Wine Enthusiast 91: 'I am always impressed by the quality of this humble wine. It has great acidity, isn't oaky and displays finesse and balance. Its aromas of blackberries, espresso, nutmeg and earth are complex, followed by flavors like boysenberry sorbet and rose hips and hibsicus tea. Back up the minivan and load up.'

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.

Far exceeded my expectations. I can't remember why I bought a bottle to take home. Must have been recommended by someone. It has coastal aspects indeed, most remarkably elegance. And there's a measure of oak seasoning too, a big surprise at this price. 91/100.

Dark red violet. Dark fruited style of 2020. And probably North Coast. Sweet and smooth smelling. Yes, the blackberry facet of cab sauv. Well textured and mouthfilling. Flavorful. A very successful vintage of this and great bargain. Lasting finish. Must stock. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys 92/100 - #14: 'Dried red plums, red currants, orange marmalade, savory herbs, chicory greens on the nose. Fresh raspberry, cranberry-pomegranate, dried peach, apricot, fresh herbs, silky juicy tannins to finish. Pair with grilled teriyaki-glazed salmon.'

60% Lake and 40% Mendocino counties. With petit verdot, cab franc, merlot. Aged 10 months in American and French oak cooperage. Dark red violet. Deep and rich amalgam of each county's style of cabernet. The dark fruit of Mendo and the sweet fruit of Lake. Bravo. Yeah, heaps of flavor and texture excitement. Spicy, perhaps from barrel influence. Whatever, it hits my sweet spot. Light tannin for texture only. Gotta have it. Lots of material, flair, and complexity for the bucks. 92/100.

Parker 93: 'The 2021 Arme 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.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine is concentrated with aromas of boysenberry, huckleberry, cinnamon, clove and violet. The palate offers blackberry jam, orange zest and cardamom that glide into tobacco leaf and a dry finish. Pair with prime rib. $28.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - TOP 100: 'Elegance rules the day as fresh leather, green peppercorn and currant aromas dominate the nose of this softer-style Cabernet. The palate brings fresh licorice, plum and juicy blackberry flavors. The finish is marvelously balanced between tannin and acidity. Drink now or hold on for a bit, it's your call. $25.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Well-ripened black cherries, black currants and blueberries give a robust fruit core to this full-bodied and rather tannic wine. Violets and roses unfold in the aroma, while black fruits, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves saturate the flavors. Delicious as it is, the wine should drink best from 2027. $32.'

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.'

2021: Wine Spectator 94 - TOP 100: 'Packed and broad in feel, with a ganache note draped over black currant, blackberry and steeped cherry. Licorice root and alder smoke flavors check in on the finish as the fruit pumps through, ending with a flash of violet. Hard to resist now, but this has some development ahead. Drink now through 2036. $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.'

From five vineyards in the heart of the valley and on Mount Veeder. Fine cabernet blackberry character plus Napa class. Yes, flavors confirm. Great acid and that Routestock plushness of fruit. Napa pedigree confirmed. This is a bargain for its quality and origin. 93/100.

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.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Polished around the edges yet firm and concentrated at its core, this seductive wine boasts blueberry and mocha aromas, a supersoft entry and then bracing tannins and focused fruits. Best to hold for several years and then celebrate something by pairing this with grilled lamb chops. Best from 2028-2038. $55.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'Good acidity and firm tannins combine for a grippy texture in this tangy, red-fruited wine made from the dry-farmed mountain property. Slightly lean red cherries and raspberries are accented with light herbal, toasty notes. Best from 2027-2037.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Ripe and creamy, with round, supple tannins and a luscious flow of cherry, espresso, licorice, and soy sauce. $20.'

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.

2018: Wine Enthusiast 93 - EDITORS' CHOICE: 'For the price, this delicious bottling is hard to beat. Aromas of blackberry pie, caramel and light oak are approachable and appealing. The palate is wrapped in tight-enough tannins to uphold the joyous black-plum and blackberry-pie flavors, which are enhanced by savory touches of meat and black olive. It finishes on a hint of mint.'

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.

Tasting Panel 91: 'Notes of red berry and dark cherry show full ripeness but also a fresh edge, and the finish draws definition from tannins that seem more like an extension of the fruit. Very smart craftsmanship here.'

