La Crema consistently delivers a range of ripe and rewarding chardonnays including this popular Sonoma Coast label, which offers expressive fruit and well-defined oak notes on the nose and palate. The smooth texture and persistent finish add to the appeal. Drink now to 2023.

COMMENTARY: The 2017 Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Cabernet Sauvignon is one of California's best Cab deals under $20. TASTING NOTES: This wine is attractive, and it delivers. Enjoy is pleasing aromas and flavors of black fruit and mineral notes with prime rib.

COMMENTARY: The 2017 Siduri Anderson Valley Pinot Noir is an excellent now-drinking wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright and full of easy-drinking ripe fruit. Pair its alluring aromas and flavors of red and blue fruits with grilled pork chops in a mushroom-wine reduction sauce.

COMMENTARY: The 2019 Cambria Estate Winery Julia's Vineyard Rosé is one of the marketplace's top pink wines. TASTING NOTES: This wine is perky and bright. Enjoy its fruit-lifted aromas and flavors of dried earth, savory spices, and red berries with grilled chile-accented prawns.

Pinot Gris does not possess a foreword characteristic flavor of a wine like Sauvignon Blanc, for example. While Pinot Gris flavors are more in the background, the varietal can be quite rewarding in its subtleties and light fruit. Characteristics vary somewhat according to place of origin.We are going to look at WillaKenzie Estate’s 2018 Pinot Gris, the first of three of their wines that I am currently reviewing. The Estate is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in the northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, and is now part of Jackson Family Wines. The winery and vineyards lie along three long descending ridged hilltops, with the Tasting Room on the middle hilltop incorporating views off into the distant fir tree studded landscape dotted with occasional contrasting meadows of dry grass. A real storybook setting!Although their flagship wines are Pinot Noir, six grape types are planted on the Estate’s 420-acres with the bulk of the plantings in Pinot Noir. WillaKenzie features the most clonal diversity in the Willamette Valley. The variety assists Pinot Noir’s complexity and texture. The second most prevalent grape is Pinot Gris at about a quarter of Pinot Noir’s 67 acres.WillaKenzie refers to the prehistoric sedimentary soils on the Estate which nurture the vines, and also refers to two major rivers in the Willamette Valley, the Willamette and the McKenzie, whose confluence is not far away in Eugene. The soils were deposited by uplifted ancient seabeds, and consist of deep well-drained silty clay loam over siltstone and sandstone. The winery states, ‘Place Matters’.I visited the winery several years ago, and I found the setting to be more impressive than the proverbial castle on a hill. After visiting the tasting room, I went outside to enjoy the lovely vistas and have a bite. Shortly, an amicable looking woman came out, we began talking. I learned she was the founder’s wife, Ronnie Lacroute. Mrs. Lacroute is American, and she is an instructor in the French language. Soon we stumbled on the fact that her French husband, Bernard Lacroute of Burgundy, and I had both been employed by the same company. The company was sizeable and we had not known each other.Winemaking on the 2018 Pinot Gris included fermentation mainly in stainless with a small amount in barrel. The malolactic fermentation was blocked. This Pinot Gris is independently certified LIVE, Salmon Safe meaning environmentally and socially responsible winegrowing in the Pacific Northwest.An 8,300-case effort, this pale straw Pinot Gris is mid to light in weight, reveals an ultra-fine texture, is well tied together, and presents attractive aromatics of citrus blossom with subtle hints of pastry and powdered sugar. Consisting of100% Pinot Gris, the 2018 displays excellent balance accompanied by fresh acidity (pH 3.86) well integrated with the velvety fruit. On the palate, light notes of white nectarine, grapefruit, and salt are intertwined with savory umami. Quite a flavorful Pinot Gris, albeit in a restrained elegant way, with a remarkably light touch on the palate.A great pair with Tuscan Garlic White Bean Soup. The near full-bodied Pinot Gris contrasts its delicate fruit with the earthiness of the bean soup, both working nicely together.

Very much keyed on the incisive, cherry-like fruit specific to good Pinot Noir, Siduri’s Russian River bottling is a very well-balanced working that is at once fairly outgoing and possesses a sense of fruity depth and reserve that bodes well for further development. Despite being easy to taste now, it shows the kind of energy and tactile length to encourage optimistic keeping, and, while we admittedly would not refuse a glass or two with a juicy pork chop tonight, we see good reasons aplenty to lay it away and exercise a few years of patience.

The 2012 vintage in Bordeaux was not an acclaimed vintage, although Merlot on the Right Bank (such as in Saint Émilion) fared better than Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank. Typical of the vintage, the 2012 Lassegue is surprisingly perfumed for a Bordeaux, especially when the wine has had some aeration in the glass. I found aromas of blackberry fruit topped by lovely floral notes (violets, rose petals and lilac, suggest the Seillans) and classic Bordeaux scents of polished leather, lead pencil and cigar box. In the mouth, the wine is medium-bodied and supple in texture, with a strong tannin frame. Within that tannin frame, the fruit is fairly light and pretty, showing notes of mushroom, red cherry and black currants, along with fresh herbs. A key to getting the most enjoyment from this wine is to give it enough air, and a wide enough glass, for its aromatics to emerge.

Yangarra’s third vintage of Roussanne aged in concrete egg is a distinctive bottling that shows the purity of the variety. It’s pale yellow in hue, and the nose is perfumed like lavender hand soap, grilled pineapple and ginger. There’s a purity of fruit and acidity on the palate, amid a rich, creamy texture and streaks of salty mineral nuances. Don’t make the mistake of drinking this too cold—just a quick cooldown in the fridge is all it needs. Drink or hold.

This widely available wine is compelling on many fronts. Strong aromas of Key lime pie, Anjou pear, grapefruit pith, chalk and buttercream lead into a generous palate of white peach and smoked nectarine. It’s rich but balanced.

