Strawberry and raspberry aromas meet with uncracked peppercorn and shaved nutmeg elements on the nose of this bottling. There's a danky herb edge to the sip, which gives earthy depth to the cranberry and hibiscus flavors.
This winery has been producing grapes since 1977, and the wheelhouse has always been aromatic versions of Sauvignon Blanc. But I was so excited to hear and taste the new project featuring Chenin Blanc. I have long been a fan of the expressions from around the world. This selection is fresh, vibrant, with aromas of citrus peel, white flowers, apple, and notes of green papaya on the nose; the texture and flavors on the palate are flinty with layers of White peaches, melon, spiced orange, and mouth-watering acidity on the finish.
Rich aromas of black cherry and dark berries burst from the glass on the nose of this Grenache. The palate delivers a pop of pithy acid and grippy tannins, with lively kirsch, raspberry, cedar, and herbaceous potpourri flavors lingering through the finish.
Aromas of grilled pineapple, fresh apple and cinnamon crème jump from the glass on the nose of this Chardonnay. The palate is nervy and alive with flavors of nectarine, pineapple sage and Meyer lemon peel that vibrate through the finish.
Bright citrus and nectarine aromas highlight the nose of this lively Chardonnay. The palate displays flavors of fresh and roasted apple, with cinnamon, ginger and toasted hazelnut emerging through the middle, with pithy lemon acidity engaging at the finish.
Zena must have borrowed Thor's lightning bolt, because this Warrior Princess lights up the olfactory system with some rambunctious acidity. The Chardonnay show begins with ripe nectarine and mint aromas, followed by an ozone and smoky flint note that suggests the aftermath of a lightning strike. The wine's final act is a juicy peach flavor that is accented by bits of lemon zest and thyme.
This savory syrah has a sanguine core, fleshed out with brambleberries and black cherries. Sappy, steeped-tea tannins frame dark forest berries and toasty oak. A kick of sarsaparilla and scorched earth hums through the finish. Drink or hold.
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley was aged 10 months in 30% new
French oak with about 10% whole cluster, adding both texture and aromatic lift. It shows a
light to medium ruby-garnet core edged by a vivid purple rim. Aromas of black cherry,
huckleberry, and rose petal are layered with notes of allspice and a touch of pencil shaving.
The palate is medium-bodied, framed by fine-grained tannins that provide structure
without heaviness. About 2000 cases produced.
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara spent 10 months in 25% new French oak,
striking a balance between fruit purity and spice. It shows a light ruby-garnet core with a
delicate orange rim. Aromas of rose petals, spiced berries, and strawberry compote are
brightened by hints of citrus and holiday spice. The palate is supple and fruit-driven,
framed by smooth tannins and a gentle lift of spice on the finish. Almost 8000 cases made.
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills spent 10 months in 25% new French
oak, lending nuance while preserving vibrancy. In the glass, it shows a light to medium
ruby-purple core with a radiant red edge. Aromas of dried rose petals, wild berries, cherry
skin, and pink peppercorn mingle with earthy undertones of forest floor. The palate leans
taut and precise, yet remains flavorful, offering purple-toned fruit alongside floral lift.
Smooth tannins, moderate-plus acidity, and a medium body guide it to a polished and
energetic finish. 236 cases made.
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir from the West Sonoma Coast was aged 10 months in 25% new
French oak, giving it polish without overshadowing its brightness. Aromas of chamomile
tea, rain-kissed stone, golden apple, and candied citrus blossom lift from the glass. The
palate shows juicy melon and citrus tones woven into a medium to full-bodied frame,
carrying through to a silky, refreshing finish. 119 cases produced
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley spent 10 months in 25% new French
oak, shaping its texture and spice. It displays a shimmering ruby-blue core framed by a
garnet rim. Aromas of blueberry, orange peel, and spiced cedar unfold with nuance,
accented by subtle holiday spice. The palate leans into blue-toned fruit with a touch of
earthy dust, supported by fine-grained tannins, moderate acidity, and a graceful medium
body. Almost 7000 cases produced.
The 2023 Siduri Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley spent 10 months in French oak,
with 20% new barrels shaping its profile. Pale lemon in color with a faint watery edge, it
opens with scents of Meyer lemon, crisp green apple, and a chalky mineral note. The palate
is bright and refreshing, carrying a saline edge that complements the citrus-driven fruit.
Light on its feet yet flavorful, this Chardonnay offers a clean, approachable style. 326 cases
made.
Vibrant and generous, with peach, apricot and mango flavors that mingle with apple blossom, wildflower honey and ripe, salted melon flavors. Whiffs of cardamom, wild fennel and vanilla bean linger on the lush finish. Drink now. 130 cases made.
The 2022 Malbec Mt. Veeder is 100% varietal yet manages to stand on its own. Scents of
pencil shavings join juicy blue fruits on the nose of this full-bodied wine, which still lacks
some of the mid-palate this taster would prefer, but it shows good concentration, finegrained tannins and ample length.
This offers up slightly chunky blackberry and red currant compote flavors backed by ample roasted apple wood and anise notes. Wood spice and sassafras accents fill in, and there’s a late twinge of iron on the finish. Shows character and is approachable now if you like ’em gutsy; otherwise, cellar a touch. Drink now through 2035.
Plump and friendly in feel, with a solid core of black currant and black cherry compote flavors laced with sassafras and anise hints. Offers a light tug of warm earth through the finish, which shows a fine-grained cedar accent. Drink now through 2035.
A solid effort for the vintage; while this offers the up-front gush that’s typical of ’22s, there’s genuine succulence to the blackberry and black currant fruit, along with singed mesquite, warm earth and sweet bay characteristics that extend the finish nicely. Drink now through 2036.
Succulent in feel, with lovely purity to the wild strawberry and raspberry flavors, flanked by subtle rose petal and orange peel notes. There’s chalky minerality running through, with good energy, driving the core flavors onto the well-spiced finish around fine tannins. Drink now through 2036. 197 cases made.
A vibrant and intense version, with floral, quince, lemon and pear flavors at the core flanked by crushed stone and fresh thyme. This swells with intensity, and a subtle pastry note adds a layer of richness and lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2035. 152 cases made.
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley was blended with 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot and matured for 12 months in 25% new French oak. It bursts from the glass with pure aromas of cassis, violet, pencil shavings, garrigue and well-integrated new-oak spice. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, enveloping flavors. It’s framed by abundant, grainy tannins and juicy acidity and has a long, floral finish. It will benefit from some time in a decanter.
Medium ruby-hued, the 2023 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County reveals exotic red and darker berry fruits intermixed with flowers, spice, and forest underbrush notes. Based on a 50/50 split of two vineyards and aged 10 months in 25% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and has a pure, balanced, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This brilliant value in California Pinot Noir is well worth seeking out and will have 5-7 years of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2032.
Barrel fermented and aged eight months in 18% new French oak, the 2022 Chardonnay West Point shows a touch more freshness as well as complexity. Stone fruits, orange blossom, spicy wood, and floral hints all emerge from the glass, and it's medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, balanced, and layered, with good freshness. It shows the riper, warmer style of the vintage in its texture and mouthfeel while staying light and juicy, and it's incredibly well done. Drink 2025-2028.
Decidedly savory, this offers a bouquet of matcha, white pepper and briny olive notes that swirl into the compact core of cherry paste and plum. There’s a gentle wave of acidity that allows the flavors to play out around dried herb and mineral details on the finish around well-integrated tannins. Best from 2026 through 2036.