New & Noteworthy

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir V21 750ML

92

pts

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir V21 750ML

Crafted from up to 100 individual small lots, the appealing 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir captures the classic characteristics of this renowned variety and region. Deeply layered and velvet-smooth, offering notes of perfectly ripe blackberry, black cherry, dark plum and cranberry that blend with hints of toast, spice, lavender and rose. Rich oak sweetness characteristics feature on the midpalate, while soft tannins add intriguing texture. Bright and refreshing on the finish.

Dark Horse Buttery Chardonnay V22 750ML

Our 2022 Dark Horse Buttery Chardonnay is a rich wine layered with notes of buttercream and vanilla bean. The mouthfeel is full and brims with hints of juicy pineapple and pear that pull through to a crisp finish.

Edna Valley Vineyard Pinot Grigio V22 750ML

Our Edna Valley Vineyard California 2022 Pinot Grigio is a bright, sunny wine perfect for summer. Aromas of honeysuckle and lime blossom lift from the glass, leading to juicy layers of sliced white peach and pear. The stone fruit notes lead to a refreshing, crisp finish. Harvest Notes Our Pinot Grigio is made from 72% of grapes from California's Central Coast and 28% from the Central Valley. The 2022 growing season was mild, starting with rainfall that quenched the soil. In September, warmer temperatures hastened harvest, which began two weeks sooner. Overall, harvest 2022 yielded slightly less quantities of fruit with optimal color and flavor concentration. Winemaking Notes After harvesting, the grapes were immediately pressed to extract the juice without pulling any color from the skins. The free-run juice was then fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel tanks at very cool temperatures. To create the most fruit-forward expression of the grapes, we allowed the yeast more time to convert the sugar into alcohol.

William Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

The William Hill Estate Winery 2021 Napa Valley Chardonnay is an elegant expression of California's acclaimed winegrowing region. Aromas of toasted caramel and warm brioche radiate from the glass. The mouthfeel is luscious and creamy, revealing layers of apple, pear and vanilla with a dollop of lemon custard. Notes of lemon zest brighten the long, crisp finish.

91

pts

Tornatore Etna Rosso DOC V19 750ML

Tornatore Etna Rosso is ruby red with faint purple color, a typical trait of the Nerello Mascalese variety, which is not known for rich color. The wine has notes of macerated strawberries and raspberries, morello cherries and black plum, which blend with subtle hints of herbs and earth. Surprisingly full in structure, fine tannins and bright acidity give the wine richness, complexity and persistence.

94

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Red V21 750ML

The 2021 Jayson Red Wine is rich and fleshy, with our mountain-grown Merlot at its core. Expressive aromas of crushed black cherry, mushroom, and leather lead to a ripe, focused palate of black cherry and black currant laced with mocha and toasty spice. The mid-palate is mouth-filling and plush with caressing polished tannins that guide the interlaid flavors long through a pure, persistent finish. – Katie Vogt

92

pts

Hahn Arroyo Seco Chardonnay V21 750ML

Our 2021 Hahn Appellation Series Arroyo Seco Chardonnay is light gold in appearance with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus peel and vanilla. On the palate, vibrant flavors of pineapple, stone fruit, citrus and notes of honeysuckle and butter, followed by a nuanced toasty spice on the finish. VINEYARDS Grapes for this wine are sourced from Ste. Nicolaus Vineyard & Mission Ranch– certified sustainable vineyards in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County. Located south of the Santa Lucia Highlands, both vineyards enjoy generous morning sun, with soils that are rocky and well-drained. These soils challenge the vines to yield grapes of depth, character and intensity. The AVA’s extended growing season allows fruit to ripen slowly and leads to well-balanced, flavorful wines. WINEMAKING Picked at the peak of ripeness and flavor, the Chardonnay grapes were destemmed and sent to small French oak barrels for fermentation, of which, 100% underwent a secondary malolactic fermentation to give the wine a soft and creamy texture. The wine aged on the lees in French oak barrels for 11 months.

93

pts

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir V21 750ML

Our 2021 Kali Hart Pinot Noir is a fruit-forward expression of our coastal influenced vineyards in Santa Lucia Highlands, California. Aromas of ripe black cherry and plum greet the nose with inviting notes of toasted vanilla and warm clove. Soft, silky tannins reveal layers of crushed blackberry and strawberry with a hint of savory herbs. The finish is long and luscious with a touch of minerality.

