One of the most dramatic Sauvignon Blancs I have ever tasted with an aroma that’s 20% herbal Loire Valley, 75% Bordeaux blanc, and just a trace of New World. Dried and fresh herbs, chamomile tea, a bit of lemon, and a creaminess from lees and a bit of neutral barrel age.

Raspberry/blackberry aromas with traces of pepper and spice; layered tannins that portend a long future. Made by Sam Teakle.

Blackberry and cassis aroma with hints of dark chocolate, somewhat tannic entry, but the tannins fade rapidly. Excellent balance and firm structure, but not hard the way many mountain-grown Cabs can be. Made by winemaker Susan Lueker.

The 1011-hectare Tenuta di Arceno estate sits 404-809 metres above sea level. The site between Florence and Siena has been producing wines for nearly 3000 years. According to Roman mythology, an ancient Roman statue, Il Fauno, was installed in the estate’s centre to protect it from intruders. The nose is a riot of savoury black cherries with a dusting of mint. Rich, robust and full-bodied, it is only beginning its life. Black plums and licorice dominate the palate, supported by cedar, toasted oak and a more savoury, peppery note in the finish. Il Fauno is a Bordeaux-style blend of 43/32/20/5 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. It is one to lay away for seven to 10 years. However, wild boar would be a good match if you must drink it now.

A bright, refreshing, and ultra-delicious Chardonnay from Monterey, right next to the Pacific. The sun-kissed fruit is balanced by a fantastic acidity and freshness with expressions of white peach, tangerine, and pear. It has a full mouthfeel, a creamy texture with a finish that focuses on citrus and pralines and cream. A complex wine that is effortless to drink. Wonderful discovery!

Wines for Mother's Day
This excellent Pinot Noir features attractive color, impressive strength and notable complexity on the nose, along with wonderful body, balance and length on the palate.

Wines for Mother's Day
This fine Italian wine out performs its price with power and complexity on the nose, medium-full body, excellent fruit, attractive balance and elongated finish.

I can unequivocally say that Greg Brewer's wines deliver more value per dollar than any other winery I know. A Chardonnay that stuns on the nose and on the palate with notes of ripe yellow apple, fresh peach, Meyer lemon oil, matchstick, toasted salted hazelnuts, and yellow wildflowers. Round and dewy on the palate, with perfect acidity that doesn’t overpower the lovely fruit flavors and saline finish. Editors Choice and Best Buy.

Exploding with spicy, earthy notes from the glass, this Pinot Noir from Greg Brewer is a sensory delight. Red and black spiced cherry, wild strawberry, sassafras, black tea, and green olive juice notes are all present. Greg doesn’t use any new oak on his wines, but it’s never needed and what you get is the pure expression of the grape and the Sta. Rita Hills terroir. Medium tannins, high acidity, and a medium body complete the wine’s lengthy finish.

Refreshing, clean, and light on the nose with aromas of Meyer lemon, tangerine zest, dried banana, and white flower blossom this wonderful Chardonnay is made by Greg Brewer, one of my favorite winemakers. Wonderful mouthwatering acidity, a medium body, and lovely structure are all present. At a price point of $25, it’s also an insanely good value for the money and a Chardonnay you could enjoy any night of the week. Best Buy.

A yummy Syrah by winemaker Greg Brewer, that always over-delivers at the price point, this medium ruby stunner, with a pinkish rim, bursts with notes of boysenberry, blueberry compote, wet pine needles, black olive, and ground pepper. It’s leaner on the palate than on the nose and produces a very balanced, saline, and earthy finish. Tannins are a bit elevated so giving this a year or two in the bottle to settle down will be richly rewarded.

Sip Sunny Sauvignon Blanc This Earth Day Weekend
La Crema Sauvignon Blanc from sustainably grown fruit from vineyards throughout Sonoma County reveals ripe tropical notes thanks to the warm climate the fruit is coming from, including Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley (also known for producing robust Zinfandel and hearty Bordeaux varietal wines). As the wine opens layers of guava and mango emerge, melding harmoniously with crushed stone, soft green herbs like tarragon and mint, and earthy minerality.