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.'

22 months in French oak cooperage, 45% new. These guys must have some bucks to buy all this French oak. Incidentally, when tech sheets just refer to 'French oak' and not cooperage size, I cannot use the word 'barrel'. Could be a much larger vessel. Well, the barrel influence is prominent and stamps this as a 'reserve'. Large and complex. Quite powerful in the mouth. Fruit and oak tannin, but neither is abrasive. Just one BIG WA cab franc overall. Bravo. Steakhouse destined. 93+/100.

With 12% merlot, 3% syrah. From AVAs Alta Mesa and Sloughhouse. Aged 5 months in new French oak cooperage. Quite powerful. I've always enjoyed this wine, and there's definitely more barrel augmentation since the last vintage I tasted. That dries out some of the innate Lodi sweetness. Bravo. The power is cooling, actually. And the varietal character is strong, in a warm climate setting. Oak flavors and oak tannin are each positive. A slugger of a cabernet franc. Best vintage of this I've tasted. 92/100.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is opulent, with aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, cinnamon, and notes of vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black currant confiture, molasses, clove, sarsaparilla, orange peel, and a long silky tannins. Pair with Mushroom Pot Pie.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'When done right, Merlot can be a very pleasurable experience, as expressed in this widely available and affordable bottling. Cherry, woodspice and cocoa aromas are clean and direct on the nose. The joyous palate has red cherry, cedar and berry sorbet flavors. $20.'

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.'

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This garnet-hued wine is concentrated, with baked blackberry, raspberry jam, Chartreuse liqueur and dried herbs on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, pomegranate, mulled spice and orange marmalade that swirl around vanilla cream, with a silky finish. Pair with pancetta-wrapped monkfish.'

2/3 petit verdot, 1/3 merlot. Full sense of presence but closed up aromatically, unusual for the vintage but not the origin. Good body and fresh acidity. I like the taste and texture. Petit verdot give without overabundant fruit richness. The terroir tempers that. An excellent value. 92+/100.

Fresh, bright, fruity, crystal clear take on OR pinot by the master, Tony Soter. Seems to be some oak spices to it as well, certainly a seasoning only. This is just joyous. And just as smooth, well crafted, and appealing on the palate. Simple goodness. Bravo, Tony! An ideal intro to Willamette pinot noir. 92/100.

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. 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.

2022: Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'Spry and sleek, with vibrant cherry and cranberry flavors that take on orange peel and dusky spice accents as this finishes with snappy tannins. Drink now through 2032. $28.'

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.

Est. 1987; 25% from Roserock Vineyard, managed by Domaine Drouhin. Seems tenser to start than previous vintages, though it's always steered away from the fruit bomb effect. With aeration, it becomes its own elegant self. A little astringent in youth still. Adequate varietal character. Good acidity of course. This will certainly prove serviceable at the table. 91+/100.

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.

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.

Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Rich, OR crisp, full of fruit. With lovely barrel complex. One of the best vintages. Great acid, fine body, richness, flavor push. Well balanced, Impressive LENGTH. 92/100. Attendees were equally impressed. 'Just what it should be.' 'Enticing nose; aromatic lift to the palate; structure and balance here; the best OR pinot I've tasted in recent months.'

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.

2022: Sweet and pretty red cherry aroma. Yet another OR pinot from this vintage that seems user friendly in youth. Smooth and flavorful. Good acidity too. No tannin to shed. Stays well balanced through its long finish. Very versatile at the table. 91/100.

John Grochau discovered wine while bicycle racing for a French team in the Loire Valley; aged 9 months on lees in seasoned oak barrels. The bright, uplifting style of this Grochau cuvee. I doubt if anything like it could come out of California. Crisp griottes aroma. Fresh and fruity indeed. The lees add flavor and texture interest, and the neutral barrel's relative porosity contributes smoothness and a forward nature. Well balanced, flavorful, top notch vintage of this. 92/100. Widely liked by attendees for terroir, typicity, and overall quality.