A rich juicy blend of nearly equal parts Merlot, Petite Sirah and Syrah, this wine is generous in cedar, oak and lively black, jammy fruit. Lush on the palate, it’s a crowd-pleaser, outdoor barbecue-kind of red.

This appellation wine impresses in its delivery of supple herbal, earthy and high-toned flavor. Dipped in rhubarb, pomegranate and strawberry, it has the richness of cola and a spicy hit of cinnamon beneath its dense layers of cherry pie.

Julia’s Vineyard was named for Julia Jackson back in 1988, 20 years after the original fog-covered Pinot Noir vines were planted at the Santa Maria site on ancient soils full of fossilized seashells, shale, limestone and sand. The vineyard site is unique in that it boasts one of the longest growing seasons in California, and with that comes consistency of quality. The fruit is always forward here with bright ripe black raspberry and blueberry aromas striped with cranberry, pomegranate, and sweet brown baking spice. A hedonistic, California Pinot Noir that entertains rather than confounds. Salmon, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken all work here. It’s a mix of clones including 4, 2A, 23, 667, 115, 777 and 828 that are barrel-aged for 8 1/2 months in French oak, 31 per cent of which is new.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Lots of red cherries, kirsch, and blackberry notes emerge from the 2018 Pinot Noir Siduri Perry Ranch Vineyard, which shows plenty of stem influence, medium body, bright acidity, and a clean, moderately lengthy style. It builds nicely with time in the glass and is a Burgundian, vibrant Pinot Noir that will be better in 6-12 months and drink nicely for 7-8 years or so.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018There are two releases from Oregon. Starting with the 2018 Pinot Noir Siduri Gran Moraine Vineyard, it has a medium ruby/translucent color to go with a vibrant, juicy array of red plums, violets, candied orange peel, and spice. It's nicely textured, medium-bodied, and has wonderful purity of fruit. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years or more.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018More lightly colored, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley comes from a mix of sites in the Russian River and was 80% destemmed and brought up in 25% new French oak. Spiced strawberries, potpourri, candied orange, and lots of spice notes emerge from the glass of this elegant, medium-bodied, nicely textured and fruit-loaded effort. It's ideal for drinking over the coming 4-5 years.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Light gold-hued with lots of lemon zest, white grapefruit, and a touch of crushed rock-like minerality, the 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Knights Valley hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and a clean, balanced style. It's not the most complex Sauvignon Blanc in the lineup yet has a classic, balanced, impeccably made style. It's going to shine on the dinner table and should have 2-4 years or more of longevity.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018The 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley (89% Sauvignon Blanc, 7% Semillon, and the balance Sauvignon Musque) offers more melon, white peach, and pineapple notes in a richer, more fleshy, textured style. It still has good acidity, terrific purity of fruit, and a deliciously balanced profile that's already a joy to drink.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Slightly more expensive, the 2018 Chardonnay Alexander Valley offers a more pure, classic, and medium-bodied style with impressive white peach, crushed stone, spice, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. It has beautiful balance, good acidity, and a clean finish.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Coming from a handful of sites in the Russian River and brought up in 34% new French oak, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley offers textbook Russian River notes of mulled red and black fruits, spice box, cola, black tea, and autumn leaves. Rounded, medium-bodied, and supple on the palate, with beautiful fruit, drink it over the coming 4-5 years or so.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Moving to the Estate Collection Series, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estates Collection Alexander Valley is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot all from the Alden Park Vineyard in the Alexander Valley. Aged 19 months in 97% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by a structured, medium-bodied Cabernet that has plenty of black cherry and blackcurrant fruits, some spicy oak, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length. It's going to integrate some tannins with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018Just slightly more expensive, the 2018 Chardonnay Grand Reserve comes all from Santa Barbara County (Los Alamos and Santa Maria) and was basically all barrel fermented and brought up in 76% French and the balance American oak barrels. More Meyer lemon, orange blossom, and honeysuckle notes emerge from the glass, and it has a rich, textured, yet balanced mouthfeel as well as a clean finish. It's another high quality, rock-solid effort from this estate.

Sonoma: Another Brilliant Vintage in 2018White grapefruit, lemon curd, and a kiss of minerality all emerge from the medium-bodied 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Pine Mountain, which has a balanced, elegant texture, good acidity, and a clean finish. It's a quality, satisfying Sauvignon Blanc to enjoy over the coming 2-3 years.

Chardonnay is the second most-planted variety in Napa, following cabernet sauvignon, which represents 40 per cent of total production in the valley. This complex and easy-to-appreciate white draws upon chardonnay grapes grown in different parts of Napa, including cooler sites in Carneros and a higher elevation property on Howell Mountain. The result is a rich white wine that offers vibrancy and refreshment along with its creamy and honeyed character. Drink now.

Winemaker Randy Ullom does an admirable job with this label that graphically is even more boring than its Vintner’s Reserve moniker. That said, it’s a wine that has evolved over the decade and now is very reflective of the new California Chardonnay style and its top-flight fruit sourcing. Don’t worry, it is still lush and sweet-smelling with ripe peaches, a touch of caramel candy and buttercream, but it’s the acidity that sets the tone for the palate and its pineapple, peach, Meyer lemon flavours. Pair with lobster, crab, baked salmon or butter chicken.

This pitch-black colored Cabernet Sauvignon opens a black currant bouquet with hints of black olive, blackberry and black tea. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied, nicely balanced and silky smooth. The flavor is a refined graphite with notes of black olive, black tea, oak and blackberry. I also detected hints black currant mixed in. The finish is dry and its fined grained tannins stick around for quite some time. This Cab benefits from some aeration, so decant it for a bit before enjoying with a well-marbled ribeye over the next couple of years.