Bright red. Cherry-cola, raspberry and vanilla bean on the nose. Smoky dark berry flavors are enlivened by zesty minerals and pick up a candied floral quality with air. This packs a lot of flavor, but needs time to stretch out. Becomes deeper and chewier with air and finishes with solid grip and powerful thrust.

Deep red with a bright rim. Intensely aromatic bouquet shows red berries, cherry jam, Indian spices and smoky minerals. Deep and juicy, with pliant, medium-bodied red berry flavors, silky texture and a strong jolt of red licorice on the close. Tannins slowly build on the long, sappy finish, but don't detract from the pure, sweet red fruit. The spiciness of this wine is compelling.

Dark red. Deep cherry and dark berry aromas show rooty, cola and herbal qualities reminiscent of a wine from Morey-Saint-Denis. Suave bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors are framed and enlivened by juicy acidity. Fleshes out on the finish, with the cherry and cola qualities repeating. This is the most backward of this impressive set of pinots.

Dark red. Deep cherry and dark berry aromas show rooty, cola and herbal qualities reminiscent of a wine from Morey-Saint-Denis. Suave bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors are framed and enlivened by juicy acidity. Fleshes out on the finish, with the cherry and cola qualities repeating. This is the most backward of this impressive set of pinots.

Enticing aromas of orange zest and minerals. Juicy, tightly wound and sharply delineated, with flavors of lemon drop and minerals firmed by ripe acids. Finishes vibrant and quite long. This should age nicely for five to seven years.

An elegant white, showing a weightless mix of pear, apple and citrus flavors, with details of lime zest and pastry, plus green cardamom. Offers touches of almond toffee and honeysuckle on the finish. Drink now. 280 cases made.

The 2014 Far Coast Blanc de Blancs comes from a vineyard planted on uplifted seabed just four miles from the Pacific Ocean. Base wines were matured for 15 months in used French oak barrels, and it spent 88 months en tirage. Disgorged in August of 2024, it has rich, autolytic aromas accented by nuances of candle smoke, saline, orchard fruit and citrus peel. With just 0.2 grams per liter dosage, the light-bodied palate is dry with soft, creamy mousse and rich, savory, brioche-laced flavors. It’s balanced by firm, focused acidity and has a long, nutty finish. Only 90 cases were made.

Pouring a youthful ruby color, the 2022 Chianti Classico is a departure from the focus of
this report, with these wines coming from Castelnuovo Berardenga. The nose is supple and
inviting with aromas of candied berries, crushed flowers, and sweet herbs. It moves
seamlessly to the palate with refined tannins and an elegant lift of fresh acidity to close it
out. It’s a highly appealing red to drink over the next 5-7 years.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard has pretty aromas of
raspberry, blackberry, mixed tea leaves, dried flowers and earth.
The palate offers understated, crunchy flavors, silky tannins,
vibrant acidity and a perfumed finish. 235 cases were made.

The 2023 Chardonnay Russian River Valley is composed of fruit from Hartford Court's estate vineyards plus purchased fruit. Barrel-fermented and matured for eight months in 21% new oak, it has soaring scents of yellow peach, grapefruit, panna cotta, orange blossoms and honey. The full-bodied palate balances concentrated citrus and saline flavors with vibrant acidity, and it has a long, energetic finish. 21,000 cases were made.

Muddled plum, nutmeg and clove aromas make for a spicy nose on this bottling. The palate pops with pomegranate and hibiscus flavors that are a bit tart but warmed up with toasty sagebrush by the finish.

Aromas of baked cherry, salted plum, roasted mushroom and rose petals waft from the glass of this Pinot. The palate is a balance between rich tannins and orange peel acidity, with bright cherry, berry, spice and earth character coming into focus on the finale.

Plush aromas of cherry cordial and black cardamom rather rich and inviting on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows a more tart side, with light game flavors arising alongside red plum and sour cherry fruits.

This fresh and zippy Chard brings aromas of fresh lemon, tart pineapple, and green apple on the nose. The palate delivers bright acidity with flavors of Meyer lemon, lemon verbena, brioche, and zesty lime through the finish.

Cinnamon- and vanilla-spiced baked apples reflect the oak that’s still being absorbed, yet with plenty of potential for the future. A solid spine of acidity and minerality rides alongside lemon pith, papaya and a hint of hazelnuts through the finish. Best after 2026.

There is a saline freshness to this otherwise ripe wine, that counterpoint resulting in a lovely sense of tension through tropical and stone fruits layered with vanilla, almond wafers and citrus oils. Drink or hold.

This Cabernet teams with 19% Merlot for a wine that is sinewy and crunchy with a plethora of flavors, from rose petals and cassis to cranberry and a touch of sweet jerky. A final dusting of powdered chocolate offers a chef’s kiss. Tannins are sprite and drying, with a rustic quality. It is understated and delicious.

Retail $20. Very Responsible Bottle (482g; 16.9oz). Under screw cap. You know, Matanzas Creek does not get enough credit, at least in my book, for its influence in the history of Sonoma County wine. Founding winemaker? Merry Edwards and David Ramey was also a winemaker at Matanzas Creek; two legendary figures in Sonoma County. Add that the winery was instrumental in creating the Bennet Valley AVA, and well, the history of wine in Sonoma just can’t be told without at least a chapter on Matanzas Creek. Jackson Family Wines bought the property in 2000, and the family has managed it since, maintaining the high standards set since its founding in 1977. So when this Chenin Blanc, which I feel is one of the most under-appreciated varieties in the world, and is barely present in California, landed on my doorstep? Giddy-up. Great tree fruit and hints of citrus on the nose with a dab of minerality and a dose of florality, and wait, this is twenty bucks?? The palate is fruity and focused but also round and robust, this is a delightful representation of the variety and a testament to the fact that Matanzas Creek is still a leader in Sonoma County. Bravo.

Leads with a burst of open-knit but persistent red and black cherry compote flavors. Modestly juicy energy keeps the fruit going, while subtle notes of cedar, iris and iron peek through the understated finish. Drink now through 2035.

The 2022 Cabernet Franc was blended with 15% Merlot and matured for 12 months in 25% new French oak. It has slowly unfurling aromas of red and black cherry and currant, garrigue, cigar ash and herbal undertones, plus well-integrated new-oak spice. The medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated, nuanced flavors with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish. It will benefit from some time in a decanter.

Bright cranberry character and earthy spice drive the nose of this wine. The palate brings pithy black cherry, plum skin, cinnamon, and rose petal flavors that lift and come into sharp focus on the finish

Redcurrants, red plums, peppery herbs, violets, and subtle marine-like nuances all emerge from the 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a 40/40/20 blend from John Sebastiano, Perilune, and Hapgood vineyards. Aged 10 months in 25% new French oak, it’s medium-bodied, with a supple, nicely balanced palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. This is another complex, satisfying release in the lineup that's best enjoyed over the coming 5-7 years. Drink 2025-2032. 

This is well-focused, with up-front but defined boysenberry and blackberry fruit backed by singed apple wood and balsam wood hints. Offers juicy energy and just enough fruit to work through the finish. A solid effort for the vintage. Drink now through 2033

The 2022 Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton opens with notes of licorice and dusty rose, complemented by dried strawberries. Lifted and graceful in feel, it offers cooling acidity and silken textures that usher in ripe red and blue fruits. A gently chewy sensation and sweet tannins remain as sour citrus refreshes the palate.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Kiana bursts from the glass with an expressive mix of crushed raspberries, lavender and spice. Cool-toned and pliant, it offers ripe wild berry fruit propelled by fresh acidity. Liquid violet tones linger as the 2022 finishes with gently grippy tannins.