48% merlot, 25% cab franc, 18% petit verdot, 9% cab sauv. Dark red violet. Distinctively Red Mt. black, sweet, and powerful. Barrel extras. I love the nose. Sweet and flowing fruit appeal. Well balanced. Flavorful taste and aftertaste. Nice, subtle barrel complex. Melted tannin. Take it to the table. 92+/100.

Parker 93: 'The 2021 Armé Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. It has pretty tones of blueberries and black cherries with nuances of lavender, thyme and underbrush. The palate is medium-bodied, chalky and refreshing, with surprising depth of crunchy fruit and floral sparks across the long, juicy finish. Drink 2024-2034.'

90% cab sauv, 7% merlot, 3% malbec; from Napa, Sonoma, and Suisun valleys; aged 6 months in seasoned French and American oak barrels. Fresh and dark fruited. Definitely from the cooler zones. Reminds me a lot of a Mendocino cabernet. I like it. The barrels have a positive impact. Some toasty qualities plus the mellowing effect of barrel aging. Good acid. Near absence of cabernet tannin. Well crafted year after year. 92/100.

2020: Dark and structured Mendo cabernet nose seldom found at this price. Plenty of material, fruit. Fruit juicy flavor with good acid and fine tannin. For food. What I'd expect to get from a Spencer Mendo cabernet, and do. Got to have this one. 92+/100.

Owned by the Cartlidge family. Vineyards at 1400 to 1500 feed. Lake County cabernet sweet smelling and enticing. A pure cabernet statement free of barrel extracts. Smooth, suave, and flavorful. Wine of place. Ready to serve. 91/100.

A fresh combo of 2021 richness and lift. Lake cabernet round and mellow up front balanced by high elevation acid support. All aspects melded into an harmonious whole. 91/100.

By Signorello. 87% cab sauv, 10% cab franc, 3% malbec. Large, black fruited, and spicy. Not overly ripe or powerful. Just right ALV cabernet nose. Fills the mouth with flavor and texture. Takes up a lot of space. Impressive. 92+/100.

2020: All cabernet sauvignon. Aged a year in oak barrels (60% French, 20% American, 20% Hungarian), 20% new. That amps it up in cabernet black fruit concentration. The firm, dark oak is well mated to the fruit. Sweet and suave--surprising for its youth. The tannins are chewy but fine grained. The finish is lasting. Ready for steak house service. 92/100.

2018: 20 months in oak barrels. Deep and dark fruited for DCV. Very upscale. Not too powerful and oaky like many a DCV cabernet.. Classy. Beautiful oak, clear fruit. Shows the way. 93/100.

Parker 93: 'The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec and 3% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps with open-knit notes of warm cassis and plum preserves, plus hints of tobacco leaf, bouquet garni and cedar chest. The medium to full-bodied palate is firm and crunchy with bags of bright fruit and a grainy texture, finishing lifted. Drink 2022-2039.'

I like the stylishness of this line. Napa class, no bombast, freedom from manipulation. Just pure Napa cabernet fruit quality. That sweet purity carries over on the palate. Nice set of subtle brown spices contributed by the oak. Especially allspice. Rings my chimes. 93/100.

2020: Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Coffee, dark chocolate and blackberries give a lot of flavor to this espresso-scented wine, while fine-grained tannins add to its rich mouthfeel. The wine offers excellent concentration and good structure that will help it age. Best from 2025-2032. $65.'

2016: Est. 1961; from estate vineyards in six Napa Valley AVAs; 100% varietal. This vintage was made by the Heitz family, and it stands by Napa tradition. Napa depth and beauty. Terroir class with subtle oak underlayment the supports rather than vies with it. Just right ripeness and sweet fruit of 2016. Cool, racy acid. A picture of harmony in youth. The tannins are fine grained and well polished. No need to delay gratification, though this will thrive in the cellar for many, many years. 95+/100.

Wine Spectator 92: 'A strapping red, with loamy notes to the dark fruit and ripe berry flavors, which offer accents of dried beef. This has a vibrant minerality that lingers into the finish, with green herbal shadings and coffee bean hints. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2027. $40.'

Rutherford warmth. Wine of place. Rich, powerful, dry. Barrel age of a reserve. Charming and approachable. 92/100.

Wine & Spirits 92: 'Trevor Sheehan at Precision Wine Company makes this cabernet, packed with black-currant richness yet on the underside of ripeness. The perfumed tannins have a bosky feel, more breathable than taste-able, their muscular hold on the fruit not diminishing its cushioned feel. This is not a wine to age, but to drink now with chopped sirloin off the grill. $70.'

Vinous 95: 'The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a gorgeous wine. In 2017, the Frog's Leap Cabernet has a bit more depth and richness, as it often does in warmer years. Cedar, tobacco, mint and sweet red cherry are all pushed forward in a succulent Cabernet with tons of character that still retains its super-classic, mid-weight feel. Time in the glass brings out the wine's aromatic nuance and silkiness. The Frog's Leap Cabernet remains an under the radar gem in today's Napa Valley.'

Purple-black. Uplift and elegance as well a near-essence concentration. Power, fruit, volume, blackness, depth, stamina. And oak sophistication. Oak more prominent on the palate: class oak, spicy oak. Plenty of 2013 sweet fruit, extract, texture, tannin. Total Rutherford cabernet. Grand Vin. 98+/100.

After Blacksmith's Rutherford cabernet, there's that cooler, more refined, more discreet Oakville cabernet style. Pure class here. Noble barrel embellishments make for a complex presentation. Equally emblematic of its origins and skillful upbringing. Needs some time for full oak absorption. I don't regret one bit ordering a case of this on faith. 94+/100. List price: $45.

2019: 75% cab sauv, 25% merlot; aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Plenty of 2019 flash and countering Oakville discretion. Paradoxical, but true. This is really well bred Oakville cabernet given the subtle, spicy oak embellishments it deserves. 2019 fruit soaks it all up. Sweet fruit, spicy oak, Oakville distinction, true harmony. Now or later. Actually, a sleeper for the cellar. 93+/100.

2018: Wine Enthusiast 95: 'This wine is energetic and distinctive in style, with earthy elements of pencil shavings and clay most pronounced. Balanced and fresh in approach, it provides flavors of currant and black cherry around its earthier, more herbal components, which lend balance and elegance to it all. $62.'

Wine Enthusiast 90 - BEST BUY: 'A smoky streak of peat and leather meet with dark plum, berry and iodine on the nose of this bottling. Roasted meat and leather flavors show on the palate, along with berry and dark wood spice.'

At Saratoga; vines planted 1973 on own rootstocks, developed from cuttings taken at the David Bruce Vineyard. Wow, the most expensive wine in the set has a screwcap! Charm--that's the defining nature of KK cabernets. Oh, there's breadth, depth, complexity, ripe fruit, stalwart SCM bearing, and oak melange too. Still, charm is the watchword, thanks in part to its modest alcohol content. Sweet fruit and oak totally integrated. Good acid, balance, fine tannin. Inimitable. 94+/100.

All five varieties. 1/3 aged in French oak cooperage. A more ambitious barrel regimen. It's positive and complexing. Plenty of fruit substance to take it up. Promises to be a good value. Yes, variegated fruit profile and lots of positive oak seasonings, all in harmony. Good acid. The tannins are soft so don't interfere with present use. Bravo. 92/100.

Est. 1987. 150 acre estate near ever encroaching Silicon Valley. Heavy Bottle Award. There it is. That unique Santa Clara Valley take of cabernet. I'm going to miss it once the valley succumbs to urban sprawl. I don't know if they have green belt on place like Livermore. Great acid, great fruit clarity. Subtle if any oak. The feel and flavor is all SCV cabernet, stating fresh red fruit. Well balanced and long lasting. 92/100. More oak came forth after aeration (spice, vanilla, tobacco). Thought more Burgundian than Bordelais in approach.

VERY Paso sweet fruited. Not to the pruny extreme though. More like very ripe morello cherry. Flavors echo aromas. Good power at 13.9% supplies a foil to the richness and also coolness rather than heat. If there are barrel complications, they are subtle and well integrated. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'This solidly satisfying style of Paso Robles Cab will please many palates. Aromas of cocoa, black tea, coffee bean and elderberry decorate the nose. The palate is tense in structure but forgiving enough to present easily enjoyable flavors of elderberry jam, warm oak and dark herb. $32.'

2018: Wine Enthusiast 93; Tasting Panel 93: 'Ripe and balanced, with intuitive acidity unlike that found in any of Paso's other sub-AVAs. Cedar delivers subtle h9ints of cocoa and spice while dark cherry and cherry pith give way to a channel of calcareous m9ineralityh, black olive, and beetroot. Aged 20 months in French and American oak. $22.'

