it a few years in bottle first. Drink between 2026-2036. Antonio Galloni.
JD 92+ (7/2021): Coming from a site in the Russian River, the 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is more closed aromatically yet certainly has potential in its ripe red and black fruits and spice-driven aromatics. It shows more floral and violet nuances on the palate and is medium-bodied, with a seamless texture and solid length on the finish. Hide bottles for a year or two and it should evolve nicely for 7-8 years. Drink between 2022-2030.
BH 92 (4/2021): An interesting hint of menthol sits atop the cool aromas of dark raspberry, cranberry and anise. There is a more sophisticated texture to the utterly delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors that are at once rich but well-delineated, all wrapped in a relatively powerful, palate coating and lingering finish. This impressively intense effort does need to develop better depth but that should be easily possible given the density of material and firm tannic spine. Drink starting 2029. |
|
| Yesterday |
2019 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Baron de Brane |
2019 |
Margaux Ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
29 |
|
| |
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 Baron de Brane is a gorgeous second wine. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice and leather are front and center. This racy Margaux offers a compelling interplay of bright red-toned fruit and silky contours. Drink it over the next handful of years. Tasted two times.
JA 89 (10/2026): Inky plum colour, deep and rich damson and raspberry fruits, with touches of peony aromatics. This is good quality, confident stuff. An upscore from En Primeur.
JD 88 (4/2022): The second wine of Brane-Cantenac, the 2019 Baron De Brane is more Merlot-dominated and has a fleshy, medium-bodied, supple style as well as rock-solid aromatics of black cherries, cedar pencil, and chocolaty herbs. It's already drinking nicely yet should keep for a decade. |
|
|
2023 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$35.99 |
55 |
|
| |
JA 92 (4/2024): Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm tannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak.
Decanter 92 (4/2024): Ripe and floral notes on the nose, really quite expressive and open aromatically. There’s a richness to the scents with ripe blackcurrants, cherries and touches of rose and violets too with some milk chocolate. Supple and tart, high acidity, juicy and ripe fruit, with crunchiness, quite lean but there’s great length with freshly picked mint and some cedar and herbal aspects. Crisp and clean, lovely purity and precision. Not so layered or plush but it’s fresh and inviting with lift and a lovely mineral undertone. Accessible. Ageing 12 months, 20% new oak. 14.5 press wine. Almost 100 IPT. 40% of production. (Drink between 2027-2038) |
|
| Ch. Boyd-Cantenac |
2020 |
Margaux |
$49 |
58 |
|
| |
| JA 95 (11/2025): Inky purple in colour with a fist of toasted oak on the aromatics, but here it is skilfully coupled with a punch of cassis and blueberry fruits, and a lift of violet flowers, and creamy smoked caramel. It's exceptionally good, for me the best of the lineup, with clear precision on show. One to look out for, easy to recommend. 80% new oak. Lucien Guillemet owner and winemaker. No external consultant. |
|
| Ch. Capbern |
2019 |
St. Estephe Ex-Negociant |
$32 |
32 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): I love the nose on the 2019 Château Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, rich, tobacco and cedar pencil-filled beauty with ripe yet building tannins, a great mix of richness and freshness, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly impressive, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-6 years of bottle age, and I can't imagine it not evolving for two decades. (Drink between 2027-2042).
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2019 Capbern has improved since I tasted it just after bottling. Finally, it has developed a more elegant bouquet, mainly black fruit fused with cedar and undergrowth scents. It has mustered more classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong graphite element on the entry, fine depth, quite fresh with a structured, gritty finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Cos Labory |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$49 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory is fabulous. An extra kick of richness from the warm year and a bit more Petit Verdot than usual result in a Cos Labory that is wonderfully savory, powerful and layered. Black cherry, plum, cloves, chocolate and dried herbs build as this potent, exotically ripe Saint-Estèphe opens in the glass. Today, the 2018 is dark, brooding and in need of cellaring. Cos Labory is a bit wild, but that just adds to its considerable allure. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory has a deep garnet-purple color, bursting from the glass with bold notes of warm cassis, blackberry compote and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of roses, unsmoked cigars and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a very sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the rather delicately played fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. The structure stands out a little now, which I enjoy, but for those preferring softer, rounder expressions, give this a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15-20 years.
JD 90 (3/2021): Lots of rich red and black currants, tobacco, savory spice, and new leather notes emerge from the 2018 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied Saint-Estèphe with terrific overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, lots of character, and outstanding length. It's well worth cellaring and drinking any time over the coming 15+ years. |
|
| Ch. de Francs |
2018 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (3/2021): Bright cherry and mulberry fruits, a touch of cedary oak, and tobacco all emerge from the 2018 Château De Francs. Medium-bodied, with good overall balance and a clean finish, this is a solid, bistro-style drinker to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. (Drink between 2021-2027) |
|
| Ch. de Pez |
2019 |
St. Estephe |
$44.99 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years. (Drink between 2022-2047)
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 de Pez has gained tremendously in weight, power and substance. A wine of breadth and pure power, Pez possesses tremendous resonance and intensity, right out of the gate. Scorched earth, incense, plum, menthol and tar hit the palate. This rich, heady Saint-Estèphe has a ton to offer. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92-94 (6/2020): This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! |
|
| Ch. Fonbadet |
2019 |
Pauillac (375 ML) Ex-Negociant |
$22.99 |
22 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 93 (2/2022): The 2019 Fonbadet, impressive from barrel, has a delineated bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and touch of licorice that gains intensity with aeration; this is a Pauillac with ambition. The palate is medium-bodied with grip and density, broad shoulders and a very saline finish. This should age supremely well. (Drink between 2025-2050). Neal Martin.
WA 90 (4/2022): From a 12-hectare estate sandwiched in between Pontet Canet, Pédesclaux and Lafite, the 2019 Fonbadet offers up aromas of cassis, plums, cocoa nib and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, lively and creditably concentrated, it's built around powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. |
|
| Ch. Haut Simard |
2012 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2016): The 2012 Haut-Simard offers good mid-palate depth for the vintage, with a distinctly gamy, pleasantly rustic personality that distinguishes it in the Vauthier family's range of wines. Tobacco, savory herbs, leather and dark-fleshed fruits open into the finish. The tannins are a bit rough around the edges, but otherwise this is a fine effort. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Joanin Becot |
2018 |
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2021): Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty. (Drink between 2021-2033).
WA 92 (4/2023): A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Joanin Bécot exhibits delicate aromas of blueberries, flowers and violets with touches of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a lively, rather delicate wine with a fleshy core of fruit and a crystalline texture overlaid with a fresh, penetrating finish that has racy acidity. The wine will offer a broad tasting window.
