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Inventory updated: Thu, Sep 10, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2021 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 1.5 L
Tasting Notes:
VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Sea Smoke |
2005 |
Botella Pinot Noir  |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (12/2007): Deep red. Spicy cherry and raspberry on the nose, with exotic cola and cinnamon qualities adding complexity. Sweet red berry and kirsch flavors are open-knit, juicy and lightly firmed by silky tannins. Gains a peppery, spicy quality on the finish, which is smoky, sweet, broad and long. "The lots for this bottling are chosen for being fruit-driven and requiring less time to open," said winemaker Kris Curran.
BH 88 (10/2007): (from Santa Rita Hills fruit, 40% new oak and bottled at 14.7%). A lush and opulent nose redolent of a spice bazaar features very ripe red, blue and violet aromas that are in keeping with the silky and round medium weight plus flavors that are really quite stylish if not nearly as concentrated as those of its two stable mates, all wrapped in a delicious, pure and tangy finish that carries the considerable alcohol with more grace than one might guess. Drink 2009+. |
|
|
2008 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Botella Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (8/2012): The 2009 Pinot Noir Botella sweeps across the palate with deep, rich layers of dark fruit. Smoke, licorice, incense and leather develop in the glass. The Botella is one of the more extroverted, juicy Pinots in this lineup. The wine’s persistence, depth and overall sense of harmony are all first-rate. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
|
2010 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2003 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (2/2006): Medium red. Slightly herbal aromas of cherry, raspberry, menthol and rose petal. Sweet and fat but a bit dry-edged; hints at an underripe/overripe character. A softer-styled, rather oaky pinot noir that could use a bit more energy. |
|
|
2005 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$125 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 91 (12/2007): Dark red. Zesty raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by cinnamon, black cardamom and violet. The perfume built with air, gaining depth and power. Lush kirsch and blackcurrant flavors seem vaguely syrah-like, but there's excellent mineral tang keeping things in check. Finishes with impressively sweet red fruit flavors, supple tannins and striking persistence.
BH 88 (10/2007): This is also notably ripe with an attractive breadth of spice and dark and blue berry fruit aromas including cola and coffee that complement the concentrated flavors blessed with ample dry extract and a nicely intense if somewhat edgy and slightly warm finish that is not at present as well integrated as it might be. There is clearly good material here but the youthful awkwardness has yet to pass. Drink 2009+. |
|
|
2010 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
| Decanter 94 (4/2023): The 2014 Southing offers loads of toffee, caramel and cedar aromas. On the palate, medium to full-bodied layers of ripe cherry, plums, and boysenberry fruits mingle with chocolate shavings and mint. Pixalated tannins coat the palate while a firm backbone of tangy blood orange acidity maintains freshness and drives through a long, savoury herb, sandalwood, and smoke-tinged finish. (Drink between 2023-2034) |
|
|
2015 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$79 |
14 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$109 |
9 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (9/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir Southing is terrific. Finely cut and bright, with soaring floral and citrus overtones, the Southing offers a beguiling mix of deep fruit and aromatic intensity. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint and rose petal are all finely cut in a precise, mid-weight Pinot of real distinction. This is such a pretty wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$95 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$95 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Southing is laced with bold dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha. A wine of volume and depth, the 2018 offers tons of allure, with plush contours and impeccable overall balance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Southing is laced with bold dark-fleshed fruit, menthol, licorice, spice and mocha. A wine of volume and depth, the 2018 offers tons of allure, with plush contours and impeccable overall balance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2020 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$105 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2025): The 2020 Pinot Noir Southing is rich and voluptuous, showing its oak imprint prominently. Baking spices and waxy wood tones sit atop integrated tannins and supple acids. Vanilla, black raspberry and cassis weave through the palate, rounding into a gently bitter close. This is a broad, soft-edged Pinot with plenty of immediate appeal. I'd prefer more brightness, but this is clearly a very well-made wine. (Drink between 2025-2031). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2020 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$89 |
11 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2025): The 2020 Pinot Noir Southing is rich and voluptuous, showing its oak imprint prominently. Baking spices and waxy wood tones sit atop integrated tannins and supple acids. Vanilla, black raspberry and cassis weave through the palate, rounding into a gently bitter close. This is a broad, soft-edged Pinot with plenty of immediate appeal. I'd prefer more brightness, but this is clearly a very well-made wine. (Drink between 2025-2031). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2020 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$210 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2025): The 2020 Pinot Noir Southing is rich and voluptuous, showing its oak imprint prominently. Baking spices and waxy wood tones sit atop integrated tannins and supple acids. Vanilla, black raspberry and cassis weave through the palate, rounding into a gently bitter close. This is a broad, soft-edged Pinot with plenty of immediate appeal. I'd prefer more brightness, but this is clearly a very well-made wine. (Drink between 2025-2031). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$105 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Southing Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2003 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2006): Good saturated deep red. Dark raspberry and musky espresso on the oaky nose. Juicy, firm and structured but also satisfyingly fat and sweet, with a finer grain and a higher pitch than the Southing. Still, the mocha and chocolate flavors show an almost Rhone-like ripeness. Finishes with substantial but soft tannins and a positive dryness. This should benefit from a year or two of cellaring. |
|
|
2005 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2007): Deep red. Exotically perfumed nose offers a wild array of dark berry, cherry, incense and floral scents. Spicy red and dark berry flavors are refreshingly bitter but became sweeter with air, gaining a white pepper and baking spice character. Really stains the palate, finishing with Outstanding cling and length. I was looking for oakiness but didn't find it. Curran noted that she's as meticulous as possible with her winemaking, leaving as little as possible to chance. As she put it: "Spontaneity isn't a good idea when you're making red expensive wine."
BH 90 (10/2007): A distinctly ripe yet not surmature nose features hints of spice, black currant and noticeable but not dominant wood influence that continues onto the big, rich, bold and sweet flavors that possess excellent volume on the delicious, sappy and chocolaty finish that has both a subtle tang and more than a touch of warmth. What elevates this beyond the ordinary though is the fine sense of underlying complexity as well as the much better than average length. In sum, this is no ballerina and it's not my style but it does make a statement. Drink: 2010+ |
|
|
2008 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2010): Saturated ruby. Deep, pungent aromas of black raspberry, cherry pie, vanillin oak and smoky Indian spices. Sappy, palate-coating cherry and dark berry compote flavors show an exotic floral pastille quality and hints of clove and mocha. A distinctly rich, fleshy pinot that will aggravate Burgundy purists, but this wine makes quite a statement. |
|
|
2009 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (10/2011): Opaque ruby. Pungent, expressive bouquet offers dark berry compote, cola, vanilla bean and incense qualities, along with slow-building spiciness and notes of clove and mocha. Lush, palate-coating blackberry and mulberry flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and complicated by notes of spicecake and candied violet. Tannins build with air and carry through a very long, sweet, oak-spicy finish. This is a baby.