Thought to be a cabernet cross developed in the area in the 19th century by a hybridist named Pfeffer. Others suggest gros verdot or another obscure Bordeaux variety. Very little planted. I haven't seen it on a label in decades. As alleged, more flow than cab sauv with the suggestive black pepper spicy edge. Spot on, as I recall. Chewy texture. Full, fine grained tannins. The flavor pushes through. Great acid. Med herbs on the finish. Totally worth preserving in the vineyard. Nothing else like it. 92/100.

2017: That's quite the prominent nose. Forthcoming, and showing a unique regional interpretation of merlot. I like that. Some brown spice and vanillin barrel contributions add to the pleasure range. Lasting, balanced finish. All unto its own. Nothing to interfere with current service. 92/100.

2017: Wine Enthusiast 90: 'Black cherry, potpourri and the slightest hint of vanilla bean show on the nose of this bottling. Hearty black plum, boysenberry, herb and pepper flavors pop on the palate, which is wrapped in a leathery texture.'

2019: Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'This Pinot layers in the complexity and tension, showing accents of raspberry and cherry that are laced with dusky spice and black tea. Drink now through 2028. $24.'

Dijon and Pommard clones; aged in French oak barrels. Cool, fresh, uplifting, ventilating Oregon take on pinot noir. Kiss of toasted French oak creme brulee adds to its aromatic profile. Suave, appropriately medium bodied, and impressively flavorful. The oak has definite influence, adding nuances of toast, brandy, brown spices, and pipe tobacco casings. Fills the bill at a reasonable price. 92/100.

On volcanic Jory & marine sediment soils of the Dundee Hills region; 10 months in Bemond, Damy, Cavin & Stockinger barrels. This recalls a past vintage the group was high on. 2018? It's at once rich, racy, and pure. Bright cherry varietal character runs deep. Barrel embellishments are well integrated and complexing. Like the Fleurie, even richer in flavor and texture than the nose suggests. Long lasting flavors too. Well balanced. No tannin issues. Yes, the best since 2018. 92/100. Widely praised by attendees.

Fourth generation winery at Dallas OR, west of Salem. Smoky aura. Not sure if it's oak toast or smoke 'taint'. Regardless, it's appealing to me. Cool red cherry statement of OR pinot too. Crisp OR style. Rounder and richer than the nose suggests. Pretty succulent palate. Flavorful. Smooth. Balanced. Ready to serve. 91/100. Positive comments on the overall quality, balance, moderate alcohol content, and value.

A collaboration between Stoller and Chehalem wineries. Crisp 2019 fruit. On the lean side to start. Fills out, sweetens up with aeration. Yeah, rich enough; cuts the mustard. Good acid race. Will improve. Great price, for sure. 91+/100.

Pleasing extra fruit ripeness of 2019. Fills the bill. Good OR acid, of course. Fits in nicely at the price. 91/100.

Vinous 91: 'Bright ruby-red. Smoke-accented cherry and blackberry aromas are complemented by floral, licorice and mocha notes. Supple and concentrated on the palate, offering dark berry, cherry compote and rose pastille flavors supported by a core of juicy acidity. Rich yet energetic in style, finishing with very good clarity, repeating florality and subtly chewy tannins. Drink now-2027. $28.'

Est. 1971; aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. Cool, tart 2019 OR pinot noir. Notes of black earth and underbrush should appeal to the Europhiles. Yes, bracing acidity of this cool, damp vintage (which Wine Spectator champions). Plenty of juice and race. Burnished tannins. A certain underlying forgiveness. Very lengthy finish. Indeed, the Euro-centric panel enjoyed this. 92/100.

Vinous 91/100. My notes: Sweet and genuine 2017 OR pinot nose with warm spices to complement. Seems southern valley. Engaging fruit sweetness and allspice extras. Well priced and ready to serve. Will have wide appeal. 91/100.

Lovely, medium dark maroon. It's always fine boned and elegant with just the right kiss of oak. Yeah, what a beauty. With cherry creme goodness and suave oakiness. Forward and gentle 2022. Good acid too. 92/100.

5-member family winery at Eugene; native yeasts; 1/3 whole clusters; 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new; unfined. Warmth of the vintage and 6 plus years' aging show in a nose of pleasingly ripe Willamette pinot, barrel suavity, and suggestions of gathering bottle bouquet. Very savory at this stage. The acid is OR good, and the tannins are melting away. Useful now, there's not fear for another year's cellaring. 91/100. List price: $40.

2018: Parker 92: 'Pale ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has a nose of red and black berries with wafts of licorice and dried flowers. The palate is light-bodied, soft and juicy with a fine balance of bright berry fruit and earthy accents, and it finishes long and perfumed. Drink now-2025.'

John Grochau discovered wine while bicycle racing for a French team in the Loire Valley; aged 9 months on lees in seasoned oak barrels. Pronounced Grow-Shaw, not Groucho. Really quite large, heady, and inelegant upon opening. Suggests some press wine used in this cuvee. Rather coarse textured. There's OR pinot taste and cool. And great acid. Like the 2021 Averaen tasted the week before, this will likely improve as the months pass. 90+/100. Tasted 9/28/22.

At Dallas; horse drawn plows; hand picked; basket pressed; barrel aged; Chinook for land, earth, or soil. Much lighter color. Medium scarlet. Nose kinda quiet. Delve deep for pinot sweet cherry aroma. I have confidence. Bright and crisp and flowing pinot cherry taste. No tannin issues. Really good acidity. Will make a great turkey mate. 92/100.

From Abbott Claim, Canary Hill, Carter, Freedom Hill, Guadalupe, McCrone, Meredith Mitchell, Nysa, and Savoya vineyards. Fruit clarity! Black. OR crisp, and quite rich. Following this from 2014 thru 2019, this 2020 is quite its own entity. Barrel aging adds race, spice, and complexity. It really is quite the oaky thing in youth. And exciting. This could be his most variegated vintage yet. The flavors, the textures. 93+/100.

Wine Spectator 94: 'Elegant yet dynamic, this multilayered red reveals detailed cherry and red plum flavors that are laced with savory forest floor and mineral flavors, which build intensity toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2031. $40.'

2016: Vineyard established in 1982; one of the oldest. 1/3 new barrels. 2016 style. Tighter and tarter than the 2015, younger than the 2014 when last tasted. The material is here; third straight winning vintage of this. Reserve richness, body, amplitude, and barrel extras. Good OR acid, of course. A shame to drink now. Even without much tannin, it needs time to spread its peacock's tail. Decidedly Burgundian. 92+/100.

Fresh and racy form of OR pinot. Wholesome fruit. Aims to please rather than awe. Good, rich fruit and fruit acidity. Perfect poise, harmony. Ready to enjoy. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93/100 - EDITORS' CHOICE. My notes: Dark red violet. Both fresh and intense. Well integrated barrel complexity completes the picture of an ideal OR pinot nose. Delicious cherry-berry-oak flavors. Good acid as well as pinot richness. Light and fine tannin for texture. Total flavor and texture harmony. Must stock. 94/100.

Made by Elk Cove Vineyards. Boy, that's a rich and ripe one. Pike Road style. Still, that OR aura of coolness. Yeah, fully ripe fruit, yet you'd never mistake it for a CA pinot, even a Sonoma Coast version. Great acid race and textural etch. Long, fulfilling finish. No tannin issues. 92/100.

2017: Vinous 90: 'Deep red. Ripe, mineral-tinged red berry and cherry scents, along with a hint of succulent herbs and building spiciness. Smooth and open-knit, showing very good depth to the bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, which take on a smoky quality with aeration. Shows the forward character of the vintage and finishes long and supple, with repeating spiciness and gentle, even tannins. (20% new French oak). Drink 2021-2027.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'Sleek and pretty, with multilayered cherry and pomegranate flavors that are laced with orange peel, clove and spice notes. Drink now through 2029.'

Vinous 92: 'Deep, vivid red. Ripe, spice-accented cherry and a succulent herb nuance on the perfumed nose. Concentrated and supple in texture, offering bitter cherry and spicecake flavors sweetened by gentle cola and mocha flourishes. Finishes long and gently sweet, with smooth, well-knit tannins that come in late. 40% whole clusters and 22% new oak. Drink now-2026. $28.'