VM 89 (3/2021): The 2018 Joanin Bécot has retained the earthy, cedar-tinged bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to emerge. There is crisp black fruit here, pine fresh. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine grip on the entry and dusky black fruit mixed with tobacco and sage. Almost Left Bank in style toward the graphite-tinged finish. This is fine Joanin that should drink well for 8–10 years. (Drink between 2021-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. La Gurgue |
2016 |
Margaux |
$39 |
26 |
|
| |
| JS 93-94 (4/2017): Tight and chewy with currant and blueberry character. Medium body, a lovely center palate and a subtle finish. Pretty continuation to the 2015. |
|
| Ch. Labegorce |
2016 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 94 (3/2023): Concentrated but restrained with old school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liqourice, slate, black chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
JD 94 (2/2019): From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. (Drink between 2022-2042)
WA 93+ (11/2018): The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. 12,000 cases produced.
VM 93 (4/2026): The 2016 Labégorce has a very pretty nose with blackberry, briar, cedar and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, a little more acidity than its peers, segueing into a savoury, black pepper-tinged finish that shows admirable persistence and sapidity. This is a classy Margaux that is ageing with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2027-2042). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lilian Ladouys |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$27.50 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 93 (7/2021): Owed by Jacky Lorenzetti (new owner also of Ch Lafon Rochet in the same appellation), this is one of those surefire estates that delivers St Estèphe power with a touch of luxury. There are layers of ripe black fruits and chewy tannins here, so it will benefit from a few more years in bottle or a serious carafing before drinking. 48hl/h yield, 35% new oak with both 225l and 400l barrels. Converting to organic farming as of 2020.
VM 92 (3/2021): The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is showing nicely now that the wine is in bottle. It has a riper bouquet compared to, say, the Calon-Ségur, more lush – a 2018 with wider appeal, featuring blueberry and cassis scents that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It is not the most powerful Lilian Ladouys in recent years, safeguarding its linearity and strictness all the way through to the finish. But it conveys a sense of classicism and has abundant freshness that should see it age well over the next two decades. (Drink between 2023-2040). Neal Martin.
JD 92 (3/2021): A year-in, year-out value, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys checks in as 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was brought up in 35% new oak. Jammy blueberries, ripe cherries, damp earth, tobacco, and spicy wood notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, rounded texture, opulent aromas and flavors, and a great finish. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
| Ch. Marsau |
2019 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$29.95 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (1/2022): A svelte, seductive and seriously appealing 100% Merlot grown atypically on clay-dominant soils on one of the highest points of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. Wild strawberries, Morello cherries and subtle spices on the nose and palate, softly sweet, generous, round, plump, juicy and mouth filling, all harmoniously packaged and carefully balanced with freshness from start to finish. Complete and evocative with purity of expression. Seek it out. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
|
|
2022 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2023 en Primeur Release |
$29.95 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (5/2023): This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo!
JA 92 (5/2023): Floral notes on the aromatics, shows the heavy spice of the vintage with black pepper, rosemary and turmeric notes, begins to lift through the palate as it opens. An unusual spot in Franc Côtes de Bordeaux with a lot of clay in the soils, and this is powerful and concentrated, with a flash of heat on the finish. 12ha vineyard, entirely clay, entirely Merlot, organic since 2018, no till farming, 25hl/h yield. Harvest September 7 to 12, to be aged 80% large oak casks (no new oak), 10% one year old, 10% neutral oak and amphora. |
|
| Ch. Pibran |
2020 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$39 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2023): Based on 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 50% new oak, the 2020 Château Pibran is a classic wine in the vintage that has a pure, layered, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook notes of darker berries, cassis, irone, and tobacco. With ripe tannins, a good spine of acidity, and plenty of texture, it's going to evolve for 15-20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Pibran is a potent wine. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and chocolate are nicely dialed up in this rich, heady Pauillac. Soft, plush and exuberant, Pibran is a total charmer. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. Bright acids and floral notes lift the finish. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 90+ (4/2023): Aromas of cassis, raw cocoa, licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2020 Pibran, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2020 |
Haut Medoc |
$38 |
48 |
|
| |
JS 94 (12/2022): This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo! Neal Martin. |
|
| Clos Sainte Anne |
2018 |
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$16.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Esprit de Chevalier |
2020 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$28.99 |
26 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2024): The 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tad too much wood influence on the nose, but there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy, lively and detailed, with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is another delicious, classically styled Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2026-2042). Neal Martin.
JD 91 (3/2023): The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2033)
WA 90 (4/2023): Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young. |
|
| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2019 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$32.95 |
25 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2022): The 2019 Fleur de Pédesclaux, matured in 30% new oak, has been increasing its Cabernet Sauvignon since 2009, when it was pure Merlot (and also undergoing organic conversion since 2013). Raspberry, blackberry, cedar and light tobacco scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is still quite fleshy and rounded, and lightly spiced, retaining that hint of Chinese five-spice toward the tender finish. A lovely second wine. (Drink between 2023-2033). Neal Martin. |
|
| G. d' Estournel |
2020 |
Medoc ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
39 |
|
| |
JA 92 (1/2023): So interesting tasting this against a wide range of AOC Médoc wines. It's a more expensive bottle than many of them, but it is confident, crafted and full of personality. Cocoa bean, espresso, plentiful berry fruit, touches of mandarin peel and lemongrass to lift things on the finish, slate texture tannins, good stuff.
JD 89 (2/2023): A terrific wine, the 2020 Goulee By Cos D'Estournel sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as ripe aromatics of currants, sandalwood, damp earth, and leafy tobacco. This medium-bodied, silky, juicy, ready-to-go Médoc is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031)
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2020 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel is very pretty and aromatic. Élevage has filled out the layers nicely, but this remains a decidedly aromatic, mid-weight vintage for the château's Médoc. Sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, cinnamon and dried cherry build nicely in the glass. The 2020 has come together nicely. (Drink between 2024-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Le C des Carmes Haut Brion |
2022 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$44.95 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is punching above its weight this year. Unfurling in the glass with a gourmand, lively and vibrant bouquet of raspberry, mulberries, rose, violet and cassis, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered with refined, velvety tannins and a deep core of fruit, concluding with a harmonious, elegant profile that avoids any excess, enhancing its distinctive personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper and their team have done a fantastic job at this address, delivering an exceptional wine.
