Freemark Abbey has long been one of the best-known and most-respected wineries in California. This outstanding wine illustrates why. Spicy, flinty and peppery straight out of the bottle, these intense lively flavors take about 20 minutes to mellow out. Once they do, the wine tastes silky smooth with soft fruit flavors (especially blackberry) and subtle tobacco notes.

Misty, dense white wine with subtle hints of caramel, sea salt and floral-like aromas and flavors. There’s a hint of sweetness as well in the first few sips which quickly evolve into ethereal fog-like notes. It’s also astounding how bright and vibrant the fruit flavors are for this 16-year-old California chardonnay.

One of the interesting things about Siduri is its pricing. The single vineyard designates are for the most part $75, and the appellation wines are $40 to $45. But, in some of the appellation wines, the fruit comes from those same single vineyards. This, to me, signals that the appellation wines are potentially a great bargain. This wine for instance is $40 and was sourced from three prestigious vineyards: John Sebastiano, Hapgood, and the Perilune Vineyard, —all of which are also used by  Siduri for single vineyard wines. The light body and the fresh fruit flavors of the wine coupled with the lingering finish makes this wine drink above its price level.

Aurora Point is a stunning expression of Sauvignon Blanc made with grapes from their high elevation vineyards. It has aromas of tangerine, kumquat, and lemon blossom, exciting acidity and a long, elegant finish punctuated by flavors of grapefruit, passionfruit, and candied orange peel.

La Crema is a third-generation, women-led winery. Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor, is the mom of three (she also is a lawyer who has argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court). Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray is co-proprietor and a third generation winemaker, and she also is the mom of two. This Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect wine to toast mom and to toast the upcoming summer.

Trying the wine, I found it surprisingly assertive for a Pinot. On the nose and particularly on the palate, it hits big, bold, and almost burly, with ripe blackberry, black pepper, and pomegranate along with a touch of tart cherry. I might have guessed this was a Syrah if I tasted it blind. The wine has high acidity providing much needed structure that keeps the fruit in check, and its gentle tannins provide a good mouthfeel. This wine was a surprise, but a welcome one, and it could be the bottle that converts fans of Cabernet and other heavy reds into lovers of Pinot Noir.

boasts pineapple, tangerine and tropical fruit with a lush, rich palate. Notes of candied lime and vanilla bean create an appealing and long, lingering finish with an overlaying touch of salinity and minerality.

fruit-forward, versatile wine that offers fresh aromas of bright red cherry, pomegranate and red currant with hints of exotic spices, dark chocolate and baking spices. Subtle flavors of blueberry, caramel and cedar finish with rich, supple tannins.

Outstanding to the eye and on the nose plus exceptional on the palate with strength, thick body, forward but very well-balanced fruit, medium-strong tannins, appealing personality and extended length.

translucent ruby with generous aromas of red fruit and earthy berry bramble. Flavors include red cherries, blackberries, roses and earthy berry bramble supported by fresh acidity. Tannins are very smooth in a light body.

ight golden with generous aromas of honeysuckle, ripe grapefruit and ripe melon. Flavors include ripe pears, citrus and melon supported by lively acidity. The finish is very long and clean.

will elevate your holiday meal when paired with stuffed mushrooms. Daybreak is crafted from a harmonious fusion of seven distinctive white grape varieties, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Picpoul, and Chenin Blanc—a truly exceptional and one-of-a-kind choice for your holiday celebrations.

showcases the region by delivering a full-bodied, richly concentrated wine with character. The dry red wine opens with layers of black fruit, including dried fig, plum, and cherry, that melds with toasted spice, woody herb, and a subtle smoked meaty quality that makes the wine incredibly food-friendly with anything you might throw on the grill. Pair with steaks, chicken, sausages, or fire-grilled vegetables. #Cheers

This cool-climate Sonoma Coast wine shows concentrated blackcurrant and blueberry flavors with hints of tobacco leaf and Mediterranean herbs. It’s relatively soft, with fine tannins that make it effortless to drink. Worth a splurge for a special evening.

On the nose, wild aromas of green tea, honey, ripe mango and Lilikoi. The palate is clean, refreshing and electrifying with flavors of pear, nectarine and guava.

Capensis is a South African project lovingly fostered by Barbara Banke, chairman and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines. She often takes a hands-on role in the development of JFW estates and together with winemaker Graham Weerts, a Cape Town native, and vineyard manager Cedrick Delport, the Capensis team makes stunning South African Western Cape Chardonnay. Grapes are sourced from five vineyards to give complexity and balance to the finished wine. It has aromas of lemon pith, toasted almond, and baked pear with great minerality upon entry leading to flavors of jasmine, toasted brioche, and white peach. Drink now through 2028.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Deep ruby with a hint of purple. Blackberry and bramble nose with a twist of pepper. Supple tannin. Acidity feels a bit linear and disjointed compared with the plush fruit. (SCJ) Drink 2024 – 2035

Deep purple in colour. Macerated blueberries and blackberries with a touch of leather and iodine. Chewy tannin and tingly acidity with a lingering finish. (SCJ) Drink 2020 – 2030