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Inventory updated: Tue, Aug 18, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2022 Kosta Browne Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2022
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 1.5 L
Tasting Notes:
Decanter 93 (6/2025): Juicy fresh berry fruits are the hallmark of this Willamette Valley bottling, sourcing Pinot Noir from a few different clones across a number of the Valley's appellations and some well-known vineyards. Fleshy strawberries, sweet rose petals and candied raspberries collide with fir tips and forest floor. A proper Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. (Drink between 2025-2033)
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Kosta Browne |
2005 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir  |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (6/2007): Ruby-red. Brooding aromas of kirsch, blackcurrant and cured tobacco are brightened by suggestions of iron and dried violet. Focused dark berry and cherry flavors show impressive concentration and a chewy texture and are nicely firmed by youthful tannins. The solid finish features strikingly sweet cherry and mocha flavors. This needs some time. |
|
|
2008 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2010): ivid ruby. An intensely floral bouquet displays wilted rose, magnolia, black raspberry and incense. Supple and broad on entry, turning more tangy and energetic in the middle and offering lively red and dark berry flavors and an exotic candied floral quality. The finish repeats the red fruit note and lingers with very good tangy persistence. I'll bet that this will be even better in a year or two. |
|
|
2009 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (6/2011): Deep ruby. More musky and powerful than the Keefer Ranch bottling, showing dark berry and cherry character and notes of smoked meat and mocha. Broad, chewy and powerful, offering rich cherry compote and black raspberry flavors and a note of bitter chocolate. Quite a bit richer than the excellent 2008, which is lovely right now, by the way. Finishes on a sneaky note of candied rose, with solid punch. Give this some time in bottle. |
|
|
2004 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88+ (6/2006): Ruby-red. Musky aromas of black cherry, blackberry, tar, pepper and game. Sweet and dense if a bit youthfully reduced, with solid, chunky fruit lifted by spice and pepper notes. Finishes with rather powerful but slightly dry tannins. I suspect this will be more harmonious by the time it's released in the spring of 2007. |
|
|
2019 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| JS 93 (11/2021): Aromas of black and red licorice, black cherries and toasted sage. Full-bodied with a very pleasant nutty character on the palate. Soft tannins. Savory herbs and a blanket of ripe black fruit washes over, carried by subtle but steady acidity. Oak at the finish. Needs a little time to come together. Try after 2023. |
|
|
2020 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| JS 94 (2/2023): The aromas are juicy and minerally with an umami, seaweed, and iron character. Medium-bodied and it opens up on the palate with firm and chewy tannins, yet they are fine at the end. Lots of minerality in the finish. Chewy now but will soften beautifully. Better after 2026. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2019 |
Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard evolves in the glass with dried cherry, sassafras, and wild herbs. It has impeccable concentration and length on the palate, which is full of cinnamon, red plum, and forest floor. Hold 1-3 years and drink 2024-2036. Audrey Frick.
WA 93 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill has a medium ruby color and bright aromas of Bing cherry, cranberry and citrus peel with accents of dried herbs, licorice and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh, with appealingly crunchy fruits and a long, spicy finish. Give it another year or two in bottle to unwind. |
|
|
2020 |
Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2023): Back to a more classic feel of ripeness, the 2020 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard is plush with kirsch, forest herbs, and potpourri. Full-bodied, with savory richness on the palate, ripe tannins, and a good purity of fruit, its notes of turned earth, sage, and black cherry fill the palate, with a bit of toasted cedar on the finish. Drink 2023-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2017 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
|
|
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$219 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard pours a rich ruby hue and reveals aromas of anise, red cherry, and pine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe notes of cranberry cocktail, clove, and orange peel, give it another year and drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2020 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard pours a rich ruby hue and reveals aromas of anise, red cherry, and pine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe notes of cranberry cocktail, clove, and orange peel, give it another year and drink 2024-2030. 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. |
|
|
2013 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2015): From a large vineyard (Gap's Crown is roughly 130 acres), the 2013 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard comes from a smaller 37-acre parcel owned by Kosta Browne, which lies at an elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level. Harvest all towards the end of September and aged 16 months in 51% new French oak, it has a slightly darker slant in its wild strawberry, black raspberry, spice and sappy flower stem-like aromas and flavors. Elegant, seamless and downright pretty, it grows on you with time in the glass and is a gorgeous Pinot Noir to drink over the coming decade.
VM 93 (5/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown is the biggest and richest of the Sonoma Coast Pinots. Dark red cherry, plum, new leather and cedar flesh out in a radiant, distinctly supple Pinot for the year. The Gap's Crown is all about depth, voluptuousness and texture. A touch of whole clusters add an attractive dimension of nuance. |
|
|
2022 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard reveals a darker ruby red hue and is ripe on the nose with notes of cherry cordial, pine, leather, and mossy earth. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with supple, ripe tannins, a silky, fruity roundness, and a ripe but well-managed finish. Drink 2025-2035. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2006 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Dark red. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are complemented by baking spices, licorice and musky underbrush. Energetic, sharply defined raspberry and wild strawberry flavors are nicely concentrated but the wine is light in body, with a surprisingly elegant personality and good lift. Gains energy on the finish, which is impressively spicy, fresh and long. |
|
|
2014 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Giusti Vineyard has very layered aromas of cinnamon, dried orange peel, cranberries, raspberries, dusty earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate features layered, spicy fruits along with abundant, grainy tannins and bright acidity. It's elegant but youthfully tense and could use another 2-3 years in bottle. |
|
|
2020 |
Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (7/2023): Medium ruby hue leaning toward pink, the 2020 Pinot Noir Giusti Ranch delivers generous aromas of wild strawberry, herbes de Provence, and rose petal. Medium-bodied, it’s a very elegant wine with fine tannins, good structure, and fresh acidity in its notes of dusty earth and fresh raspberry. A balanced red with good depth of fruit, it remains pure and light on its feet and is exceptional for the vintage. Drink 2023-2035. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2003 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89+ (6/2006): Good full red. Exotic blackberry, raspberry, minerals, spicy oak and earth on the nose. Dense but tight on the palate, with sappy red berry flavors offering very good intensity and lift. This, too, is almost liqueur-like but retains good freshness of red fruit flavor. In a rather masculine style, finishing with solid tannic structure. From a late-ripening spot, notes Browne. I'd give this one a good two or three years in the cellar.
BH 88 (7/2006): A very ripe nose with hints of cola, mocha and briar folds into very rich and impressively concentrated flavors that possess a cherry-liqueur like quality to them. This is quite forward and while not soft, there is velvety quality to the finish that presently masks what are firm tannins on the pepper-infused and again, youthfully tangy and noticeably warm finish. Drink: 2009+ |
|
|
2005 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2007): Deep red. Intense, primary red and dark berry aromas are brightened by fresh rose, minerals and cinnamon. Weighty but focused, with sweet kirsch and mulberry flavors, chewy texture and a building floral pastille element. Turns sweeter still on the finish, which features a strong raspberry flavor and superb persistence. There's a seamless, creamy quality to this pinot that makes it really appealing even now. |
|
|
2011 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is bright, focused and articulate. Cranberry, freshly cut flowers, mint and crushed rocks all lift from the glass. The Kanzler is one of the more pointed, vibrant Pinots in this range, reflecting the qualities of a cool site in a cool vintage. The wine's mid-weight structure argues for near-term drinking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2011 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is bright, focused and articulate. Cranberry, freshly cut flowers, mint and crushed rocks all lift from the glass. The Kanzler is one of the more pointed, vibrant Pinots in this range, reflecting the qualities of a cool site in a cool vintage. The wine's mid-weight structure argues for near-term drinking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Vivid red. Spicy black raspberry and cherry skin aromas are complicated by smoky minerals, anise and a suave blood orange quality. Fleshy, sweet red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power, picking up candied rose on the back end. The refreshingly bitter finish leaves tangy berry skin notes behind. Along with the Kanzler, this is the most energetic of this year's line-up.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley; 14.7%, 698 cases) An expressive and highly perfumed aromatic profile speaks of mostly upper register red berry fruit before sliding away into fresh, vibrant and supple medium-bodied flavors that display very little warmth provided that the serving temperature is properly maintained as well as none of the edginess that many in this range evidence. Very solid quality here. Drink 2012+. |
|
|
2010 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): Deep ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed scents of fresh red fruits, incense and candied rose, with a touch of star anise in the background. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a seamless, silky quality. Powerful but lithe pinot with excellent finishing lift and clarity. |
|
|
2018 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Keefer Vineyard is aromatically intense and layered, with aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, blueberry, sage and bergamot, woodsmoke and flint. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, juicy and alluring, with nuanced flavors and a long, latent finish that hints at layers yet to emerge. Drink it over the next decade. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2003 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2007): Bright red. Intensely floral aromas of vibrant raspberry, wild strawberry, candied cherry, cola and violet, plus an exotic dose of Asian spices. Silky and sweet, with vibrant red fruit character and suave, harmonious tannins. Picks up a zesty mineral note with air, finishing with elegant, sweet suggestions of wild strawberry and orange (!) liqueur. Pretty alluring stuff. |
|
|
2007 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Saturated red. Deeply scented aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and violet, with a subtle smoky undertone. Deep, gently chewy dark berry preserve flavors are firmed by fine-grained tannins and pick up an exotic note of rose pastille with air. Open-knit, round and seductively sweet, with excellent finishing clarity and sappy persistence. This gained power in the glass while maintaining striking freshness and energy.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley, 14.4%, 867 cases) An easy to appreciate nose jumps from the glass to reveal an appealing mix of both upper and lower register fruit elements along with spice, underbrush and wood hints that dissolve into rich, round and sappy middle weight plus flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel as there is good dry extract that buffers the moderately firm tannins that confer a dusty texture to the serious, reasonably well-balanced and lingering finish where about the only nit is a mild edginess. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2008 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2010): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed bouquet displays red berries, potpourri and star anise. Michael Browne told me that he used a lot of whole clusters this year "to increase the spiciness. The fruit is always powerful and I wanted to bring an extra dimension." Pliant, juicy red fruit flavors are complicated by notes of cinnamon and spicecake, with slow-building smokiness. Finishes with refreshing tangy cut and a strong echo of raspberry. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of strawberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and spicy oak. Silky, sweet and seamless, with superb depth and energy to its red berry and floral pastille flavors. Extremely suave pinot that shows excellent energy and clarity on the persistent, floral finish. |
|
|
2011 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard is a wine of real density and power. Big and broad shouldered, the 2011 blossoms in the glass beautifully, filling out its frame very nicely. Plums, black cherries, cloves, menthol and licorice are all woven into the juicy, enveloping finish. The Koplen could use another year or two in bottle to fully come together. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (9/2016): A pretty, even elegant, Russian River release is the 2014 Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard, which saw around 20% whole clusters and just under a quarter of new oak. Plums, spice box, black cherries and violets all flow to a medium to full-bodied, pure, seamless and silky 2014 that has fine tannin, no hard edges and a great finish. It shows more and more elegance with time in the glass and will impress for at least a decade. |
|
|
2019 |
Mount Carmel Pinot Noir |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard is appealingly rustic, featuring scents of dried red cherries and cranberries, resinous herbs, charcuterie and iron. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with earthy, spicy fruits and a long, nuanced finish. |
|
|
2005 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2007): Light red. Perfumed redcurrant and wild strawberry scents are precise and impressively energetic, with a zesty mineral note adding to the impression of vibrancy. Brisk but also nicely filled in, with strong red berry and cherry flavors lifted by exotic Asian spices. Taut, refreshingly bitter cherry and pomegranate notes on the finish carry impressively and are joined by an intriguing, vaguely numbing white pepper tone.