JD 94 (2/2025): The 2022 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest 1% Petit Verdot that was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 12 months in a new foudre (there's a small part in used barrels) followed by four months all in concrete tanks. There are fewer stems in this cuvée as the vines are younger, and it has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a spicy, peppery, complex perfume of darker berry and plum fruits, spring flowers, tobacco leaf, and a beautiful sense of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and loaded with character, it's a singular Pessac-Léognan that will have two decades of longevity. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) from gravelly soils, will be kept for one year in bottle before release. It has 13.3% alcohol, reduced by the 30% whole cluster contribution with infusion rather than maceration, using a coffee plunger concept to push down the cap in the vat. It aged for one year in barrel and one year on foudres. The nose presents blackberry, clove and curry leaf aromas, with a touch more mint than before. The medium-bodied palate has slightly chalky tannins and is fresh thanks to the whole bunch contribution. Quite linear and a little Syrah-like towards the finish, this lovely wine will age well over the next 12 to 20 years. (Drink between 2028-2048). Neal Martin. |
|
| Les Fiefs de Lagrange |
2010 |
St. Julien (375 ML) |
$32 |
58 |
|
| |
| WA 89-91 (5/2011): A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, this has a very fine nose of blackberry, briary and a touch of black tea. Good definition and purity. The Petit Verdot add a little edginess to this wine that has fine tension if lacking a little length on the saturated, slightly chewy finish. Very good purity and precision though. |
|
| Les Griffons de Pichon Baron |
2019 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$49 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The second wine of this great estate, the 2019 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is a more Merlot-dominated release and is 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new oak. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe blackcurrant and darker cherry fruits as well as tobacco, smoked herbs, violets, and freshly sharpened pencils. Vibrant, pure, and complex aromatically, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has the vintage's pure, elegant character, terrific depth on the mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's a wonderful, already approachable Pauillac that will deliver the goods over the coming 20+ years. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron has a slightly evolved nose, red fruit mixed with melted tar and mixed herbs. The palate is better with firm tannins, fine acidity, quite a solid wine with admirable grip on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 10 to 12 years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2035). Neal Martin. |
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| | Bordeaux White |
| Baron de Brane |
2023 |
Bordeaux Blanc ex-Negociant |
$25.95 |
32 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. de Rayne-Vigneau |
2014 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 95 (2/2017): A rich, exotic Sauternes, the 2014 de Rayne Vigneau exudes class. A mélange of apricot jam, wild flowers, mint and lemon confit fills out the wine's frame effortlessly. Ample, powerful and super-inviting, the 2014 shows beautifully today. This is one of the more over, extroverted Sauternes of the vintage. (Drink between 2017-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2015): The Château Rayne-Vigneau 2014 could be one of the standouts of the vintage. It was showing a little new oak on the nose, though readers should note that this sample was taken from a new Burgundy barrel. There are touches of vanilla infusing the honeyed fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. This is very balanced and poised with superb tension, energetic but classy, a sophisticated Sauternes that feels persistent and long in the mouth. Talented winemaker Anne Le Naour has crafted another beauty from this estate that deserves more respect. |
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| Ch. Rieussec |
2024 |
"R" de Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc Sec ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JA 94 (4/2025): This is succulent and precise, definitely one to look out, plenty of energy and lift through the palate, elderflower, citrus, white pepper, sage, lime zest, apricot, nectarine, saffron, steel and slate. Great stuff from Rieussec in this vintage. 3.15ph. |
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| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Michele and Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Bons Batons ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
22 |
|
| |
VM 88-90 (1/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Rouge Bon Baton comes from a parcel adjacent to Ghislaine Barthod's on stonier soils, aged mostly in one-year-old barrels. Lightly perfumed on the nose, this conjures raspberry, strawberry and wild hedgerow scents, more complex than your common or garden Bourgogne Rouge. The palate is medium-bodied with satisfying concentration, not weighty or dense but light on its feet with commendable purity and grip on the finish. Traces of tobacco emerge on the aftertaste. Village Cru in quality. (Drink between 2026-2031). Neal Martin.
JM 87-89 (10/2024): An even purple colour. A very attractive stylish perfumed floral nose, with a little more body than the regular. Not massively concentrated but distinguished in its length. Sound acidity. The flavours stay with you. Drink from 2026-2030.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): A slightly riper and more deeply pitched nose features aromas of dark cherry, poached plum and freshly turned earth. The delicious if not especially dense flavors do possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before culminating in a youthfully austere, lingering and mildly austere finale. This is also very good for its level and worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding! |
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| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2023 |
Pernand Vergelesses Rouge ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
50 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2025): Here too there is a mentholated top note to the fresh and more deeply pitched nose of poached plum, dark berries and more subtle earth nuances. There is better volume to the solidly concentrated middle weight flavors that possess both a finer texture and a discreet bead of minerality on the balanced, youthfully austere and slightly firmer finale. This is a quality Pernand villages. (Drink starting 2028).
JM 87-89 (12/2024): An even light crimson colour. While there is less fruit evident on the nose, there is more concentration than expected on the palate, with a certain density towards the back, in a crunchy strawberry raspberry style. Once the bouquet develops this will, become an interesting wine. |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good acidity. Some young vines in this. Drink from 2026-2028.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): (from Chambolle vines.) An expressive and fresh nose offers up notes of red and blue pinot fruit laced with earth and discreet spice nuances. The supple, delicious and fleshy middle weight flavors conclude in a refreshing and long finish where a touch of rusticity eventually surfaces. Solid quality here. Outstanding! |
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|
2023 |
Cotes de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
32 |
|
| |
VM 89-91 (1/2025): The 2023 Côte de Nuits-Villages comprises two-thirds fruit purchased from Clombanchien, and the rest Domaine fruit from En Luret lieu-dit. Blackcurrant and raspberry combine nicely on the nose, not concentrated per se, yet showing decent clarity and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly granular texture on the entry, lightly peppered though there are no stems in the blend. Focused and harmonious toward the finish, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2022. (Drink between 2027-2037). Neal Martin.
JM 89-90 (10/2024): A mix of their own vines, one third from Au Leurey, and the rest purchases in Comblanchien. There is more depth to the purple colour here. A perfumed nose with a more sensual and floral bouquet redolent of the sunshine. Good acidity behind, medium density, some length. Drink from 2027-2030.
BH 88-91 (1/2025): (mostly from Belle-Vue in Comblanchien with small amounts of Les Loges, Les Leurey and Vaucrains.) This is aromatically similar to the Bon Bâtons but with notably more spice influence. The supple, delicious and energetic medium weight flavors possess a highly seductive, even velvety, texture while displaying very good length and depth on the balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. Drink 2028+. |
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| Pierre Boisson |
2023 |
Hautes Cotes de Beaune Rouge |
$39.99 |
12 |
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| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Anne Boisson |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$33.95 |
24 |
|
| |
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2023 |
Bourgogne Blanc Les Clous Perrons |
$47.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Bessin-Tremblay |
2023 |
Chablis ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
47 |
|
| |
BH 89-91 (10/2024): Cool and airy aromas include those of Granny Smith apple, citrus rind and ample Chablis character, especially seaweed. The delicious middle weight flavors possess a lovely texture, especially for a villages Chablis, while displaying a subtle materiality on the youthfully austere and lingering finale. Lovely. (Drink starting 2027).