At Dallas; horse drawn plows; hand picked; basket pressed; barrel aged; native yeasts; Chinook for land, earth, or soil. Medium to medium dark red. Barrel aging adds a potpourri of spices. Cool and lean OR fruit basis. Sweet fruit on the palate. And the attractive spiciness continues through the finish. Good OR acidity. Not much tannin, but plenty of bouquet development ahead. Now or later. 91+/100.

Wine Spectator 92 - SMART BUY: 'Vibrant and snappy, offering layered cherry and cranberry flavors laced with dusky spice, forest floor and rose petal flavors that build toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033.'

Wine Enthusiast Top; 100 Best Buys 90/100 - #1: 'What an aromatic roller-coaster ride. The first sniff of the glass yields bright red cherries and orange zest. Then you get a burst of roasted red peppers, followed by a shot of espresso. Restrained acidity and velvety tannins accompany raspberry, smoked cherry and earthy oregano flavors. Great value here.'

Wine Spectator 94: 'Dynamic and precise, this features a core of steely acidity that frames expressive flavors of raspberry and guava, laced with crushed stone, forest floor and dusky spice notes that gather tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. $40.'

Wine Spectator 93: 'Steely and vivid, with bright acidity and stony minerality, this Pinot offers cranberry and pomegranate flavors laced with forest floor and tea leaf as this gathers tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032. $75.'

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.

Parker 92: 'The 2021 Pinot Noir Tavola, a blend of fruit from several vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, has a pale ruby-purple color and aromas of cranberries, red cherries, orange peel, licorice and baking spice. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with crunchy red fruit, generous streaks of allspice and a long, spicy finish. This is easy to drink! Drink 2023-2028.'

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.'

Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: 18 months in seasoned French oak cooperage. That firm linear 2021 style. The barrel age hasn't softened it up and spread it out much yet. Well, there's more richness and fruit display on the palate. A lot of material and goodness here. Quite unlike any other OR pinot in style. I like that. Well priced given the quality. 92+/100.

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.'

Est. 1993; aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Medium maroon. Crisp OR pinot style with well integrated oak complex. Sweet as well as racy fruit. Yes, the sweet fruit plays with the tart acidity very nicely. Flavorful. Salivating--wants food. No tannin issues. 92+/100.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY; 'Fresh and lively this wine boasts aromas of dark raspberry, plum, coriander and dried potpourri followed by notes of toasted vanilla. Strawberry and cranberry coulis lead on the palate and are accented by subtler flavors of blood orange peel, dried sage and chocolate, leading to a dry supple finish. Pair with roasted duck breast.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is bright, lifted, with aromas of raspberry, plum, and vanilla spice on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Red plum, orange zest, dried chicory, and a longn mouth watering finish. Pair with Grilled Fish, Pasta with Creamy Sauces.'

2020: 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.

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys 90/100 - #16: 'This wine is fresh, zesty with aromas of strawberry, red plum, florals and sandalwood. The midpalate has flavors of pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry and guava interlaced with star anise to finish. Pair with roast duck breast.'

Fresh, cool, varietal statement suggesting coastal origins. Indeed, bright, snappy coastal pinot character with good acidity, balance, and flavor length. How do they do it at this price- 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is youthful with sweet yellow plums, blackberry, brulleed orange rind, tangerine, green olives. There is this buoyancy in the mid-palate while the finish is dry and lingers. Perfect with Tombo Tuna or Nicoise Salad.'

The logical relatively pale color of pinot, which marks it not screwed up with darker varieties. It's genuine Mendo pinot, dark fruited in character and uniquely spicy. Bravo. Suave and flavorful, racy, flowing. Pinot sweet fruited on the finish. No tannin in sight. Deal. 91/100.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92/100.My notes: From the estate's Moon Dust Vineyard in Sebastopol Hills plus two other vineyards. Plush for the AVA. That's Routestock's style. One of the sources is near the southern end of the area. Very plump and fruity, and barrel tweaked. Flavorful, generous, balanced, and delicious now. 92/100.

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.'

2018: 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.

Tasting Panel 94: 'Spanning four prestigious vineyards and utilizing five clones, this captured our attention with its keen acidity and inherent ripeness. Aromas of cherrywood bark and sandalwood lead to unique, remarkably fresh layers of hibiscus, prickly pear, cherry tomato, and cranberry. Underscored by coffee and toasted oak, a generous, silky stream of cocoa glides along the palate. $30.'