WA 85 (8/2007): The well-made 2005 Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard (15.3% alcohol) is somewhat puzzling as it possesses very ripe fruit, but not the concentration of most of its peers. It offers some weedy spice and earth characteristics as well as tart acidity. |
|
|
2009 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$123 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2011): Vivid ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and sexy oak spices. Concentrated and lush, with spicy red fruit and candied rose flavors framed but not overwhelmed by smoky oak. Shows very good balance and finishes bright and sappy, with supple tannins and lingering floral character. |
|
|
2015 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 95 (5/2017): This is so perfumed and floral with blue fruits and lightly unripe strawberries. Lemon rind. Medium body, very fine tannins and bright fruit. Vivid. Irresistible now.
JD 91 (10/2017): The 2015 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is a terrific wine from this site, which always gives a fresh, perfumed style. Completely destemmed and aged in 40% new barrels, it offers textbook notes of bright berries, strawberries, rose petals and sappy flowers, medium-bodied richness, a charming, forward style, and a clean finish. It shines for its elegance and purity and is beautifully balanced.
VM 90 (8/2017): The 2015 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is an attractive, open-knit Pinot. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, orange peel and exotic floral notes, along with silky, creamy tannins give the wine its distinctive personality. The Rosella's is one of the more racy, forward wines in this lineup. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2019 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is scented of cranberry, pomegranate, licorice and autumn leaves, with an undercurrent of bitters-like spices. The light-bodied palate is fresh and detailed with pure, spicy layers on the long finish. |
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|
2006 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$59 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2009): Vivid red. Intensely spicy aromas of black raspberry, cherry skin, anise and white pepper. Lush and sweet, with deep, focused red and dark berry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of brown spices. I really like this wine's energy and finishing clarity.
BH 87 (10/2009): A red cherry and pinot-liqueur nose trimmed in light spice and menthol notes is followed by supple and fruit-forward flavors that possess good mid-palate focus and fat that buffers the moderately firm structural elements on the sappy and discreetly warm finish. There is also a curious taste of something that vaguely resembles creosote, which is not so much unpleasant as it's simply odd. Drink 2011+. |
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|
2007 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2009): Vivid red. Intensely spicy aromas of black raspberry, cherry skin, anise and white pepper. Lush and sweet, with deep, focused red and dark berry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of brown spices. I really like this wine's energy and finishing clarity.
BH 87 (10/2009): A red cherry and pinot-liqueur nose trimmed in light spice and menthol notes is followed by supple and fruit-forward flavors that possess good mid-palate focus and fat that buffers the moderately firm structural elements on the sappy and discreetly warm finish. There is also a curious taste of something that vaguely resembles creosote, which is not so much unpleasant as it's simply odd. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2011 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (5/2013): (made from fruit grown in eleven different vineyards and picked between September 16 and October 20; 48% new oak): Deep ruby. Heady scents of raspberry, cherry-cola, floral oil, Asian spices and vanilla. Juicy and penetrating, with superb inner-mouth perfume to its sweet red fruit and candied rose flavors. Becomes spicier with air and finishes with excellent clarity, breadth and persistence.
WA 91 (8/2013): Offering up a supple, perfumed and delicate array of kirsch, crushed berries, spice and forest floor, the 2011 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) flows onto the palate with a light, deft texture, bright acidity and a clean, nicely focused finish. This isn’t a heavy weight and excels on its aromatics and balance more than power or richness. Enjoy it over the coming 4-6 years. Drink now-2019.
JS 90 (6/2012): A fruity and juicy red with dried strawberry and lemon rind character that follows through to a medium body, with fine tannins. Fresh finish. Drink now. |
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|
2012 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2014): The straight 2012 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a gorgeous Pinot. Subtle and nuanced, yet no lightweight, it offers layers of mulled red and black fruits, cinnamon, loamy earth and dried flowers on the nose. Every bit as good on the palate, with a medium to full-bodied, supple and layered profile, it has excellent mid-palate depth, a fabulous texture and a clean finish. It's already hard to resist, but it will evolve nicely through 2022. |
|
|
2013 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$74 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley comes across as a bit restrained, with lovely energy to balance the expressive Russian River fruit. Dark cherry, plum, spice, cedar and cinnamon flesh out on a perfumed, sensual finish with attractive rose petal and lavender overtones. |
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|
2014 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (9/2016): The appellation 2014 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley from this team is a smoking effort. Mostly destemmed and brought up in 44% new French oak, it's loaded with notions of black raspberries, toasted spice, licorice and underbrush. These give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, textured Pinot Noir that packs plenty of fruit, while never losing the elegance and purity of the variety. It will evolve every bit as well as most of the single vineyard releases. |
|
|
2015 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (10/2017): There are 5500 cases of the 2015 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley and it’s a deeply colored, ripe, sexy, beast of an appellation wine that’s as good, or better, then several of the single vineyards. Black raspberries, cassis, roasted herbs, violets, and loads of toasted spice give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured 2015 that has sweet tannin and a great finish. It's already drinking beautifully but should keep nicely on its balance and purity.
JS 94 (5/2017): The bright fruit and hints of citrus come through clearly in this wine on the nose. Medium to full body, linear fine tannins and a fresh citrusy backbone of acidity. Lively. Drink now.
