A stylish version, with lightly mulled tea, red and black cherry, and iris notes that glide atop a silky structure. A warm sous-bois accent echoes through the finish. Drink now through 2029. 274 cases made.

A fragrant white, offering honeysuckle, peach cobbler and lemon bar notes on a tangy frame, with fresh ginger, lemongrass and lime zest details. Shows plenty of intensity on the juicy finish. Drink now. 130 cases made.

Ripe youthful ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is from several sites anchored around Barbieri Vineyard and is aromatic of ripe red cherries, fresh roses, forest herbs, and cola spice. Pure, juicy, and medium-bodied, it has fine tannins and a clean feel with a lot of charm. Drink it now or over the next 4-5 years.

A brilliant silver/green-tinged hue, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County comes from multiple sites in Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Dry Creek, and the Russian River Valley and is fermented both in barrel as well as in stainless steel. Aromatic with a fresh, tropical perfume of guava, melon, chive, and grapefruit, it offers an elegant and delicately rounded feel, with a kiss of candied citrus and its floral perfume lasting on the finish. It’s a very charming wine to enjoy over the next couple of years.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Sable Mountain Vineyard comes from the eastern slopes of the Anderson Valley and was aged for 8 months in 34% new French oak. In the glass, it pours a ripe red ruby color and offers expressive aromas of wild raspberries, candied roses, sweet earth, and sappy fresh herbs. Medium-bodied and juicy, it takes on an earthy spice note, with ripe tannins and a juicy, floral finish. It’s a charming, ripe wine to drink over the next 5 years.

Pouring an opaque purple/red hue, the 2019 Syrah Outer Limits spent 20 months in 34% new French oak and is very ripe in the glass, showing a touch of development in its notes of baked fig, tarry earth, leather, and black olive brine. It’s an opulent red, with sweet tannins, a rounded mouthfeel, and a dark, brooding, savory finish. It is showing well now, though I would prefer to drink this over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028.

Matanzas Creek Winery has been making Merlot in Alexander Valley, Sonoma since 1984. This wine is a testament to their experience. This bottle is a blend sourced from its higher elevation sites. The nose is a bit shy but shows some cherries and maybe a hint of cassis. The palate is soft and supple with great fruit depth.

The backbone of the estate’s Riserva comes from La Porta vineyard, from Sangiovese planted between 1998 and 2000. Cabernet Sauvignon grown at an altitude of 485 metres is blended in for mid-palate structure. Matured in second- and third-passage barriques, the 2021 displays intense blackcurrant nuanced by spicy green herbs. The palate is well padded with red and black currants, and accents of espresso and mint enhance it. The tannins have a slightly dusty, gravelly character yet remain refined. Well mannered and affable.

The big, expressive and lively nose of this wine gives a ton of juicy cherry, mushroom, orange peel and sage. Plenty of raspberry, barrel spice, caramel and cola arise on the powerful palate before a finish that lingers with some warmth. 

This spicy and classic Sonoma Coast Pinot gives aromas of dried cherry, raspberry compote, black tea and orange peel on the nose. The palate is plush and textured, with a berry freshness and pleasant crunchiness at the finish.

Shows a lovely mix of candied ginger, lemon bar, caramelized pineapple and peach cobbler on a smooth, lush and mouthwatering frame, with accents of nutmeg and clove. Drink now. 700 cases made.

Well crafted and quite versatile in styles, this wine rings true to Cabernet's reputation for rich, robust flavors while finishing with sufficiently soft structure. Aromas and flavors of blackberry and dark cherries are pure and appealing, and the firm tannins lack a drying effect.

The 2021 Koplandsteen Chenin Blanc, from 35-year-old dryland bush vines planted on shale, offers a waxier texture than its sibling. This wine stands out with more weight and enhanced mineral tension. It displays less dusty florals but more spiced citrus, creating a vivid and dynamic profile. Medium to full-bodied, the wine provides firm phenolic bitterness complemented by a kiss of tannins that will pair effortlessly with a wide array of dishes. Only 1,850 bottles were produced.

Brisk and lively, with expressive lemon and lime flavors that zip along the vibrant finish. Drink now. 900 cases made. -T.F.

Impressive for its intensity and harmony, with caramelized pineapple, ripe Bosc pear, papaya and apricot flavors at the core, accented by touches of wildflower honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity keeps everything in focus. Drink now. 60,000 cases made. From California.—M.W.

Appealing for how all of its pieces fit together, offering notes of salted butterscotch, peach preserves, mango and orange blossoms, with a thread of baking spices. Shows vibrant acidity and a seamless texture on a generous frame. Drink now. 347,082 cases made.

A salted caramel note and a hint of flint up front give way to complex and lush flavors of ripe melon, peach and mango. Whiffs of cognac and toasted, buttery brioche create wonderful complexity on the long, seamless finish. Drink now. 1,400 cases made.

Well-structured with bright acidity, dark fruit, cedar wood and sage leaf. Earthy and leathery, tabacco, rosemary and thyme on the palate with cherry, cassis and vanilla. Big, bolf and youthful, with lovely...

La Crema continues to elevate its Monterey Pinot Noir by doing a diligent job of expressing the character of its AVAs. 2022 has just the right amount of sweet strawberry to counterbalance the red florals and cool, red plum-rhubarb on the mid-palate. It was a wet spring and a regular growing season before a warm fall culminated in slightly lower yields. It aged eight months in new and used French oak barrels. Ready to drink and an excellent match for a sweet soya poke, salmon steaks, or duck pizza.

This wine is lush, zesty with aromas of cinnamon apple, orange cream, vanilla bean and fresh herbs on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of tangerine, cardamom and yellow apple wrapped around mineral, earth and a dry finish. Pair with a Poboy sandwich. Best Buy.

This wine is fresh, zesty with aromas of strawberry, red plum, florals and sandalwood. The midpalate has flavors of pomegranate, watermelon, raspberry and guava interlaced with star anise to finish. Pair with roast duck breast. Best Buy.

This wine is fresh, concentrated with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ginger and dried florals. The palate has flavors of boysenberry, blood orange, coriander and dried sage intertwined with orange zest and dark chocolate. It finishes dry. Pair with brisket. Best Buy

Aromas of marzipan, banana and caramel waft from the nose of this wine. The palate shows a lively freshness of Bosc pear, Golden Delicious apple and white flowers alongside vanilla-cream soda.

This dark and earthy Pinot exudes black cherry, mushroom and woodsy aromas as the glass swirls. The palate shows a ton of tart cherry, cranberry and sassafras flavors, with a tannic snap of black tea that balances the acid and kicks off a long, grippy finish.

Baked black cherry, cola and root beer aromas are pleasantly rich on the nose of this bottling. The palate is bold and ripe with more cherry, caramel and nutmeg-dust flavors. Rose petal nuances add a floral kick to the finish.