Grenache from an egg, a ceramic one at that. I've seen Peter Fraser's egg collection in the winery - quite a sight. This is a great expression of the variety. The fruit was hand-picked and mechanically sorted. 100% of the fruit was then destemmed, crushed and tipped into 675L ceramic eggs. The fermentation occurred in the eggs and the wine remained on skins for 191 days post-fermentation. Exclusively matured in ceramic eggs. No pressings were used. Not fined. Certified organic/biodynamic. A lip-smacking wine. Perfectly manicured edges, generous feels are the hallmark of this beaut drink. In some ways it's purity doesn't it make it feel like Grenache, that's until a soft caress of varietal spice crawls up and cautiously builds momentum through the mouth. Textural feels from time on skins is evident and adds personality. The finish comes across a bit slippery, almost forgetting itself on the way out. But there's enough hang time from the generous fruit to push that concern to the side. Another glass or two certainly isn't out of the question.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed Aromas of blackberries and pine needles. Blackcurrants, too. Very perfumed. Full-bodied, very tight and linear. Firm and silky tannins. Closed up now. Shows beautiful potential. Better in 2021.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed Showing complex aromas of dark fruit, pine needles and pine nuts right now. Dried flowers, too. Full-bodied, round and chewy with firm and silky tannins. Always a linear edge running through this. Drink now.

Weekend Wine Picks All La Jota fruit is sourced from the winery’s estate and from nearby W.S. Keyes Vineyard. La Jota Vineyard lies on a volcanic plateau, looking east over Napa Valley. Carpenter looks for blocks that produce soft-textured cabernet, yielding wines of earlier approachability. The decomposed granite soils of W.S. Keyes Vineyard impart a pop of bright fruit character and broader tannins. The 2014 growing conditions were excellent, yielding grapes without the worries of sun burn, shrivel or early fall cold. The wine is huge on the palate, and redolent in dark chocolate, espresso and blackberry, and just to amp it all up there is five per cent Petit Verdot among the 75.5 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 Cabernet Franc, 5 Merlot and 2.5 Malbec. It spends 19 months in French oak (90 per cent new). A decade of ageing is a minimum here, and likely another 10-15 before it reaches its peak. Impressive.

A little history and some worthy new finds The 2014 Cab is stunning, 94 points around $40. A very dark ruby-colored wine, it opens to a mixed bouquet of black cherry, chocolate, cocoa, cedar, and cinnamon, the latter driven by 28 months on French or American oak. On the palate, succulent fruit notes, assertive but balanced acidity and tannin say cellar me a few years. I believe $40 is a very fair price for a wine with wonderful potential. A clean, pure finish with hints of violet closed the deal for me. Please don't drink it now. This needs a few years in the cellar, 2019 start.

Copain's Syrahs are Aging Wonderfully Darker than the 2003 and more concentrated. Lots of blueberries, plum cake, loaded with violets and black pepper. Silky smooth, still structured though with some dusty tannins. Black cherry and blueberry fruit is alive and kicking, and I love the smoke, olive tapenade, gravelly earth and violet petal elements going on here. This really is a pretty Syrah in a beautiful place.

Copain's Syrahs are Aging Wonderfully Wow, this is exceptional and surprising. Such lively aromas, no hints of oxidation or exhaustion here at all, just lemon curd and crushed limestone. Precise acidity through and though, yet the plush texture is awesome. Minerals and flowers and honeycomb accentuate the juicy lemon and yellow pear fruit. Wow, still going strong, and a wonderful showing. This comes from a fascinating site at 1,600 feet in the Chalone appellation with rare combo of limestone and granite soils.

Pure and refined, with a minerally essence and notes of slate and underbrush to the dried red fruit flavors. Offers hints of cream and plenty of spice on the finish.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed This is a tannic and rich red that is tightly wound and very muscular. Full-bodied, very intense and powerful. Needs time to show its full self. Try in 2021.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed Black truffles, dried meat and dark fruits on the nose. Full body with flavors of meat, coffee and foie gras. Slightly chewy tannins. Holding on beautifully. Drink now.

Small amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec are blended into this impressive wine, which is reduced slightly on the nose. The flavors of cassis and red cherry turn juicy and tart on the midpalate before exposing complex lengths of tobacco and clove. This wine will be best enjoyed in time, so shoot for 2020 through 2024.