JM 88 (6/2025): Bottled in March 2025. Pale lime green. Fresh and chiselled nose, some lime blossom all as minerals, Plenty of energy, not at all too fleshy, backward. Drink from 2025-2027. |
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| Dom. des Malandes |
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu Ex-Domaine |
$49.95 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru has a well-focused, quite animated bouquet that unfolds in the glass with touches of orchard fruit and grassy meadow. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This is lightly spiced but just needs a little more tension on the finish. Overall, it's a very well-made Mont de Milieu that should age nicely in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB offices in Chablis. Neal Martin.
BH 88-90 (10/2024): (from a parcel of .26 ha). A funky nose of leesy reduction and lactic character. By contrast there is good freshness to the rich, generously proportioned and succulent medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious if somewhat short finish. This should improve once it’s racked but it’s awkward today. Drink 2027+ |
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|
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey Ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru, aged 50% in used oak, has a light, fresh apple blossom- and pear-scented nose with hints of pressed white flowers. The palate is well balanced with slightly honeyed citrus fruit and modest weight, though it needs more Neal Martin.
BH 89-91 (10/2024): (from a 3.52 ha parcel aged in 30% wood). A fresh, ripe and expressive nose reflects good Chablis typicity that includes quinine, sea breeze, lemon rind and cool white fleshed fruit. There is fine density to the delicious, intense and solidly voluminous flavors that offer better depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. Drink 2028+ |
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| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2022 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 87 (6/2024): Bright aromas of just sliced citrus, white peach and pretty floral nuances are complemented by delicious middleweight flavors that are supported by lemon-tinged acidity on the vibrant, lingering and refreshing finale. Moreover, this is not your usual 'pop and pour' Bourgogne as it has the legs to repay 4 to 7 years of keeping. Worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding Top Value!
JM 87-89 (10/2023): A similar colour, pale primrose perhaps. A little bit crisper and more classic in bouquet. Delicious white fruit, very balanced, feel the limestone, enough flesh yet with precision as well. A longer and more mineral finish than Forgets. |
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|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JM 89-91 (12/2024): To bottle in the New Year. A fine mid lemon yellow with an engaging generosity of fruit already apparent on the nose. The Javilliers have manged to harness freshness with ripeness in a most engaging fashion. Apple and plum fruit throughout, with a fine long finish. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): Smoky aromas include those of apple, pear and a pretty floral top note. There is fine density, particularly in the context of the 2023 vintage, to the attractively textured and punchy flavors that conclude in a supple and lingering finish that is perhaps a bit less dry than usual. Even so, this is lovely and worth considering. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 87 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée des Forgets has a light grass clipping- and apple blossom-scented nose. The palate is fresh with admirable weight, more expressive than the aromatics at the moment, with citrus peel and a hint of apricot on the finish. Drink over the next five years. (Drink between 2025-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee Oligocene ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée Oligocène has a little more evidence of oak on the nose and a touch more yellow fruit than the Cuvée des Forgets. The palate is fresh and lively, mixing citrus lemon with orange rind and a dash of lemongrass towards the finish. Great value as always, this comes recommended. (Drink between 2025-2032). Neal Martin.
JM 89 (12/2024): Bottled end November. A slightly paler lemon yellow. Oligocene proposes a more cerebral aspect after the joyous Forgets. Ther is still an excellent concentration of ripe fruit, with a clear limestone backbone. Very good tension here with some lime notes as well as ripe lemon. Balanced and classy. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): A more layered nose is comprised by notes of petrol, various white orchard fruit, acacia and a whiff of citrus confit. There is a bit more volume to the vibrant and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that retain a fine sense of detail on the drier, longer and more complex finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne and warmly recommended. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| Dom. Potinet-Ampeau |
2018 |
Bourgogne Aligote ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
59 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Bourgogne Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 86-88 (6/2025): Fresh and bright aromas include those of pear and apple compote, citrus rind and a hint of spice. There is equally good verve to the delicious and acceptably dense flavors that possess a succulent mid-palate that contrasts mildly with the youthfully austere and balanced finale. This could use better depth so a year, or perhaps two, of cellaring should help. (Drink starting 2026).
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good ac |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2022 |
Macon-Villages au Poirier Chanin |
$46.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Macon-Villages Blanc |
$31.99 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Rully Blanc Les Cailloux |
$42.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre Morey |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$31.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 88 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté, which had been bottled, offers lilting citrus peel and clementine scents on the nose that just need a little coaxing from the glass. The palate is well balanced with an underlying sapidity, slightly viscous in texture with veins of lemongrass towards the persistent finish. This is a fine upstanding Aligoté from Anne Morey. (Drink between 2025-2030).
BH 87 (6/2025): A textbook aligoté nose is comprised by notes of various citrus elements, spice and ripe green apple. The seductive, even suave, middle weight flavors possess excellent punch as well as an almost pungent minerality that seems to build on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and borderline rustic and tannic finale. This is an old school effort that will need a year or two of keeping first. A quality aligoté. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
Decanter 92 (9/2022): Sparky herbal notes on the nose, with thyme and rosemary. There’s some roundness on the palate thanks in part down to the oak, which isn't overly dominating. Good presence on the palate thanks to the firm tannins, and a fairly long finish. A good option in 2021. 60-year-old vines, all destemmed, 15% new oak.
JD 90-92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is rock-solid, offering pretty darker cherry and fresh fig-like notes as well as spice, game, and flowery incense nuances. This medium-bodied, supple, nicely balanced, and textured effort has outstanding potential and will certainly drink nicely right out of the gate. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): All Syrah aged 15 months in barrel (15% new), the 2022 Saint Joseph Olivaie offers red and black fruits, leafy herbs, sappy flowers, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins, it's a layered, elegant, and impressively made wine in a classic style. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie mixes leafy accents with graphite, black cherry and a touch of cedar on the elegant aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, round and refreshing, the 2022 is a delicious Saint-Joseph that’s already starting to drink well. Drink between 2025-2030. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (5/2025): All Syrah, the 2023 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie brings another level of concentration, offering cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and classy oak on the nose. It has terrific purity, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The overall balance and purity here are exceptional.
