With earthy notes of bay leaf, dried herb and crushed rock, this wine is made from estate sites from a variety of Bordeaux grapes. Youthfully grippy and intense, it shows great complexity and length, with firm tannin and plenty... Read More
Aromas of Kaffir lime leaf, pineapple sage, pithy citrus, lemon blossom and candied ginger mingle and dance on the nose of this concrete egg and neutral oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc. The palate brings a nervy freshness and minerality... Read More
Composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, the 2020 Stratum is a deep red color and is fresh with mineral earth, fresh cherry, and red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it offers notes of fresh soil, black berry, and... Read More
Mouth filling, generous but well balanced, this full-bodied wine wafts brown butter, toasted almond and baked apple aromas, followed by a rich palate of ripe fruits and subtle oak spices backed by gentle acidity. It is spot on... Read More
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is composed of fruit from Hartford Court's estate vineyards plus purchased fruit. Matured for nine months in 28% new French oak, it has layered aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, graham... Read More
There are 15,000 cases of Honig's affordably priced 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. While it may not make you see stars, it's a solid value play (for Napa Valley), matching mixed cherries with mocha and cedar shadings and some... Read More
Very vibrant and lemony – from the blossom to the zest! – this sleek entry-level dry riesling is wonderfully refreshing and animating. The fresh herbal notes amplify this effect. The crisp, long finish makes you want... Read More
The 2023 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs, which was served after the Premier Crus, has a bright but cool bouquet with freshly cut green apple, wet limestone and light peach skin scents that become more pronounced. The palate... Read More
Stone fruits, tart apricot, and some honeyed, floral notes all emerge from the 2023 Viognier, a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant Viognier that has a nicely balanced, elegant mouthfeel and a clean finish. It's beautifully balanced... Read More
With 68% Pinot Noir and 6% Pinot Meunier in the blend, this pale salmon traditional method rose has lingering, creamy strawberry and shortcake nuances to the palate; 26% Chardonnay gives line and length. Supremely drinkable.... Read More
The 2018 Syrah Haley is a stunning Syrah from 25-year-old vines in the Rockpile vineyard (2,010 feet elevation) made with 40% whole cluster and aged 18 months in 80% new French oak. Deep ruby-purple, it is deeply scented with... Read More
As always, I was able to taste the 2023 Hermitage from multiple parcels, and it's clear this will be another beautiful Hermitage. The Péléat, which comes from sandier soils, is always more finesse-oriented. The... Read More
Here too the wood treatment isn't subtle though it stops short of fighting with the spicy and wonderfully floral-suffused aromas of mostly red currant and cool cherry. There is terrific punch to the intensely mineral-driven... Read More
Savory, slightly reductive aromas of damp soil, charcoal and tar meet with dark berry on the nose of this bottling, which steadily opens up with air. The palate's asphalt minerality gives way to dried plum, dark spice and... Read More
An expressive and distinctive white, showing plump flavors of Key lime pie, with apricot, peach and ripe melon notes. Freshly grated ginger, candied green apple and lemon verbena linger on the sleek, juicy finish.... Read More
The 2022 Cornas Cuvée Jana brings another level of density and depth, with serious blue fruits, roasted meats, liquid violets, and graphite-driven aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, it has a flawlessly balanced,... Read More
Balanced and medium-bodied, this fresh red frames flavors of chopped black cherry, blackberry paste, espresso, tobacco, anise and graphite with light, fine tannins. Castelão and Aragoñez.
This has a complex nose of hazelnuts, lemon curd, pie crust, peach pits, pastries and apricots. Sea salt, preserved lemon, and just a touch of white chocolate. Powerful and full-bodied, with focus and tensiom in compact, long... Read More
The 2018 Karthäuserhofberg Riesling GG is intense, ripe and concentrated and delivers what you might expect from a German Riesling Grand Cru: intensity, concentration and flinty terroir aromas. Round, smooth and elegant on... Read More
Composed of Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, the 2021 Nerthus is perfumed with lychee, peach rings, and wild strawberry. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with raspberry, and candied citrus, and rose petals. Drink 2022-2025.... Read More
The 2019 vintage was a little unpredictable, with 26 passes in the vineyard between late February and late April to determine optimal ripeness. Each pass was separately vinified, some for zing, others for a more raisin-like profile,... Read More
The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley was matured for 15 months in 34% new oak. It has a medium ruby color and generous aromatic layers of lavender, licorice, eucalyptus and forest floor with a core of dark fruit. The medium-bodied... Read More
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... Read More
This has aromas of flint, toast, jasmine, dried pineapples, lemons and sea shells. Some cardamom and salted butter. Classy and driven, with a medium to full body and tight, sleek layers. Perfumed and bright. Everything in balance.... Read More