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.'

Wine Enthusiast 93: 'This priced-to-sell appellation blend gives hints of what the single-vineyard expressions can do in a more accessible manner. Aromas of pomegranate, green peppercorn and oregano decorate the nose. The palate shows baked plum and strawberry flavors as well as Calera's telltale showing of terpene-laden herbs like bay leaf and marjoram. $32.'

Nose suggests both Highlands ripeness and Valley crispness. Neat. Yes, there's that sweet-tart tete a tete on the palate too. Wow, these assets harmonize well and spell terroir complexity, strong pinot character, and superb overall balance. Well priced. 91/100.

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.'

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.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is rich, concentrated and complex with blue and black fruits. The elegant texture is fresh, offering ripe strawberries, blackberries, persimmons and orange zest intertwined with dried herbs, cloves, dried roses and a long finish. Pair with chicken, fish and hearty dishes.'

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 93/100. My notes: The darker color contrast that is syrah vs the Jaffurs pinot that preceded this. Black fruit with serious form and depth. Not your run of the mill CA syrah. Reminds me somewhat of Stolpman's Santa Barbara effort. Rich in fruit filling as well as structural framing. Oaky-spicy extras. Class act. Good price. 93/100.

Est. 1932, oldest in Mendocino County; aged in American and Hungarian oak cooperage. Heavy Bottle Award. Varietally black. Straight on, frank, powerful, backward Mendocino pet classic. Nice to get a dose of American oak once in awhile. Not often seen these days. Right for petty sarah. Dense and chewy constitution. No concessions to Europhiles. You don't have to abide it, but it's spot on. 93+/100. Well, quelle surprise! Judged by the Europhiles 'very well made'. 'Plum and prune; restrained oak; nothing overdone.' 'Balance, freshness, lack of treacle, jam. The American oak really sang.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is concentrated with aromas of blueberry, black currant, ginger beer and violet. The palate is boysenberry, pomegranate, pink grapefruit intertwined with dried herbs, chocolate and fine tannins. Pair with Rib Eye Steak. $17.'

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.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Opulent dark berries, baking spices and orange marmalade show on the nose. Full-bodied, saturated boysenberry, olallieberry, dried potpourri and malted chocolate glide across the palate, finishing with silky tannins. Aerate and enjoy with barbecue.'

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.

69% grenache, 15% syrah, 14% cinsaut, 2% petite sirah. From six vineyards. Native yeasts. he richness and goodness that is Central Coast grenache, at a bargain price. The others add attractive dark fruit elements. Well crafted as usual. Yes, lots of grenache strawberry flavor with syrah raspberry. Lovely, finely burnished texture. Deal, as always. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This dark-purple-hued wine is opulent, with aromas of boysenberries, blue fruits, frankincense, violets and spiced toasty oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry compote, white nectarine, allspice and molasses interlaced with chicory, milk chocolate and a dry, silky finish. Pair with lamb chops.'

Parker 93: 'The NV Old Vine Red Lot 74 is primarily Zinfandel, with some Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache and Barbera. Spicy and easy to drink, it has aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish. This will be enjoyable with almost any dish at the table and, as always, overdelivers for the price. Drink now-2028.'

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.

Parker 93: 'The 2021 Christo is a blend of 68% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. The nose features fresh blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with tones of cast iron, violet, sagebrush and conifer. The full-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with restrained, mineral-driven fruit and a long, perfumed finish. Give it 2-3 years in bottle or a couple hours in a decanter. Drink 2025-2035.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Succulent berry sweetness leaps from the glass, followed by waves of toast and oak. Singing with youthful energy, the wine boasts a pleasing, voluminous lift on the mnide palate. Its round finish is balanced by hints of dark fruit, black pepper, and chocolate.'

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.'

Parker 91: 'The 2022 Para Maria is a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Petit Verdot. It has deep aromas of mixed berry jam, spearmint, tar and earth. The medium-bodied palate is lighter on its feet than expected, offering plush tannins, rounded acidity and a long, floral finish. Drink 2024-2030.'