Co owners winemaker Alkiko Shiba and husband Chris Wichern. Overall, a firm little nugget of an OR pinot in youth. Surprising burst of sweetness and wild cherry flavor in the mouth. Virtual lack of tannin. Good flow. Ripe acidity. Palate reads 'ready to serve'. 92/100. Widely liked as smooth, sweet fruited, ready to drink. 'Very enjoyable.'

Wine Spectator 92: 'Fragrant and elegantly structured, with fresh violet, raspberry and orange peel accents that glide agilely toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030. $35.'

Very rich nose, almost cake frosting. Puts it out. The oak gives the vanilla stuff. Good acid. Good body. Good bottle. 92/100.

100 acres of vines on clay mixed with glacial silt in the Dundee area. Heavy Bottle Award, rare among pinots. Cheery ruby cast. Full of sweet pinot black cherry fruit. Cool climate demeanor too. Flavorful. Medium to full bodied. Rich, with good acid too. An all around winner of popular styling that's suitable for current service. No oaky obfuscation. Long, even handed finish. 91/100.

Logical, sweet, warm-zone pinot of Lodi. Real pinot noir moderate color intensity. Not adjusted. This gives. Yes, real and sweet pinot. Good acid for balance. Works for its price, origin. 90/100.

2016: Deep and savory. Genuine. Elegant, coastal degree of ripeness. Fulfilled. Yes, crisp red and black fruit. Juicy acid invites food. Generous in both flavor and texture. Extreme value. How do they do it year after year? 90/100.

10 months in barrels; 25% new French oak. Pinot purity, spicy oak extras, Sonoma Coast coolness without austerity. Runs deep; spreads wide; complex. Full bodied. Good oak augmentation. Quite a bit of tannin still. I can see the ratings. 93+/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Silky and graceful. Aromas of earth and wild strawberry carry over to the palate, where notes of underbrush and soy sauce add a savory cast. With a dash of white pepper, a sweet-tart finish of cranberry lingers.'

Wine & Spirits 92: 'This wine balances the soft richness of Russian River Valley pinot noir with a light, bright transparency to its red berry flavors. The mineral tannins have the crunchy bitterness of raspberry seeds, lifted by red apple acidity, the structure filled out by ripe summer fruits. It's a gentle, accommodating wine that only gets better with air.'

Sweet on the approach, then settles into a RRV cool and confident demeanor. Yes, 2018 sweet, ripe fruit cut by good RRV acidity. Attractive measures of RRV class and elegance. Good value indeed 91/100. List price $20.

2017: Wine & Spirits 92 - BEST BUY: 'Greg Morthole sourced fruit for this 2017 from vineyards in the Santa Rosa plain, the Middle Reach of the Russian River and Green Valley. Some of the fruit also came from an estate vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Those varied sites provided enough generous fruit flavor to balance the wine's brighter notes of sassafras and earthy notes of roots. It's a clean, fragrant and spicy pinot noir to pour with grilled pork. $35.'

2017: From estate and top nearby vineyards, seven in all. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 16% new. Unfined, unfiltered. 13.1%. One large, rugged pinot noir crafted in the Swan/Berglund style. No other like it. Power over perfume, though the alcohol is modest. Fairly explodes on the palate with pinot richness. Daring degree of VA in the Berglund style. No problem. Large and solid. Wow, this is built to last. 93+/100.

Pinot noir specialist est. 2004. Sweet, RRV classy. Nicely evolved. Lots of intrigue and class here. Surprisingly dry. Complex terroir, fruit, and barrel nuances make for a great set on the palate. 93+/100. After two hours' aeration, elements of dill and tea emerged. The oak was judged well managed by the commentators.

Wine Spectator 92: 'Intensely fruity and well-structured, with cherry tart, raspberry and wild plum flavors that are filled with minerally freshness. Lithe finish has hints of licorice and slate. Drink now through 2025. $52.'

2017: Rich, deep, romantic pinot with great oak. More like Russian River Valley pinot than Sonoma Coast. Satisfying body, acidity, concentration. 92+/100.

2019: Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Opening in a burst of berry with tannic energy, this wine shows impressive length, grace and complexity. Forest, black tea and clove accent a core of raspberry, pomegranate and cranberry, with a pretty rose petal accent throughout. $35.'

Sonoma Valley Burgundy-grape specialist since the 1950s; Sebella, once the estate's second wine, now incorporates fruit from neighboring growers as well; 41% whole cluster; 10 months in oak cooperage, 8% new. Subtle, unique Hanzell styling. Freshness and lift of whole cluster. Mellowing and broadening of barrel aging. The oak aromatics are well absorbed and integrated. Speaks of cool origin. Good acid. Dry and Euro in structure and style. Youthful; we usually taste when a few months older. Harmonious; has it all together. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Well-structured, this textural and delicious wine fills the mouth with grippy tannins, snappy raspberries, black tea and rhubarb. Although not too deep in color, it has a full body and lots of flavor impact. Plus, the wine is available in quantity at an affordable price. Pair with braised lamb shanks or mushroom risotto. $32.'

2018: Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Fresh boysenberry and cranberry aromas are wrapped in a rusty iron note on the nose of this bottling. There's a tarry tone to the sip, which is firm in tension and offers flavors of black plum, lavender and cracked pepper. $30.'

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'A lighter shade of ruby in the glass, this bottling begins with subtle aromas of rose, muddled strawberry and tight raspberry, with a dusty undertone. The palate is more generous, showing riper red fruit before waves of rocks and earth take hold, with cola spice popping up toward the finish. $50.'

2016: Vinous 92: '(15% new French oak) Lurid red. Spice-accented raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by hints of cola, candied rose and smoky mineral notes. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering lively red berry flavors and suggestions of floral pastilles and blood orange that emerge with aeration. Nicely concentrated but vibrant and precise in style, delivering solid closing thrust, while smooth tannins lend shape to the long, spice-accented finish. This wine is composed of 65% Rincon and 35% Rosemary's fruit and, like the Chardonnay, it's extremely impressive for what might be called an entry-level bottling. Drink now-2026. $42.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This appellation blend of three clones from three vineyards hits all the marks. Light in the glass, it pops with juicy strawberry, sagebrush and charcuterie on the fresh and fun nose. The snappy palate picks up melon, red plum and wild mint flavors. $36.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'From all estate-grown fruit, this starts with aromas of dark cherry, cardamom and mace. The palate is somewhat wild in pleasing ways, with wet sage and pine needles decorating the black plum and roasted cranberry flavors.'

Parker 91: 'The 2015 Pinot Noir Los Alamos Vineyard has a pale garnet color and a classic nose of woodsmoke, cranberries, Bing cherries, tree bark, dried citrus peel, pipe tobacco and dusty earth. In the mouth, it's light-bodied and delicate with finely grained tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long and amaro-tinged. Drink now - 2026.'

Fresh, purple fruited, crisp Santa Barbara pinot. Deep, sweet fruit core. Both sweet and racy on the palate. Well priced wine of place. Doesn't need oak. 91/100.

Vinous 92: 'Terrific. Bold, juicy, and explosive, it packs a serious punch. Black cherry, plum, lavender, cloves and leather are all dialed up. This juicy, delicious Pinot hits all the right notes. Drink now - 2028.' List price: $43.

Wine & Spirits 92: 'With scents of smoke, clove and dark spices, this has the depth and the feel of amaro but none of the sweetness. The cherry flavors are dry and concentrated, plump but persistent, with an exotically spicy complement of tannins on the finish, firm enough for duck with a roast cherry gastrique.'

Oh, rich and a real deal. Ripe fruit and oak and AVA class and lift. Well developed at age seven. Smooth, strong, balanced. Not a fish pinot. 92/100. List price: $30.

Entirely from Pali Vineyard. Native yeasts; aged 6 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Has that SRH constitution I'm looking for. Well framed as well as well fruited. Deep, dark fruit display. Yes, the palate confirms its good form. Large in the mouth. Great SRH acidity. Super bargain for a wine of this top coastal AVA. 91+/100, List price: $30.

Large berried, late maturing grape aka gros auxerrois; 17% whole cluster fermented. Very snappy red currant aroma that's close to reductive but quickly loses that impression with aeration. Seems more 'serious' than earlier years. Maybe it's vine age. Sweet fruited. Good acid cut. Depth of both aroma and flavor now. Meaty texture. Yes, more serious indeed than years back. Adds ponder to pleasure pursuit. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Super concentrated and richly tannic, this full-bodied wine is dark in color with a deep red rim and offers ripe, jammy intense blueberry, blackberry and dark chocolate flavors. Drinkable now due to a polished texture, but best from 2026. $30.

