This bottling offers a twist on the classic cabernet, with a streak of high-toned pomegranate running through its rich black fruit. It also has notes of mineral, cedar and leather in the mix. Jackson Family Wines now owns Freemark Abbey, which was founded in 1886 and was one of the first cabernet producers in Napa Valley.

Again, at this price, not everyone will appreciate the refinement of this Merlot from Mt. Veeder, whose underpinning of a seabed’s mineral-rich soils and cooler climate make this Merlot multi-dimensional with a delectably long finish. From winemaker Christ Carpenter, who established the Mt. Brave project in 2007, the berry flavors have concentration, not too tannic, and quite ripe for this vintage.

The Highwire Zinfandel is a much more serious bottling than the Russian River Valley Zinfandel. It retains a deep reddish purple color with heavenly aromas of holiday baking spices, cinnamon and clove. The mid-palate is lush with undertones of creamy blueberries, Oolong tea and savory earthy elements. There is a hint of sandalwood and a spice infused background. It all coalesces into a lengthy finish that ends on a youthful note suggesting it will stand the test of time in the cellar.

This is one of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots (there’s also 5% Cab Franc and 5% Malbec) I’ve tasted in a long time. Balance, perfume, and depth coexist magnificently, and each sip is effusive with red currants, red and black raspberries and cherries, plums, a laser beam of graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood before a finish with flamed orange oil nuances. The future for this wine is tremendous, and it promises to evolve for decades to come — though even now, it’s showing spectacularly

Toasty, rich, and brooding, this is a wine that will reward patience, and notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promise to unfurl over the coming decade-plus. Graphite-like tannins find impressive balance and structure, and a dusting of singed laurel and cigar add further complexity.

This wine is a classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter, whose way with mountain-grown grapes is astounding. Age-worthy tannins open up with some air, allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, blackberries, black figs, cured olives, and well-steeped tea to shine. Cardamom and violets linger through the long finish.

“Citrus, floral, and berry notes travel from the glass, touching on the aromas of strawberry, grapefruit, orange, and white fruits. On the palate, the citrus is bright with the notes of grapefruit taking center stage. Refreshing acidity and supporting, subtle, mineral notes bring character and structure to the wine. Previous vintages rated 94-95 points by Wine Enthusiast.”

Vibrant acidity (pH 3.4) with high quality if overt tannins. Generous red cherry fruit with earthy notes. Elevage in second-fill French oak. Only bottled in May ‘23, so needs time but will reward patience.

Aromas of oregano and mint, with a core of blueberries, dark chocolate and caramel. Dusty tannins and fresh acidity with richness and multiple layers of complexity. A magnificent wine with a lengthy life ahead of it.

A blend of different micro-crus helps give real complexity to this voluptuous wine, with its silky tannins. Structure from two-thirds new French oak, with glorious, intense plummy red fruit. Very long.

The faun statue on the estate inspired the label for this Bordeaux blend. Raspberry and strawberry aromas, with complex, concentrated black fruit on the palate. Chewy tannins with liquorice and tobacco on a long finish.

Powerful tannin structure with vibrant acidity. Low-yielding with fabulous concentration and length.

Herbal notes on nose with cranberry and a touch of orange peel. Racy acidity (pH3.35) with very attractive cherry fruit and strong tannins. A top-notch Chianti Classico Riserva from a classic year.

Enticing aromas of violet, blue flowers, forest floor and black pepper. Morello cherry notes with well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Begging to be drunk now.

Simple but refreshing, this wine has orange and grapefruit flavors.

Pineapple, citrus and white peach notes dominate this multi-layered, well-priced sauvignon blanc.

Ripe honeydew melons combine with citrus and nectarine to make for a nicely layered wine.

A big, buttery, beautiful trip down RRV’s more robust flavor spots.

Bright purplish crimson. Heady, rich, rewarding nose and subtle palate. Long and a hedonistically made wine. Pure pleasure! A wine that could be served at a wide range of temperatures. 14.5%
Drink 2023 – 2028

Transparent crimson. The Carignan rawness on the nose is just a little too much for me but I know I am biased. Its acidity certainly brings this beautifully integrated blend freshness. And there's that persistence again. Really very well made indeed. Clever Peter Fraser. So much more appetising than many a Châteauneuf. GV 14%
Drink 2023 – 2028

Deep gold. Rich nose but wonderfully tangy on the palate – seriously refreshing. A gastronomic wine that gives the impression of being higher alcohol yet is far from skinny. Some honeysuckle notes and very intriguing. Long and really interesting. More appetising than many a true French white Châteauneuf. GV 12.5%
Drink 2023 – 2027

Broad pear-drop character on the nose and quite enough acidity – counterbalancing some residual sweetness. A popular mouthful in which mouthfeel is all, and which leaves an impression of slightly more than 13.5% alcohol. 13.5%
Drink 2021 – 2023

Quite a deep, lustrous crimson. A lively, slightly vegetal edge to this wine. Luxurious and sensual with good acidity to counterbalance the ripe fruit and impressive persistence. This has the guts to enjoy a relatively long life. Jewel-bright impression. 13.5%
Drink 2021 – 2027

Bright ruby colour and more richly exuberant than the Sexton Vineyard 2022. Sweet and a bit lolly. Not as refined or fresh. Was it the journey or the vineyard? Fine but without great subtlety. 13.5%
Drink 2023 – 2026

Rich, sweet nose with real grunt and user appeal and only the slightest hint of oak. Lots of vibrancy. Pretty smart for an Australian Pinot! Though some palates may find it just slightly too sweet. But it's very well made and persistent. 13%
Drink 2023 – 2027