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.

Petite sirah, syrah, malbec, mourvedre, grenache. Heavy Bottle Award. And inky appearance. Seems even thicker than the pure petite sirah that preceded it. Wow. Oak intrigue too. Dense, weighty, loaded with dry extract. And a good measure of tannin too. Not for now. The 2019 was over a year more forward a couple of months ago. I'd be cellaring this. 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.

Located in Napa Valley; winemaker Larry Levin, who made wine at Dry Creek Vineyard for 17 years; aged in seasoned French oak cooperage. Pretty heavy for a screwcap bottle. Medium dark ruby. Very intriguing bramble, briar, and mixed peppercorns aroma. It has lift, especially for its alcohol content. Decidedly racy and coastal. I liked earlier vintages but haven't tasted this for awhile. Sweetly flowing over the tongue. Flavorful. Well assembled from several regions likely. A best kept secret. 91/100. Surprised even the Europhiles; orders taken.

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.

2021: 4% each petite sirah and barbera. From Angeli vineyard in Alexander Valley and the estate's vineyard in McDowell Valley. Aged a year in neutral cooperage. Wonderful, dark fruited Mendocino styled zinfandel with sensible barrel augmentation and power. In the Marietta style. What don't they do right-/ Yes, fruit sweetness meets good acidity. Raspberry and peppercorn and oak in harmony. Full and fruitful. Carry on! 93/100.

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.

Est. 1963 at Philo in Anderson Valley; purchased in 1988 by Jess Jackson; from old vineyards of Mendocino's Coast Range; native yeasts. Oh, boy, intense cran-apple and raspberry cool climate zinfandel character. The nose is so in tune with the series, from which I haven't tasted for several vintages; still, the aromatics are so memorable. Full, sweet tasting, flavorful, balance. The alcohol level is all positive. Long lasting flavors and textures. 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.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This wine presents outstanding value. It was aged 14 months in French oak, mostly neutral. Velvety thick, it is peppery and bursting in berry bramble, graham cracker and cola. The richness is nicely offset by bursts of acidity that keep it fresh and grounded. $22.'

By Nick Goldschmidt; Wine Enthusiast 92/100. My notes: Inky maroon. Goldschmidt gets color!/ Ripe, spicy, powerful, oak enhanced Alexander zin classic. Shows the way. Large in the mouth. Full extract, some tannin. Great flavor concentration. Yes, a hallmark Alexander zinfandel, fully worth the original tariff. Wow. 93+/100. Even the Europhiles were kind to this. Orders taken. List price: $29.

2021: Parker 96: 'Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more, he explains. So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks. This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. Drink now - 2035. $45.'

Bright crimson in color. 85% Zinfandel and 15% Petite Sirah. Medium body with perfect acidity. Bright and fresh. Cherry, strawberry and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Such a charming Dry Creek Zin. 93/100.

Zinfandel Chronicles: 'The vines date back to the 1960s. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, citrus, anise and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Loaded with bright, juicy fruits. Raspberry, blood orange, baking spices and a hint of pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Drink over the next 3-4 years. 94/100.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 94: 'Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods. $45.'

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.

Wine Etnthusiast 93/100. My notes: Dry farmed vines over 100 years old; aged 8 months in American oak, 30% new. Medium dark ruby. Zinfandel raspberry and peppercorn comes right out and slaps you around. Deep and powerful and penetrating. Ideal old vines degree of concentration. Yes, rich, lush, powerful. The US oak is a positive addition and points to old time zin classicism. Well balanced through its long finish. How do they keep the price so low-! 93/100. Complex aromatic set enjoyed by attendees; bramble, clove, star anise, and vanilla mentioned.

Planted in 1922. Varietal raspberry clarity. Speaks for its specific origin. Suggestions of old vines concentration. Racy red raspberry flavor. Very bright take on the varietal, as Birichino seems to favor. Unique, food worthy, desirable. 92+/100. List price: $30.

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.

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 Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is opulent, with aromas of boysenberry, black plum, black tea, violets, cinnamon and dried chicory on the nose. Flavors are black currant jam, blackberry, orange zest and lemon-vanilla cream. $20.'