This midnight purple colored Merlot from La Jota in very very good. It opens with a fragrant boysenberry and dark chocolate bouquet with hints of pomegranate. On the palate, this wine is full bodied and balanced. The flavor profile is a rich and extracted ripe blackberry and stewed plum blend with nicely integrated oak and minerality. I also detected a hint of blueberry in the background. The finish is dry and its solid and well-managed tannins linger and last nicely. This went perfect with my braised beef and rigatoni with sauteed wild mushrooms with a red wine reduced sauce.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed Fresh blackcurrants, herbs, ivy, licorice and dried violets. Full-bodied with lovely tangy fruit, a real dash of acidity, grippy tannins and a long, structured finish. Drink in 2021.

Alexander Valley Cabernets trend to taste sumptuous, with supple tannins and round, lush textures. They invariably carry a hint of sweetness, so provide unabashed pleasure more than intellectual sophistication. All that is true of this wine, but it surprises with unexpected seriousness and depth, making it a wine for many a different moment. You don’t need to ponder it, but you can. And there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy it.

With its array of seductive black and red berry fruits and firm, substantial texture this is an irresistible Cabernet Sauvignon indeed. Invigoratingly dry and muscular, it is also blessed with considerable charm. A touch of Petit Verdot adds even more complexity, and velvety tannins further enhance the long finish.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed This is very pretty zin with cherry, berry, black-pepper character. Full to medium body, light tannins and a flavorful finish. Lots of stem, moss and bark with wet earth at the end. Beautiful balance compared to the 2015. Drink now.

The deeply seductive nose entices with forest floor, fennel, red cherry preserves and teaberry aromatics. The palate shows wonderful weight, tension and minerality. The mouth-watering acidity brings you back to the glass for more. Elegant, yet showing the warmth of the vintage, this is a simply outstanding wine that will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed A soft and pretty red now with chocolate, berry and currant character. Full body, round tannins and a delicious finish. Layered and rich style. Delicious. Drink now.

The Surprise of 2015 in Napa and Other California Wine Reviewed A big and soft old cab with so much raspberries and currant jam. Yet, there is firmness and freshness holding the full body and richness in check. Little old-school. Drink and enjoy.

Copain's Syrahs are Aging Wonderfully Dark and fruity nose with rich plums and blackberries and a spicy/smoky element. Rich but bright on the palate with structured tannins, bright acidity, and I get a lot of tart currant and plum fruit. Charcoal, smoky bacon, roasted red pepper, coffee grounds, rich earth. On Day 2, this got even more expressive. Still time ahead, but this is very impressive. More put-together and prettier than a bottle of this I had in 2016. Lucky me! This site, north of Yorkville, is full of rocky soils and vines planted in a series of benches and hillsides at the base of Hawks Butte.

Copain's Syrahs are Aging Wonderfully Aromas of blackberries, tart cherries, a lots of smoke and meat. Crisp acidity on the palate, plump texture and the blackberry fruit is still going. Notes of violets, smoke, olive brine, pepper, beef broth and roasted red pepper. Nice and tangy with a peppery finish. Still going! From a vineyard 1,800 feet above Ukiah Valley in Mendocino County.

This meaty Pinot Noir is undoubtedly one of the finest from Monterey County. This vintage shows deep blue-fruit character, a juicy mid-palate and a touch of spice on the finish. The tannins are moderate, making for a wine that is enjoyable now but with some potential to age.

This light red colored Pinot Noir from Maggy Hawk is terrific. It opens with a very fragrant red raspberry bouquet with a hint of pomegranate. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, elegant and very smooth. The flavor profile is a mild strawberry with notes of cranberry and minerality. I also detected hints of black pepper. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. This Pinot lives up to its name. It is very graceful and food friendly. I would pair it with a filet mignon.

This red colored Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley is impressive. It opens with a mild strawberry bouquet with a hint of red licorice and watermelon. On the palate, this wine is light to medium bodied, balanced and delicate. The flavor profile is a delicious light red plum and strawberry blend. I also detected hints of red cherry and pepper. The finish is dry and its flavors drift away nicely. This very enjoyable and refined Pinot would pair well with fresh sliced Norwegian salmon.

2018 Pacific Northwest Rose Report This limited release Rose is a striking effort from this estate. Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this starts off with wild mushroom, red cherry and guava on the nose. The palate reveals a silky texture, leading to ripe strawberry, guava and cran-raspberry flavors. Crisp and delightful for a hot summer day, this outstanding effort shows both lovely poise, elegance and weight from this exciting vintage in the Willamette Valley.