VM 90-92 (1/2025): Cedar, black cherry, wood smoke and pencil shaving introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie, a medium-bodied, deeply hued Northern Rhône Syrah. Touching the palate with elevated flavor concentration, the 2023 handles the oak well. I look forward to tasting the bottled version. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2020 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2022): Saturated violet color. Displays fresh-mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits and candied flowers, with hints of savory herbs and black pepper in the background. Juicy and lithe on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of licorice. Finishes long and smooth, with resonating red fruit character and round, even tannins that come on late. Josh Raynolds.
JD 91 (12/2022): A great introduction to the wines of this terrific vigneron, the 2020 Saint Joseph Silice has classic darker berry fruits as well as peppery herbs, violets, and some obvious minerality on both the nose and palate. These carry to a medium-bodied effort with good acidity, firm yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
JS 91 (2/2022): An interesting nose of blackberries and blueberries with some graphite and leather adding interest. Robust structure for a St.-Joseph with plenty of pepper and spice, but the fruit is more than adequate to carry all this. Good length, if not tremendously complex. Sustainable. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. |
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|
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$28.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 91-93 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice is also beautiful, with a round, supple, layered style that shines in the vintage. Black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers, and hints of violets give way to a medium-bodied, up-front, charming, layered 2021 that certainly stands out in the vintage.
Decanter 91 (9/2022): Neat, well-balanced and fresh, with sappy acidity. It's a relatively light St-Joseph, as is common for the vintage, but they've found a good balance and reflected the vintage as well as it could be. Gently herbal streak and a touch of juniper. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
JD 94 (5/2025): Showing the least amount of oak in Coursodon's lineup, the 2022 Saint Joseph Silice offers blackberries, peppery herbs, damp earth, and sappy flowers, all with remarkable purity and complexity. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, this cooler-fruited effort is terrific. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 92 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph Silice unfolds with ripe black cherry, pencil shaving, black tea, crushed violet and gently leafy subtleties. Medium-bodied at most, the 2022 is a classic, age-worthy Silice that’s gently structured by ripe tannins. Drink between 2025-2035. Nicolas Greinacher. |
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|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice Ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 92-94 (5/2025): The 2023 Saint Joseph Silice shows beautifully, with a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied style as well as classic Saint Joseph minerality, the vintage's ripe red and darker, almost blue fruits, lots of spice and floral nuances, integrated oak, and outstanding length. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, it should shine right out of the gate
VM 90-92 (1/2025): The 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice evokes a classic aromatic profile so typical of the appellation. This accentuates its Syrah elegance through delicate graphite, red and black plum notes as well as spicy subtleties. The medium-bodied 2023 is shaping up to be a refreshing Saint-Joseph, closing with a resonant echo on the bright finish. It is very complete, even at this early stage. Drink between 2025-2033. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2025): Almost all Grenache the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Séguret Family Grenache was totally destemmed and spent 18 months in wooden conical trunk vats and barrels. It's a ripe, sexy, concentrated Grenache that has a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, black cherries, sandalwood, and peppery herbs. Reminding me of a great Gigondas, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It will shine over the coming 10-12 years. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (11/2025): This is gorgeous stuff offering black raspberries, violets, blood orange, and tons of peppery garrigue, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. Based on 98% Grenache and aged 18 months in 600-liter oak containers, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Grenache Family Reserve is medium to full-bodied and has a pure, layered mouthfeel with remarkable purity and fine tannins. It will stand up to just about anything in the region, and there are 375 cases produced. Drink 2025-2040. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah Ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (11/2025): A bigger, richer wine, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Syrah Family Reserve offers blackberries, chalky minerality, pepper, and gamey, meaty nuances. Based on 98% Syrah from vines planted in the 1950s and aged 18 months in oak barrels, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel with ripe tannins. It will continue to drink nicely over the coming decade, and there are 333 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Cotes du Rhone Villages Segurey Grande Reserve is based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, spicy wood, and some meaty nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad, layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. I love it today yet it's going to have a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Loubie Rose ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Nana ex-Domaine |
$17.50 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Rose ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition Ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (2/2025): Blackberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and plenty of curshed stone-like notes define the 2022 Cotes Du Rhone Seguret Tradition, a medium-bodied, structured, yet elegant Seguret that has tons of character. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
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|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2020 |
Cote Rotie La Chana ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (2/2022): Starting with the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Chana, which includes 7% Viognier, this has a ripe, up-front, charming style as well as classic Côte Rôtie black raspberry fruits mixed with spice and bacon fat nuances. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
WA 89-91 (1/2022): Blended from several parcels and barrels for my evaluation, the 2020 Cote Rotie La Chana usually contains approximately 7% Viognier and sees no new wood. It shows attractive aromas of raspberries and apricot on the nose, a medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and a savory finish that nicely balances mouthwatering acids and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for the rest of this decade. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Chana Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
53 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie La Germine ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 92 (10/2022): Spiced raspberry fruits on the nose, with a touch of blood orange. A dry, neat, compact style that will drink well young. Fine tannins reveal a gentle, light-bodied style with a good sense of freshness, if not concentration. Vines on gneiss, blonde soils. 20% whole bunch. Vinified in open concrete tanks. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Germine Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 89 (1/2025): The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Germine evokes a fairly simple aromatic profile, opening with red and black cherry notes alongside touches of violet and spice box. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2022 is an elegant, early approachable Côte-Rôtie culminating with brightness on the moderately long finish. (Drink between 2025-2030). NIcholas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2020 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$44.99 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (2/2022): Starting with what could be considered the entry level cuvée, the 2020 Cornas Granit 30 comes from further down the slope, from vines closer to the village. That's obviously not a bad thing, since this plump, full-bodied, beautifully textured Cornas has remarkable purity and elegance as well as richness. Blackberries, blueberries, subtle smoke, graphite, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a seamless, incredibly elegant texture.
VM 93 (12/2022): Dark violet color. Dark berry preserve, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas, with a hint of espresso in the background. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering spice-tinged cherry-cola, blueberry and candied violet flavors with a spicy snap of black pepper. The floral note carries through a very long, dark fruit-driven finish, where gently chewy tannins add shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds.