VM 90 (8/2017): The 2015 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a gorgeous appellation-level Pinot. Ripe and racy in the glass, with terrific density, the Russian River Pinot captures the essence of the Kosta Browne style. Succulent red cherry, plum, licorice and spice notes are front and center in a delicious, rewarding Pinot to drink now and over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$89 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2018): A step up over the Russian River blend, the 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers more red fruits, raspberries, flowers, and rose petal notes, with a pinewood/forest floor character developing with time in the glass. This medium-bodied, silky, elegant Pinot Noir has a terrific sense of minerality, integrated acidity, and a complex, nuanced style that’s going to evolve nicely for 7-8 years. |
|
|
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (5/2020): Starting off the Pinot Noirs, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was mostly destemmed and brought up in 31% new French oak. Its ruby/purple hue is followed by a wonderful bouquet of black cherries, darker raspberry, spice, and hints of earth and forest floor. It's a darker, spicy Russian River Valley effort that's medium to full-bodied and has terrific balance, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows the purity and class that now defines this estate. It's well worth seeking out and is going to keep for at least a decade. |
|
|
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$74 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2021): A vibrant, pure, and precise style of Pinot Noir from this region, the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley sports a vivid ruby hue as well as a beautiful array of redcurrants, wildflowers, sappy underbrush, and subtle baking spice nuances. Gorgeous on the palate as well, it's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, focused textured, silky tannins, and a great finish. Where most Russian River Pinot Noirs are broad and exuberant, this plays it closer to its vest and has an undeniably Burgundian style, with good acidity, tannins, and precision. It's beautifully done and will evolve for 15+ years or more. |
|
|
2020 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is ripe with cherry candy, sweet baking spice, and incense. The palate is fresh and fleshy, with notes of red plum and forest floor. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2020 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is ripe with cherry candy, sweet baking spice, and incense. The palate is fresh and fleshy, with notes of red plum and forest floor. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2016 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2018): From a mix of Garys’, Rosella’s, and Soberanes vineyard (there’s also a tiny amount of Pisoni), the 2016 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands leads with its beautiful fruit and has lots of blueberries, cherries, spices, and candied violet-like aromas and flavors. Drink this medium-bodied, seamless, elegant 2016 anytime over the coming 4-6 years. |
|
|
2017 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$63 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2020): Aged in 40% new French oak for 11 months, the medium ruby colored 2017 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands offers a wonderful perfume of cranberry jelly, raspberry and strawberry preserves, boysenberry and rose petal perfume with blood orange and Earl Grey tea leaves, underbrush and pink peppercorn hints. Light to medium-bodied, it's silky, perfumed and elegant with very finely dispersed tannins and juicy freshness lifting the long, understated finish. Lovely! 2,400 cases produced. |
|
|
2018 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2020): Brought up in 20% new French oak, the 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands offers a terrific, complex bouquet of spiced cherries, raspberries, spring flowers, and dried herbs. Beautifully balanced, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it shines for its complexity, texture, and length and is a stunning Santa Lucia Highlands release! |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2016 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$73 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2020): Aged 15 months in 42% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has a medium ruby-purple color and gives up cinnamon toast, raspberry coulis, macerated strawberries and rosewater perfume with accents of musk, lilac, blood orange and scorched earth—what a gorgeous perfume! Medium-bodied, it slowly builds in amplitude in the mouth, releasing gobs of perfumed red berry fruits. It has a sturdy but finely grained frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long, layered and fantastically perfumed. Wow! 2,650 cases produced. |
|
|
2018 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$69 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills was 90% destemmed and brought up in mostly neutral oak (French and Austrian). Its ruby/purple hue is followed by a beautiful bouquet of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits interwoven with plenty of spice, flowery incense, and violet nuances. Ethereal, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, it has a terrific sense of balance, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's not a blockbuster Pinot by any measure yet has complexity, balance, and length. I'm a big fan. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$89 |
8 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (8/2021): Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink. |
|
|
2020 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$79 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has slowly opening, slightly muddled scents of blueberries, blackberries, licorice and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is delicate and juicy with slightly rustic tannins and a simple finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has slowly opening, slightly muddled scents of blueberries, blackberries, licorice and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is delicate and juicy with slightly rustic tannins and a simple finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has slowly opening, slightly muddled scents of blueberries, blackberries, licorice and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is delicate and juicy with slightly rustic tannins and a simple finish. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2005 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2007): Bright red. Spicy cherry and wild strawberry aromas, with dark chocolate and licorice accents. Supple red and dark berry jam flavors show good depth and are accented by cracked pepper and mace. Finishes broad and sweet, with very good length and a refreshingly bitter cherry skin tone.
BH 85 (12/2007): An expressive nose combines notes of cherry cough syrup a hint of menthol that can also be picked up on the round, supple and textured flavors that are attractively silky but culminate in a bitter and unbalanced finish where the warmth from the elevated alcohol dominates. While I for clearly stated reasons do not debate the merits of style in my evaluations because everyone should, and for the most part happily does, prefer different things, high alcohol is not a style question, it’s a balance question and this wine’s balance suffers because of its elevated alcohol and backend bitterness. The finishing bitterness of course is not from the alcohol but suffice it to say that this isn’t for me and I certainly wouldn’t recommend aging it. Drink now. |
|
|
2005 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Heavily Scuffed Label |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2007): Bright red. Spicy cherry and wild strawberry aromas, with dark chocolate and licorice accents. Supple red and dark berry jam flavors show good depth and are accented by cracked pepper and mace. Finishes broad and sweet, with very good length and a refreshingly bitter cherry skin tone.
BH 85 (12/2007): An expressive nose combines notes of cherry cough syrup a hint of menthol that can also be picked up on the round, supple and textured flavors that are attractively silky but culminate in a bitter and unbalanced finish where the warmth from the elevated alcohol dominates. While I for clearly stated reasons do not debate the merits of style in my evaluations because everyone should, and for the most part happily does, prefer different things, high alcohol is not a style question, it’s a balance question and this wine’s balance suffers because of its elevated alcohol and backend bitterness. The finishing bitterness of course is not from the alcohol but suffice it to say that this isn’t for me and I certainly wouldn’t recommend aging it. Drink now. |
|
|
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
9 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Medium red. Energetic red berries, minerals and fresh flowers on the nose, complicated by Asian spices and pungent herbs. Racy and sharply focused, offering tangy redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors. Bracing minerality adds cut to the long, spicy finish.
BH 86 (10/2008): A Maraschino cherry nose that displays attractive spice hints a soupçon of menthol moves into round, supple and nicely rich flavors that possess a distinctly edgy finish where the tannins are not well integrated into the finish, which is also distinctly warm. I like the complexity but the delivery isn't one of harmony. Drink 2009+. |
|
|
2007 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Bright red. Potent aromas of cherry and dark berry skin, smoky herbs, potpourri and black cardamom. Surprisingly fresh on the palate, with brighter red fruit and candied floral character supported by velvety tannins. The mineral note repeats on the long, seductively juicy finish.
BH 85 (10/2009): A menthol, cherry and cranberry-liqueur nose of reasonable complexity leads to rich and generous medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a tangy and moderately bitter finish that is quite persistent. This may round out but at present, it's borderline unpleasant. Benefit of the doubt extended. Drink 2011? |
|
|
2011 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$74 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2015): Red-fleshed stone fruits, crushed flowers and sweet spices are some of the notes that are pushed forward in the 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Overall, this is a decidedly forward, juicy Sonoma Coast Pinot built on opulent fruit and near-term appeal. The 2013 is mostly Gap's Crown fruit, which is now an estate vineyard for KB. |
|
|
2016 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2018): A step up over the Russian River blend, the 2016 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers more red fruits, raspberries, flowers, and rose petal notes, with a pinewood/forest floor character developing with time in the glass. This medium-bodied, silky, elegant Pinot Noir has a terrific sense of minerality, integrated acidity, and a complex, nuanced style that’s going to evolve nicely for 7-8 years. |
|
|
2017 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (6/2019): Moving to the two reds, the appellation 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast reveals a ruby/purple, translucent color as well as a stunning perfume of black raspberries, cassis, crushed violets, spice box, sweet earth. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has beautiful depth, a kiss of background oak, and a great finish. Mostly destemmed and aged 17 months in 40% new French oak, it's a brilliant wine to drink over the coming decade or more. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (5/2020): Brought up mostly in French oak, with a small amount in concrete, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has that classic Sonoma Coast pretty red fruit-driven style as well as subtle white flower, spice, and even a kiss of minerality. It's beautifully balanced and medium-bodied, with an elegant, ethereal style that still has solid structure. It will drink well for a decade. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2021): Another pure, elegant wine from this estate, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers beautiful framboise and dark strawberry fruits to go with complex notes of forest floor, leafy herbs, spice, and damp earth. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a layered, seamless texture, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. If anything, it's a more approachable, softer wine than the Russian River Valley, although it too should easily keep for a decade. Both Pinot Noirs from this team are brilliant wines. |
|
|
2020 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with cedar, red cherry, and pine. The palate fills with grenadine and orange peel, soft, stony earth, and a silky texture. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): A bright, saturated ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is expressive on opening, with aromas of cranberry cocktail, bright toasted spice, cedar, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a ripe but focused feel, with a silky texture and a long, spicy note through the finish. Drink 2026-2038. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2022 |
Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 95 (8/2021): A show-stopping Pinot Noir from Nico Cueva, fermented in concrete, oak and stainless steel, including 6% whole-cluster fruit, then aged in separate lots for 16 months in 40% new French oak, before blending and an additional four months in neutral oak and steel. High-toned, heady aromas of dark cherry and sarsaparilla, pine bark and tangy grapefruit zest, towing the line between haughty decadence and controlled restraint. Savoury and sweet flavours emerge in waves, backed by fine-grained cedar tannins and gentle acidity, then lingering notes of crème brûlée, pine, cocoa and rose petals. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
|
2020 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (7/2023): Lush with aromatics of lavender, the 2020 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard is perfumed with ripe blackberry and sage. This full-bodied red is meaty with iron-rich earth, black cherry, turned soil, and some gripping texture, along with beetroot and sassafras, and it’s long on the palate. Drink 2025-2040. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2022 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (6/2025): Juicy fresh berry fruits are the hallmark of this Willamette Valley bottling, sourcing Pinot Noir from a few different clones across a number of the Valley's appellations and some well-known vineyards. Fleshy strawberries, sweet rose petals and candied raspberries collide with fir tips and forest floor. A proper Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. (Drink between 2025-2033) |
|
|
2020 |
Winner’s Circle Pinot Noir |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 00 Wines |
2022 |
VGR Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (2/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir VGR is youthfully flinty to begin, requiring plenty of air to reveal blackberry, rhubarb, cinnamon stick and woodsy undertones. The medium-bodied palate offers expansive, layered flavors. It’s balanced by juicy acidity and has a long, nuanced finish. It will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar or some time in a decanter.
JD 93 (8/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir VGR (Very Good Red) has a bright ruby hue and boasts expressive aromas of wild raspberries, fresh lavender perfume, walnut, and forest earth. Medium-bodied, it offers a savory and lightly gamey richness, with refined tannins and elegant spices that linger on the finish. It's approachable now, though I imagine it has another 10 years of peak enjoyment ahead. Audrey Frick.
