The Hickinbotham Trueman Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 had a classic profile of black currant, pipe
tobacco, cedar and a juicy mouthfeel.

This is from Knight's Valley, a small enclave in the hills between Napa and Alexander Valleys. It has proven to be fine cabernet country. This pours fairly deep ruby, with lifted almost piquant aromas of blackcurrant jam, pepper, cedary spice, vanilla and fine oregano herbality. It is full bodied, open-knit in that California way yet well balanced, with good density and fine tannin. Some heat in the midst as well. Excellent length. Should prove very satisfying to cab lovers of all stripe. For history buffs, Arrowood was originally a Sonoma start-up in the early 90s by renowned winemaker Richard Arrowood and Montreal born Alis Arrowood. Tasted January 2023.

The sun hits early at Applejack Vineyard, causing full ripeness of both stems and fruit. This creates ideal conditions for the generous use of whole bunch in the blend. Thus making this pinot a savoury bomb of mushroom and truffle notes with incredible earthiness.

Knight’s Valley is a special and distinct district in Sonoma County brought into the spotlight by the Beringer cabernets going back at least three decades. It’s nice to see other producers’ iterations here in Ontario and Arrowood’s is a good one. Carries the kind of qualities that act upon the palate with great energy and vitality but the bones are also strong and age-ability definitely probable. The fruit has been given all the fodder and possibilities to set up for a whole lotta something and wood has quite a bit to do with all this. As an ’18 has it matured? To a small degree yes perhaps but in a curio meets secondary character to set up at the horizon for a truffled Italian cabernet-based IGT stylistic. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted January 2023.

Engagingly flavoured, dark fruit-dominated, gravelly and well-balanced cabernet here from the Alexander Valley and the ever-reliable and consistent Kendall Jackson Estates. Classic blackberry and black cherry, cassis flavours lead on a backdrop of integrated, high quality oak, while tannins are plush and velvety and acids ripe but juicy. Good length and depth as well. Drink now or hold up to a half dozen years comfortably, even if there's no need to wait too long. Tasted January 2023.

Napa Valley’s La Jota released a 2019 blend of 81.5% Merlot, 11.5% Petit Verdot and 7% Tannat, from a vintage with “uneventful” autumn weather than allowed for longer hang-time for the berries, spending 21 months in 62% new French oak, coming in at 14.5% alcohol.

Here's a fine and flavourful well-balanced, savoury and gravelly, dark-fruited cabernet from Knights Valley, one of the top regions in Sonoma for the variety. I like the firm but not unyielding texture, the gritty palate promoted by tannins and acids in unison and balance, and the lingering finish. This wine confirms that quality California red comes at a price - you won't find wines at this level for much less. Drink or hold 4-6 years - no need for deep cellaring. Tasted January 2023.

KJ has always been about cool coastal fruit, which should work for sauvignon blanc, a newer wine in their lineup. I note this edition is skinnier than it has been, with a central theme of floral and citrus notes reminiscent of pink grapefruit, melon, lemongrass, and honeysuckle. A 15 percent addition of barrel fermented fruit has softened the edges, giving it a California finish. The fruit is a broad mix: 69% Lake County; 12% Mendocino County; 10% Monterey County; 6% San Luis Obispo County; and 3% Santa Barbara County

The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Pine Mountain is bright, airy and effusive. White flowers, mint, white pepper, sage and lemon oil are all nicely lifted. This is an especially aromatic, ethereal Sauvignon, but there is just enough textural depth to pull it all together. A mix of clones yields a Sauvignon Blanc of notable distinction. This is a terrific effort, especially for the year.

Light bright green-yellow; fresh but savoury aromas, elusive cedar, white-pepper and almond-meal traces, the palate very dry and crisp, and finishes with a peppery aftertaste. Intense and long-lasting, and one senses it could even age happily, rewarding some cellaring. Impressive wine.

Lip-smacking, with fresh acidity and lemon sherbet, lemongrass, Honeycrisp apple and lime zest flavors. Reveals a distinctive thread of minerality on the finish, ending with precision. Drink now. 530 cases made.

Lassègue may not be a lauded château but this is a beautifully rich, silky, floral claret, steeped in blackberry. An indulgent treat.

