Mt. Brave Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 was dark purple in the glass, and had dried roses, blackberry, blueberry and cigar wrapper on the nose. Concentrated flavors of blackberry and plum were big and bold, but balanced by a eucalyptus note on the finish. The tannins were a thrill ride on the finish, and propped up the flavors.

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

On part of the traditional Onkaparinga
lands of the Kaurna people, Yangarra
respectfully tends its Rhône varieties
using biodynamic principles. This wine,
from very old bush-pruned Grenache is
sensational. Deep garnet in hue, the wine
exhibits ripe cherry and plum fruit with
cedarwood and herbes de Provence
accents. The vibrant fruit and oak
flavours on the palate are framed by
silky tannins and fresh acidity leading to
a lingering finish. Complex, layered and
textured, this is a great wine for lamb
chops with garlic, served with a
redcurrant jelly

Blackberries, foresty earth on the nose. Cherries, plum, currants and earth on the smooth palate, with a lingering finish. Good plus.

This lower-alcohol version of America’s best-selling Chardonnay has much of its older sibling’s appeal, just a lighter feel. Mixing pink grapefruit and peach with vanilla and toast, it’s a classic Chardonnay in taste, if not as full as the real thing when it comes to the texture.

Sauvignon Blanc Masters - Gold

Round and rich like dark chocolate, but also not wanting for either vibrancy or the Mount’s signature structure. Damned fine job here.

Consistently one of the most powerful, complex and long-lived merlots made anywhere. Exceptional.

Last year, we debunked the myths surrounding why you may hate chardonnay. In summation, you likely hadn’t had the right one. If you’re going to try one this year, let it be Gran Moraine. Located on the western edge of the Yamhill-Carlton subregion of Oregon, the winery explores the difference between sub parcels within the region. Nerdy? Perhaps, but it gives them an exacting knowledge of how to make a dang good chardonnay. Apricot and eucalyptus on the nose lead into notes of lemon pith, Maldon salt and brioche — bright, heady and cool. There’s a touch of new oak, but it’s beautifully integrated, adding just a hint of roundness to the palate without restricting the levity of the wine.

A monument to the grape and its mountainside vineyards. Deep black-purple color; intense and concentrated, cassis, blackberry and blueberry; whole dimensions of graphite, dust and loam; piercing minerality above lavender and licorice, deeply rooted elements of hillside herbs and flowers, briers and underbrush; terrific impact on the palate yet beautifully balanced and integrated. 14.5 percent alcohol. Try from 2023 or ’24 through 2031 to ’34. Consistently one of the most powerful, complex and long-lived merlots made anywhere. Exceptional.

Opaque black-purple infused with magenta; tremendous in power and poise, revealing its mountain origin in notes of sage, thyme and heather; dusty graphite, oolong tea, forest floor; raspberry, blueberry and smoked plums; a core of lavender, licorice, violets and bitter chocolate; huge presence, lithe and supple; a thread of granitic minerality and notable tannins expands through the finish. 14.5 percent alcohol. Consistently one of the best merlots produced in California. Try from 2024 through 2030 or ’32. Excellent.

Aromas of fresh Asian pear, Meyer lemon, and hints of bread dough are followed by flavors of Granny Smith apple, lime, and hints of pie crust. The 2017 vintage from Saralee’s Vineyard presents balanced acidity and a mouthwatering finish

From the historic Stonestreet estate vineyard in Sonoma’s Mayacamas Mountain, and named after the founder, Jess Stonestreet Jackson, Stonestreet Estate Chardonnay brings the rusticity of the mountainous vineyard, delivering structure and texture to the wine, with juicy, fruit-forward flavor. Layers of ripe white peach and apricot meld with tropical mango and pineapple. The fruity layers meld into toasted nutmeg, hazelnut, and allspice, with a nice bite of crushed stone minerality, ensuring a textural, multi-dimensional flavor that is easily enjoyed sipped after sip.

This is the pinnacle release for one of the most exciting wineries in Tuscany. While Sangiovese is what you’d expect from this area, Tenuta Di Arceno have taken an evolutionary spin on one of the world’s most famous winemaking regions. Cabernet Franc is placed in the spotlight, creating a wine that is so beautifully unique to this region. Innovation meets heritage as the two worlds intertwine, resulting in a ripe dark plum, mint, sage and thyme nose. The palate is explosive with black cherries, white pepper, truffle, strawberries and licorice. Cedar oak jumps out with burnt toast and a delicate raspberry lingers on the finish.

As one of Napa Valley’s most prized wineries, Cardinale has been creating a storm of wonder since its first vintage release. This wine encapsulates everything that is extraordinary about this region and leaves me wanting more every time I taste it. The hefty Bordeaux blend showcases 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot with 22 months in French oak barrels. The result? A dollop of 70% dark cocoa, rounded out by blackberries, black cherries and blackcurrants, tobacco, cedar oak and a kiss of rose petal on the finish.