2019: Wine Enthusiast 90: 'Quite ripe and jammy, this deeply colored wine also sports nicely integrated tannins that balance the intense blueberry and blackberry flavors. Being relatively smooth and polished for the varietal, it's ready to drink through 2026. $23.'

Vinous 95: 'A wine of weight and substance, the 2019 is fabulous. Black cherry, plum, exotic spice, leather, tobacco and incense infuse the 2019 with tons of complexity. There's plenty of supporting structure, but the tannins are pretty much buried. What a wine. Drink 2024-2039. $42.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Quite dark and inky in the glass, this bottling begins with aromas of cassis, roasted meat and a hint of baking spice. Thick, hearty tannins frame the savory sip, where teriyaki and roast lamb flavors lead to dark berries, moving to vanilla bean and espresso on the finish. $29.'

CA super sized tempranillo. Full blown varietal dark cherry-berry. Good show. Revelation. When the Golden State gets it right, the essence of Euro grape varieties comes across in magnified form. 92/100.

65% grenache, 18% syrah, 15% cinsault, 2% petite sirah. That's a sweetly assembled Med France varietal red. Plenty of fruit, in harmony and volume. And the palate confirms its flavor range, coordination, and satisfaction. Some fine tannin for texture. 91+/100.

Parker 95: 'The NV OVR Lot 73 is composed mainly of Zinfandel with smaller portions of Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Barbera. Medium ruby, it offers intense red cherry, blood orange and apricot perfume with accents of rooibos tea leaves, red licorice, saline, lilac and loads of spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet with soft tannins, bursts of refreshing acidity and detailed amaro accents on the long finish. This is so easy to drink! Drink now-2032.'

Zinfandel, petite sirah, carignan, sangiovese. Powerful, sweet, intricate, deep, cool, complicated. Dry, cool, powerful, rangy. No tannin. Long, cooling finish. 92/100.

85 year old vines in Rosewood Vineyard, Redwood Valley; unfined, unfiltered. Can't beat those patches of Mendocino old vines carignan for providing a super sized take on the variety. Cherry, tar, black pepper. Full, broad, deep, almost explosive expression of carignan. Chewy and lasting. One hearty winter red. Widely appreciated by the predominantly Europhile group. 92/100.

13%. 50-50; dry farmed; est. 2013 at Berkeley; from the historic Hawkeye Ranch; native yeasts; aged 10 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Sludge on the cork. Likely unfined, unfiltered. Par with this producer. Carignan leads the way with its cherry and tar character. Zinfandel raspberry and peppercorn make the scene too. Mendocino old vines ample. Nuances added by barrel sojourn. Round, rich, dense. Moderate alcohol makes for more table time options. A well crafted, generous wine of place. Lasting finish. 92/100. Enticed some Europhiles for its moderate alcohol content.

2021: Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Concentrated and well structured, this deeply colored and effusively spicy wine grabs attention with its flavors of graphite, black cherry and iron, while woodsmoke, black pepper and cloves swirl across the palate. Based on mostly Syrah and Grenache, it is quite firm, moderately tannic and should age well. Best from 2025. $24.'

Sweet and mellow. Good fruit volume. Will appeal to perennial fans. Sweet, and quite strong at 13.9%. Mellow indeed. Seems zinfandel based. 90/100.

Tasting Panel 92: 'Spicy, bright, and long, with a mouthful of ripe, tangy fruit. 62% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 5% Tempranillo, and 4% Cinsault. $22.'

14.9%; zinfandel, syrah, grenache, petite sirah, mourvedre, carignane; from Paso Robles, Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley. Nice long cork. Black color. In your face aroma. Full assault of black fruit, peppercorn. More California fruit sweetness after tasting a Rhone range. Not a pandering sort though. This is seriously complex. Plenty of sweet fruit. Rangy, aromatically and texturally. Eminently well balanced. Power to the end. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Earthy aromas of dewy thyme, oregano, juniper and pine needle are sprinkled with cracked pepper and laid across dark berry on the nose of this blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Petit Verdot and 26% Malbec. A eucalyptus spice hits the palate alongside the pepper, with dark fruit lingering long. $26.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This blend of 45% Syrah, 33% Petite Sirah, 13% Grenache and 9% Tannat is one of the best quality-for-value bottlings of each vintage. Aromas of dark blue fruits meet with a rusty, sanguine minerality on the nose. The palate adds oak spice, firm tannins and bloody meats to the dark blue core. $25.'

2018: I sat with winemaker Jeff Myers at Palio for his farewell business trip to Ann Arbor before retirement. He described how he took a new tack producing his 2018 Barbers: 'The 2018 Barbera was fermented in stainless steel tanks and spent 45 days on the skins with pumpovers to coax color and flavor from the grapes while giving the wine a beautiful backbone of earthiness and structure. The wine was then aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak (20% new) to add well integrated aromas of toasty oak to the finished wine.' Bingo! Easily his best Barbera yet!

2017: 84% zinfandel, with syrah, grenache, mourvedre, and petit sirah. From Dusi, Paper Street, and French Camp vineyards. Aged 11 months in seasoned French barrels. Intense, bright, clear, and penetrating. Pure black raspberry. Rangy, oaky, Paso sweet and powerful at 15.2%. Yes, juicy raspberry flavor. Sweet fruit. Good flow. No tannin bite. Full, strong, direct, ample. Delivers. 93+/100.

Wine Spectator 91: 'Generous and zesty, with lively raspberry, smoked pepper and sweet anise flavors that pick up speed toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031. $28.'

2013: Good, deep black berries syrah with class fruit and oak both. Firm, WA tight laced. Balanced. Young. 91+/100. List price: $35.

Wine Spectator 92: 'Savory and refined, with well-built huckleberry and pomegranate flavors that take on smoky meat and black pepper accents, finishing with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029. $30.'

2019: Wine Enthusiast 94 - TOP 100: 'This affordable blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Petit Verdot always impresses. Expertly captured aromas of berry juice, pepper and thyme are savory yet soft on the nose. The palate is tense in structure but ripe in fleshy dark-red-fruit flavors, all elevated by touches of cracked pepper and lavender.'

Parker 92: 'Made with about 30% whole clusters, the 2020 Syrah Estate has a deep ruby-purple color and alluring aromas of blackcurrants, tilled earth, aniseed, dried roses and orange peel. The medium-bodied palate is grainy and fresh with spicy fruits and an uplifted finish. Drink now-2032.'

75% syrah, 15% grenache, 10% sangiovese. 1/3 whole cluster fermented. Aged 6 months in seasoned French oak barrels. Fresh, sweet fruit, the partial whole cluster just the right touch. He's got it down. Most of his wines save the expense of barrel aging and deliver all the same. Yes, more of the conventional fermentation body and texture and power. Light tannin; still, good to go. 91+/100.

2014: Est. 1970. Sweet and strong, and fruity too. Uber teroldego; logical Amador take. Swelling, sweet, and flashy fruit flavor. Great acid for food. Great value. 91/100.

2016: 47% sangiovese, 22% zinfandel, 19% blaufrankisch, 12% malbec. 14.1%. Geez, this is incredibly bright. New World take on the set. Perfect harmony. All the fruits are bright and crisp. At the same time, rich. Plenty of fruit scent. A dynamic, well conceived and crafted cuvee. New World sweetness. An embellishment of the cuvee's elements. Nothing quite like this. Put together so fine. With so much appeal. 93/100.

That full, sweet California exaggeration of varietal character. Great power, structure, presence. Oh, wow, full concentration of cherry-berry pastille purity. Power, fine tannin, and the variety's great acidity. 92/100.

Half zinfandel, quarter each petite sirah, malbec. The has a bright, fresh, upfront, vigorous red fruit personality. Sweetish, with cool acid foil. 91/100. List price: $30.

Vineyards at 1400-2500 feet; in Lake County beneath Mt. Konocti; includes fruit from the property's Old Stake Vineyard planted in 1901. Oh, that's as fully engaging as previous vintages. The fruit is both sweet and lithe. Ideal Lake Co zin weight and a marked degree of elegance. Charm, charm, charm. Unique among zins for its emphasis on stylishness rather than bombast. Balanced, flavorful, lasting. 92/100.

2020: Primary grape source: Pauli Ranch, Mendocino. 10 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. Both rich and racy. Real North Coast zinfandel/ Yeah, lush raspberry flavor and cracked black peppercorn spiciness. Good power at 14.9%. Sweet finish. 91/100.

Est. 1978; from Cox Vineyard, the zinfandel planted in 1968 at 900'; indigenous yeasts; 14 months in barrels, 90% American (10% new), 10% French. Mendocino dark fruit toned. Sweet core. Has poise and confidence. Ripe black raspberry, bramble, barrel aged scope. Gee, this is a nicely crafted zin in the tradition of the series. Fine tannins offer further promise. Well balanced through the finale. 92+/100.