WA 89 (8/2012): One of the Sea Smoke flagships, the 2009 Pinot Noir Ten impresses for its depth and sheer power. Layers of flavor flow through to the huge, dramatic finish in a full-bodied, intense Pinot. Once the intensity of the fruit fades, there is not much development in the glass, which results in an overall impression of one-dimensionality. The Ten is made from all ten Pinot clones planted on the property. While a solid effort, I expected more from this offering, which also happens to be the wine through which I discovered Sea Smoke years ago. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
|
2011 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2015): A much bigger, richer Pinot Noir, the 2012 Pinot Noir Ten is a cellar selection chosen with the focus on structure and richness. Brought up in 65% new French oak, it has sensational purity and depth in its sweet black raspberry, crushed violets, spice and subtle oak aromas and flavors. These all carry over to the palate where the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and textured, with notable tannic grip. It's another wine from this estate that deliver tons of flavor authority while never seeming heavy, cumbersome or over the top. I wish more estates would make wine in this style. |
|
|
2013 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$99 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
7 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (9/2019): Sea Smoke's 2016 Pinot Noir Ten is rich, boisterous and inviting from the very first taste. A wine of real immediacy and impact, the Ten has so much to offer. Black cherry, plum, hard candy, lavender, sweet spice and new oak are front and center in this lush, beautifully persistent Pinot Noir from Sea Smoke. The Ten will appeal most to readers who appreciate lush Pinots. There is certainly plenty to like here, that much is obvious. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$95 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Ten Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2022): The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. 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. |
|
|
2020 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$115 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2020 Pinot Noir Ten offers more tension and brightness than Southing, with opulence delivered in a velvety frame. Pomegranate, iodine, sweet spice, white smoke and toasty French oak merge into a seamless whole. Less about fine delineation of flavors than about a unified impression, this is a harmonious, flowing wine with a pliant mid-palate and a soft finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Ten is rich and forward, leaning into the riper side of the spectrum. Elevated notes of iodine, tart berries, chalk and tobacco bring complexity, while cedar and oak spice shape the finish. This remains a powerful wine that will benefit from a bit of time in bottle. (Drink between 2025-2031). Billy Norris. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Arnot-Roberts |
2021 |
Fox Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$70 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (8/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Fox Creek Vineyard is bright and finely sculpted. Crushed red berry fruit, orange peel, mint, crushed rocks and intense veins of minerality all come through in this vivid, beautifully nuanced Pinot. The vibrant, transparent style that emerges from this site at 1,100 feet in elevation is so alluring, (Drink between 2025-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Heaven and Earth Pinot Noir |
$71 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (8/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Heaven and Earth Vineyard is sensational. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, sage and lavender are all amplified in this potent, ample Pinot Noir. There's palpable density to the 2021, and yet the vibrant energy that is such an Arnot-Roberts signature comes through loud and clear. The 2021 is marked by a feeling of explosive vibrancy that is compelling. (Drink between 2025-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Heaven and Earth Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$71 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (8/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Heaven and Earth Vineyard is sensational. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, sage and lavender are all amplified in this potent, ample Pinot Noir. There's palpable density to the 2021, and yet the vibrant energy that is such an Arnot-Roberts signature comes through loud and clear. The 2021 is marked by a feeling of explosive vibrancy that is compelling. (Drink between 2025-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Belle Glos |
2021 |
Dairyman Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bergman |
2021 |
Estate Proprietary Red |
$350 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2025): The inaugural release, the 2021 Proprietary Red Wine checks in 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 6% each of Petit Verdot and Merlot, all aged 30 months in 95% new French oak. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty offers a killer nose of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, new leather, graphite, and chocolate. A rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2021, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, perfectly integrated oak, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years of bottle age (if not more) but is a stunningly complete, layered, impressive Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that readers will love. This is a tiny estate and there's not much wine produced, but buy it if you can find it.
WA 96+ (10/2024): Bottled after approximately 29 months in French oak barrels (95% new), Bergman's inaugural release—although not the first vintage made off this small Spring Mountain vineyard—is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 6% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. The 2021 Red Wine, made with the advice of consultant Nigel Kinsman, is fragrant and floral, combining hints of sage, bay and violet with strong underlying notes of black cherries. Cocoa and vanilla nuances from the oak are also present on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is dense and concentrated yet simultaneously silky and fine, with a lingering, elegant finish. |
|
| Bien Nacido |
2021 |
Santa Maria Valley Grenache |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2023): The 2021 Grenache Bien Nacido Vineyard is expressive and alluring. It has pretty scents of strawberry and raspberry jam with nuances of rooibos tea, blood orange, licorice and dusty earth. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and super fresh, with gregarious, perfumed fruit and a long, nuanced finish.
VM 94 (9/2023): The 2021 Grenache is another superb wine in this tasting. Rich, heady and pliant, with terrific depth, the Grenache is seriously impressive. Dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, spice and new leather are all dialed up. The 15% whole clusters are buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Aging in 500-liter barrels works so well here. (Drink between 2023-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bond |
2021 |
Pluribus |
$475 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 98 (12/2024): The 2021 Pluribus is just as exceptional as it was from barrel. Complex, dynamic and ever-changing in the glass, the 2021 coveys tons of mountain structure. Graphite, crushed rocks, mint, spice, licorice and lavender are all laced together in a dramatic, dense wine endowed with tremendous pedigree. This site on Spring Mountain yields Cabernets loaded with character. (Drink between 2028-2041). Antonio Galloni.
JD 96+ (1/2025): Usually one of the most structured wines in the lineup, the 2021 Pluribus is more medium to full-bodied and elegant, with a terrific perfume of black and blue fruits intermixed with exotic flowers, violets, and graphite nuances. It has a certain exotic edge, is beautifully balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish. It's another seamless, elegant, very classically built Cabernet Sauvignon from this team that deserves 4-6 years of bottle age and will be long-lived. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
| Capiaux |
2021 |
Chimera Pinot Noir |
$35 |
7 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (8/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Chimera is a rich, heady wine. A burst of dark red cherry, plum, lavender, rose petal and blood orange are all dialed up. This bold, generous Pinot delivers the goods, big time. It's a fabulous entry-level offering from Sean Capiaux, if that term can even be used here. The Chimera is mostly young vines from Starscape, with dollops from Widdoes, Pisoni and Garys’. (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cirq |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99+ (6/2024): A deep jeweled ruby/magenta hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley takes things to another level and is likely going to be just as impressive as the last release of 2019, as they made the difficult decision to skip the 2020 vintage due to the fires. On opening, it's layered and refined on the nose, with notes of black raspberries, violets, dark mineral earth, and sweet cardamom spice. The palate boasts a luxurious silky and velvety texture that's completely seamless, with a long, outstanding finish. It will show its best in another 5-6 years. Drink 2027-2040. Audrey Frick.