VM 92 (8/2024): The highly expressive 2022 Pinot Noir VGR mixes kirsch liqueur with crushed blackberries, violets and sage, taking on a savory whiff of seared meats. It’s round and pliant, displaying lovely lift as juicy acidity motivates its ripe red berry fruits. A subtle tinge of salty concentration adds depth toward the close. The 2022 tapers off with an almost crunchy sensation, long and tactile, leaving a spicy flourish and hints of sour cherry pit to linger on. This is a beautiful wine of contrasts. (Drink between 2025-2032). Eric Guido. |
|
| Arrow & Branch |
2022 |
Right Bank Blend |
$159.95 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (3/2025): The 2022 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend Napa Valley is gorgeous, offering up a complex bouquet of black cherries, cedar pencil, dried flowers, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, this beauty hits the palate with a round, lush, and downright sexy profile that has no hard edges yet still brings impressive density and depth. With ripe, integrated tannins as well as outstanding length, this blend of 63% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 22% Merlot, aged 22 months in French oak (60% new) is going to drink nicely over the coming 15+ years. (Drink between 2025-2040). |
|
| Barnett Vineyards |
2022 |
Rattlesnake Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2024): The pinnacle of the range at Barnett is the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Estate Bottled. It's the most concentrated of the various bottlings, accenting black cherries, cassis and raspberry notes with hints of crushed stone and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and firm but approachable, it's a classic mountain Cabernet with two decades of potential longevity.
JD 91 (3/2025): Coming from Spring Mountain, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake reveals a beautiful bouquet of blue fruits, violets, and lifted red and black plums, with darker chocolate notes adding complexity. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows a round, supple texture with exotic incense and perfumed nuances. This elegant, focused effort will drink nicely over the coming 7-10 years. (Drink between 2025-2035). |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2022 |
Le Genie |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
Decanter 96 (2/2025): The 2022 Le Génie is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bella Oaks estate in Rutherford. Lifted wet-stone aromatics mingle with redcurrant, blackberry, and cherry, creating a bright yet layered nose. Full-bodied, with super-suave, velvety-textured tannins, the wine frames a richly dense core of succulent dark black and blue fruit compote. It strikes a beautiful balance between power and restraint, showing a plusher, more approachable expression in 2022 compared to previous vintages, where it has been more of a sleeper. Bella Oaks is owned by Suzanne Deal Booth, with Nigel Kinsman as winemaker and Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker, with whom Kinsman has worked since 2003. (Drink between 2025-2037)
WA 94 (6/2025): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Génie is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of black cherries and loamy earth are framed by cedar and vanilla on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is supple, super ripe and deep, velvety and long. It's just a quibble at this level of quality, but it does show a touch of vintage-related coarseness and warmth on the finish.
JD 93 (4/2025): A hell of a second wine, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Genie delivers cassis, red currants, new leather, and spicy notes. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and balanced, it offers soft, supple tannins and outstanding length. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it will drink beautifully over the coming decade. (Drink between 2025-2035)
VM 92 (12/2024): The 2022 Le Genie is blended mostly from younger vines, picked on the earlier side for a more vibrant style. That works quite well, especially in 2022. Bright acids run through a core red/purplish fruit, chalk, white pepper and orange peel. Le Genie is among the best wines in its peer group, meaning the second wines of top estates. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Proprietary Red |
$225 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (6/2025): Despite GM Shae Kinsman's assertion that "it's not a black-fruit expression that comes out of this vineyard," the Bella Oaks 2022 Proprietary Red Wine offers up what I find to be generous amounts of black cherries and cassis, alongside a faint herbal note. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot—the blenders come from Ecotone for now, while waiting for recent plantings at Bella Oaks to come online—it's a full-bodied wine, rich and somewhere between velvety and silky, with a long, elegant finish. It shows great intensity and length, with no trace of raisining, although I would call it more dark-fruited than red. |
|
| Belle Glos |
2022 |
Glasir Holt Pinot Noir |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Black Sheep Finds |
2022 |
The Joy Fantastic Syrah |
$53 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (8/2024): The 2022 Syrah emerges from a tiny one-acre parcel of own-rooted vines planted with five selections. Black pepper, spice, lavender, plum and dried flowers lend notable complexity, a reminder of how well Syrah can perform in the Sta. Rita Hills. The 20% stems are impeccably integrated into the wine's fabric. All the elements are so well balanced. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cardinale |
2022 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (3/2025): Sourced from 14 different vineyards, the Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon reveals alluring aromas of cassis, black fruits, new leather, and baking spices. Full-bodied and powerful, with remarkable richness and focus, it offers ripe, well-integrated tannins and a pleasure-bent yet sophisticated personality. Based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, aged 22 months in 81% new French oak, this classy wine will drink beautifully for two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045) |
|
| Chappellet |
2022 |
Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$280 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2025): A terrific effort from a challenging vintage, Chappellet's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill—94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot—boasts expressive scents of cassis, blackberries, vanilla and caramel. It's full-bodied, supple, generous, deep and round, expansive on the palate and framed by soft, fully ripe tannins and hints of mocha on the lingering, velvety finish. Showy, impressive and delicious, it should drink well for a couple of decades.
JD 96 (3/2025): The flagship 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill brings more density and depth than just about every other wine in the vintage. This brilliant 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot blend offers darker blue fruits interwoven with graphite, crushed stone-like minerality, and liquid violets. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has beautiful tannins, a lively sense of freshness and purity, no hard edges, and a great finish. Best after 2-3 years of bottle age, it will drink well for 15+ years. (Drink between 2027-2043) |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2022 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$265 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (2/2025): I appear to have underestimated Dalla Valle's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate prior to bottling, as this blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot is now showing more harmony and length. On the nose, intense black cherries join dark, loamy earth scents, while the medium to full-bodied palate is rich and velvety, showing admirable concentration, texture and terrific persistence on the finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Maya Proprietary Blend |
$375 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2025): Moving to the 2022 Maya, it's the first year since 1989 that has this cuvée includes more Cabernet Franc than Cabernet Sauvignon. (It's 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20 months in 75% new barrels.) A fabulous nose of darker currants, leafy herbs, violets, camphor, new leather, and flower notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a layered, polished mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a brilliant finish.
VM 97 (12/2024): The 2022 Maya is a rare Maya that is Cabernet Franc-driven, the first since 1989 with a similar blend. Pliant and layered, the 2022 is sublime. Dark cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and espresso all build in the glass. A remarkable wine, Maya may very well turn out to be one of the wines of the vintage. It is certainly one of my favorites at this stage and a clear front-runner. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (2/2025): Dalla Valle's 2022 Maya is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, dominated on the nose by scents of dark chocolate and black cherries, plus vaguely leafy notions and hints of dried spices. Tannic and taut, in obvious need of cellaring, this medium to full-bodied wine's tannins are not as deep or richly textural as they can be (as in the 2021, for example), but they remain impressive; and the finish exhibits superb length. The winery's Cabernet Sauvignon is more flattering to taste now, while the Maya may surpass it in time. |
|
| Donum |
2022 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir (Carneros) is plump, juicy and easy to like. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, cinnamon and sweet oak are front and center. Drink this supple, mid-weight offering over the next few years. (Drink between 2025-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Hypersonic Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Hypersonic lives up to its name. A blast of jammy dark blue/purplish fruit, incense, licorice, leather and scorched earth stains the palate. The 2022 is a big wine, that much is clear. It would be great to see more finesse, though. (Drink between 2025-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is another tasty appellation-level wine from Donum. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender and dried herbs confer lovely savory intensity to play off the wine's bold, forward fruit. (Drink between 2025-2028) Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Three Hills Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (1/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Three Hills is a dark, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry/plum fruit, espresso, menthol, licorice and dried herbs makes a strong opening statement. This is an imposing, potent style, especially in the tannin profile. (Drink between 2025-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dom. Drouhin |
2022 |
Cuvee Laurene Pinot Noir Bin-Soiled Label |
$64 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97 (8/2024): The medium ruby-colored 2022 Pinot Noir Laurene is more layered and complex, with a cologne consisting of cedar, leather, black cherries, wild raspberries, umami savory notes, and mossy earth. Medium-bodied, it has more structure and slightly broader shoulders, with ripe tannins and evenly balanced, ripe acidity. It’s only going to improve with time and will drink well over the next 20 years. (Drink between 2024-2044). Audrey Frick.
VM 94+ (8/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Laurène is spicy, revealing an intense burst of crushed cherries and strawberries complemented by hints of clove and a cascade of dusty rose. This is juicy in style with ripe red berry fruits that saturate as saline minerals amass toward the close. Violet and lavender tones linger through the lightly structured finish, leaving a pleasant tart blackberry tinge that slowly fades. (Drink between 2026-2036). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2022 |
Origine 35 Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (8/2024): A medium red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Origine has fantastic aromatics revealing polished and layered notes of black cherry liqueur, wildflowers, and violets. Medium-bodied, it has great persistence on the palate, with a lot of mouthwatering ripeness, and boasts velvety, ripe tannins with notes of leather. It has wonderful, savory undertones, with pure fruit all the way through and a salty finish with a hint of porcini powder. Drink 2025-2045. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 93+ (8/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Origine 35 is understated in the glass, dusty, floral and perfumed, with a burst of crushed strawberries that fills the senses. This sweeps across the palate like pure silk, lifted and racy in feel, with a graceful personality and perfumed red berry fruits that swirl throughout. Rosy inner florals resonate as the 2022 tapers off long with a primary concentration. A web of fine tannins lingers without hindering any momentum. (Drink between 2025-2034). Eric Guido.