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.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is supple and bright, with aromas of lime marmalade, yellow apple, pineapple and notes of bay leaf. The flavors on the palate are white grapefruit, preserved lemon, apple and white nectarine with white pepper and wet stone accents that create a pleasant mouthwatering finish.'

Wine Enthusiast 92 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is fresh, bright, with aromas of cranberry, red berries, dried herbs, and potpourri on the nose. The flavors on the palate are plum, cassis, Bing cherry, layered with savory strawberry, fennel, orange zest, and a dry finish. Pair with Grilled Salmon, Pasta with Wild Mushrooms.'

Tasting Panel 92: 'Tropical notes of pineapple and kiwi merge with honeysuckle thanks to the addition of a bit of Viognier. $14.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'Bright, with aromas of guava, Golden Delicious apple, citrus and notes of mineral. The flavors are peach, apricot, white grapefruit peel, lemon balm and sedimentary rock.'

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.'

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.'

Est. 1962; from its Home Ranch in relatively warm eastern Santa Ynez Valley. A screwcap free evening! There aren't many screaming sauvignons from SYV, especially the east side. This represents the milder majority. No cat pee, not gooseberry, no grapefruit. That said, the palate has fine acidity and is replete with citrus and soft tropical fruits. Long aftertaste, both flavor and texture wise. Always reliable. 91/100. Enjoyed by attendees. 'Just fine; good mouthfeel and flavor.' 'Real sauvignon blanc flavor.'

Clear, fresh, full, vital. No oak evident. Crisp, cool WA chardonnay with good richness, body. 91/100.

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. Very fresh, and very full for 12/.5%. Lees and barrel time evident; no woodiness. In tune with the series, both style and quality wise. Good structure, filling, length. 92+/100. Blossomed with aeration, becoming very attractive even to the Europhiles, as was the 2022. 'Pear tones. Good freshness. The seasoned oak is just right. Well conceived.' 'Shocked me. Fresh acid, well integrated, oak moderated. Seriously good juice that will probably gain from 6-12 months in bottle.'

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.

Tasting Panel 91: 'Sourced from Lodi and Sonoma Valley, this is a beautifully balanced chardonnay. On the palate, spiced lemon verbena draws you in as a creamy vanilla underton washes over honeyed pear. $15.'

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

2022: Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'This wine offers fresh, lush, white grapefruit, guava and white peach on the nose. The palate is lively, offering Meyer lemon cream, white nectarine, graham cracker and dried herbs that glide into acacia honey, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with fritto misto. $18.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'This wine is fresh, lively with aromas of pear, apple, citrus, and notes of toasted oak on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked pear, Yellow apple, cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla cream, and a long silky finish. Pair your weekday take away. $17.'

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.

Wine Enthusiast 92: 'This charming, smooth and fruit-forward wine evokes peaches and pears backed by subtle acidity for good balance. Apparently unoaked, it's a versatile, crowd-pleasing wine to sip on its own or pair with seafood and roast chicken. $30.'

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 92: 'A tantalizing, toasty top note draws you into this mouth-coating, richly flavorful and full-bodied wine. Spicy oak notes, light butter accents and poached pear flavors bring a lot of satisfaction on the sip. $40.'

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.'

2021: 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.'

Est. 1972; California's winegrowing area is divided in districts, Monterey being District 7. Monterey chardonnay to the extreme. Lemon, lime, jalapeno. Monterey chardonnay acidity tempered by a degree of malo. Should prove popular. 90/100.

Est. 1919; 3rd place chardonnay at the 1976 Judgment at Paris; aged in French oak barrels. Older, richer, oakier, more powerful. Completes a chardonnay trio of great diversity. It's Chalone; it's big; it's not malo creamy or K-J sweetened. Commanding, really. 92/100.

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.'

After Talley's Bishop/s Peak chardonnay, nose is larger and drier and more complex thanks to barrel contributions. And more powerful. More acid, power, impact. Bigger mouthful, and again, more barrel complex. Impressive. 92+/100.

Wine Spectator 93: 'This stunning wine leaps out of the glass, with concentrated flavors of white peach, quince and pineapple, plus floral accents of orange blossom and lemon curd. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality and a whiff of lemon verbena. $25.'