VM 95 (1/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate is an elegant, luxurious wine. Plump and juicy but not at all heavy, the 2021 is wonderfully classy from start to finish. Succulent dark red cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and a kiss of new French oak race across the palate. Silky tannins and bright acids frame the long, persistent finish nicely. There’s a bit more restraint in Michael Browne’s wines these days, and that’s not a bad thing at all. This mid-weight Pinot is terrific. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Colgin |
2021 |
IX Estate Proprietary Blend |
$400 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (3/2024): Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team. Drink between 2025-2045.
JD 98+ (12/2023): I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decades. Drink between 2023-2031.
VM 98 (12/2023): The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. Drink between 2027-2041. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
IX Estate Proprietary Blend |
$500 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 99 (3/2024): Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team. Drink between 2025-2045.
JD 98+ (12/2023): I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decades. Drink between 2023-2031.
VM 98 (12/2023): The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. Drink between 2027-2041. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
IX Estate Syrah |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (12/2023): The 2021 Syrah is another incredible Syrah here and I’d put it up against any Syrah out there. Inky-hued with a La Landonne-like nose of ripe black and blue fruits, smoked game, chocolate, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a dense, powerful, compact mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. Drink between 2027-2037.
WA 98 (3/2024): All destemmed and aged in Burgundy pièces from the likes of Damy, François Frères and Ermitage, the 2021 Syrah IX Estate boasts considerable floral and herbal nuances on the nose, along with something akin to rust, corroded iron or blood and layers of black cherry and plum fruit. Full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, it lacks the finesse and elegance of the 2018, but it pales only in comparison to that beauty, finishing long, with echoes of espresso, licorice and peppery spice. Drink between 2025-2040.
VM 97 (12/2023): The 2021 Syrah IX Estate impresses with its fruit purity and freshness. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried herbs are beautifully articulated in this vibrant, mid-weight Syrah. There's a bit of new oak today, but that will subside over time. This is an exceptionally beautiful vintage for the Syrah, a wine that is as much a wine of IX Estate as it is of varietal character. Seamless, polished tannins wrap up the finish. Drink between 2026-2036. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Tychson Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$475 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (3/2024): Supremely rich and concentrated, Colgin's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard nevertheless remains vibrant and energetic. Hints of bay leaf perk up scents of dark chocolate and black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied, plushly textured palate glides easily into a prolonged finish redolent of loamy earth and red raspberries. Like so many of the world's greatest wines, it's a series of seeming paradoxes—in this case, ripeness and freshness, fruit and earth, density and vibrancy—that complement each other and emerge as an elegant, harmonious whole. |
|
|
2021 |
Tychson Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$550 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (3/2024): Supremely rich and concentrated, Colgin's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tychson Hill Vineyard nevertheless remains vibrant and energetic. Hints of bay leaf perk up scents of dark chocolate and black cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied, plushly textured palate glides easily into a prolonged finish redolent of loamy earth and red raspberries. Like so many of the world's greatest wines, it's a series of seeming paradoxes—in this case, ripeness and freshness, fruit and earth, density and vibrancy—that complement each other and emerge as an elegant, harmonious whole. |
|
| Continuum |
2021 |
Proprietary Blend |
$279 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (12/2023): The 2021 Proprietary Red Wine Sage Mountain Vineyard is a heady, bombastic wine with a huge fruit profile and equally imposing tannins. In so many vintages, Continuum can be quite racy and seductive, but 2021 is not one of those years. Readers will have to be especially patient here. Lavender, mocha, crème de cassis and cloves build into the substantial, resonant finish. The blend is 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. It will be interesting to see if the tannins soften. Today, the 2021 is a brute. Let's see what time brings. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2021 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2023): With a much higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%, with 9% Cabernet Franc), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is less floral than the Maya but more obviously fruity and up front. Bold black cherries and cassis lead the way, framed by gentle oak shadings of cedar and vanilla, backed by deep bass notes of rich loam and hints of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the tannins are wonderfully judged, supple and velvety in one sip, then fine and silky in the next, while the finish lingers effortlessly, even if it lacks some of the seamless elegance of its sister. |
|
| Donum |
2021 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2023): The first of three wines from the Anderson Valley, the 2021 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley brings aromas of preserved wild raspberry, licorice, and pressed flowers. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and offers fresh alpine herbs, purple flowers, and a hint of blue fruit. With fine tannins and a good lift of refreshing acidity on the finish, it has a bit more cooling nature, as well as good ripeness. Drink 2023-2028. (Drink between 2023-2028). Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (7/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a rich ruby with classic ripe cherry, tea leaf, and cola aromas. It has much charm and is medium-bodied, with juicy and attractive fruit up front with vanilla spices. It offers good freshness and will drink well over the next few years. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Emeritus Vineyards |
2021 |
Wesley’s Reserve Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Fingers Crossed |
2021 |
Unanswered Prayers Syrah |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95-97 (8/2023): I tasted the 2021 Syrah Unanswered Prayers on July 7, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. It comes from the Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. The blend includes 4.7% Grenache, 4.7% Mourvèdre, 4.7% Petite Sirah and 2.9% white wine. It was vinified using 35% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 63% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it's bursting with youthfully broody scents of blueberry preserves, blackcurrant, lavender, tar, game meats and peppermint patty. Full-bodied, powerful yet balanced, the palate features concentrated floral fruit, detailed, velvety tannins and seamless acidity that carries on through the shimmery finish.
JD 97-99 (8/2023): The 2021 Syrah Unanswered Prayers appears to be ever so slightly more successful than the Grenache (which, given the differences in the vintage, certainly makes sense). It has an incredibly pure, flawlessly balanced, full-bodied style to go with perfumed aromatics of darker berry fruits, ground pepper, smoked game, and iron. With a vibrant spine of acidity, utterly flawless balance, and ripe tannins, it's going to flirt with perfection at maturity.
