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.

This blend shows a deeply saturated ruby color with lots of juicy boysenberry and blueberry aromas on the nose. The palate shows candied raspberry fruit alongside leafy tobacco flavors and peppery spice, dancing between lively acidity and drying tannin.

This wine is a beautiful, vibrant gold in the glass, conveying delicate floral aromatics on the nose. On the palate, very ripe pear, marzipan and sweet cinnamon emerge. There’s also a potent, perfumy dried-floral component that some drinkers will love.

The nose of this wine is dominated by dusty black cherry aromas and a hint of cocoa powder. On the palate, a mélange of cranberry, black plum, earthy shiitake mushroom and grilled meat flavors create a savory experience. This wine is surprisingly grippy, with a lot of dry tannin balancing out the juicier acidity. A few years in the cellar should smooth this out nicely.

This ruby colored Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast opens with a cranberry and pomegranate bouquet with hints of raspberry and rhubarb. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, fresh and bright. The flavor profile is an oak and red plum blend with notes of tea and black pepper. I also detected hints of loam and strawberry in the aftertaste. The finish is dry, and its flavors, gentle acidity and friendly tannins linger nicely. I would pair this versatile Pinot with pork tenderloin with roasted figs. 

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 8 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.

Toasted brioche, butterscotch and salted butter notes are lush in this white, with notes of grilled peach, mango and dried pineapple on a smooth, creamy frame. Fresh acidity keeps the flavors light on their feet, while spice notes linger on the finish. Drink now. 6,000 cases made.

This white's flavors of plump nectarine, melon, pear and lime are fresh and focused, with hints of lemon blossom and litsea oil. Offers sleek details of salted, preserved lemon on an elegant, supple frame. Drink now. 513 cases made, 150 cases imported.