2021: Bold. Strong fruit expression with Santa Barbara crispness. Suggestion of barrel aging. Yes, that brisk Santa Barbara acid. Salivating. Long finish. Begs for food. I like it. 92/100.

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.

Fresh and appley. Tasted after the pinot grigio, another good varietal expression. These are winning me over. Juicy, with good malic acid. Little or no pandering malo. Another winner. 91/100.

Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys 91/100 - #62: 'This wine is rich, with aromas of ripe Yellow apple, pear, toasty vanilla, and orange zest on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Golden Delicious apple, White nectarine, mulled spices layered with orange vanilla cream, mineral and a crisp finish. Pair with Pasta with Cream Sauce.'

Wine Enthusiast 91 - BEST BUY: 'Lush, with aromas of peach, apricot, mango, toasted oak, honeycomb and notes of marigold. The flavors are baked yellow apple, fruit cocktail, allspice and orange cream.'

Wine Enthusiast 93 - BEST BUY: 'Bright, with aromas of green papaya, citrus, honeysuckle and dried herbs. Flavors are grapefruit, honeydew melon, cinnamon and jalapeno.'

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. And that picpoul acidity comes through, be it of New World or Old World origin. Long finish, well balanced. This is overall brilliant, really, the best vintage yet. Kudos to the winegrower and winemaker alike. 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.'

Half each melon, pinot blanc. 50 year old La Puestra block vines; harvested early for high acidity; aged on lees until bottling. A nurseryman, Andrew Jones has stood in virtually every vineyard of the Central Coast. Not oaky like the Pinot Blanc Chalone Vineyard made decades back. Old vines intense. Convincing of both varietal components. Pure and delightful CA take. Oh, yes, this is fresh and uplifting, delicious and mealworthy. Great acid and old vines texture. Long finish. 92/100. Tied for WOTN thanks to its European styling.

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. Good, straight down the middle OR pinot gris pear and paraffin aroma. A steady, reliable source for laid back, food worthy wines. Abundant pear flavor on the palate. Good, fresh fruit acidity. Never flashy, so versatile at the table. 91/100. Popular with attendees. 'Very attractive nose and palate.' 'Real terroir, not a Euro knockoff.' 'Pear and pastry cream nose.' 'Better acidity than many Euro offerings.' White WOTN.

Wine Spectator 91; 'A white with verve and vibrancy, this features accents of orange blossoms, nectarine and cantaloupe that sail on the finish. $22.'

Est. 1986 west of Salem; with 325 acres under vine, one of Oregon's largest winegrowing estates. Good, full gris color. Subtle, classic pear, nut, and wax varietal aromas. Full textured in the nostrils. Grows in pungency and largesse with aeration. Really pumps it out. Confirmed by full body on the palate. Big in the mouth, both in flavor and feel. Real pinot gris peels extracts. Great acid. Dry, with light pinot gris viscosity. Long finish. Wants food. 92/100.

Est. 1991; aged 4 months on the lees. Chilled and closed at first, it opens to a warm and broad spectrum of fruit goodness, with pear emphasis. Confirms this is a good source for OR pinot gris. Full flavor and texture appeal, and total good balance of acid and light glycerol. It's got to have wide ranging appeal. Long, flavorful, harmonious finish. 92/100. Well liked by attendees. A maker of pinot gris considered it a model. 'Nice acidity and body.' 'Nice flavor; varietal and attractive.' 'Nose of white pear and honeycomb; palate richer, sweet fruited, quaffable.' WOTN for at least one attendee.

Lightly nutty grigio peels extract. Fresh, clean, and good. Yes, grey peels astringency and light tannin even. Delivers. Long on flavor and texture. Good price. 91/100.

Wine Spectator 91 - TOP 100: 'Juicy and plump, with peach, mango and tangerine flavors that reveal pretty floral accents of orange blossoms, lemon verbena and ylang-ylang, while notes of white pepper and sea salt minerality linger on the long, fresh finish. Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friulano and Chardonnay. $36.

2017: 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.'

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

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.