VM 95-97 (9/2023): Tasted just prior to bottling, the 2021 Syrah Unanswered Prayers is dazzling. There's gorgeous purity in the 2021, even if it is not totally put together at this stage. Inky blue/purplish fruit, cloves, menthol, licorice and mocha race out of the glass. I can't wait to taste this from bottle. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Gargiulo Vineyards |
2021 |
Aprile Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
G Major Seven Study 575 OVX Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall |
2021 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is a dense, powerful wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, cloves, new leather, lavender, licorice and chocolate fill out the layers. I would be tempted to cellar this for a year or two, as the tannins are quite potent at this stage. Vineyard sites are Sacrashe, Beller, Dellar-Freidkin and Sage Ridge. (Drink between 2026-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
The North End Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Claire Hill |
2021 |
Casa Vyd. Syrah |
$42 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Grist Vyd. Syrah |
$42 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Hundred Acre |
2021 |
Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
Decanter 99 (9/2024): Pure elegance with super attractive white truffle aromatics and rich umami notes layered with fresh herbs and dark berry fruit. The wine features fine-grained tannins that resolve through a tapestry of succulent blackberry and blueberry notes, cherry-infused currant liqueur, and delicate tobacco spices. Few and Far Between is Hundred Acre’s estate 2.02-hectare vineyard, surrounding the Woodbridge home in Calistoga, sharing a fence line with the legendary Eisele Vineyard. Planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and one "Home Block" of Cabernet Franc, which abuts the veranda of the Woodbridge home, the final blend includes some of this Franc. Owner-winemaker Jayson Woodbridge ages the wine up to 30 months in extremely fine, centre-cut French oak barriques with ultra-tight graining. (Drink between 2024-2045)
JD 97 (1/2025): Darker currants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and graphite notes all shine in the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Few And Far Between, another sensationally layered, complex, full-bodied, flawless, seamless wine in the lineup. |
|
|
2021 |
Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon |
$675 |
1 |
|
| |
Decanter 100 (9/2024): Hundred Acre owner-winemaker Jayson Woodbridge describes Wraith as the perfect snapshot of a vintage, defined by a blend of all three of his estate single vineyards—Ark, Few and Far Between, and Morgan’s Way. Aged for 40 months in extremely fine, centre-cut French oak barriques with ultra-tight graining, this wine captures the essence of each vineyard while forming a cohesive whole. 'Every vintage of Hundred Acre has a thread that connects it to the first', Woodbridge tells me as I taste this wine, 'Weaving the fabric of each new vintage, Wraith is like a time machine, revealing each vineyard’s unique characteristics in a singular expression. You can sense all three vineyards merging into one entity, creating the masterpiece that is Wraith.' If you were to taste all three Hundred Acre wines, then Wraith, you might pick out the umami-rich character of Few and Far Between, the red-toned, zesty mineral character of Ark, or the brooding muscularity of Morgan's Way. Still, above all, that unmistakable complex fabric of Hundred Acre is evident in each sip. The 2021 Wraith is coiled up, seductive, and red berry-driven, with loads of black truffle and earthy notes. It’s like the Burning Man of wine—rip-roaringly insane, full of energy, magic, and mystery. Yes, there’s plenty of red and blackberry fruit, laced with currants and sweet spices, but the floral nuances and dried perfumed aromatics elevate this wine to something otherworldly. (Drink between 2024-2045)
JD 99 (1/2025): Red, blue, and black fruit, graphite, darker chocolate, sappy tobacco, and spring flowers all define the aromatics of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith, which comes from a blend of multiple vineyards. It's deep, rich, and powerful, yet also weightless on the palate, with silky tannins and a blockbuster of a finish. The idea with Wraith is to highlight the vintage as opposed to a site, and this beauty can be enjoyed any time over the coming 20-30 years. (Drink between 2025-2055) |
|
| Kinsman Eades |
2021 |
Aphex Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex Ecotone Vineyard is a potent, dense wine. Dried herbs, spice, tobacco and earthy notes lend tons of savory nuance. This wild, structured Cabernet is going to need a number of years to come together. It shows tons of energy and depth, even if all the elements aren't totally in harmony at this stage. Nigel Kinsman has done a tremendous job in taming tannins that can be quite fierce at this site. Time in the glass is especially beneficial here. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (7/2024): A co-ferment of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc from Ecotone Vineyard, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex is dark and plummy, combining black cherries and some earthy notes with a hint of dark chocolate. It's full-bodied, concentrated and rich yet harmonious, with a degree of elegance, no excess weight on the palate and a lingering, softy tannic finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Aphex Ecotone Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex Ecotone Vineyard is a potent, dense wine. Dried herbs, spice, tobacco and earthy notes lend tons of savory nuance. This wild, structured Cabernet is going to need a number of years to come together. It shows tons of energy and depth, even if all the elements aren't totally in harmony at this stage. Nigel Kinsman has done a tremendous job in taming tannins that can be quite fierce at this site. Time in the glass is especially beneficial here. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (7/2024): A co-ferment of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc from Ecotone Vineyard, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex is dark and plummy, combining black cherries and some earthy notes with a hint of dark chocolate. It's full-bodied, concentrated and rich yet harmonious, with a degree of elegance, no excess weight on the palate and a lingering, softy tannic finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Kaannos Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$475 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2023): Coming from the northern end of Vine Hill Ranch, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaannos is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon raised in 70% new French oak. This deep purple-hued beauty offers a heavenly perfume of darker, almost blue fruits as well as leafy herbs, flowers, spice cabinet, camphor, and chocolate. I love its complexity on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a remarkable sense of refinement and elegance, fine yet building tannins, and an incredible finish. This magical, majestic, absolutely jaw-droppingly good Cabernet Sauvignon is a legend in the making. Hide bottles for 5-7 years if you can, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 30-40 years. (Drink between 2028-2063).
VM 99 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kannos Vine Hill Ranch, 100% Clone 4, is rich, expansive and broad. Dark cherry, mocha, spice, leather and tobacco all wrap around the palate in a positively stunning Cabernet. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of earthy, floral and savory notes that add character. This fruit once went to one of the most pedigreed wineries in Napa Valley. This is extremely elegant, and the purity here is just unbelievable. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (7/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Käännös is composed of Clone 4 from Vine Hill Ranch. Notes of ripe cherries and dried herbs dominate the complex, elegant nose, while the full-bodied wine flows easily across the mid-palate in gentle, rich waves of flavor, finishing long, velvety and tannic. |
|
|
2021 |
Kodo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$475 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo emerges from one of the top sites in southern Oakville—a site I consider as elite as it gets, but that can't be named for the time being. A sensational wine, the 2021 saturates the palate with dense dark fruit, spice, leather and tobacco. But, it’s the textural richness, resonance and persistence that impress most. This is a truly unforgettable wine. I would be thrilled to own it. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (7/2024): Sourced from the M-Bar Ranch (western Oakville, across Hopper Creek from Vine Hill Ranch), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo offers up dusty earth notes, mixed red and black cherries, some cassis notes and a hint of dried herbs. It's full-bodied, ripe and rich without being heavy, and it's bright on the long, softly tannic finish. Is there just a touch of alcoholic warmth evident? |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2021 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley, matured for 13 months in 38% new French oak, takes some time to shake off its cedary new oak and reveal red cherry, pipe tobacco and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with concentrated, spicy fruit, and it has a long finish laced with baking spices. |
|
|
2021 |
Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill was matured for 14 months in 56% new French oak. It’s alluringly woodsy and musky on the nose, releasing scents of potpourri, underbrush, conifer, bergamot and wild berries. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and floral with grainy tannins and vibrant freshness, and it has a long, spicy finish.