A ripe and acceptably fresh blend is composed by notes of plum, red and dark pinot fruit and a pretty floral whiff. The rich, supple and very forward middle weight flavors offer reasonable depth on the bitter pit fruit-inflected finish where a touch of warmth slowly emerges. This is attractive in its fashion though it lacks a bit of verve, particularly on the back end.

Purple fruit, such as ripe plums and white peaches with flowers. Medium to full body with lots of perfumed flavors and a savory finish. Powdery tannins provide roundness and beauty. Long finish. Tight at the end. Needs two or three years to soften and open.

The fruit comes through wonderfully on the nose, from raspberries to light, ripe strawberries. Earth and black mushrooms, too. Full-bodied with a very attractive texture and focused sensibility. Silky tannins blend in nicely. Drink or hold.

Bright floral and black-cherry aromas with some ripe strawberry. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fine, linear finish. Tensioned and real. Lovely ripeness of fruit with a polished texture. Gorgeous now, but will age beautifully, too.

A layered Champagne that shows length and focus, with a creamy texture and very fine bubbles. Juicy, lightly chalky and long. Just a hint of phenolics that keeps it framed and attentive. 7.5 years on the less. Seriously dry at the finish. Best sparkling wine from Oregon? Drink or hold.

Strawberries and black cherries with stones and flowers. Medium body, firm and round tannins and a stone and mineral aftertaste to the fruit. Tight at the end. Drink after 2024.

Perfumed and fresh with sliced peaches and hints of white flowers. Medium to full body with a creamy texture. Tart and energetic at the end. 3 years on the less. 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. Tight and delicious. Drink now.

A soft yet fresh pinot that has ripe-strawberry aromas and flavors with medium body and a juicy finish. Yummy, round and delicious. Drink now.

Aromas of dark strawberry and stone with some orange-peel undertones. Medium to full body with a solid texture of pure tannins and a fresh finish. Curated and focused. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Blackberries and violets with some spices throughout. Medium body, with medium round tannins and a savory finish. A little light at the end, but attractive. Drink now.

Inviting aromas of sliced almond, orange blossom and grapefruit. Medium-bodied. A blast of citrus and tang on the palate with a nutty finish. Fun stuff. Drink now.

It’s cool to spit. Yes, at first this will feel counterintuitive. The inner voice will be sounding conflicted alarm: “But wine is meant to be drunk.” Remember, however, that this is a wine tasting. And most wine tastings have dozens — sometime hundreds — of bottles waiting to be sampled. Tastings are about pace. And prudence. So swirl that sample of La Crema Chardonnay to enjoy its lemon, melon, and cream aromas. Then take a swig to savour the mid-weight, nicely balanced plush yet fresh sensations. Then spit into the provided bucket, as the lemon and wood spice finish lingers on the palate. Did you enjoy? Then bring a bottle home to drink.
Bottom line: B+, Marries well with blue cheese gnocchi

Deep yellow color; yellow apple, lemon zest on the nose; yellow apple, pineapple, pear, Meyer lemon, buttery pastry, caramel, oak, and oak spice on the palate.
Dry; bold, oaky, buttery style of chardonnay. Soft acidity. Ripe fruits give is some sense of butterscotch sweetness. Medium-plus body with a slightly oily texture. Clean, crisp, balanced. Refreshing, lingering finish. Reflects Mayacamas Black Mountain terroir.
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Chardonnay, Alexander Valley 2017 is rich and gracious with its ripe fruit and oak-driven approach. Refined version of classic, opulent California-style chard from the justly storied Jackson family. Pair with pork; rich fish—salmon, tuna; poultry, including fried chicken; vegetarian fare. Cheese—camembert, aged gruyere, aged cheddar, gouda, blue cheese; semi-hard cheeses. A buttery chardonnay is a very versatile wine-cheese pairing, but avoid pungent, spicy, acidic cheeses.