WA 93 (12/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Origine 35 is scented of rhubarb, cranberry, salami, forest floor and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is plush and inviting with silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It drinks beautifully straight from the bottle. |
|
| Fe Wines |
2022 |
26 Red Wine |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
Decanter 96 (12/2024): In 2011, Sid Greer of Greer Wines reached out to Aaron Pott to assess a plot of land in Napa for its grape-growing potential. The site, located at the base of Spring Mountain, north of areas like Morlet, features super rocky, iron-rich soils with Aiken clay loam. This 2-ha property now has 1.6 hectares of organically farmed acres of Cabernet Sauvignon planted to See and Wiemer clones, along with 0.4ha dedicated to Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wine, named '26' as a reference to iron on the periodic table of elements, is a blend of the estate's varieties. While the first vintage was produced in 2016, the inaugural release was 2018. This full-bodied 2022 vintage boasts exceptional polish and integrity. It is loaded with blackberry fruit, cassis, rich baking spices, slate, and mocha. The tannins are firm yet supple, supporting a plump fruit profile with warmth and generosity. Designed for near-term enjoyment, this vintage is perfect to savour while the 2021 and 2019 vintages continue to mature in the cellar. Aged 20 months in 75% new French oak. (Drink between 2025-2038).
WA 93 (2/2025): Marked by scents of mountain bay, sage and black cherries, Fe's 2022 26 is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec, all aged 20 months in approximately 75% new French oak. It's medium to full-bodied and taut yet velvety, with what seems like ample concentration, but it seems to lose impetus on the finish. I have to admit to being (just) slightly disappointed relative to the barrel sample last year. The wine was bottled in June 2024, so perhaps it was still in a bit of a funk when I tasted the bottled wine in November.
VM 89 (12/2024): The 2022 26 is a soft, plummy wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, pipe tobacco, leather, incense and dried flowers build nicely into the open-knit finish. (Drink between 2024-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Futo |
2022 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
2 |
|
| |
Decanter 99 (3/2025): Unfolds with layers of savoury Oakville sagebrush, bay laurel and fresh tobacco. Expressive cocoa-powder tannins add texture, while a striking minerality – evoking crushed volcanic stones – intertwines with a saline edge. The acidity carries a bright, saline-mineral tension. Charged with electric energy, balanced tension and expressive fruit, making it both deeply impressive and utterly inviting. Sourced entirely from the estate’s diverse site, marked by extreme slopes, terraces and multiple aspects planted to heritage selection clones. Native fermented on skins in stainless steel, aged for 24 months in 60% new French oak. Winemaker Jason Exposto has led winemaking at Futo since 2009. Originally from New Zealand, he trained in Austria, Bordeaux and the Loire, working under Stéphane Derenoncourt at Pavie and La Mondotte, with additional harvests at Ausone. (Drink between 2025-2045)
WA 98 (2/2025): All Cabernet Sauvignon, Futo's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville boasts seductive scents of fine cedar and ripe cherries, beautifully complemented by cinnamon, clove and dry-earth shadings. In the mouth, it's full-bodied but not overdone, plush, velvety and long, delivering tremendous richness without any excessive weight. Complex and complete, this is the real deal.
VM 95 (2/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville is creamy, layered and super-finessed. All the elements are so well balanced. Red cherry/plum fruit, cedar, spice, leather, tobacco and espresso all meld together. This is another wine in the range with superb balance, albeit in the smaller-scale style of the year. (Drink between 2027-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Gargiulo Vineyards |
2022 |
Aprile Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Hall |
2022 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (3/2025): All Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece boasts beautiful cassis, juicy blackberries, crushed stone, graphite, and mineral notes intermixed with chocolaty oak. On the palate, it shows impressive freshness and purity, integrated acidity, and ripe tannins. Drink over the next 12-15 years. (Drink between 2025-2040).
VM 94 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Masterpiece is another terrific wine in this range from Hall. Dark, ample and explosive, the 2022 is quite the extrovert. Blackberry jam, espresso, chocolate, licorice, cloves and incense all stain the palate. This opulent Cabernet is beautifully done, especially for the year. The main fruit sources are Soda Canyon, St. Helena and Mt. Veeder. (Drink between 2025-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| David Hill |
2022 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$23.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ink Grade |
2022 |
Lost Clouds Merlot |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2025): All Merlot, from vines planted in 1992 on one of the highest Merlot sites in Napa, Ink Grade's 2022 Red Wine Lost Clouds is another micro-production wine, with just 94 cases. It's east-facing, providing a slightly cooler location. Red cherries and redcurrants mark the nose, joined by a hint of almost pine-needle-like terpene notes. Medium-bodied and nicely textured, this standout Merlot finishes long, with silky tannins.
VM 92 (11/2025): The 2022 Lost Clouds, 100% Merlot, emerges from an east-facing slope in one of the highest-elevation blocks on the property. Bold and racy in the glass, with plenty of structure, Lost Clouds is one of the most unique wines being made in Napa Valley today. High-toned floral notes add a distinctive, exotic flair. (Drink between 2027-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kinsman Eades |
2022 |
Aphex Ecotone Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 98 (4/2025): From the old Thorevilos vineyard (now Ecotone), the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Gorgeous blackcurrants, black olive, tobacco, and a beautiful meaty edge lead to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced palate with fine, polished tannins. This shows more depth, density, and structure than just about every wine in the vintage. Absolutely sensational 2022 that will drink beautifully over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045)
VM 96 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Aphex Ecotone Vineyard is packed with dark cherry, plum, blood orange, pomegranate, white pepper and slate. Aromatic and deep, with tons of fruit density and exceptional balance, the 2022 is seriously impressive All it needs is time to soften. Then again, this is Ecotone. (Drink between 2027-2042). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Hierothesion Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2025): Based on 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Hierothesion delivers ripe red, blue, and black fruits, tobacco, leather, graphite, and crushed stone. Pure, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it's beautifully balanced with a silky profile. Already drinking beautifully but it will keep for 15 years or more. (Drink between 2025-2040).
VM 92 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Hierothesion is the entry-level offering in this range from Nigel and Shae Kinsman. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit and kick of orange peel are some of the notes that grace this exquisite, vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon. Drops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot surely help in that regard. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Kodo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$395 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (4/2025): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from M Bar Ranch, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo delivers darker currants and leafy herbs, with a plush, round, mouthfilling mid-palate. It has velvety tannins, integrated acidity, and beautiful balance, showing both plushness and density. This killer wine will drink beautifully over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 94 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Kodo is another terrific wine in this range. Aromatic and pliant, the 2022 is super-pedigreed. It is texturally very pretty, even though the complexity of the best wines in the range is not quite there. With that said, these are relatively young vines. (Drink between 2027-2042). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2022 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard reveals a darker ruby red hue and is ripe on the nose with notes of cherry cordial, pine, leather, and mossy earth. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with supple, ripe tannins, a silky, fruity roundness, and a ripe but well-managed finish. Drink 2025-2035. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): A bright, saturated ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is expressive on opening, with aromas of cranberry cocktail, bright toasted spice, cedar, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a ripe but focused feel, with a silky texture and a long, spicy note through the finish. Drink 2026-2038. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2022 |
Walla Walla Merlot |
$95 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (3/2024): Deeply colored and extracted for a Merlot, the 2022 Walla Walla Merlot displays mocha notes with plum and blackberry compote with soft notions of brown baking spices that sway from the glass with a firm, mineral essence. Full-bodied, the palate is still tight with firm,. gripping tannins that will release with additional years in the cellar yet will remain food-friendly for the next decade. The wine spent 15 months in a mix of new and used French oak and neutral botti. |
|
| MacDonald |
2022 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$549 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (1/2025): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is clearly one of the successes in the vintage. With a deep purple hue as well as gorgeous aromatics of ripe blackcurrants, darker chocolate, roasted herbs, and graphite, it hits the palate with a medium to full-bodied texture, a round, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a classic, ripe, textured, stunningly balanced 2022 that will drink beautifully over two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 93 (12/2024): Just bottled, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry, red plum, lavender and spice open nicely. The 2022 shows the mid-weight structure of the year, with fine balance and an understated personality that is typical of this vintage. Readers will find an enjoyable wine but one that clearly lacks the dimension and dynamic energy of the very finest vintages. (Drink between 2028-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Philippe Melka |
2022 |
CJ Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
11 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Mekerra Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2025): The 2022 La Mekerra Vineyard is based on 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Franc raised in 50% new oak. Ripe black cherries, darker currants, smoked tobacco, darker chocolate, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated, has ripe, polished tannins, a great, layered mid-palate, and a great finish.
VM 92 (11/2025): The 2022 Mekerra is quite dense and powerful. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, mint and light tropical overtones fill out the layers. There's a bit of tension in the contours, likely the result of drought, but all things considered, the balance here is impeccable. (Drink between 2026-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Metisse Jumping Goat Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2025): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Jumping Goat Vineyard is a rich, heady wine. Sumptuous dark red/purplish fruit, spice, menthol, pomegranate and blood orange are front and center. The purity of the fruit is compelling. A healthy dollop of Petit Verdot (11%) lends quite a bit of freshness. (Drink between 2026-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2022 |
Clos Du Ciel Pinot Noir |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Clos Du Ciel is magenta with a purple-ish tint in the glass and is enveloping with rich, layered aromas of mint, red plum, wild herbs, and nearly iodine notes. Leaning toward full-bodied, it’s also the most savory through the palate, with rich, ripe tannin, a rounded mouthfeel, and a long finish. It’s highly complex and layered, packed with intensity that continues to unfold rapidly in the glass. It’s going to offer a good deal of longevity and is a more contemplative wine in the range. Drink 2026-2045. Audrey Frick.