Tasting Panel 93; Wine Spectator 92: 'Plump and piquant, with expressive blackberry and orange zest aromas and lots of personality, accenting smoky cracked pepper and black olive flavors that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2022. $30.'

2017: By Ehren Jordan, owner of Failla, and former winemaker at Turley. From Russian River, Alexander, and Dry Creek Valleys. 65-125 year old vineyards. 10% aged in new French oak. Concentrated, sweet, barrel aged. Full raspberry and peppercorn aroma set. Complete. Good volume and delivery for a county-designate zinfandel. Fruit sweetness modulated by its power. Good one. 93+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'Opens with a juicy burst of cherry fruit, then turns brooding midway, with dark berry flavors accented by savory white pepper and bay leaf. Ends with broad-shouldered tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2031.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'An engaging blend, well-knit and distinctive for its savory raspberry and cherry flavors that draw in bay leaf, Asian spice and smoked pepper notes. Tannins are ripe and briary. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane and Mataro. Drink now through 2029.'

15%. Deep, pure, accurate. Where's it from in this area? I'm not complaining. Sweet raspberry fruit. Not out of control like some of the earlier vintages. Yes, well managed. Sweet, ripe, racy, spicy, peppery. Breathless! 93/100.

2018: 14.8%; vines 40-100 yrs old in Rockpile, Dry Creek, Alexander, and Russian River valleys; 14 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. Heavy Bottle Award. Intense, powerful, sweet fruited. Solid core of potential. The oak is thoroughly integrated. Again, the fruit is sweet, while the tannin does a balancing act by drying it up some. Shows the pedigree of old vines and top Sonoma origins. And the ideally ripe fruit of a fine vintage. I'd like to cellar this to at least age five, better still, seven. 92+/100.

Parker 95: 'The 2019 Angeli Zinfandel has a medium ruby color and elegant perfume of white peaches, white pepper, tea leaves, licorice and wild berries. The palate balances intense, ultra-perfumed fruit with loads of lift, and it finishes long and full of flavor. This is notable for its stellar price-to-quality ratio. Drink now-2027.'

DCV power and singe without going over the top. One of the perennial zin masters of the AVA. Yes, ripe, properly oaky, large, finely tannic. A champion. Balanced too. 92+/100.

Tasting Panel 92/100. My notes: 75% zinfandel, 18% petite sirah, plus syrah, mourvedre, sangiovese. French, Hungarian, and American oak barrels, 20% new. Pet adds darkness to the appearance. Zin raspberry and peppercorn combined with barrel seasonings. Some youthful reticence. Still a little quiet, flavor wise. And surely yet tannic. I'd be cellaring this to accrue full value. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'A spirited Zin that mixes old-school briar with a more polished style, offering black raspberry, smoked pepper and roasted anise flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2029. $42.'

Wine Enthusiast 90: 'Spicy, rocky and lively, this wine is burly in plum and raspberry fruit, with robust, concentrated and unabashed richness. Traces of vanilla and cola accent the finish. $35.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - TOP 100: 'Absolutely delicious, fruity and mouthcoating, this full-bodied and gentle-textured wine is easy to drink and enjoy on its own or with cheesy, meaty proteins. Pure raspberries, blackberries and plum jam flavors flow on a broad texture backed by light tannins.'

Est. 2018; vineyard at 400 feet above Kenwood. Heavy Bottle Award. A fresh, lower-alcohol take, as intended. Sweet red raspberry and cranberry. Takes the pedal off the metal. Good, bright acidity. A dash of VA, for better or worse. Perfumed. Very fine tannin. Never had a zinfandel like this before. New tack. 91+/100.

2019: 85% zinfandel, 15% petite sirah; dry-farmed; open other end. Very spicy zinfandel fruit and oak. Napa elegance too. Shows the way. Always does. Raspberry, peppercorn, and oak toast flavor spread. Again, the Napa class of the valley's best zinfandels. Old reliable. My hero. Appealed to both zin fans and Europhiles. 93+/100.

2018: Vinous 95: 'The 2018 Zinfandel Black Chicken is dense and explosive in the glass. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, cloves, new leather, licorice and earthy notes abound. This is an especially potent, brooding Zinfandel, with all of its elements in total harmony. Drink it over the next 10-20 years. Drink 2024-2038.'

2018: Wine Enthusiast 92 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This is a lively proprietary red wine made from 63% Zinfandel, 16% Charbono, 12% Petite Sirah and 9% Syrah. From many old-vine sites, it explodes in juicy plum, jammy blackberry and cherry, all wrapped in soft tannins. The oak adds a generous and rich vanilla tone.'

Owner: Julie Johnson, formerly of Frog's Leap; dry farmed, 50 year old vineyard; aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Heavy Bottle Award. Oh, that's a deep raspberry-cranberry nose. It's more about what it is than what it isn't. (Echoes of Bill Clinton). It isn't Rutherford warm, or Napa elegant, or alcoholic, or oaky. Yes, oak spice overtones only, old vines intensity. Surprising suavity to the palate. No excesses here. More oak flair on the finish completes an uplifting presentation for what might have been a sluggo of a zinfandel. 94+/100.

Up to 70 year old vines on Spring Mountain and in Calistoga; aged 18 months in French & American oak barrels; Nils Venge, winemaker. A fresher, snappier nose than the 2013. Builds sweetness, depth, and power as it airs. This shows more of Napa Valley zinfandel's elegance than did the 2013. Still, it's one intense presentation. Rich, round, fruity. The oak is well covered at this stage. There is a toasty complex. Seems like there are more French barrels in use this vintage. Combines northern Napa mountain and valley attributes. Fans and buyers aplenty. 92+/100.

Est. 1995; now farming 300 acres in both eastside and westside Paso; 5% petite sirah; aged 6 months in barrels, 1/3 new. Heavy Bottle Award. Ruddy red-brown-black. Well, that's sweet and sassy Paso zin. Verging on syrupy but not crossing the line. Certainly a Paso eastside component. The palate is just as rich but more lifted by good acid and bright, brambly flavors. Now Paso westside talks. In the mouth, this is the Opolo I admired in long departed vintages. Nose: 91/100; palate 92/100.

Est. 1988; family owned; mostly estate fruit; aged 18 months in barrels. Paso warmth meets westside coolness. Both sweet and elegant zin raspberry expression. This has class. Round and rich. And the power to balance these. This is so well put together! I want to take it to the table now. Sweet BBQ fare. 92/100. Even the Europhiles recognized this as 'very zin, very interesting.' 'As much balance as this style can muster; will have broad appeal.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'Sleek and multilayered, with dynamic yet elegant raspberry, grilled fennel and cracked pepper flavors that build structure and richness on the long finish. Drink now through 2030.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Baked blackberry aromas provide intense density on the nose of this bottling, with accents of fennel frond and cola adding nuance. The palate combines baked earth and sagebrush flavors with black currant and blackberry, with just enough tension holding it together.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'From vines planted in 1918, this bottling begins with strong yet pleasant aromas of black licorice, loamy soil and baked plum. Fennel-pollen and licorice flavors ride through the palate as well, with sagebrush herbs amping that plummy core.'

At Murphys. Good color. Properly sweet Lodi nose without going over the edge to syrupy sweet. It's a cool sort of raspberry jamminess. Same style and quality as previous vintage tasted. Nice peppery zin edge. Both sweet and snappy. Berry seeds pepperiness. 91/100.

13.5%. Heavy Bottle Award. Jolly color. Sweetish Lodi fruit aroma. And flavor. I detect some RS. Short of syrupy though. Good acid. 89/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - TOP 100 BEST BUYS; 'An earthy, doughy aroma shows how fresh this wine is, before revealing layered, indulgent flavors of raspberry syrup, blackberry jam and dark chocolate that coat the mouth. With a full body, smooth texture and lingering finish, it's easy to love.'

Wine Spectator 92; Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'A velvety texture and extremely concentrated black-fruit flavors make this full-bodied wine delicious to savor. It has beautiful big tannins that are well integrated, luxurious blackberry, sage and cedar flavors, plus great length on the finish. $20.'

Wine Spectator 94 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Bursting with aromas of wild berry and bramble, this concentrated and pure-tasting wine from a master of Zinfandel boasts superfocused blackberry and raspberry flavors, light tannins, a full body and a lingering finish. It was aged it for 21 months in French oak and blended with 13% Syrah. $40.'

