This stunning wine leaps out of the glass, with concentrated flavors and aromas of white peach, quince and pineapple, plus floral accents of orange blossoms and lemon curd. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality and a whiff of lemon verbena. Drink now.
This juicy Pinot is a vibrant ruby in the glass, edged by a watery rim. Sage and orange-peel aromas dominate the nose, while the palate is saturated with cranberry-cherry compote flavors and a lighter-than-expected texture. This is quite elegant stuff
Ripe pear, apple and apricot are at the core of this bright and lively coastal Chardonnay. Notes of marzipan and white flowers emerge as it dances in the sun towards a juicy, acid-driven finish. Pair with scallops, halibut or other decadent seafood.
Brilliant garnet in the glass, this energetic Pinot shows loads of baking spice and candied cherry on the nose. Tart plum and hints of toasty pastry mingle on the palate, leading to a pure, long and warming finish.
Striking aromas of raspberry lemonade, cherry liqueur, quince and fresh flowers erupt from the glass as soon as it’s lifted. This nicely balanced wine is simultaneously juicy and decadent. Pair with salmon, duck or pork with sweet fruit in the preparation.
Impressively intricate but still harmonious in overall character, this is a fine example of a trend toward increasing complexity in Sauvignon Blanc from California. Multiple clones of and vessels for fermentation and aging plus a 3% dash of Semillon result in an interesting mix of aromas and flavors recalling pears, melons, and citrus fruits, with aromatic suggestions of dried herbs and wildflowers. – M.F
Precise and elegantly generous, this red shows detailed flavors of cherry and raspberry laced with rose petal, black tea and stony mineral notes as it builds richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2031.
Very pretty and pure, sleek in raspberries and red and black cherries that integrate well with light oak spices. Moderate tannins, a good acid tension and a medium body support the focused and tangy fruit for a vibrant expression. Drink or hold.
Combines warm strawberries and cherries in the aroma with light pine and mint tones that multiply on the palate, while bracing acidity and full tannins hold them tightly for now. Intense black cherries, sour cherries and cranberries create a tight, concentrated core that needs time to fully develop. Best from 2027.
The wine is luscious and creamy, ripe in baked apples, peaches and vanilla on a silky texture and rather full in mouthfeel, yet modest in alcohol. Has the concentration to expand on the palate and linger in the finish. Drink or hold.
This white opens with pretty flavors of peach cobbler and a note of wild fennel, accented by sweet cream hints and a touch of lemon mint, before the intense acidity swoops in and brightens up the flavors, adding a mouthwatering liveliness on the finish. Drink now. 995 cases made.
A steely version, with pinpoint and refreshing acidity accenting the fresh lemon and kiwi flavors, this white is laced with tones of stony minerals and spiced lees. Drink now. 954 cases made.
A rich, red-fruited character with spices and hints of sandalwood and nutmeg. Medium-bodied with a silky texture and mild, delicate finish. Drink now or hold.
The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of black cherries, warm cassis, and baked blackberries jump from the glass, followed by hints of clove oil, menthol, and tapenade with a touch of cumin seed. The full-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers and a firm, grainy frame, invigorated by just enough freshness, finishing long and savory. Just over 11,000 cases were made.
The 2022 Napa Valley Chardonnay comes 40% from Coombsville and 60% from Carneros, with 40% new oak and partial malolactic. It bursts with bold notes of ripe honeydew melons and juicy pears followed by hints of cedar, lightly buttered toast, and allspice with a touch of fresh ginger. The medium-bodied palate has a decadent oiliness to the texture, with well-knit freshness and bags of melon and pear flavors, finishing with a spicy lift.
Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Land's Edge Vineyard Pinot Noir scoots out of the glass with ready-to-go scents of wild strawberries, kirsch, and redcurrant jelly plus wafts of dried herbs, damp soil, and wet slate. The medium to full-bodied palate is refreshing and crunchy, with energetic red berry flavors and fine-grained tannins, finishing with a mineral lift. Native strains were used for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation and the wine is unfined and unfiltered. Land's Edge Vineyard is sourced from Hartford Court's two Sonoma Coast vineyards, Far Coast and Seascape, both within 4 miles of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the few brands proudly proclaiming ingredients on the bottle, this bottling reflects the stony, rocky nature of Chalone, starting with aromas of crushed rocks, Meyer lemon curd and Asian pear. It’s tightly woven and restrained in that regional style, as lemon rind, almond and light honey take a backseat to the impressively rocky mineral flavors.
Rounded and bold aromas of strawberry, tobacco, black tea and clove kick off the nose to this bottling. The palate showcases a rounded red cherry core with incense, cola, thyme and eucalyptus leaf flavors adding nuance. Firm with tension, and protected by a screwcap. So drink now–2041.
The generously proportioned 2022 Chardonnay Wombat Creek Vineyard delivers rich veins of nicely, focused aromas, with a strong core of hazelnut supported by nectarine and spicy, well integreated oak. Full- bodied and flavorsome, it possesses an underlying firm, drying acidity, topped by gentle stony nuances and subtle smoky tones. A finely tuned and embryonic finish with icing on this cake.
The 2022 Chardonnay Applejack Vineyard is well controlled and elegant as it offers up pristine, focused aromas of grapefruit, pear and gentle florals, backed by just-ripe nectarine and a smoky/flinty edge. Then very tight and fresh, ribbons of chalky acidity provide a vibrant start before building texture and weight. Flavors of citrus and creamed cashew add complexity over a lengthy finish. This is young and built to last.
Light straw-yellow hue. Ripe pear, almond meal and north African spices all show on the nose and palate. A savoury and delightful wine that glides and flows through all the corners of the mouth. Finely structured, both acid and tannins working their magic to ensure great length and focus. It's very intriguing and evolves in the glass. A wine that is built for matching with food.
This is a delicious wine with a lot of character. Dark and red fruit with hints of crushed stone and toffee on the nose. Fresh and crisp fruit with a tangy character. Smooth tannins with a crisp finish. Vines are on sandy soils at 400 to 500 feet altitude. Drink or hold.
Lemon curd and nutmeg aromas with a distinct freshness and texture. Everything is in balance, with a supple and refined character. The palate exhibits flint and minerals with bright citrus notes, followed by a wonderfully refreshing finish. 982 cases produced. Drink or hold.
Savory notes of fresh lemons and peaches leading to a palate punctuated by juicy citrus notes and spicy undertones. Medium-bodied with concentrated fruit, good balance and bright acidity. A smooth and refreshingly long finish. This is certainly drinkable now but give it a little time. Drink or hold.
The Saralee’s Vineyard became La Crema’s home base in 2013, after the Jackson family purchased the property from Richard and Saralee Kunde. The vineyard’s pedigree shows in this supple blend, with mellow spice and the flavor of cantaloupe just coming into ripeness. The wine’s tannins give it the feel of a cotton terry-cloth robe, then it lasts on scents of orchard blossoms and those mouthwatering tannins. For a veal chop. (184 cases)