JD 92 (6/2024): A ripe red hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill was raised for 14 months in 56% new French oak, and offers classic Russian River Valley aromas of baked cherries, sassafras, cedar, and dried herbs. The palate is flush with stemmy spice and textured with chalky tannins, and it has a clean, spiced finish. It's going to drink well over the next 6-8 years. (Drink between 2024-2032). Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2025): Structured and substantial in earthy, forested notes, the 2021 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is made from a selection of multiple clones, 6% whole-cluster fermented in stainless steel, concrete, and oak, and aged in new French and Austrian oak for 18 months. Subtle layers of crisp red fruit adorn a palate of underlying elegance beneath a graceful layering of chalky tannins and floral aromatics. Age through 2041. Virginie Boone.
WA 92 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is super spicy: Red Hots cinnamon candy, aniseed and Angostura bitters complement a core of red and black cherries and violet. The medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated fruit with velvety tannins and juicy acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in the cellar. |
|
|
2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Noir Keefer Ranch takes on great foresty aromas of pine needles, Asian spices, toasted cedar, and dried strawberries. Medium-bodied, it feels more linear through the palate, with refreshing, even acidity, fine tannins, and a long finish, with notes of blood orange through the palate. It’s very well-defined and is going to do its best with another year or so in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Noir Keefer Ranch takes on great foresty aromas of pine needles, Asian spices, toasted cedar, and dried strawberries. Medium-bodied, it feels more linear through the palate, with refreshing, even acidity, fine tannins, and a long finish, with notes of blood orange through the palate. It’s very well-defined and is going to do its best with another year or so in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$93 |
9 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2023): Taking on more richness both visually and aromatically, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is generous with violets, black cherry, and cola spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has ripe, sweet tannins, with notes of black tea, expansive black raspberry fruit, and toasted cedar. It offers good richness and has a classic feel with a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from Garys', Rosella's, Pisoni, Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards, and it was matured for 14 months in 49% new oak. It has a medium ruby color and a deep well of aromas: pomegranate, raspberry and cranberry are accented by touches of autumn leaves, tea leaves and spice. The palate is light-bodied, gently chalky and mouthwatering with generous spicy fruit and a long, layered finish replete with floral tones. |
|
|
2021 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2023): Matured for 15 months in 52% new oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has a very pretty expression this vintage. The nose features detailed scents of blueberries, strawberries, Earl Grey tea leaves and forest floor, and the medium-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed fruit on a delicate frame, finishing long and layered. |
|
|
2021 |
Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): A saturated red color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Thorn Ridge Ranch sports a savory and more warming profile, with aromas of charred cedar, dried red cherries, leather, and woodsy herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a more coiled feel on the palate, with fine tannins, evenly balanced acidity, and a clean finish with notes of dusty earth and a hint of orange peel. Drink 2024-2030. |
|
|
2021 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (6/2024): A darker, more opaque magenta/ruby hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard is slower to open on the nose, revealing more introspective, dark aromas of black cherries, licorice, sappy herbs, and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it takes on richer structure as well, with a more grounded feel, ripe tannins, broad shoulders, and an earthy finish. It is going to need time to show its potential and may well improve. Drink 2025-2035. (Drink between 2025-2035). Audrey Frick.
WA 93 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard was aged in 43% new French oak for 18 months. It’s ultra fragrant, releasing scents of lavender, aniseed, bitters, pomegranate and iron. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with concentrated, autumnal flavors and offers notable purity. It’s structured by grainy tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, spicy finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (7/2023): Medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette is lifted and highly aromatic of orange peel, cinnamon, and pomegranate. Medium-bodied with fine tannins, on the palate it’s fresh with dusty earth, brambly herbs, and cranberry cocktail. It leans a bit more toward the savory end of the spectrum, but it’s a lovely first wine from the region for Kosta Browne. It will need some air on opening at this youthful stage. Drink 2024-2034. |
|
| Leviathan |
2021 |
Red Wine |
$29 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (12/2023): Always a good value, the 2021 California Red Wine is no exception and has darker berry fruits, some leafy herb, sage, lavender, and chocolate nuances, full-bodied richness, and a lush, round, seamless style that's already impossible to resist. This is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (with plenty of other red varieties), and it should shine for 7-8 years, if not a decade, although I would drink this puppy in its youth. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
|
| Limited Addition |
2021 |
Cabernet Franc Field Blend |
$33.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Eola-Amity Hills Gamay Noir |
$34.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Red Blend |
$25.99 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| Philippe Melka |
2021 |
CJ Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Mekerra Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2023): The 2021 Proprietary Red Mekerra, Melka's Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend, is terrific. Deep, rich and voluptuous in the glass, the 2021 is a sensual beauty. Succulent red cherry, cinnamon, mocha, new leather and pomegranate flesh out, framed by the silkiest, most polished tannins imaginable, a rarity in Knights Valley. This is beautifully done. (Drink between 2024-2036).
JD 94+ (2/2024): The 2021 Mekerra Proprietary Red checks in as 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc and was raised in French oak barrels for 22 months. It’s a rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied beauty that really shows the vintage with its pure, focused, bright style, which is balanced by rock-solid mid-palate density and a great finish. Black cherries, leafy herbs, graphite, crushed stone, and background oak all define the aromatics, and it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. (Drink between 2027-2047). |
|
|
2021 |
Metisse Jumping Goat Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 97+ (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard Métisse is fabulous. Dense and quite savory, the 2021 possesses tremendous depth and vibrancy. There is a quite a bit more in the way of minerality and savory elements than is often the case. Blackberry jam, graphite, chocolate, spice, new leather and chocolate saturate the palate. This tannic, brooding beauty needs time. (Drink between 2024-2036). Antonio Galloni.
JD 96+ (2/2024): The 2021 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard checks in 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Another classic 2021 from this talented winemaker, it offers gorgeous darker red and black currant fruits, lots of graphite, crushed stone, and hints of espresso, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a great finish. (Drink between 2026-2046).
