A longer ripening period during the 2023 vintage has amplified aromas, with shades of violet at the edge of ripe blood plum and dark cherry. The ripeness is also reflected in bright, luscious blood plum and dark cherry flavours in the front palate; while the combination of MV6, G5V15 and Abel clones provides a keen savoury note, with earthy bite and graphite notes. Chewy tannins give a moreish finish to a wine that already appears resolved and complete.

This site – the Primavera family’s 240m-high vineyard, planted on rich red basalt soils – provides something different for Giant Steps. Surprisingly, it’s an open and expressive front palate, with supple red cherries, raspberries and hints of blood tomato. It obtains a tight squeeze in the midriff thanks to a strong acid spine, then the smooth palate concludes with the bite of tight, crunchy tannins. Very good now; likely to improve in the cellar.

The most fragrant Pinot Noir within the Giant Steps single-vineyard collection has a nose redolent of roses and sweet red cherries. Its vibrancy is underlined by vivid colour. Flavours of cherry compote and the spicy lift of white pepper speak confidently, unmitigated by overt oak influence – after full malolactic fermentation it matures in older French oak barriques over nine months. Its tidy elegance is reiterated by neat closure enforced by tight black tea tannins. Its great trick is providing generous flavour without overt broadness or excessive boldness.

A bright, sunny personality is underlined by bright golden colour and lively tropical notes atop a pithy citrus body. It’s an honest reflection of site – mostly clone P58 Chardonnay planted at 100m elevation along south- and east-facing slopes on grey clay loam – with the cool location providing lively acidity that ensures good intensity and drive.

Dynamic and expressive, offering richly detailed cherry and red currant flavors layered with espresso and Asian spice tones as this builds polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033.

The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of grapes from three vineyards: Sycamore, Bosché, and Red Barn Ranch, a site on sedimentary and gravelly river bed stones, which is northwest of Frog's Leap winery and owned by Round Pond. 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc was aged in 64% new French oak for 26 months. The style here is more black-fruited, with very compact, fine-grained tannins and the fragrant dusty mineral character so distinct to wines from the Rutherford AVA. That dustiness is on the nose and palate, nuanced by wonderful dried herb qualities. Some decadent blue fruit notes are prevalent now and will soften into more red and black with time in the bottle. A very delicious wine in its youth, with compact tannins that resolve into juicy black and blue fruits underscored by racy acidity and a spicy finish redolent of dark cocoa.

The nose on this single-vineyard expression begins with light aromas of cherry, crisp currant and tarragon, and then quickly opens into richer versions of those scents. The palate is rounded, refreshing and complex, showing red fruit, peppercorn and forest-herb flavors.

Crushed raspberry, tangerine, cinnamon and anise aromas burst from the glass of this zesty Zin. An acid-driven palate loaded with berry-lemon acidity gives way to a finish with plush tannin and lingering whispers of black pepper and licorice.

Dark, brambly fruit aromas meet with lavender, violet and turned-earth notes on the complete nose of this bottling. The fresh fruit flavors are bouncy and joyous on the palate, aligning with elegant floral tones toward the finish.

Lovely, crushed Bing cherry and rose petal aromas waft from the glass of this Pinot. The palate is plush and complex, with flavors of red raspberry, forest floor, clove and fresh flowers across the palate. The finish lingers with whispers of black tea and orange peel.

Aromas of this wine jump out of the glass, offering Meyer lemon, apricot, white flowers and river rock. The palate vibrates with pithy lemon-lime acidity, alongside flavors of marzipan, fresh baked pastry and Anjou pear. There’s an energy here that begs for a little time in the cellar. Drink 2025–2035.

This wine is bright, with aromas of yellow apple, nectarine, pineapple, florals and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors on the palate are Meyer lemon, pear and cinnamon, wrapped around chamomile tea, sedimentary rock and a long, mouthwatering finish. Pair with seafood pasta with cream sauce.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard is certainly the most serious wine in Siduri’s single vineyard SLH lineup. Voluptuous and round yet intensely mineral and chiseled, there’s a stunning depth of blue/black fruit and heady florals on tap. This is a very sensual wine with tons of up-front appeal. Still, if you look deeper, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of savory, earthy inflections, while blueberry, black cherry, espresso, mocha and French oak richness blast through this mercurial but impeccably balanced Pinot.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard is so heady, marrying pure, ultra-ripe fruit with vivacious energy and spirited drive. Tannins are right up front, and toasty French oak stands ready, but this feels complete, even if it sits on the pushed end of the spectrum. Kirsch, and pomegranate, cinnamon, clove and new leather lends tons of intrigue. This is a sexy expression of Garys’.

Aromas of lemon peel, wet stone, waxy apple and a hint of chalk show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is very chalky in texture, giving a firm platform to present flavors of buttered nectarine, sea salt and coconut flake.

This wine is rich and concentrated with plush black plum, raspberry and cinnamon. The wine is driven by juicy red plum, pink grapefruit zest, pink peppercorn weaving in quince; black tea brings dark chocolate and a silky finish. The sunshine and cool climate of the region are captured by this wine.

This wine is lush and vibrant, with aromas of huckleberry, boysenberry and cardamon. The wine is full-bodied with black cherry, violet, allspice, weaving in vanilla cream and dark chocolate to lead up to plush silky tannins. Long ago, I created a story about this wine and the mythical sisters who lived in the forest. Enjoy with meat, poultry, fish and good friends.

This wine is intense, with aromas of black cherry, boysenberry and allspice. Concentrated Morello cherry, black currant weave into blackberry, vanilla spice, mocha and lush tannins. Aerate and enjoy with braised lamb shank. 

The nose shows aromas of blackcurrants, herb tea, violets and charcuterie. The palate is full-bodied and complex, with finely integrated tannins, bright acidity and secondary notes of red currants, tea leaves, red peppercorns and tobacco. Grown on volcanic quartz. Drink or hold.

The nose displays aromas of blueberries, red currants, tomato bush and licorice. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, fresh acidity and notes of plums, cedar, tobacco and cassia bark. A single vineyard at 300 meters grown on terraces. Drink or hold.

A floral and lifted nose showing lemon balm, orange blossoms and green papayas. The palate is round and textured, with fine acidity, creaminess and notes of grapefruit, mandarins and creme brulee. Grown at 260 meters. Drink or hold.

Deeply scented and dark-fruited, showing aromas of black fruit, spices and tobacco. The palate is tightly bound, with a full body and firm tannins, displaying notes of blackberries, blood plums, sage and spices. Organically farmed for 20 years. Drink or hold.

Perfumed and lifted with underlying notes of dark fruit, bramble berries, tea leaves and spices. The palate is full-bodied with a profound tannin profile, showing notes of dark cherries, stewed plums, cedar and tobacco. Very grippy and drying. Needs some time in the bottle. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

The 2023 Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County) is a total stunner. Bright, aromatic and vibrant, the 2023 is lights-out, brilliantly marrying the fruit intensity and energy. Apricot, mint and white flowers abound. This is a stunning wine for the price and for its production of around 40,000 cases. All of this fruit is from Mission Hills in Los Alamos.

The 2022 Chardonnay Hapgood is gorgeous. Bright, floral and effusive, the 2022 is impressive. It offers a captivating grip of nervous tension but also a good bit of body. Citrus confit, white flowers, tangerine oil and spice linger. This is impeccably done.