Decanter 93 (10/2021): Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. (Drink between 2022-2028) |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
30 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Gigondas Cuvee Florence ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
37 |
|
| |
| JD 91-93+ (10/2023): Slightly deeper hued, the 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Florence has a terrific nose of darker berries, sandalwood, white chocolate, and pepper. It's a concentrated, medium-bodied, balanced 2021 offering solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Based on Grenache and Syrah that sees an extended élevage in barrels, it should benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have a solid decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2024 |
IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange Miss Grenouille ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave Ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave ex-Domaine |
$35.99 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Rouge Syrah Valine Ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vin de France Syrah Valine ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): A cuvée whose quality has soared over the past four to five years, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a brilliant effort in an arguably more challenging, heatwave-driven vintage. Sporting a ruby translucent hue, it boasts a brilliant perfume of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, peppery garrigue, and loamy earth with beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's very much in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage yet stays pure, graceful, and is just impossible to resist. It's not a long-term ager, so drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): Lots of peppery red and black berry fruits, garrigue, and spice-driven aromatics emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône, with a hint of flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a juicy finish. It's one seriously good Côtes du Rhône that you could pretty much put up against anything in the appellation – count me impressed. This should have 10-12 years of prime drinking as well, and I'd be happy with a case in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc has a Burgundian-like sense of reduction as well as beautiful quince, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of background spice and toastiness. It's medium-bodied and has a clean, classy style that's going to evolve for 7-8 years in cold cellars. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2025): Based on 100% Marsanne, the 2023 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc reveals melon, honeyed flowers, spice, and toasted notes, showing impressive purity and cleanliness. It's fleshy on the palate, with beautiful balance and good purity, and while it has a slightly hazy color, it remains an impressive white. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
WA 91 (3/2025): Fresher and livelier than its Paradis Saint-Pierre counterpart, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice Blanc reveals aromas of confit citrus, spring blossoms and pear. Moderately weighted and delicately enveloping, it's juicy and layered with bright acids, concluding with a mouthwatering, floral finish.
VM 90 (1/2025): Flinty elements introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc Silice, accompanied by notes of cedar, ripe pear, white peach and lemon flesh. Full-bodied, round and generous, the 2023 bundles vibrant energy and checks out with persistence on the sapid finish. This is an exquisite white Saint-Joseph. Drink between 2025-2027. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2024 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice Ex-Domaine |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (11/2025): Based on 90% Viognier and 10% Roussanne and aged in demi-muids with weekly bâtonnage for six months, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc shows a light gold hue and offers crisp stone fruit, honeyed flowers, and a hint of orange blossom. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and crisp, with terrific purity and balance. There are 191 cases produced. Drink 2025-2029. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2024 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2026): Honeyed melon, crushed stone, mint, and hints of orange blossom all define the 2024 Prestige, an incredibly pure Saint-Péray that has so much to love. It's medium-bodied, has undeniable minerality, and outstanding length. You could put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while it plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it brings tons of character. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Marsanne Ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): All Marsanne, the 2024 Saint-Péray Marsanne offers a gorgeous nose of honeyed quince, sappy white flowers, spice, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied and has a focused, juicy, yet still nicely concentrated mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It plays in the fresh, juicy, focused style of the vintage and will evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Roussanne Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): Orchard fruits, honeyed mint, and sappy herb/floral nuances emerge from the 2024 Saint-Péray Roussanne, which is medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate. I love its overall purity, and it picks up a beautiful sense of salinity with time in the glass. It has another decade or more of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2021 |
Condrieu Les Caillets ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
26 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2021 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (5/2024): The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Couzou Blanc is based on Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, all from more granitic soils. It has a light gold hue as well as a subtle nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed orange, and spice, and it's medium-bodied, nicely textured, and nicely balanced on the palate. It has a good sense of freshness, but it's certainly a rich white that's going to shine on the dinner table. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
43 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source Ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
25 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Ch. de Pibarnon |
2020 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$44.99 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2026): Under seven years of age, this 2020 Bandol Pibarnon keeps all its promises. It has taken time to develop and grow more complex, with delicate oak notes and others more smoky and typical of the terroir: sour cherry jam, leather, and precious wood. The texture is frank, coating, broad, and round, and the balance will confirm itself over the next 10-15 years. Best from 2027-2035. Antoine Petrus |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Blanc ex-Chateau |
$49.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (7/2024): The elegant and perfumed 2023 Bandol Blanc from Château de Pibarnon is a real success this year, despite a challenging vintage in the region. It evokes aromas of citrus, spring flowers, curry leaves and white fruits mingled with spicy notes. Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced and fleshy, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a long, mineral and saline finish. This blend of 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc and the rest of a mix of other white grapes is an outstanding wine. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years.
VM 91 (5/2023): The 2022 Rosé is savory and sweet with a rich blend of rosemary, sage and tomato leaf, giving way to dried cherries. It's silky-smooth and round with a buzz of minerality and brisk acidity up front as ginger-spiked nectarine forms toward the close. This tapers off with a salty flourish. Spice and citrus notes keep the mouth watering. Eric Guido. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2025): The 2023 Bandol Rosé is a powerful, classy Rosé that delivers the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Deep and rich, the 2023 takes its time in the glass, gradually unfurling layers of waxy cherry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, raspberry liqueur, , crushed oyster shell and dried apricot. There’s an impressive phenolic core and a wealth of complexity here, not to mention a long, long finish. This is a very serious wine with the stuffing to improve in the cellar. Billy Norris.
WA 92+ (7/2024): A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon offers up a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, licorice, red berries, lemon, spring flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, enveloping and beautifully structured, it’s round and juicy with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a mineral, calcareous finish. This is a classical rosé wine from Bandol. |
|
|
2024 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2025): The 2024 Bandol Rosé is another stunning wine from Provence. Revealing a complex, fresh bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and spices, it's medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and round, with a supple, elegant core of fruit supported by moderate tannins, finishing long and delicately saline. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$47.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2026): With the 2021 Bandol Nuances, Pibarnon produces a near-perfect rosé. The pale ruby color leads into spiced, smoky aromas of white pepper, redcurrant jam, and peppery touches, while numerous fine tannins coat the palate to provide power, character, and length. Drink now. Antoine Petrus. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Le Roc des Anges |
2016 |
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Asterolide |
$31 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Les Restanques de Pibarnon |
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Klipfel |
2012 |
Riesling Cuvee Louis Klipfel |
$18 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Charpentier |
NV |
Tradition Brut Champagne |
$38.99 |
57 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent was bottled a month before my visit. This has fine purity on the nose. The 20% used oak knits everything together nicely, though not as powerfully as the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and red cherry and crushed strawberry notes leading to a smooth, easy-drinking finish. The 2023 is very fine. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Champ de Cour Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 92 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour was bottled one month before my visit. It has a lifted and more intense bouquet than the Mortperay, with floral scents of rose and violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, with supple tannins and a precise, graceful finish that lingers in the mouth. The 2023 is superb. Neal Martin.