Sheet says Rattlesnake Hills. 2 g/l RS. Good WA riesling acidity clear even on the crisp nose. Aroma accurate if understated. Flavors more intense and explicit. Admirable sweet-acid balance. Fits the pattern and, like the rest of the line, attractively priced. 91/100.

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.

2022: 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. Full color. Boy, that's lush for MI blue franc. The oak is a well integrated part of the picture and adds aromatic complexity, suavity, range, and depth. Bravo. Full flavored. Great acidity. Daring dash of VA too. Less tannic than some recent vintages. Neat stuff. 92+/100. Well liked by attendees. 'Black cherry, black pepper, new oak; brisk acid, long finish.' 'Complex; lots of oaky spice; easy to drink and should improve.'

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.

Zweigelt; native yeasts; 10 day carbonic maceration. A very bright, fresh, and genuine take on zweigelt. Accomplished; not carbonic maceration reductive. Cool, racy, flavorful, almost tonic for its trace of bitterness on the finish. Great acid too. Surprisingly full textured. Lasting. Deal. 91/100. Though not the group's favorite red, it was judged to have merit. 'Cola, root beer, leather.' 'Bright and tart; needs food to cut the acid.' 'More fruit than expected.'

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.

New AVA encompassing the half dozen northernmost counties of the Lower Peninsula; the red hybrid marquette, developed at the U of MN, thrives here; winery est. 2004 south of Petoskey. Certainly nothing labrusca about the nose. Dark and substantial. Seems like it could improve even further. Great acid. No RS. This really has guts. Mouthfilling. Challenging to taste without food. Now what's the match- Corned beef and cabbage- I can see why a marquette once won MWC Best of Show. Yes! 91+/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.

2021: 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.

2021: 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.

2021: 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.

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.

Unoaked. Lees contact. Full yellow. Creamy lees nose. Lemon creme combo of chardonnay, malo, and lees. Works. VERY creamy palate. Seductive. Kept honest by good acidity. Unique and irresistible. 92/100.

Always reliable and sympathetic. The different species of apples that are put forth by pinot gris and chardonnay. Yeah, it's an harmonious whole. Flavorful and not austerely dry. Come hither and versatile. 91/100.

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.

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.

A regular gold medal winner at the Michigan Wine Competition. They've finally put the varietal name on the label. Always one of my Fontaine favorites. It's fuller and richer than pinot blanc. This vintage, it approaches an Alsace auxerrois in body and richness. The vines are older now. Equal in varietal expression on the palate. Good flavor and sweet/acid balance. Ho, hum, just another winner in the series. And look at the price! 91/100.

Just right. Wine of place. Not Alsace, not NE Italy; rather, a Leelanau take on pinot gris. Rich body, subtle, appley nose. Yes, the full richness of the varietal expressed here in a mode halfway between the heaviness of an Alsace version and the levity of a popular pinot grigio. Best vintage yet- 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.

This as so much sulphur on it when I first turned the screwcap that I couldn't even give it a rating. Over the next couple of hours, it aired EXTREMELY WELL. Positive comments all around from attendees. 'Shockingly good; lovely nose and flavor; good acid; the real deal.' 'Crisp, fresh; citrus, grapeskin, good acid-sweet balance.' Orders taken. 91+/100.

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.'

2020: 18.2 RS. Sweet smelling for sure. Low key varietal aroma. Growing ice wine incisiveness in the nostrils. Fully sweet, yet that can't mask the cut of ice wine acidity. No terpenes. At age four, still a babe, really. I like the material and the potential here. 95+/100.

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.

Est. 18th century by Henry Smith on Pelham Road, Niagara Peninsula; barrel aged. Bright and right and rich baco, unusually black fruited and concentrated. Smells like vinifera. And barrel assuaged. Very smooth. Perhaps a trace of RS. Flavorful. Good acid for balance. A unique take on baco, and a good one. 91/100. Attendees were surprised and impressed, especially by the lack of hybrid character. Many echoed my comments. Orders taken.

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.

Wine Enthusiast 90 - BEST BUY: 'A sweet and tangy blood-orange aroma fills the air as wisps of petrol and coconut water stake their claim on the fringes. The wine's elevated acidity and lean, crisp mouthfeel are complemented by flavors of barely ripe pineapple and green tea sweetened with honey.'

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.