VM 96 (1/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Clos du Ciel is a tiny bottling of just 266 cases, about half of the normal production. Bold, incisive tannins enshroud a core of black fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice, rose petal and a kiss of new French oak. This brooding, tannic Pinot needs a few years to come together. Today, it is decidedly imposing in feel. Give this time to unwind. (Drink between 2027-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Ma Danseuse Pinot Noir |
$120 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (7/2025): The 2023 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is the most exuberant and packed of these Pinots Noirs from Peter Michael. It is also the wine that made me notice these wines when I tasted the debut 2009s prior to release. Plush contours frame a core of black cherry fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and blood orange. The French oak is already totally integrated, another sign of an important wine in the making. (Drink between 2027-2038). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (3/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse begins with youthful new oak spice that gives way to intense black cherry, cranberry, Earl Grey tea and wildflower aromas. The palate is concentrated yet weightless, its highly perfumed flavors structured by silky tannins and succulent acidity, and it has a long, latent finish. It will benefit from several years in the cellar. 453 cases were made.
JD 96 (7/2025): From a cooler, later ripening site in Fort Ross-Seaview, the 2022 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is a saturated red hue and is lush with a sapid aromatic profile of cherry liqueur, crushed flowers, pine resin, and sappy herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a broader structure, with ripe tannins and darker underpinnings. It’s a richly styled wine but has good clarity. Drink 2026-2046. Audrey Frick. |
|
| de Negoce |
2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| One True Vine |
2022 |
Summer Dreams Twilight Pinot Noir |
$128 |
1 |
|
| |
| Decanter 97 (9/2024): This is the most layered, the richest expression of the Summer Dreams Pinot Noirs. Twilight is the most powerful time in life, the point between light and darkness, between day and night, when we are at our most productive, and this wine, according to proprietory Jayson Woodbridge, embodies all that. 'It has incredible staying power, showcasing Pinot Noir at its most muscular—like a warrior Pinot. It will carry you through the darkest times,' he says, and indeed, it does carry the light and dark as it unfurls with black cherry and spiced plum fruits, dark chocolate, and saline minerals. Its rich, creamy, and powerful character is underscored by fabulous minerality and brisk acidity. This wine makes a compelling argument for the power of Pinot—never underestimate it. Jayson doesn’t care if you accept the style; he makes it boldly and unapologetically. 'It’s like the Darth Vader of Pinot—dark, intense, yet undeniably good,' he says. Fabulous umami notes of long-roasted beef and intense charred mineral character, seaweed, and everything the ocean can deliver in your glass are also present. All this from 100% Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast, Annapolis, and Fort Ross-Seaview AVAs. Whole berries are fermented in open-top tanks and puncheons with a mix of Demptos and Taransaud barrels from blonde, tight-grained Vosges forest wood. The wine is bottled unfined. |
|
| Opus One |
2022 |
Proprietary Blend |
$395 |
21 |
|
| |
JA 96 (6/2025): Smoky, fragrant and powerful, this has clear intensity with tightly-grained tannins. With coaxing, the body of the wine softens to show chalky tannins, crushed rose petals and violet flowers, impressive delicacy to the aromatics despite the heat of this vintage. Great stuff, once again showing how Opus knows when to take the foot off the pedal, how to swerve towards grace. Picking was exceptionally early, coming on August 24 for the Merlot, as they reacted to the forecast for a big heat dome. Michael Silacci director.
WA 95 (10/2025): Picked before, during and after the year's early September heat, the 2022 Opus One—a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 0.5% Malbec—admirably reflects the vintage, boasting a ripe, extroverted personality but also a slightly open-knit, coarser mouthfeel than either the 2021 or 2023. Rosemary and sandalwood notes accent cherries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is expansive and plush, finishing with ample length and soft tannins.
JD 94 (12/2025): Very pretty, elegant, and seamless, the 2022 Opus One offers a terrific perfume of red and black fruits intermixed with fresh flowers and assorted baking and woody spices. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a fresh, elegant, lively mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's an incredibly successful, pure, seamless 2022 that will evolve beautifully over the coming 15-20 years. Drink 2025-2045. |
|
| Patent Wines |
2022 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91 (2/2025): Consistent in quality over the past three highly variable vintages, Patent's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up scents of ripe cherries, along with hints of mint and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied, taut and somewhat linear in shape on the palate, lined with silky tannins that extend through a lengthy, lip-smacking finish.
JD 90 (3/2025): Smoky cassis, blackberry jam, and spicy oak notes emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to full-bodied and sweetly fruited, it's impeccably made, with fine tannins, juicy acidity, and a pure, pretty profile. While the oak stands out at present, there's ample fruit to support it. Best enjoyed over the coming 5-7 years. (Drink between 2025-2032). |
|
| Perchance |
2022 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$315 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2024): Perchance's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a blend of two blocks of Clone 4 planted in 1996. Winemaker Mike Smith picked after the heat wave and after a subsequent rain event. "It was 27° Brix at the time, and the rain dropped it down a degree," he said. "The good thing about Clone 4 in a year like 2022 is that it always carries a bit more color and tannin." Mixed red and black cherries appear on the nose, joined by hints of dusty earth but few if any herbal qualities. It's full-bodied, rich and supple, easy to drink but not lacking for substance, with an elegant, lingering finish. Impressive stuff.
JD 94-96+ (2/2024): A step up, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has more cassis and black raspberry-like fruit as well as a big, rich, concentrated profile on the palate. This full-bodied, round, sexy effort has nicely integrated background oak, a round, expansive mid-palate, and a great finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Ex-Domaine |
$315 |
26 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2024): Perchance's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is a blend of two blocks of Clone 4 planted in 1996. Winemaker Mike Smith picked after the heat wave and after a subsequent rain event. "It was 27° Brix at the time, and the rain dropped it down a degree," he said. "The good thing about Clone 4 in a year like 2022 is that it always carries a bit more color and tannin." Mixed red and black cherries appear on the nose, joined by hints of dusty earth but few if any herbal qualities. It's full-bodied, rich and supple, easy to drink but not lacking for substance, with an elegant, lingering finish. Impressive stuff.
JD 94-96+ (2/2024): A step up, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has more cassis and black raspberry-like fruit as well as a big, rich, concentrated profile on the palate. This full-bodied, round, sexy effort has nicely integrated background oak, a round, expansive mid-palate, and a great finish. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2022 |
Insignia |
$275 |
10 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2025): There are 10,400 cases of the impressive 2022 Insignia, a wine that has been entirely estate-grown since 2004. In a vintage impacted by an extended Labor Day heat wave, nearly two-thirds of the production came from the more shaded west side of Napa Valley, with harvest extending from September 7 through October 5. Scents of new suede, baking spices, loam and ripe cherries mingle easily on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, expansive and velvety, becoming just a little bit more open-knit on the lengthy finish. While unlikely to be a long-lived, legendary Insignia, it's still a delicious, forward wine that should drink well for close to 20 years.
JD 95 (12/2025): Based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged 24 months in 100% new French oak, the 2022 Insignia offers ripe red and black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and Asian spice notes. It's a plush, full-bodied, round, layered Cabernet with sweet, ripe, present tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It brings beautiful mid-palate density, a sound, layered, balanced structure, and a great finish. This successful, impeccably made, quality 2022 is best enjoyed over the coming 20 years. There are 10,400 cases produced. Drink 2025-2045. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 94 (11/2025): The 2022 Insignia is dark, sumptuous and super expressive. Ripe black cherry, cedar, dried herbs, mint and lavender are all finely knit together. Most of the fruit in 2022 was from Banca Dorada and Las Rocas in Stags Leap, both cooler sites that fared better in this challenging vintage. Soft contours round things out in style. (Drink between 2027-2044). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$78.95 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 92 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is terrific, especially for a wine of its level and production. Aromatic, medium in body and impeccably balanced, the 2022 is seriously impressive. It is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter than most years, but its balance and overall harmony are beyond reproach. This is a strong showing. New oak is 45%, 27% French and 18% American. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni.
JD 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot brought up in French and American oak. Classy red and black fruits, vanilla oak, tobacco, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's ripe, rounded, and nicely textured, with good mid-palate density and a good finish.
WA 90 (2/2025): The Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by fruit from Yountville and Suscol; only 21% of the blend is from growers, as there's a push toward estate fruit. As always, there's some American oak in the mix, but that proportion is evolving downward. Redcurrants and cherries are joined by gentle dusty earth notes and hints of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is a bit more dusty and drying than the 2021, yet it remains soft and approachable. With more than 30,000 cases produced, it should be widely available across the entire US. |
|
| Precision Wine Co. |
2022 |
Method California Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Marked Label |
$14 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 87 (3/2025): A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Method California delivers spice-laced red and black fruits intermixed with subtle vanilla notes. Medium-bodied, charming, and balanced on the palate, with an easygoing personality, it's ideal for drinking over the next 3-5 years. (Drink between 2025-2030) |
|
| Purple Hands |
2022 |
Ciel Du Cheval Vinyards Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Dundee Reserve Pinot Noir |
$39 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Reserve is a medium ruby color in the glass and offers pure and spicy aromas of peppery spice, ripe cherries, wild fresh herbs, and wet stone. It is medium-bodied and ripe, with defined tannins, ripe structure, and a well-defined feel. It also has a bit of gamey earth on the palate. Drink 2024-2030. (Drink between 2024-2030). Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Haakon Lenai Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (8/2024): A youthful ruby red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Haakon/Lenai Vineyard comes from 27-year-old vines in the main estate vineyard. A youthful bright magenta/ruby color, it offers darker berried fruit notes of wild black raspberries, layered spice, toasted cedar, umami, and licorice, with some red-fruited, high-toned lift shining through. There is real crystalline depth to this wine as well as more purity and clarity, and it has bright, ripe acidity, mouthwatering freshness, and a great finish. Its ripe tannins are very well-framed, and it has a long finish. Much more purity and clarity here. Drink 2024-2044. This is by far the best wine in the Purple Hands lineup. (Drink between 2024-2044). Audrey Frick.