WA 90+ (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, aged in oak barrels, stands out as the most lavish offering of the lineup, showcasing deep sappy notes of prunes, cherries, licorice and cacao powder. However, it maintains a poised balance thanks to a refreshing edge of ginger spice and graphite. Full-bodied and with ripe acidity, the wine exhibits a firm structure that signals its aging potential with tightly woven, youthful tannins. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Dernier Souffle Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
59 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernière Souffle is bottled a couple of months later than other cuvées. It has redcurrant and cranberry aromas on the nose, with light earthy scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, more grip than the Champ de Cour and more substance on the finish. This positively brims with potential. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernier Souffle is a luscious fruit-forward wine, yet one of refinement, with notes of rose petals, juicy cherries, vine smoke and sweet spices. It's full-bodied, with ripe acidity and a concentrated, sappy-fruited core. This richness is framed by smoothly integrated tannins that impart a velvety texture, with a dimensional finish toned with graphite. This is a generously proportioned wine that will undoubtedly benefit from time in the bottle or, at the very least, a spell in the decanter to unwind. |
|
|
2022 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2024): The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from clayey soils just below Fleurie; the vines here are 70 years old. It aged in old barrels sourced from Chablis. It has another mineral-driven nose but with more roundness and depth than the classic bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well-balanced and poised, touches of freshly rolled tobacco on the finish. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from a parcel next to Fleurie on clay soils. It was bottled in January and offers Morello cherry, rose petal and cassis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins. This is pure and elegant in style, with touches of sour cherry and raspberry . Neal Martin.
WA 90 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Montperay, slated for release in 2025, comes from 80-year-old vines located at the periphery of the Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie. The wine unfurls with a lush bouquet of stewed blueberries and cherries, accented by mocha spice and sweet soil. On the palate, the layered wine unfolds along a horizontal trajectory with subdued acidity that imparts a certain softness and density to its texture. |
|
| Pascal Aufranc |
2018 |
Julienas Les Cerisiers ex-Domaine |
$15.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Brouilly Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 89 (4/2025): The 2023 Brouilly comes from purchased fruit grown on granite soils. Pretty red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced and transparent, with light tannins. It's a little fleshier than expected, featuring brambly red berry and bergamot notes on the finish. It's lovely, though not long-term. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Brouilly, from purchased grapes near Odenas, is a classic bistro wine. It's juicy, with notes of lilacs, raspberries and plums and tones of crushed stones that give the wine some dimension. It's medium to full-bodied, with a balanced density of fruit and bright acidity that keep it fresh. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Georg Gustav Huff |
2020 |
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Trocken |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2020 |
Gattinara |
$43.99 |
22 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2025): Vallana's 2020 Gattinara is powerful, rustic and a bit rough around the edges, and yet it conveys so much genuine, uncomplicated character. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and mint are some of the notes that take shape as this rambunctious Gattinara gradually opens in the glass. Don't look for finesse here. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cantina Tibaldi |
2023 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
19 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
29 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$29 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$33.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Caprili |
2023 |
Rosso di Montalcino |
$21.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (1/2025): The bright ruby 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino jumps from the glass with bright mixed berry fruit, peaches, crushed flowers, and sweet tea. The palate is juicy, with a snap of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. This is a total charmer of a Rosso to drink now or over the next 5-6 years. (Drink between 2025-2031). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2022 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$36.95 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (4/2026): The 2023 Barbera D'Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo pours a youthful red/purple hue and was fermented in stainless steel before aging 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks. It opens with wild black cherries, delicate rustic earth, incense, and violets. Medium-bodied, it’s vibrant and well-balanced, with fine tannins and a savory citrus lift that carries through the finish. A traditionally raised Barbera with both energy and structure, about 8,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
55 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2026): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks and pours a youthful ruby red color. It offers a ripe perfume that’s a bit shy, but the palate really shines, offering ripe red berries, a bit of rustic earth, fresh tobacco, and incense. Medium-bodied, zesty, and refreshing, with a good balance of sunny pure fruit, fine tannins, and refreshing acidity, it’s a very appealing Nebbiolo to drink now or over the next 8-10 years. A star in this category, no doubt, it’s delicious and I would snap it up. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Luigi Maffini |
2021 |
Cenito Cilento Aglianico |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (5/2024): Wilted violets and ground cloves complicate a burst of dried wild blueberries and exotic spice as the 2021 Cenito smolders up from the glass. This is pure elegance—silky and polished, yet lifted and energetic, with a textural wave of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. A caking of salty minerals mingles with fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with staining length and youthful structure, leaving a tart blackberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. (Drink between 2026-2034). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2024 |
Kratos Fiano |
$24.99 |
45 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2026): Quite mineral-driven in style, the 2024 Fiano Kratos wafts up with salty sea air, crushed rocks and lemon-spiked green apples. The palate is zesty, with a bump of riveting acidity on the entry to energize its tart orchard fruits. It tapers off with sour lime and a saline saturation. Eric Guido. |
|
| Sottimano |
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
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| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
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| |
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| Tenuta di Carleone |
2022 |
Chianti Classico |
$34.99 |
20 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2025): This is one of the most original wines from the appellation. The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Chianti Classico sees partial whole-cluster fruit and up to three months of extended fermentation. The wine opens to a medium-garnet color with a shiny element to its appearance. The bouquet is similarly bright and punchy with lots of tart red and blue fruits. Fruit for this 55,000-bottle release is sourced from across this 32-hectare estate in Radda in Chianti. This wine is extremely giving and bright at the moment.