This has to be one of my top finds of 2022. Produced from a 15-acre parcel of rolling hills this wine is driven from clones of the world renowned Pommard amongst other incredibly rare vineyards. It’s like a love affair between Burgundy and Sonoma with a distinct Santa Barbara twist. Expect ripe cherry, rhubarb, cola nut, black berry, allspice and black tea all wrapped up in a refined, savoury and textured treat.

While Napa Valley is typically known for its beautiful expressions of Chardonnay, Santa Barbara doesn’t often get as much praise. I can tell you wholeheartedly, this is one of the best Chardonnays coming out of California. Perched within the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara, Brewer-Clifton has been producing world class wine since 1996. Over three decades they’ve perfected their craft which has led to this triumphant expression of one of the world’s most famous grape varieties. The ocean air brings a slight salinity, alongside lemon curd, minerals and a rich texture that hugs your tongue from the moment it greets your lips. Intense, complex and destined for greatness.

This charming, nutty Chardonnay from Gran Moraine makes a strong case for white wine in winter. It features hazelnut and butterscotch aromas, juicy peaches and cream flavors, punchy minerality, and lovely oily texture. Pair this bright gold stunner with a succulent halibut bake.

20 Most Dazzling Sparkling Wines For The Holidays
Gran Moraine Yamhill-Carlton Brut Rosé
This sparkling wine from Oregon may just transport you to Champagne. The Gran Moraine Brut Rosé is a blend of multiple vintages – with each vintage adding distinctive qualities to the final blend. It is the epitome of style, grace, and elegance made using the traditional méthode champenoise. Pop open this dazzling Brut Rosé to enhance the already joyful mood of your holiday party.

100 Amazing Wines: 15 Chardonnays
Stonestreet 2018 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Stonestreet, a brand relative in the Jackson Family Wines fold, produces prodigious, ageworthy $100 chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons from 5,500-acre Alexander Mountain Estate. Smartly, Stonestreet also makes outstanding wines at more affordable prices, blends of various wine lots from the estate, like this chardonnay. You can pay more and get less, as this wine strikes a balance of richness with vibrancy, with grilled pineapple, peach and baked apple decadence supported by citrus notes, oak spice and palate-cleansing acidity.

100 Amazing Wines: 7 Sauvignon Blancs
Matanzas Creek 2021 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc
This Bennett Valley winery, owned by Jackson Family Wines since 2000, remains the land of lovely lavender fields and sauvignon blanc. As many as five sauvignons are bottled under this brand in most vintages, from grapes grown in Jackson Family Wines’ extensive vineyard holdings in Alexander Valley, Knights Valley and Bennett Valley. The Sonoma County wine is blended from multiple vineyards to achieve year-to-year consistency, with racy white grapefruit, lemon-lime, kiwi fruit and fresh-herb personality.

The Tenuta di Arceno estate covers 2,500 acres of rolling hills, lush green forests and ancient cypress trees with medieval stone buildings dating back hundreds of years. Strada Al Sasso is the flagship wine from this property. It is crafted from single vineyard, single block Sangiovese. This exceptional micro-cru was planted in 1998 and is located in a wind-swept corner of the estate.
This is another remarkable effort from the estate. This 100% Sangiovese showcases crème de cassis and crushed red plums that abound with a hint of saddle leather, cinnamon, Oolong tea and minerals. The tannins remain silky and polished. The acids are well integrated as you get the impression that this could be a New World wine, but you’re reassured that it is a truly a wine with the status of Gran Selezione. This is an elegant expression of Sangiovese from great terroirs.

The Tenuta di Arceno estate dates back to the 16th century and is located in the southernmost region of Chianti Classico, within the commune of Castelnuevo Berardenga. The estate encompasses 2,500 acres, but only 220 acres are planted to vineyards. Tenuta di Arceno produces six wines, three Chianto Classico DOCG wines and three Toscana IGT wines. All of the wines are estate grown and bottled. Plantings include Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot varietals. These wines are a level above other Italian producers and are considered a ‘contemporary” in style.
This wine is composed of 45% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Verdot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The purple-garnet rim of this wine glistens. The spice-accented aromas reveal layers of red raspberry preserves, kirsch and wild strawberries that greet you at the entry. Within the background is saddle leather, sweet oak and a swath of fresh acidity. The freshness comes from the Cabernet Franc, which adds another dimension to the wine. The wine is not weighty, but instead driven by finesse and overall enjoyment.

Holiday Gift Guide 2022: Best California Reds In Large Format Bottles
Prefer something with a bit of age? This wine already has a decade in the bottle, which leaves it softer and plusher than some of the young guns on this list. Winemaker Chris Carpenter fermented the juice with native yeast in a combination of open- and closed-top stainless steel tanks before aging in mostly new French oak. Deep dark blackberries, chocolate and licorice make for a luxurious glass — decant with care. But if you’re patient, this Howell Mountain fruit has a few more decades up its sleeve.