WA 95 (1/2024): The 2021 Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard comes from a site next to Spottswoode on the western side of St. Helena. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% each Merlot and Petit Verdot, it showcases attractive notions of ripe cherries, florals (violets?) and clean dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, it's velvety in feel yet vibrant at the same time, with a long, lush finish. It's a beautiful wine, concentrated and harmonious, approachable now, yet capable of evolving for 20 years. |
|
| Ch. Montelena |
2021 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
4 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (6/2024): The Montelena Estate is a gorgeous wine in 2021, built of 94.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.9% Cabernet Franc, and 1.0% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 45% new French oak. It is super bright and wonderfully aromatic with gorgeous light brown spices, white pepper, and sagebrush. Medium-bodied with cranberry and huckleberry fruits, they have very ripe and powerful tannins with supreme granularity and a fine, pinpoint, pixelated texture. Fantastic, linear, and racy acidity brings this wine into focus. Tasted with winemaker Matt Crafton at Chateau Montelena, Crafton explained that 'the aromatic potential of the vintage leapt out.' For him, the challenge was to reflect the concentration and richness and keep the fresh aromatics. So he moved to very light toast barrels in this vintage. (Drink between 2024-2045) |
|
|
2021 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
4 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (6/2024): The Montelena Estate is a gorgeous wine in 2021, built of 94.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.9% Cabernet Franc, and 1.0% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 45% new French oak. It is super bright and wonderfully aromatic with gorgeous light brown spices, white pepper, and sagebrush. Medium-bodied with cranberry and huckleberry fruits, they have very ripe and powerful tannins with supreme granularity and a fine, pinpoint, pixelated texture. Fantastic, linear, and racy acidity brings this wine into focus. Tasted with winemaker Matt Crafton at Chateau Montelena, Crafton explained that 'the aromatic potential of the vintage leapt out.' For him, the challenge was to reflect the concentration and richness and keep the fresh aromatics. So he moved to very light toast barrels in this vintage. (Drink between 2024-2045) |
|
| Myriad |
2021 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$203.15 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Empyrean Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (2/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Empyrean is cut from the same cloth yet has just a touch more of everything compared to the classic release. Coming all from the A3 Block, it has incredible red and blue fruits that give way to more spring flower, tobacco, and crushed stone-like minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated, yet as seamless and elegant as they come, with incredible tannins as well as purity of fruit, this beauty deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 20-25 years if well stored. There are 225 cases produced. (Drink between 2028-2053) |
|
| de Negoce |
2021 |
OG N. 365 Syrah |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2021 |
Numero Siete Touriga Nacional |
$295 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 98+ (8/2024): The 2021 Touriga Nacional - Número Sete is terrific, but it is also a very young wine that will need time in bottle to blossom. All of the pedigree of this great vintage comes through loud and clear. Readers should plan on cellaring this for at least a few years. Dried herbs, lavender, licorice and cool, blue-toned fruit are all beautifully delineated throughout. Dollops of Syrah and Petit Manseng round out the blend, with an added kick of floral nuance from the 11% stems. Drink between 2027-2041. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (8/2024): Sourced from the Krankl's Cumulus Vineyard and containing 14% Syrah and 4% Petit Manseng, the 2021 Touriga Nacional Número Sete spent 30 months in 42% new French oak. Nearly completely opaque in color, the nose opens with deep, dense aromas of dried clove, tobacco leaf, graphite, black plums and chocolate-covered dark fruit aromas, with increasingly savory and woody notes appearing after time in the glass. The palate is an absolute behemoth, with a blocky, gargantuan density that reaches its logical conclusion in a staining, saturated, concentrated finish framed with chewy tannins. This is equally clear testimony to the sheer mass achievable with Touriga Nacional and the lavish decadence that can be applied to it if one desires. Drink between 2024-2030. |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2021 |
John C. Sullenger Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon John C. Sullenger comes from a site in Oakville and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 55% new French oak. This deep purple-hued effort offers a textbook Oakville perfume of ripe black fruits, iron, smoked tobacco, and graphite. This carries to a powerful, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a broad, expansive mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's an impressive effort, if not the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted. Enjoy bottles over the coming 15 years. (Drink between 2023-2038). |
|
| Perchance |
2021 |
Beckstoffer George III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (1/2024): I was blown away by how much better Perchance's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III looked after a bit more élevage and some time in bottle. Selected from four vineyard blocks and blended just prior to bottling, it offers floral, spicy aromas of violets and licorice backed by waves of cherries, blueberries and black cherries. In the mouth, it's full-bodied, rich and layered, hugely textural and long on the finish. Wow.
JD 97 (2/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is brilliant stuff and has to rank with some of the finest releases from this vineyard. Its deep purple hue gives way to a great nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as subtle floral and spicy nuances. This medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced 2021 has nicely integrated background oak, ripe, polished tannins, and the vintage's purity and just overall sense of class. This riveting Cabernet Sauvignon deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will evolve for well over two decades. |
|
|
2021 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Ex-Domaine |
$225 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 98 (1/2024): I was blown away by how much better Perchance's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III looked after a bit more élevage and some time in bottle. Selected from four vineyard blocks and blended just prior to bottling, it offers floral, spicy aromas of violets and licorice backed by waves of cherries, blueberries and black cherries. In the mouth, it's full-bodied, rich and layered, hugely textural and long on the finish. Wow.
JD 97 (2/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is brilliant stuff and has to rank with some of the finest releases from this vineyard. Its deep purple hue gives way to a great nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as subtle floral and spicy nuances. This medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced 2021 has nicely integrated background oak, ripe, polished tannins, and the vintage's purity and just overall sense of class. This riveting Cabernet Sauvignon deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will evolve for well over two decades. |
|
| PerUs Wine Co. |
2021 |
Alessio Proprietary Red |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (7/2024): A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc (Sugarloaf Mountain), 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (Tench) and 20% Merlot (Sugarloaf Mountain), the 2021 Alessio Proprietary Red Wine combines a tomato-leaf character with black cherries, blueberries, cassis and mocha notes on the nose. Full-bodied, creamy-ripe without being overly heavy, the wine finishes supple and long, framed by soft tannins.
JD 96 (12/2023): The 2021 Alessio Proprietary Red comes from a steep, rocky site and is a blend of 60% Merlot and 20% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It's one of the more seamless, polished, silky wines in the lineup and has a wild array of red, blue, and black fruits as well spring flowers, graphite, lead pencil, and some chocolaty nuances. Full-bodied, pure, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it has ripe tannins and a great, great finish. (Drink between 2026-2041). |
|
|
2021 |
Janeen Red Wine |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95+ (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Janeen is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot aged 18-22 months in new barrels. Wild strawberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil notes all emerge on the nose, and it's another full-bodied, concentrated, powerful wine from this label that has the vintage’s fresher, elegant under-riding style. Give it a few years and it’s going to drink brilliantly over the following 15-20 years. (Drink between 2026-2046).
WA 95 (7/2024): There are a whopping 120 cases of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Janeen, which is based on Sage Ridge fruit but includes 20% Sugarloaf Mountain Merlot. The nose features a touch of asphalt, then black olives and cassis, plus a dark, earthy nuance. Full-bodied and densely concentrated, with a long, savory finish, it's a serious wine, capable of aging at least a couple of decades. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2021 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Realm |
2021 |
Beckstoffer Bourn Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$276.25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2021 |
Monte Bello |
$259 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 97 (10/2024): The 2021 Monte Bello is a top-tier wine from this reverential site in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The blend contains quite a bit more Merlot than usual (31%), which is a reflection of reduced Cabernet yields stemming from the drought-riddled 2021 growing season. Broad, infinitely layered and rooted in deep spice tones, the 2021 opens with a forceful kick of wild blackberry and orange peel, delving deeper into complex layers of black olive, new leather, violet and sweet pipe tobacco. Surprisingly giving and undeniably fresh, the 2021 is precise, laser-focused and propulsive, stationing the midline of the palate with an army of well-honed tannins and culminating in a finish that seemingly never ends. This is everything Monte Bello should be. (Drink between 2031-2061). Billy Norris.