VM 92 (7/2025): The 2022 Chianti Classico is gracious, elegant and polished, as these wines so often are. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, pine and light citrus overtones exalt the natural brightness of Sangiovese. This translucent, weightless Chianti Classico is a real beauty. (Drink between 2025-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
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| |
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| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
|
| |
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| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
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| |
|
|
2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
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| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2005 |
Herrick-Moulds Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 91-94 (6/2007): Medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, iron, mocha and pepper. Sweet, silky and pliant, with a captivating sugar/acid balance. This really vibrates on the palate. Finishes with suave tannins and terrific sappy, peppery length. This has the suavity and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more. |
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| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
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2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
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| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2011 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2014): Slightly richer and more concentrated than the Signature Syrah, yet still playing in the elegant, seamless style of the vintage, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 35% new French oak. Possessing beautiful black raspberry, currants, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of graphite, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous purity of fruit and a seamless, silky texture that carries through the finish. Give it a year or two and drink bottles through 2024. |
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|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
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| |
WA 93 (6/2015): A similar purple/ruby, semi-opaque color to the Signature Syrah, the 2012 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard has more minerality (no doubt due to coming from Red Mountain) to go with lots of blackberry, graphite, pepper and crushed violet notes. Like the Signature Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely with lots of concentration, integrated acidity and a big finish, where the wine's structure becomes more apparent. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Good dark red. Lovely perfume of cherry, cranberry, white pepper, spices and dusty flowers. Lovely fine-grained Syrah with a savory restraint to its highly aromatic red berry and spice flavors complicated by a hint of game. Made from a slow-to-ripen Entav clone. Finishing quite firm, even a bit youthfully sullen, this already complex Syrah needs time to evolve. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Donelan |
2013 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2017): The 2013 Cuvee Moriah is 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah that’s all from the Dry Stack Vineyard in the Bennett Valley. It has a gorgeous (as well as complex) bouquet of ripe cherries, cranberry, dried flowers and incense. This carries to an ethereally textured, elegant Grenache that that has sweet fruit, medium-bodied richness and a great finish. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s going to be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years. This may be my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date. |
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| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
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| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Kutch |
2013 |
Falstaff Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
VM 91 (1/2015): Rose petals, mint, spices and sweet red berries are all laced together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard. This is the most lifted and aromatic of the wines in this range. The 2013 is intensely saline, lifted and perfumed. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy aromatic, mid-weight Pinots. The 2013 is all about precision and nuance. It is also a bit light, even within the context of this style. (Drink between 2015-2025). Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2015): Notes of dried rose petal, anise, herbal tea, red currant and a hint of cinnamon introduce silky-textured medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the dusty, balanced and lingering finale. This too will need a few years but less than either the Sonoma Coast or Bohan, as the overall palate impression is notably finer. Note however that the balance should allow this to age, and improve, gracefully for up to a decade. (Drink starting 2019). |
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| Matthews |
2010 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2010 |
Colombia Valley Syrah |
$20 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (12/2013): (15.4% alcohol; aged in once-used puncheons and once-used barriques ): Saturated bright ruby. Very primary, dark aromas of blackberry, licorice and illegal resiny herbs, lifted by a high-pitched violet perfume. Dense, juicy and suave but quite tightly wound in the style of the vintage. Dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors work more savory than sweet. This very young, long wine finishes with very fine-grained, suave tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2023): The 2019 Red Blend The Puzzle checks in as mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1.5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This vivid blue-hued 2019 has a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy green herbs and crushed stone. Almost austere on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. I’d give bottles at least 3-4 years in the cellar. (Drink starting 2026). |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was raised in 50% new French oak and was entirely destemmed. Pouring a youthful, ripe ruby color, it’s highly aromatic with floral and fruity aromas of sweet cola spice, mixed berries, and preserved flowers. Medium-bodied, it retains good energy and freshness as well as wonderful purity on the palate, with fine tannins and a clean, chalky textured finish. It is a beautiful entry to the range and is going to have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 6-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
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| Sullivan |
2003 |
Estate Reserve Merlot |
$50 |
16 |
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| |
|
| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic is all class. Silky tannins and expressive, perfumed aromatics give the wine unreal finesse. Just as compelling on the palate, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite in its understated, nuanced expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Upper Picnic is the most elegant of these four Pinots. (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (2/2019): I loved the 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard. This beauty boasts fabulous red fruits, spice, dried flowers, and rose petal notes, with a hint of California bay leaf developing with time in the glass. Possessing a silky, rounded, elegant texture, medium body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, it’s a truly thrilling Pinot Noir that can be drunk today or cellared for 7-8 years. (Drink between 2018-2026). |
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| Vincent Wine Co. |
2017 |
Bjornson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35.99 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2020): Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality. (Drink between 2022-2029). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | USA White |
| Bevan Cellars |
2021 |
Dry Stack Vyd. Sauvignon Blanc |
$35 |
13 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (8/2022): A blockbuster of a Sauvignon Blanc, Bevan's 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vineyard comes from an Italian clone planted in gravelly soil in the Bennett Valley and is raised, I believe, in barrel. Bottled unfiltered so it has touch of haziness in its gold hue, it offers a heavenly bouquet of caramelized lemon zest, mint, orange blossom, honeyed flowers, and brioche. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has incredible concentration, a layered, pure mouthfeel, good freshness, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors and has the weight and richness of a great Chardonnay. Drink this beauty over the coming 2-3 years. |
|
| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2012 |
Helene Yakima Valley White Wine |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (2/2024): Dan Kosta and Shane Finely have worked together since 2006, when Finley, at age 26, began working in the cellar at Kosta Browne. These guys are having a lot of fun with Convene, the label Kosta launched in 2019. After their entry-level bottlings, the Convene label represents the 'Premier Cru' level wines, while DK Grail is the 'Grand Cru' tier. They are unquestionably 'Holy Grail' worthy. Finley and Kosta are big fans of longer ageing and extended lees contact with their Chardonnays. We tasted in February 2024, and they'd just bottled their 2022s. Super expressive nose with wonderful ripe fruit flavours alongside butterscotch and toasty brioche. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with plenty of salty mineral tension. Partial malolactic fermentation means the wine retains great tension, vibrancy, and freshness. Flavours run the spectrum from Meyer Lemon to apricots and white peaches. Crushed Marcona almonds are entangled in the finish, and I find this a balanced expression of California Chardonnay with the right amount of toasty richness and acidity. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Gambal Work |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
45 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Chardonnay |
$10 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Hourglass |
2024 |
Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
$33.99 |
24 |
|
| |
JD 94 (12/2025): Based on 86% Sauvignon Blanc/Musque and 14% Semillon from Napa and Sonoma County fruit and aged six months with 30% in oak barrels, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic, fresh lime, ripe citrus, mint, and stony minerality aromatics. It's medium-bodied, has a bright, fresh, focused, pure mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. There are roughly 2,600 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. (Drink between 2025-2035).
VM 90 (11/2025): The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an airy, gracious, aperitif-style white drink now and over the next few years. Citrus peel, sage, tomato leaf and mint are all finely sculpted. (Drink between 2025-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Sonoma County Chardonnay |
$36 |
19 |
|
| |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2019 |
Scherrer Vyd. Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Chardonnay Scherrer Vineyard is a powerful, wild wine. Soaring aromatics and a deep structure give this Alexander Valley Chardonnay tons of character. Orchard fruit, mint, tangerine oil and dried flowers all open in the glass. There's something exotic about the 2019 that is undeniably appealing. The creamy, substantial finish is a thing of beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2023 |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Stony Hill |
2024 |
Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| Decanter 94 (2/2026): Fruit from 1967-planted vines, the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Napa Valley, is at Haynes and Quartz Creek on alluvial soils. This wine balances plush fruit, fleshy pears, 30% new oak for 10 months, and only partial malolactic fermentation. This is a wine of elegance that balances white peach flesh, mineral-driven, mountain Chardonnay, and is oh so fresh. (Drink between 2026-2034). |
|
| | Other White |
| Quevedo |
2011 |
Oscar’s White Douro |
$9.99 |
31 |
|
| |
|
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