90% estate sourced; aged 15 months in French and American oak barrels, 1/4 new; Suckling 91/100. Powerful, penetrating singed raspberry and peppercorn Amador zin classic. Attractive barrel extras, both origins evident. Large and complex. Mouthfilling, strong, round and rich. Tells the whole story. Why pay more? 93/100.

15.5%; Heavy Bottle Award; vines planted in 1881; aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. That has significant charm as well as concentration and power. Intense zin black raspberry and black pepper. The sweeter and subtler influence of French versus American oak barrels. Sweet in the mouth. Largesse trumps power. Huge flavor delivery. Full body. Coated tannins. Wow wine that's fairly priced for all it has to give. 96+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'This wine tastes like ripe berries and black pepper and has a great structure of fruit acidity and firm tannins that make it appetizing. Dried cherries, cured beef and a whiff of dried herbs create good complexity in the aromas and flavors.'

While the nose is reductive to start, it begins to spread its peacock's tail with aeration. The palate talks the talk from the get go. Juicy sauvignon citrus complex and great acid. Perfect balance. Delicious. Widely appreciated, even by the Europhiles of the group. 92/100.

Clear, cool, crisp, and totally refreshing. Best vintage yet. Wine of place. Ideal. 92/100.

Well, there it is, decades after winemaker Jill Davis's Buena Vista series, a peachy overtone unique to LC sauvignon. Telling, and fetching. Conveys to the palate also. No lack of citricity either. Wine of place. Got to have it. 92/100.

Wine Spectator 90: 'An aromatic white, with yuzu and ginger notes leaping out of the glass, showing passion fruit, green apple, lemon zest and makrut lime leaf and a touch of toasted green tea. Features sleek acidity that keeps the flavors fresh and focused. $25.'

Wine Spectator 91: 'Fragrant, with jasmine and lemon blossom aromatics that mingle with the core of candied ginger, pineapple and citrus flavors, followed by juicy lemon curd notes that linger on the finish.'

2021: Fifth generation estate at Kenwood, Sonoma Valley; this cuvee noteworthy for its significant percentage of sauvignon musque. And, the essence of the variety is so strongly stated that it pushes forth. Sauvignon musque, all right. Positively musky. Good sauvignon blanc ripe citrus as well as musk. Wow, this is putting on a show. Great acid and other textural aspects as well as its complex aromatic performance. Always a good bet. 92+/100.

Tasting Panel 93: 'Lithe and aromatic, with scents of grapefruit zest and baby's breath, this is one of the classic Sauvignon Blancs. Grapefruit and lemon blossom persist on the palate, anchored by great acidity.The body expands to encompass nuanced notes of creamy chamomile, Asian pear, and guava. Outstanding. $20.'

Wine Spectator 92; Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Made with 17% Semillon and fermented mainly in neutral oak barrels, this is a cohesive and succulent Sauvignon Blanc. It shows expressive layers of peach and pear alongside well-integrated acidity and a savory touch of brioche.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Textured and grippy, this light-bodied, high-acid white is refreshing and complex, with layers of Meyer lemon, grapefruit rind and tangerine. It rides the palate with a seamless energy of lasting freshness and subtle herbaceousness that appeals. $25.'

Tasting Panel 96: 'Aromas of spiced apple and a silky texture, with notes of juicy citrus and green apple. Elegant, expressive, and long; loaded with character and depth. $33.'

Wine Spectator 90 - SMART BUY; Wine Enthusiast 90: 'Pure fruit flavors sing out at the core, with notes of peach, pomelo, yellow apple and tangerine, showing hints of fresh herb and dried mango that linger on the juicy finish. $19.'

Est. 1990; 89% sauvignon blanc, 5% orange muscat, 4% muscat canelli, 2% viognier; sauvignon blanc vines established in the 1880s with cuttings from Chateau Yquem. Some sulphur under screwcap upon opening. A little bit of the muscats go a long way toward augmenting the sauvignon basis. As it warms and clears, it becomes a unique and pleasing experience. Actually, the lead varietal is more evocative on the palate. A little sulphur etch still detracts from its fundamental textural elements. Not likely to be popular with attendees. 92+/100. Well, how wrong could I be. The sulphur veil lifted, and though the muscats were ID'd, attendees thought 'the blending here is deft' and 'very sauvignon blanc'. Widely appreciated.

2021: Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE; Tasting Panel 90: 'Jasmine-lined grapefruit and a hint of sweet Italian herbs. Granny Smith apple shows a saltiness, adding oomph to the fine acidity.'

Tasting Panel 91: 'This thrilling white has loads of energy. Kiwi, grapefruit, pear, and lemon sorbet mingle with chalky tonality. Laden with honeysuckle, it offers a clean finish and good acidity.'

2019: Est. 1993; aged in seasoned, lightly toasted French oak barrels. Pleasing fullness. Mellowness of barrel age without much if any oak extraction. Very, very pleasant creaminess without any lactic notions. There's a dash of oak spice on the front of the palate. Adds complexity. Good acidity, and light oak tannin for a balanced presentation. I'm impressed! Ordered pinot gris and was sent this. Glad I kept it. 92/100.

2019: Wine & Spirits 92/100. My notes: Yeah, showy. The oak. Willamette coolness. Lays it out. Action city. Non Calif stuff. Good oak. Some malo. Fits together well. 92/100

Est. 1993; from all the estate's clones; mainly whole bunch fermented; aged a year in seasoned French oak barrels. As Oregon specific and delicious as always. Barrel mellowing, barrel expanding, without barrel extracts. As cool, crisp, and transparent as always. Yes, green and yellow apple varieties abound. Citrus suggestions chime in. All about mealtime compatibility for its great acid and balance. Long finish. 93/100. Generally positive responses from the group, which has enjoyed this in past vintages too. White Wine of the Night for one attendee.

Genuine inland chardonnay showing higher altitude than Lodi and parts south. Good acid directs it to the table for versatile applications. 89/100. List price: $15.

That good sense of dryness of a coastal-grown chardonnay. And the taste is coastal dry too. Fresh, smooth; good measure of balancing acidity. A deal. 90/100.

12.5%. A nice, clean, sweet, clear, unwooded chardonnay in tune with the series. Sweet apple. Well balanced. 90/100.

Pleasing cool, crisp, dusky fruited Mendocino style. Mouthful of flavor. Apple lemon. Well measured dose of malo smoothness met by good acidity. Steady winner and value. 91/100.

Nice! At a sweet spot in development, sporting oak nuttiness, light malo creaminess, lemon curd varietal character, and Anderson Valley coolness, all in harmony. Yes, suave, generous, and well balanced. Delicious Anderson Valley acidity. Long flavorful finish. 92/100. List price: $36.

Some spritz yet. Encouraging. Good richness while maintaining AVA coolness. Yes, richness spells partial malo. Great Anderson acidity. Full. Delivers both body and flavor. Long, cleansing aftertaste. 91/100. List price: $30.

Winemaker Stephan Vivier, a Burgundy native and also maker of the $90 Hyde de Villaine chardonnays. Barrel regimen meets upper Anderson Valley's ultra cool take on chardonnay. It works. Yes, the texture, the acid, the race, the body, and the terroir and barrel yin and yang combine for a full bodied, rangy, and exciting experience. 93/100. Liked by all attendees. List price: $43.

Ehren Jordan, winemaker; wife's maiden name, Failla; former winemaker for Turley; native yeasts; 20% new barrels. A pleasing measure of oak complexity plus CA warmth and power. I like it. A mellow oakiness. Well textured, well managed. Here's a winemaker I trust, and a useful wine at this stage. 92+/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This is a great wine of great value, a showcase of the coast in fine hands. Softly layered with a plush mouthfeel, it has approachable acidity that helps to lift the refined flavors of Gravenstein apple, peach and Meyer lemon.'

Light yellow. Really nicely integrated oak display, well sunk in at age four plus. This has force, body, and character. Strong oak on the palate, set apart from the fruit. A unique, confident, and singular CA chardonnay. Sorta old time. The lack of malo creaminess is to my taste. Stands high above a crowd of 'buttery' CA chardonnays. 94/100.

2021: Tasting Panel 94: 'Aromas of lemon sorbet grace the glass, where a creamy texture and alert acidity meet notes of melon, honeysuckle, and stony minerality that lingers.'

Barrel fermented; sur lie aged. First evening, at room temperature, strong and full, showing lees and barrel influence. House style. Yeah, full, warm, and malo creamy. Oak assuaged. Second evening, chilled, this is better balanced, not so powerful, more expressive of its AVA. Serve with poultry. A lot of RRV chardonnay for the price. 91/100. List price: $27.