JD 96 (8/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Bello is based on 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in mostly new American oak. It reminds me of the 2016 with its beautifully balanced, seamless style, and it has a riveting perfume of pure crème de cassis, sweet tobacco, lead pencil shavings, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, and absolutely seamless, it's a gorgeous Mont Bello that's surprisingly already accessible, yet it won't hit full maturity for 7-8 years but will have 30+ years of longevity. (Drink between 2031-2052).
WA 96 (4/2024): 2021 marks the start of a new era at Ridge, now under the stewardship of Trester Goetting and longtime Ridge veteran John Olney following the departure of veteran winemaker Eric Baugher. The 2021 Monte Bello is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot due to drought-induced low yields, particularly in Cabernet Sauvignon. It is already assertive and polished on the nose, with aromas of cassis, dried tobacco, green peppercorn, mint and figs springing from the glass. The palate is suave and refined with electrifying energy and persistence, leading to a sophisticated finish of ripe black fruits and drying, layered stately tannins. Even in this embryonic stage, the perpetual pedigree of Monte Bello is here in spades; cellar for a decade and enjoy over the following two and beyond. |
|
| Screaming Eagle |
2021 |
The Flight Proprietary Blend |
$775 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (12/2023): The 2021 The Flight is built around a core of Merlot from old vines on cobbly soils at the front of the property. From barrel, the 2021 was quite sensual, perhaps deceptively so. This recent tasting of the finished wine from bottle reveals a powerful, dense Flight packed with dark-toned fruit, leather, tobacco and incense. In many vintages, The Flight is accessible young, but the 2021 is a wine for the cellar. It is one of the best and most complete editions I have tasted. There’s a fair amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend and quite a bit more Franc than usual, which contributes to the wine’s personality and overall feel. (Drink between 2027-2041). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (5/2026): Screaming Eagle's 2021 The Flight seems darker and more concentrated than the 2023, with mixed red and black cherries framed by tannins that are firm yet not lacking ripeness. It's medium- to full-bodied, with an expansive mouthfeel that remains balanced and impressively focused on the long, lingering finish. It's mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc making up the balance.
JD 95 (12/2025): In the same style as the 2023, the 2021 Flight displays a deep ruby/purple and borderline opaque hue with a powerful nose of red and black fruits, roasted herbs, chocolate, and graphite, along with a kiss of background rose and floral notes. It's medium to full-bodied, rich, powerful, and nicely structured, with the masculine tannins that define the vintage. Hide bottles for 4-6 years and enjoy over the following two decades. Drink 2029-2049. (Drink between 2029-2049). |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2021 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$105 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Southing shows a step up in elegance in this tasting of the 2020s and 2021s, layering plush textures over generous berry and cherry fruit. A touch of bitter spice and gentle acidity add lift, keeping the wine poised and engaging through the finish. (Drink between 2025-2032). Billy Norris. |
|
|
2021 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$109 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2025): The 2021 Pinot Noir Ten is rich and forward, leaning into the riper side of the spectrum. Elevated notes of iodine, tart berries, chalk and tobacco bring complexity, while cedar and oak spice shape the finish. This remains a powerful wine that will benefit from a bit of time in bottle. (Drink between 2025-2031). Billy Norris. |
|
| Silver Oak |
2021 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$61 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2026): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley is very closed aromatically, but it entices with its darker, more concentrated character than its typical red-fruited personality. The tannins are very, very subtle, pointing to a wine that feels like a medium-term proposition. Mocha, graphite, incense, leather and blackcurrant flavors saturate the palate, leaving behind an echo of American oak spice. (Drink between 2026-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2021 |
Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon ex-Domaine |
$175 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2025): Ripe darker fruits, chocolaty herbs, cedar pencil, and spring flower notes all shine in the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, polished, nicely textured 2021 that has the focused, concentrated style of the vintage, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length. I love it today, with its youthful purity and balance, yet this is going to evolve gracefully as well and have a solid two decades of prime drinking.
WA 94 (7/2024): Sojourn gets Clone 337 from F Block in this historic vineyard, formerly known as Beaulieu Vineyard No. 3. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III aged in 75% new French oak before being bottled in June 2023. It's true to its Rutherford roots, showing dusty earth notes on the nose alongside bright cherries and deeper mocha and dried-spice undertones. It's full-bodied but somehow seems less rich than its 14.7% alcohol implies, cruising across the mid-palate in a flurry of soft tannins and finishing long and firm, with hints of dark chocolate. |
|
|
2021 |
Oakville Ranch Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon ex-Domaine |
$195 |
27 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (7/2024): It's easy to think of the Oakville AVA as being just the valley floor, but it extends well up into the Vaca Range on Napa's eastern side. Sojourn's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard comes from a site approximately 1,400 feet above sea level and is a mix of Clones 4, 169 and 337 (plus 4% Petit Verdot), all aged in 75% new French oak. Scents of crushed stone, black cherries and blackberries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is firmly structured and streamlined, framed by silky tannins that linger on the cool, slightly menthol-tinged finish. It makes a harmonious overall impression, albeit a very youthful one, with time to grow into a potentially outstanding wine. Unfortunately, production is only 150 cases.
JD 95 (1/2025): Cassis, ripe blue fruits, darker tobacco/herbs, chocolaty oak, and some violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, another beautifully textured, polished, medium to full-bodied beauty in the lineup. It has that classic darker, almost black olive-like Oakville signature, with ripe tannins and just a focused, classy style that's going to age gracefully for two decades. |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$43 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Stolpman Vineyards |
2021 |
Pliocene Mourvedre Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (8/2022): All Mourvèdre from a selection of own rooted vines, the 2021 Mourvedre Pliocene offers up bright red and blue fruits as well as notes of incense, leather, and spices. It's loaded with character and is medium-bodied and elegant, with terrific overall balance as well as outstanding length. Drink this character-filled beauty over the coming 7-8 years as well. (Drink between 2022-2030).