WA 94 (12/2024): From 26-year-old, dry-farmed vines, the 2022 Pinot Noir Haakon Lenai has pure, complex aromas of rhubarb, blueberry, licorice, tea leaves, potpourri and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate is powerfully styled with generous layers of red fruit, spice and earth. It’s structured by velvety tannins and vibrant acidity and has a very long, expressive finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Kropf Vinyard Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (8/2024): A youthful transparent red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Kropf Vineyard is lifted with very pretty spice to its notes of ripe strawberries, cinnamon, roses, and fresh herbs. Elegant and ripe, it has an approachable feel, with depth of flavor, fine tannins and a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick.
WA 93 (12/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Kropf Vineyard is understated yet complex with detailed aromas of wild berries, citrus peel, potpourri, forest floor and bitters. The light-bodied palate offers concentrated, expressive red fruit flavors. It has silky tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It unfurls dramatically with time in the glass and will benefit from an hour or two in a decanter. |
|
|
2022 |
Le Nouveau Monde Prestige Pinot Noir |
$90 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Le Nouveau Monde is complex and powerful. Matured in around 75% new oak, it has slowly unfolding aromas of pomegranate, cranberry and blueberry and nuances of aniseed, mushrooms, lavender and earth. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with expansive, spicy flavors, and its ripe fruit is tempered by woodsy, earthy layers. It’s structured by velvety tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long, layered finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96 (8/2024): From one of the highest elevations in this vineyard, the 2022 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard is a transparent red hue and is aromatic of ripe cherries, spices, mossy earth, and a lightly gamey but clean earth note. It is an elegant and lifted expression of the Shea Vineyard, with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a more linear feel, and as it opens, it starts to show its broader shoulders and its deeper notes come through. Drink 2025-2040. (Drink between 2025-2040). Audrey Frick.
WA 93 (12/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard was fermented with around 25% whole clusters and matured in about 30% new oak. It has a very pale ruby color and alluring scents of cranberry, rhubarb, forest floor and Angostura bitters. The light-bodied palate is elegantly styled, offering concentrated yet detailed flavors and compelling spicy accents. It’s structured by silky tannins and juicy acidity and has a long, nuanced finish. |
|
|
2022 |
West Wind Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir West Wind Vineyard comes from vines planted from 2017 to 2019 in sedimentary soils. It’s an impressive wine from young vines, offering surprising earthy, spicy complexity. It’s scented of cranberry sauce, Angostura bitters, wildflowers and woodsy tones and continues to unfurl aromatically as it airs in the glass. The medium-bodied palate features highly concentrated, detailed flavors. It’s structured by silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents.
JD 95 (8/2024): A youthful red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir West Wind Vineyard is lifted with aromas of wild, crunchy mixed berries, dark stones, peppery spice, and pine needles. Medium bodied, it has a linear feel, with ripe tannins and energetic acidity driving through the finish. A lovely wine, it’s going to age with ease over the next 10 years. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Realm |
2022 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$290 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (6/2025): A big, muscular wine, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is loaded with black cherry fruit and graced by hints of dark chocolate and mocha. It's the last vintage to include a smidgeon of Petit Verdot (4%), a full-bodied, richly tannic but ripe effort, with a long, harmonious finish.
JD 96 (1/2025): Another wine showing a fresher, juicy style, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard comes from unquestionably one of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. This deep purple-hued effort offers a lively nose of ripe plums, chocolate, violets, and graphite, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate with fine, nicely integrated tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. It's a touch more reserved compared to the To Kalon, so give bottles a few years. It should evolve gracefully through at least 2037. |
|
|
2022 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$625 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (6/2025): A big, muscular wine, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is loaded with black cherry fruit and graced by hints of dark chocolate and mocha. It's the last vintage to include a smidgeon of Petit Verdot (4%), a full-bodied, richly tannic but ripe effort, with a long, harmonious finish.
JD 96 (1/2025): Another wine showing a fresher, juicy style, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard comes from unquestionably one of the finest vineyards in Napa Valley. This deep purple-hued effort offers a lively nose of ripe plums, chocolate, violets, and graphite, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate with fine, nicely integrated tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. It's a touch more reserved compared to the To Kalon, so give bottles a few years. It should evolve gracefully through at least 2037. |
|
|
2022 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2025): I love the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, which might be the finest 2022 from this estate. Darker berries, red plums, tobacco, incense, and chocolaty nuances all shine here, and this beauty is full-bodied, has a rich, layered mouthfeel, sweet, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It shows the early pick dates with its fresher, vibrant style yet still brings beautiful depth, richness, and concentration. It will keep for 15+ years. (Drink between 2025-2040).
WA 95 (6/2025): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard incorporates 6% Cabernet Franc into the assemblage. Complex aromas range from cedar, loam and dried spices to restrained black cherries and black olives. It's full-bodied, supple, savory and long, with a slightly tannic edge to the finish. It could be a touch more concentrated, but that's nitpicking at this quality level.
VM 92 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is supple and juicy, qualities that will be best appreciated on the early side. It offers tons of forward appeal, if not quite the dimension, power of intensity of the best years. There's no way to get past the challenges of the brutal heat here. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Revana |
2022 |
Estate Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ridge Vineyards |
2022 |
Monte Bello (1.5 L) |
$525 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (4/2025): Aged in 100% new oak, the 2022 Monte Bello blends 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, selected from 18 of 21 lots by blind tasting. After assemblage, the wine spent 21 more months in barrel. The vineyard starts at 1,600 feet and goes up to 2,700 feet at top, and is spread out across 4 different ranches, Klein, Rousten, Torre and Perrone, the wines getting more tightknit and ageable as the vines move up the mountain. By the end of harvest, Monte Bello is split into 55 different blocks, which are then picked and fermented separately. Year after year, this is a “wow” wine, herbal, lightly spiced in oak, with a lovely creamy, velvety texture and a backbone of well-resolved tannin supporting a medium-bodied, balanced spirit of mountain garrigue. These wines typically age 20-25 years or more. Virginie Boone.
VM 96 (10/2025): The 2022 Monte Bello feels like a cooler-vintage wine, defying all expectations of the torrid growing season. Juicy, fresh and very old school, the 2022 sashays with true elegance as it unfurls into classic layers of cedar box, tobacco, grilled herbs, tart cherry and crushed rocks. A return to a more typical percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage can be felt in the wine's upright build and darker aromatic shadings. Winemaker John Olney chose to keep the 2022 in barrel for 21 months, a little longer than usual, in an effort to tame its fierce young tannins. That prescription worked out swimmingly. The 2022 is a very serious, structured wine, but its textural polish is beyond reproach. It's a Monte Bello that whispers rather than shouts. Time is very much on your side. (Drink between 2030-2060). Billy Norris. |
|
| Schrader |
2022 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2025): Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is based on what has become known as Clone 31, about which winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown said, "Commercially nonviable is how I'd describe it—unless you grow it, bottle it and sell it for a lot of money." Scents of black cherries, loam, dried spices and dark chocolate appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky-textured and harmonious. It's a terrific wine from a challenging vintage.
Decanter 96 (1/2024): The Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is famously sourced from the low-yielding N2S block, planted in the late 1980s. This unique clone, isolated by viticulturist Phil Freeze and available through UC Davis, has garnered significant attention. ‘It reminds me of Clone 6 out of Block D2 in Beckstoffer To Kalon, which was the basis for Old Sparky,’ says winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. "This wine shares that density and intrigue." On the nose, it opens with dusty minerals, floral spices, and exotic brown spice notes. The palate is captivating, offering remarkable density and mid-palate intensity. High-toned florals and rooibos tea notes weave throughout, adding complexity to vibrant mango, apricot, peach pit, and cherry blossom flavours. An underlying freshness factor keeps the wine bright and dynamic. This is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing wines of the vintage from Schrader, showcasing both elegance and power. (Drink between 2025-2038)
JD 95 (1/2025): Red and black plums, cassis, spice oak, violets, and incense nuances all shine in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone, a pure, concentrated, elegant To Kalon that's full-bodied, has pure, polished tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's a structured, big, burly wine in 2022 that warrants 2-4 years in the cellar. It should keep through at least 2037. |
|
|
2022 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2025): Cassis, darker chocolate, lead pencil, and smoked tobacco all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block, a beautifully textured, full-bodied 2022 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It doesn’t get much better in the vintage, and while it has the upfront appeal of the vintage, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045).
WA 95 (6/2025): Comprising 48 acres planted to several varieties, Mondavi's Monastery Block gets divided up among various brands. Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard offers up compelling scents of dried herbs (thyme?), cassis and perfumed violets on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated, velvety and perhaps a touch warm; the long finish adds a touch of dark chocolate. |
|
| Screaming Eagle |
2022 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$2,200 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95-97 (12/2023): While I wasn't able to taste the 2021s, the 2022s from Screaming Eagle are undeniable successes. Tasted from multiple barrels, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon has medium to full-bodied, richness, beautiful purity of fruit and ripe, building tannins, as well as a good spine of acidity. This estate did an incredible selection, and it certainly shows in all the samples I was able to taste.