Bright and crisp, large and barrel tempered. Palate confirms size and barrel complex. More about time in cooperage than barrel extracts. Well balanced. Versatile at the table. 91/100.

Warm and grainy bouquet development. Positive at this stage. Yes, I like it now. Rich oak, malo, lees combo and good acid for balance. 91/100.

Napa Valley's oldest winery, est. 1861; 60% barrel fermented and aged sur lie. Very lightly imparted oak and a pleasing leesiness. Proper degree of malo creaminess to counter that Carneros citricity. Creamier still, with good acid foil in back. Touch of oak tannin works against the malo too. The Europhiles were very kind to this thanks to its subleties and restraints. A well balanced chardonnay that can be taken to the table for multi food matches. 91/100. List price: $25.

Wine & Spirits 92: 'The fruit for this stainless-steel chardonnay grows at Paul Larson's vineyard on what was once a creek bed in Carneros. The salted-caramel richness and flinty reduction come from the lees, recirculated from the bottom of the tank and slowly sprayed over the must at the top. As the reduction blows off with air, the wine reveals peach pit and bitter almond notes in a complex and integrated creaminess, incorporating the minerality of the lees. Serve it chilled with chicken Milanese.'

Wine Enthusiast 94 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This barrel-fermented white opens in oaky intensity before settling into flavors of kiwi, lime and green apple. Complex and structured, it has a graceful heartiness and offers tremendous value for the quality.'

Wine Enthusiast 91: 'Generous aromas of caramel, baked lemon, pie crust and hazelnut pick up a light, white-rock minerality on the complex nose of this bottling. Salted lemon, baked apple and honeysuckle flavors come together on the palate.'

Tasting Panel 91; Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Wet stone, tropical flowers and white melon aromas make for a compelling nose on this bottling of a widely available, downright cheap Chardonnay. The palate stays clean as well, with gardenia and stone fruit flavors working in tandem. $20.'

Half from Morgan's Double L vineyard; whole clustered pressed; fermented and then aged 8 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Oak and alcohol both on the high side at opening. Previous vintages proved more fruit forward and refreshing. The palate reverses the order, putting the fruit up front. Sweet and well balanced by juicy acidity. That's more like what I expect and enjoy here. Well textured and lengthy. 91/100.

2019: Wine & Spirits 91: 'Bishop's Peak is not far from the Adobe that defines the Talley's estate; the family named its second label after the mountain, offering wines notable for their quality-price ratio. This is savory at the outset, scents of honeycomb and wheat adorning nectarine ad pineapple. The flavors are tart, green apple and dried pineapple, nervy and mouthwatering, generous for pork. $24.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'Lemon pith and apricot jam aromas are cut by a clean line of chalky alkalinity on the nose of this appellation blend. Snappy citrus flavors of lime and grapefruit show on the palate alongside ripe pear and peach, but the saltiness attracts the most attention. $38.'

Entirely from Pali Vineyard. Native yeasts; aged 6 months in seasoned French oak barrels. I haven't tasted many SRH chardonnays-mainly pinot noirs-so this bargain-priced find is quite a revelation. Full of structure, body, and personality, it doesn't need new oak support to fill out its presentation. It's about chardonnay and terroir. Great acid and little or no malo. The price is unbelievable. 92/100.

2021: Tasting Panel 92: 'Peaches prime the nose and palate, the latter of which shows notes of vanilla biscuit and pineapple-tangerine cream lined by a luxurious array of white flowers and apricot. $15.'

Good fullness of the varietal. Accurate and pleasing. Good sweet/acid ratio. Wonderful mouthfeel that's a real compliment to grenache blanc. One of the best CA versions of this grape I've tasted. El Dorado is Rhone variety country. 92/100.

10.5%; 88% picpoul from Beeswax, Rava, and Sweetwater vineyards, 12% vermentino from Creston Ridge vineyard. Well conceived, well executed. The modest alcohol level is appreciated. CA coaxes more aromatic properties from picpoul than Pinet. Still, the vermentino plays more than a minor role in same. Honey, pear, flowers. Even more bountiful and welcome flavors than aromas. Kudos to the winegrower and winemaker alike. Pretty long finish, well balanced. 92/100.

Underground Wine Letter - EXTRAORDINARY: 'Randall refers to this wine as 'White Wine of the Earth' It is made with 60% Grenache Blanc, 32% Vermentino, and 8% Clairette Blanche this is a very distinctive wine with the great character of the Vermentino, which I love, showing through. It has a gorgeous perfume of citrus, fresh herbs, and pineapple and on the palate it follows through with a creaminess overlaying citrus, pineapple, and fresh herbs flavors and along crisp lingering finish. This is a stunning white wine.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Fruit from estate hillside vineyards is whole-cluster pressed and cold-fermented in small, stainless-steel tanks. The freshness is apparent starting with a complex, voluptuous nose of green apple and just-squeezed oranges. Racy acidity works with hints of cashew, green tea, and pineapple.'

2017: Just released. Cool, clear, green melon like pinot blanc. Nice nasal etch. Good and plump center with acid edge. Balanced and dry. Invigorating texture. Freshness of 4 years at the winery instead of in a middleman's warehouse. Provenance matters. I can hand sell this, overcoming consumer reluctance to select a four year old pinot blanc. 92/100.

This has good varietal character. And no sign of age. Dusty, nutty gris peels input. Versatile at the table. 89/100.

2020: Body, texture, elegance, race, nice depth. Decidedly racy. Great acid and texture. Unique and exciting. 93/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'Rich, ripe and packed with mixed citrus fruits, this delicious biodynamic wine has a lovely mouthfeel, with a weave of acidity and dried herbs. The balance suggests it is capable of aging well for another five years, but there's no penalty for popping it open right now. Drink now through 2026. $18.

Est. 1993; produced in 2020 the first American wine certified Natural Path Production. Bright and fresh and in tune with this attractive series. OR pinot gris all the way. No mistaking for Alsace or NE Italy's takes. Apple, nut, and wax flavors and feels. Delicious coolness and harmony. Long aftertaste. Spot on. 92/100. Both liked and admired by attendees.

Wine Spectator 90: 'Luscious yet crisp and refreshing, with lively apricot, fresh fig and spice flavors that finish on a polished note.'

Parker 92: 'Opening with scents of petrol and cut grass, the 2017 Riesling is something of an oddity for Napa, where Riesling has largely been replaced by other varieties. Notes of paraffin, green apple and lime also appear on the nose, while the almost-dry, medium-bodied palate is cool, refreshing and stony, with a long, tangy finish and hints of beeswax and honey. It's already drinkable, but like many Rieslings, it should have a decently long drinking window. Drink now-2030. $34.'

Sugar at harvest 38%; residual sugar 22%. Light gold color. Honeyed, nectarous, and nicely bouqueted without spruce notions. Sweet and cool and racy WA take on LH riesling. No botrytis signs; purely late harvest concentration of aromatics and sugars. 92/100. List price: $24.

11.5%. 8% RS. Deep red brown color. Nose more about late harvest than gewurztraminer. Varietal character bronzed over by bottle age. Good acid. Just little gewurz. 92/100. List price: $25.

Genuine rose, ginger, and candle wax aromas. Another classic of the early OR winemaking period style. Yes, dry, with good extract, texture. Full and accurate gewurz flavor in a special OR style distinct from Alsace and California. Lasting flavor and texture. Bravo. 92/100.

Real. Total. Sooo sweet and spicy. Unique. Briary. Pomaded. All. Yes, red, green, and purple fruits. Sweet and easy. Pomegranate and acai chime in. Indeed. 93/100.

Winery at Madera. That's muscat country! Both canelli and orange muscats. Lush, right, ripe, nutty. Really blows it out right now. Intense. Unusual palate. Something peelsy, pressed, gritty. Just adds to the uniqueness, excitement. Really a pretty incredible product, and unique. 92/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'This is an orange wine blend, with 10% each Grenache and Orange Muscat, that's quite delicious. Golden in the glass, it offers dried citrus and apricot on the nose, leading into a palate that's full of textural intrigue. Flavors of orange sherbert and orange-rind tonic fill the sip.'

Medium sweet. Plenty fresh. Lush and sweet fruit flavored. Cranberry and blueberry. Acid-sweet balance is admirable. Very tasty. 92/100.

2015: Cab sauv, cab franc, merlot, syrah. Notable balance of the varietals, with light oak seasoning. Really well crafted. Yes, harmony of grape varieties and oak. The winemaker has progressively lightened up on the oak in succeeding vintages; it used to be top-heavy. Now no excesses. A complete, harmonious New World claret. No tartness either. I'm not sure where this was sourced, since the red-grape harvest in NW Michigan was a near wipe-out in 2015. 92/100.