VM 93 (8/2022): Bottled shortly before my visit, the 2021 Mourvèdre Pliocene is fabulous. It offers terrific fruit purity and aromatic presence. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, white flowers and chalk abound. This fresh, vibrant Mourvèdre is absolutely delicious and also full of character. Then again, this plant material originates from Enz and was planted own-rooted at Stolpman. (Drink between 2024-2033). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (12/2022): Medium garnet, the 2021 Mourvèdre Pliocene is scented of blueberries, cranberries, garrigue and bergamot with touches of underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is supple and fresh with a core of floral fruits and a long, ethereal finish. It's spicy, inviting and approachable! 405 cases were made. |
|
| Story of Soil |
2021 |
Chene Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
La Rinconada Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (9/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard is a cool, nervy Pinot that captures all the energy of this site. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and bright red-toned fruit are all finely sculpted in this taut Pinot Noir from one of the top sites in the Sta. Rita Hills. The ethereal finish is quite striking. (Drink between 2023-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Larner Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (9/2023): The 2021 Syrah Larner Vineyard is broad, ample and super-expressive. It shows all the savory and earthy complexity of Jessica Gasca wines but tempered by her approach, a winning combination in my book. Dried herbs, tobacco, leather, incense, cedar and dark red-toned fruit all come together nicely. (Drink between 2024-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Terre et Sang |
2021 |
Sidecar Moulds Family Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (8/2024): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Sidecar Moulds Family Vineyard is all variety that's from the Moulds Family Vineyard in the Oak Knoll region of Napa Valley. It has a deep purple hue as well as a gorgeous nose of blue and black fruits, smoked tobacco, classy oak, and spring flowers. Possessing a pure, focused, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, it has beautiful yet building tannins, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. It's a stunning 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and have 2-3 decades of overall longevity. (Drink between 2028-2053) |
|
| The Third Twin (Sine Qua Non) |
2021 |
Third Twin Vyd. Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo |
$239 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (8/2021): Deep purple-black colored, the glass needed a fair bit of swirling to unlock this wine’s wonderfully pure scents of baked black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries, leading to an undercurrent of fruitcake, Indian spices, unsmoked cigars and cracked black pepper. The full-bodied palate is a powerhouse of fruit, bursting with black berry preserves and exotic spice layers, framed with a solid line of firm, ripe tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with incredible persistence and purity. This beautiful monster of a wine should be pretty much indestructible, capable of cellaring for 40+ years. Drink between 2026-2061.
VM 96 (8/2024): The 2021 Nuestra Senora del Tercer Gemelo offers a capitvating mix of opulent fruit and energy, all framed by judicious French oak and silky tannins. A dense, full-bodied wine, the Nuestra Senora has so much to offer, starting with its immediacy. This full-throttle red is undeniably glorious. The blend is 57% Mourvedre, 14% Grenache, 14% Graciano, 14% Syrah, and 1% Viognier, done with 33% stems. It spent 31 months in French oak, 31% new. Drink between 2025-2036. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Three Sticks |
2021 |
One Sky Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir One Sky Vineyard emerges from Bill Price's estate vineyard on Sonoma Mountain. Translucent and finely cut, the One Sky is so refined. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper all give the 2021 notable brilliance. Vibrant saline notes shape the exquisite finish. (Drink between 2025-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
William James Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir William James Vineyard emerges from an estate site in Sebastopol. Lifted floral and citrus notes meld into a core of red-toned fruit. Aromatic and gracious, with silky tannins and fine balance, the 2021 is super-finessed. It is one of the more understated wines in the range. This is the last Pinot pick in 2021. (Drink between 2024-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tusk Estates |
2021 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$625 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| William & Mary Wine Company |
2021 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$92.65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2021 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Calegari Vineyard comes from vines planted in the late 1990s in decomposed, iron-rich, volcanic soils on Eastside Road. Matured in 53% new oak for 16 months, it opens with soaring scents of mixed berry preserves and nuances of iron, charcuterie, lavender, orange oil and botanicals. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, detailed flavors. It’s structured by powdery tannins and seamless acidity and has a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. |
|
|
2021 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 69% new oak, is bursting with scents of pomegranate and raspberry preserves, orange peel, licorice, allspice and earth. Medium-bodied and powerful, the palate features concentrated, hedonistic flavors. It has a surprisingly elegant structure of silky tannins and bright acidity and boasts a long, perfumed finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (2/2025): Soft, supple tannins wrap around lively layers of rose petal, raspberry, and a light hint of cardamom in the memorable 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard from this famous Russian River Valley producer. Medium-bodied, the wine is zesty and weighty, persistent in acidity while complex and long-lasting on the palate. Drink now through 2031. (Drink between 2025-2031). Virginie Boone.
WA 93 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, opens with flinty touches that give way to blackberry, blueberry, pennyroyal and earth aromas. The medium-bodied palate features powerful, perfumed flavors structured by powdery tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, layered finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. |
|
|
2021 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard was matured for 16 months in 61% new oak and takes significant time to open. Initial tones of damp earth and flint eventually give way to raspberry, botanicals and floral perfume. The medium-bodied palate features highly concentrated, layered flavors. It’s structured by abundant, suede-textured tannins and mouthwatering acidity, and it has a long finish replete with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from extended cellaring. |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$83 |
14 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, matured for 11 months in 41% new oak, is very expressive and generous this vintage. It has a medium ruby-purple color, and the nose is bursting with cranberry, raspberry, red cherry and wafts of tea leaves, mushroom, orange peel and wildflowers. The medium-bodied palate is full of powerful fruit, delivered in a seamless frame, and it reveals latent spicy accents on the long finish.
JD 93+ (7/2023): A deeper ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is classic and well-layered with ripe aromas of cola spice, black cherry, and iron-rich earth. The palate is full and ripe with good freshness, notes of black raspberry and fresh forest floor, and a good lift of acidity. This is a fantastic example of place. Drink 2023-2028. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$85 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, has a pale ruby-purple color and slowly unfolding scents of raspberry, pomegranate, bergamot, aniseed and citrus peel. The medium-bodied palate offers powerful, spicy fruit and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it finishes long and gently chalky.
JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. (Drink between 2024-2030). Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2024): Matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Vista Verde is bursting with aromas of kirsch, strawberry pie, violet, cast iron and earth. The medium-bodied palate has an elegant structure of chalky tannins and bright acidity, and it gains intensity and expression as it opens in the glass. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle to unwind. |
|
|
2021 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2024): Matured for 16 months in 57% new oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard opens with aromas of blueberry, blackberry and wildflowers and reveals undertones of porcini mushrooms, tea leaves and iron as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate features generous, layered flavors structured by powdery tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long, iron-laced finish. |
|
| 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. |
|
| | 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| | 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! |
|
| 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! |
|
|
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+. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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+ |
|
| 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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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 |
13 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
|
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. |
|
| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
|
| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| | 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. |
|
| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
|
| |
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| 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). |
|
| 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. |
|
|
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 |
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| |
| 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 |
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| 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 |
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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 |
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| 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. |
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| | USA White |
| Bevan Cellars |
2021 |
Dry Stack Vyd. Sauvignon Blanc |
$35 |
13 |
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| 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. |
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| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2012 |
Helene Yakima Valley White Wine |
$20 |
12 |
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| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
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| 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. |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
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| |
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| Gambal Work |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
45 |
|
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| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Chardonnay |
$10 |
60 |
|
| |
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| Hourglass |
2024 |
Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
$33.99 |
24 |
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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. |
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| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Sonoma County Chardonnay |
$36 |
19 |
|
| |
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| Scherrer Winery |
2019 |
Scherrer Vyd. Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
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| 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. |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2023 |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
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| Stony Hill |
2024 |
Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
36 |
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| 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). |
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| | Other White |
| Quevedo |
2011 |
Oscar’s White Douro |
$9.99 |
31 |
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