VM 95 (12/2024): Floral and silky in the glass, with lovely forward fruit, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a decidedly delicate, elegant wine. It offers terrific freshness and verve. Floral and citrus overtones lift a core of red-toned fruit. The low-ish tannins of the vintage are evident in the wine's mid-weight structure. In the 2022, it's the wine's freshness I admire most. I imagine the 2022 is a rare Screaming Eagle that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2022 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$89 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Reuling Vyd. Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$75 |
41 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Rodgers Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$54 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$65 |
41 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (6/2024): Coming from the western base of Sonoma Mountain on Roberts Road, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo Vineyard shows the sunny side of this warm and early vintage, with fruity aromas of preserved mixed berries, candied flowers, and sweet herbs. Ripe and medium-bodied, it has a silky, supple texture, a light, coating feel, and a more modest, earth-noted finish. It is going to offer more immediate appeal, so drink it over the next few years. 1050 cases were produced. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was raised in 50% new French oak and was entirely destemmed. Pouring a youthful, ripe ruby color, it’s highly aromatic with floral and fruity aromas of sweet cola spice, mixed berries, and preserved flowers. Medium-bodied, it retains good energy and freshness as well as wonderful purity on the palate, with fine tannins and a clean, chalky textured finish. It is a beautiful entry to the range and is going to have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 6-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
UV Lucky Well Vyd. Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$85 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir UV Lucky Well Vineyard offers a more lifted aromatic profile, with notes of medicinal herbs, spiced cranberries, cinnamon, and dusty earth. Coming from a site in the Green Valley developed by Ulises Valdez in 2008, it has lovely energy through the palate, with fine tannins and a more linear feel, with refreshing, even acidity and a clean, stony finish. It promises to improve with another year or two in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. 325 cases were produced. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Wohler Vyd. Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$59 |
11 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): Pouring a deeper ruby red color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Wohler Vineyard was also raised in 50% new French oak and is perfumed and spicy with aromas of mixed of violets, black cherries, fresh forest, minty herbs, and sweet spice. Generous and approachable, it’s fruity all the way through the palate, with a ripe, easygoing feel, ripe tannins, and a clean finish. It’s going to show its best over the next 7-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Three Sticks |
2022 |
Monarch Pinot Noir |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Monarch is a blend from the six estate vineyards. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk and a kick of spice all grace this open-knit, charming Pinot. The 2022 will drink well on release. It’s quite enjoyable today. (Drink between 2025-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| J.H. Wheeler |
2022 |
Rose |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2024): A youthful ruby with a magenta tone, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lovely aromas of preserved cherries, fresh pine, black tea leaf, and incense. The palate retains lovely freshness and mouthwatering citrus, with fine tannins and a clean brightness on the finish. It's rather long on the palate, with ripe tannins, and has the structure to drink over the next 8-10 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is scented of red and black cherries and berries with notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate boasts powerful fruit and youthful new oak spice. It has a silky texture, rounded acidity and a flavorful finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Tissue-Stained Label |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2024): A youthful ruby with a magenta tone, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lovely aromas of preserved cherries, fresh pine, black tea leaf, and incense. The palate retains lovely freshness and mouthwatering citrus, with fine tannins and a clean brightness on the finish. It's rather long on the palate, with ripe tannins, and has the structure to drink over the next 8-10 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is scented of red and black cherries and berries with notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate boasts powerful fruit and youthful new oak spice. It has a silky texture, rounded acidity and a flavorful finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$83 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 93 (6/2024): Ripe ruby red-colored, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted and bright in the glass with cranberry, currants, blood orange zest, and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, it's approachable and elegant, with refined tannins and a clean, lasting finish. It's beautiful and long, with a lovely, ripe feel through the finish, and it has a bit more richness in the tannins' structure. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2032). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has layered scents of red cherries, blackberries, Angostura bitters and bergamot. The medium-bodied palate is supple, silky and inviting with bright acidity and a long finish laced with earth and spice. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Spain |
| Dominio de Pingus |
2012 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$694.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (9/2014): Vivid ruby. Heady aromas of fresh blackberry, boysenberry and smoky minerals are complicated by pungent hints of vanilla, violet and allspice. Lush, intensely flavored and focused, offering deep dark berry and cherry compote flavors and a suave spicecake nuance. Finishes smooth, sweet and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and fully absorbed tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$671.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Flor de Pingus (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,377.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$688.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (1/2023): There is around 20% new oak in the 2020 Flor de Pingus, and because it has a little younger vines (there was a land-consolidation project in La Horra in 2006!), there'll be some Garnacha starting in 2021 and maybe some oak vats for aging too. All this shows the direction, where he found structure and volume in the palate, with textured tannins. It's harmonious and elegant, aromatic and floral, perfumed and showy, with contained ripeness and around 14% alcohol. The palate is quite powerful, with abundant but fine tannins. 110,000 bottles were filled in July 2022. |
|
|
2021 |
Flor de Pingus (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,269.98 |
1 |
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2023 |
Flor de Pingus (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,326.99 |
4 |
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2006 |
Pingus (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,037.99 |
1 |
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WA 98 (6/2010): The 2006 Pingus is a spectacular effort. A glass-staining saturated opaque purple, it delivers an other-worldly perfume of smoke, lavender, mineral, scorched earth, and an amalgam of kinky black fruits. Voluptuous on the palate in a measured way, it has superb balance, layered, complex flavors, ripe tannin that is entirely covered by the fruit, and a decade of aging potential. This monumental wine will evolve effortlessly for 10-15 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2016 to 2036.
VM 95 (10/2008): Opaque purple. Powerful, mineral-driven aromas of blackberry, blueberry, creme de cassis, incense and floral oils. Fresh dark berry flavors are youthfully crunchy and strikingly pure, with mounting spiciness and minerality. Silky tannins add support to the broad, palate-staining fruit but quickly fade away, allowing the exotic dark berry flavors to stand out. The mineral element clings impressively on the long, sappy, sweet finish. A superb showing, and no doubt the last time I'll get to try this as it costs more per bottle than my car is worth. Josh Raynolds. |
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2007 |
Pingus (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$13,880.97 |
1 |
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WA 98 (6/2010): Vintage conditions required a stricter selection for the 2007 Pingus. The aromatics are more brooding but seriously multifaceted. Smoke, pencil lead, truffle, Asian spices, blackberry, and licorice notes are followed by a chewy, dense, rich, powerful wine with fully integrated oak, savory black fruits, ripe tannins, and a decade of aging potential. Drink it from 2020 to 2037 if not longer.
VM 95 (10/2009): Glass-staining ruby. Pungent, mineral-driven aromas of black raspberry, bitter cherry, smoky minerals and potpourri, plus a sexy smoky note of cola. Sweet and powerful, with brilliant definition and intensity to the ripe dark berry and cherry flavors. Lush and creamy but energetic, with silky tannins giving shape to the expansive fruit. Highly concentrated but very young wine with a strong, sappy, penetrating finish that echoes the floral note. This is a weighty wine but there's no excess fat or thickness. Stash it away for at least another six years. |
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2011 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,701.99 |
1 |
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2013 |
Pingus (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,150.99 |
1 |
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2014 |
Pingus (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,271.99 |
2 |
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2016 |
Pingus (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$8,400.99 |
1 |
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2017 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,840.99 |
1 |
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2019 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,968.99 |
1 |
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2020 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,993.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Pingus (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,367.99 |
1 |
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2022 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,663.99 |
1 |
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2023 |
Pingus (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,252.99 |
3 |
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2023 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,893.99 |
3 |
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2023 |
Pingus (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,100.99 |
1 |
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2019 |
Psi Ribera del Duero |
$31 |
1 |
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| WA 93+ (10/2021): The 2019 PSI combines their knowledge of the vineyards and their new winery. They learned a lot in 2018, a more heterogeneous vintage, and their sorting machine for grapes had to work a lot. 2019 was more homogeneous, an easier harvest when most people made better wine. In the winery, they invested in a simple building but top technology. They used some 10% Garnacha in the blend, which was done one year after aging the lots separately. It really reminds me of the young wines from Ribera del Duero from the early 1990s, with some aromas of orange peel, earthy and smoky (very mild) and with fine-grained tannins. It has good ripeness at 14% alcohol and integrated acidity but great balance. It showcases the style of the 2019s here, fresher than expected and still a sunny vintage, when 2018 was more crystalline. A triumph over the natural conditions of the year. |
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2019 |
Psi Ribera del Duero Nicked Label |
$31 |
1 |
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| WA 93+ (10/2021): The 2019 PSI combines their knowledge of the vineyards and their new winery. They learned a lot in 2018, a more heterogeneous vintage, and their sorting machine for grapes had to work a lot. 2019 was more homogeneous, an easier harvest when most people made better wine. In the winery, they invested in a simple building but top technology. They used some 10% Garnacha in the blend, which was done one year after aging the lots separately. It really reminds me of the young wines from Ribera del Duero from the early 1990s, with some aromas of orange peel, earthy and smoky (very mild) and with fine-grained tannins. It has good ripeness at 14% alcohol and integrated acidity but great balance. It showcases the style of the 2019s here, fresher than expected and still a sunny vintage, when 2018 was more crystalline. A triumph over the natural conditions of the year. |
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2015 |
Dominio de Pingus Pingus (3x750ML) |
$2,819.99 |
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