2017: Nicely ripe, very suave. Beautiful interpretation, without the bombast emphasis of cabernet sauvignon. Sits very comfortably on the palate. Grip, satisfying depth. Fulfilled. Shows some barrel time. Without being openly woody. Another triumph. 92/100.

20 months in French oak cooperage of unstated size and seasoning. Pumps out a lot varietal richness and character for a cool climate rendition. Masterful, really. Rich and round and come hither. More of the classic acidity and sleek raciness than the nose suggests. Fine grained tannins. This really is exciting in all respects. 92/100.

2018/2020 cuvee. Full, and full of varietal character. Oh, it's a really striking and penetrating take. All enveloping. Equally full of flavor and presence. Well balanced. The taste goes on and on. In my opinion, this is the best red cultivar for the middle latitudes of eastern America. 92/100.

2018: Outstanding coupling of the varieties cabernet franc and blue franc. Plenty of fruit force and ripeness. Fine dinner wine. Very juicy blaufrankisch component. Masterfully rendered. 92/100.

2019 Michigan Wine Competition - Best of Class Trophy; Tasters Guild - Gold Medal. My notes: This is all good fun. Fruity, soft, inviting. Properly framed and filled to supply good mealtime possibilities. Got me thinking hamburgers. 90/100.

Champion cool climate sauvignon blanc, just like the previous vintage. Bergamot and passion fruit. Precise and incisive. Flavors confirm. Unto its own. Enough acid; pleasing soft core. 93/100.

Gold Medal - Top 5 - MI Wine Collabrative judging.

Best Vinifera White - Michigan Wine Collabrative Judging. My notes: That's a nice and tangy young one. 7UP aroma. Has a forgiveness to it also. Good acidity, and, again, some of the sweeter takes on lemon than juice and peel. Curd, meringue. Unique and attractive. Better in a dinner role than as aperitif thanks to its body. 92/100.

Gold Medal - MI Wine Collaborative Judging. Clear of barrel influence, and crisp. Light citrus and apple. Very nicely balanced. No evident malo or wood. Cool climate and in tune with the best MI chardonnay made in the same mold. Lingers and refreshes. Best vintage yet in this series. 91/100.

San Francisco Wine Competition - BEST OF CLASS. Big time favorite with my weekly panel for its Euro leanings. Orders taken.

Tasters Guild - Double Gold Medal. My notes: The pineapple facet of vignoles. Very rich in personality. Very sweet, with great acid too, like an ice wine. I mean REALLY great acidity. This works. 93/100.

Michigan Wine Competition - DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL - BEST OF CLASS DESSERT WINE; Tasters Guild - DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL. Sprawling; all over the place. Luxurious. Concentrated. Wow. Will compete with the best Niagara Peninsula's. Luscious peach-honey nose of vidal ice wine. Lots of pineapple, citrus, cake frosting. Incredibly essential. Peach, apricot, chamomile. Lush, honeyed, flavorful, intense. Very, very sweet and concentrated. Pear nectar, pineapple, honey, wheat germ. Spicy, tingly stuff too. Really impressive. A crisp ice wine edge. Great and intense fruit statement. Luscious sweetness balanced by acid and extract. Totally awesome. 99+/100.

Gold Medal - Michigan Wine Competition. All vignoles, and an ideal northern Michigan take on the variety at that. Ideal citrus aromatic set. This really delivers in flavor and sweet-tart play of tangerine and grapefruit in a semi-dry mode. 93/100.

2017: Double Gold Medal - Tasters Guild International Wine Judging. Breathless, bright, clear, classic varietal aroma. Perhaps the best-ever vintage in this fabulous Chateau Fontaine Pinot Blanc series. Certainly a challenger to the great 2013 and 2014 that won unprecedented back-to-back trophies at the Michigan Wine Competition. Tense, tailored apple and melon varietal aromas. Juicy honey crisp apple flavor. Already perfectly accomplished at this young age. Triple Gold on my scoresheet; perfect marks. Serve with rainbow trout and slivered almonds.

2016: Gold Medal - 2018 Michigan Wine Competition' Gold Medal - Tasters Guild. Much more accomplished now than when first released in winter. Filling out. Gaining the auxerrois varietal personality that's made it such a star. That rich, round auxerrois aspect. Maybe even off dry this sunny vintage. Growth to go. 91+/100.

This is good MI pinot gris. Waxy, appley, cool. Fresh and northern take. A real pinot gris with acid, viscosity, brightness. Spot on. 91/100.

2019: This is entirely intense. Off the charts. Much more exuberant than the Hennessy pinot gris. Yes, and even more flavor magnification. Well balanced and lasting. The varietal intensity is New World impressive. 92/100.

2018: Pleasing, light white peach aroma. And flavor. Subtle, enticing, food-worthy. Good acidity. Dry but not austere. 91/100.

2016: 2019 Michigan Wine Competition - SILVER MEDAL. My notes: Racy, sweet, pleasingly intense. More of all on the palate. Riesling peach and citrus expressions. Good acid-sweet balance. Good acid for food. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This is a stunning Riesling value, with wonderful aromas of nectarine, rose water, orange sorbet and a hint of clove.'

2018: Wall Street Journal - Best Thanksgiving Dinner Wine. My notes: Very nice. Subtle, rich, concentrated. Stone fruit and coconut. Very splashy and exciting. I'm not used to kerner with so much race and acidity. Bravo. 93/100.

2021: Genuine, rosy, gingery -? including the nip -? and generous. Tonic, barbershop, rosewater. Its best yet. Off dry. Overachiever. 93/100.

4 clones. Shale, lime, sandstone, mica soils. Kabinett style. Trim and racy, with the right balance of sweetness and acid. The fruit is fresh and crisp. Yes, balance, juice, flavor. Citrus and stone fruit. Juicy feel and flavor. 92/100.

Parker 91: 'The 2019 Dry Riesling comes in with seven grams of residual sugar and 12% alcohol. This is a blend of vineyards: 20% HJW vineyard, 25% Magdalena vineyard, 35% Josef vineyard and 20% Kasper vineyard. In the Finger Lakes, a mere seven grams of sugar can be diced, sliced and swallowed up-and that's what happened here. Dry and a little steely, this shows off its purity and freshness most of all. It lacks anything resembling the charm of the 2019 Semi-Dry Riesling this report, and it is certainly far more backward. Indeed, it is likely to be better this time next year or even later in 2021. In the meanwhile, it shows off laser-like focus and a bright finish. For what amounts to the winery's entry-level Dry Riesling, this is awfully good and a very nice value point in the lineup. Drink 2021-2031.'

Wine & Spirits 94: 'Drawn from White Springs and 16 Falls vineyards, this riesling shows fusil notes and phenolic savor, lemon-cordial flavors with a dusty, zinc-like edge. It's firm and tense, the lemon and wheat flavors conveyed with a dramatic immediacy, but the lasting impression on this wine is its drive, an electric, pulsating acidity that points to its core structure, and to a long life in the cellar. $19.'

Wine Spectator 90: 'Tangy, with cardamom, mirabelle plum and mustard flower notes that combine to give this a piercing, nervy profile. Drink now through 2025. $18.'

2018: Full, genuine, varietally convincing. Striking degree of concentration--most ever. Both flavor and body intensity. If memory serves me, this is the most impressive of the series. What a cabernet franc value! 91/100.

2018: Sweet red fruit. Very agreeable. Has frame and balance. Yes, sweet, but the acid keeps it from getting sticky. Nice, spicy aftertaste. In keeping with the series. 90/100.

Pungent, rich, pushy, and full of personality and generosity. Smoky red fruit of baco. Good as it gets. Yes, full of flavors that flow forth easily. Ripe acid. Versatile at the table. 91/100.

2017: Harvested at 39.5 degrees Brix; residual sugar: 179 g/l. Restrained sweetness and aromatics. A cool rather than voluptuous ice wine. The palate is richer, but I wouldn't call it luxurious. A very racy style of ice wine that will likely age well and offer more rewards in the future. 92+/100.

2015: Pours like syrup. Very spicy, very abundant. Very ripe and honeyed. Yeah, thick, honeyed. Nectar, power, grip. Total concentration. Good vidal pear and pineapple. Out of this world. 97/100.

Luscious, delicious, concentrated, honeyed. 95/100.

Gorgeous maturity, definitely. Great acid. Rich, and very ice wine racy. Very high quality. 95/100.