This pinot noir comes from coastal California vineyards, including Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. The cooler sites help the acidity levels that keep the wine fresh. It's aged eight months in French and American oak (only four percent is new), adding some vanilla but mostly helping to expand the soft, round, earthy, cran-cherry fruit with a dash of spice. Ready to drink with simple foods, like a pulled pork sandwich. The fruit is 47% Sonoma Coast, 44% Central Coast, and 9% Mendocino County.

La Crema does a remarkable job of expressing the character of the various sub-AVAs where it makes pinot noir, which is no mean feat given its substantial output. The 2021 Monterey Pinot Noir is a snappy edition with bright red florals and cool, red plum leading the way. It spends eight months in French oak barrels (21 percent new). It was a long, cool growing season with some heat spikes that bumper the alcohol weight and texture of the wine, adding to its drinkability. We enjoyed this with a sweet soya poke, but salmon steaks would be fine too.

Open, expressive nose of fresh cherries, caramel, and black tea. The style is soft but juicy, with just enough acidity to keep the palate lively through the finish. Look for black cherry, cola, caramel, and vanilla with very little tannin. Ready to drink and a perfect foil to grilled chicken, pork sausages or vegetable pan dishes.

La Crema Sauvignon opens with a whiff of passionfruit and then strays a little more toward the exotic pineapple, guava, and lemongrass sector. It’s softer than any Kiwi version, but the roundness will attract as many as it will reject. The finish is medium-light with a subtle grapefruit mineral undertow. Ready to drink with sushi, chicken fingers, or a Greek salad.

Sauvignon Blanc Masters - Gold

The 2019 Pinot Noir Arrendell Vineyard is sourced from vines planted in 1975, meaning some of the oldest Pinot vines in the Russian River. Exotic Martini clone aromatics give this mid-weight, wonderfully translucent Pinot tons of character. The Arrendell is not an obvious wine, but rather a Pinot built on understated nuance and character. Sweet red
berries, mint, cedar and crushed flowers open effortlessly.

The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Aurora Point is a gorgeous, distinctive wine that marries varietal character with mountain structure. The 2019 shows how magical this site is. Intensely floral, savory Sauvignon aromatics lend into a layered core of fruit in a Sauvignon that screams with character. This is far from an easygoing white. I loved it.

The 2019 Chardonnay Gravel Bench Vineyard is one of the most complex wines in this range. It offers up a whole range of savory and mineral nuances that lend notable complexities throughout. Crushed rocks, graphite, sage, mint, lemon peel and dried flowers all run through this wonderfully polished, vibrant Chardonnay.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bear Point Vineyard is a wine of power, tension and energy. Bright acids run through a core of black fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice, and chocolate. This brooding, potent Cabernet has a lot to offer. All it needs is time to allow the tannins to soften a bit. There's a lot of wine here.

The 2020 Chenin Blanc Jurassic Vineyard Old Vine is fabulous. Readers will find a wine that captures tremendous varietal character to match its translucent, mid-weight personality. Sandy soils yield a Chenin built on expressive savory and floral nuances, with bright saline accents that lend energy throughout. White flowers, pear, sage and mint linger on the sublime finish. Memorable

The 2019 Chardonnay Far Coast Vineyard captures all the magic of this site at 1,000 feet in elevation at the north of the West Sonoma Coast, near Annapolis. Elevation, exposure and Goldridge soils over a bed of Franciscan yield a nervy, saline Chardonnay endowed with terrific energy. This bright, focused Chardonnay is one of the highlights in this range from Hartford.

The 2019 Chardonnay Radian Vineyard is another fabulous wine in this range from Hartford. Lemon confit, spice, crushed rocks and exotic tropical notes all meld together. This rugged, exposed site in the Sta. Rita Hills yields small berries and wines with real textural depth and nuance. The Radian is so distinctive, but, then again, so is this Sta. Rita Hills site.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Far Coast is wonderfully elegant and precise. A Pinot of linear intensity and drive, the Far Coast is all understatement, all class. Blue/purplish fruit, cloves, leather, lavender, mocha, licorice and coffee are nicely woven together. Give the tannins a few years to soften.