Edna Valley Winemaker Series Pinot Noir V20 750ML

We sourced our 2020 Winemaker Series Pinot Noir from the Rancho Real Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, which imparts robust characteristics to this wine. A beautiful garnet color shows in the glass, revealing aromas of wild raspberry and plum with underlying notes of mushroom and forest floor. The aromas echo through the palate with earthy underlying notes subtly lifting the dark fruit notes. Silky tannins deliver rich layers of baked dark cherry and plum with a dash of nutmeg. Hints of baked fruit reminiscent of a bubbling baked pie creates a decadent finish.

Edna Valley V Series Red Blend V21 750ML

Our 2021 Red V blend is an approachable, easy-to-enjoy symphony of some of the five best grape varieties from the Central Coast that shows ruby in the glass. Scents of dried fig, black cherry and licorice follow through on the palate with accents of cranberry and white pepper. The tannins are polished and deliciously chewy with a layer of cherry preserves staying persistent on the finish.

Apothic Pinot Noir V22 750ML

A flavorful Pinot Noir with rich, smooth layers of dark fruit character and an intriguingly lighter-bodied style. Apothic Pinot Noir offers notes of ripe raspberry and black cherry, with a touch of caramel and vanilla from the oak. Long and lingering on the finish, this is a bright red wine with endless possibilities. It’s a perfect pairing for an interesting night in with friends or perhaps to savor alongside a date night dinner. Viticulture Notes: We selected the majority of the grapes for Apothic Pinot Noir from the unique Lodi-Delta region in California. With its cool evenings and warm days, Lodi is known as a producer of fragrant, concentrated, and silky textured fruit. California’s 2022 growing season was cool and mild, with a heat spell in August that resulted in an earlier than average harvest. Wines from this vintage showcase vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. Winemaking Notes: We selected Pinot Noir grapes from Lodi for their rich, ripe fruit characteristics and soft, approachable tannins. Syrah complements the dark cherry flavors with soft blueberry notes. A hint of Grenache adds intensity to the fruit expression, while the unique Graciano variety was blended in to brighten the acidity and add notes of red currant. The grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and cold soaked overnight to encourage extraction of the fruit’s intriguing color and structure.

91

pts

Orin Swift Papillon 750ML 2021

It's rare to find a wine from the Napa Valley composed of all five Bordeaux-style varietals, but for many years, that has been Papillon's focus. The raw strength and prestige of Cabernet Sauvignon buttressed by the opulence of Merlot, the spiciness of Cabernet Franc, the depth of Malbec and the sheer unctuousness of Petit Verdot come together seamlessly. The 2021 Papillon is sourced from Napa Valley growers we've worked with for decades-Stagecoach Vineyard, Indian Joe, Morisoli Vineyard and even a touch from the Monte Rosso Vineyard over on Moon Mountain, just to name a few. Our good friend and fellow winemaker, Greg Gorman, photographed the label. The 2021 Papillon fills the glass with an unmistakable dark crimson, a flash of neon purple and a ruby rim. Tears move glacially and the wine opens with aromatics of boysenberry jam, violets, chocolate covered blueberry and hints of Cara Cara rind, graphite and brioche. The entry and mid-palate are bright throughout with considerable weight-tones of cassis, blackberry and baking spices flourish. Enveloping texture, chalky, drying tannins and an enduring finish bows out the wine.

MacMurray Estate Vineyards Central Coast Pinot Noir V21 750ML

Our smooth and flavorful Pinot Noir is an approachable and food-friendly taste of California’s scenic Central Coast. Beautifully aromatic notes of ripe summer berries and a touch of oak open on the nose. The silky, medium-bodied palate reveals layers of red cherry, plum, vanilla, floral rose and pomegranate before a bright finish. An appealing choice for sipping on its own or pairing with a variety of dishes. Try alongside a roasted beet salad, grilled salmon or pork with cherry sauce. The majority of the grapes for our Pinot Noir were sourced from Edna Valley and Monterey County in California’s scenic Central Coast. The warm days and cool nights characteristic of these growing regions are influenced by their close proximity to the Pacific Coast, allowing the fruit to linger on the vine until ripening to perfection. The 2021 growing season was long, clear and cool, idyllic conditions to allow the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly, developing rich, layered flavors while maintaining incredible structure and balance. Overall quality in 2021 was outstanding.

William Hill North Coast Chardonnay V22 750ML

Whitehaven Windward Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

91

pts

Whitehaven Windward Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

Our top expression of Sauvignon Blanc, Windward delivers wonderful aromatic intensity, a generous, layered taste profile and classic Marlborough style. Aromas of white peach, kiwi and lemongrass carry through to the silky palate, blending seamlessly with hints of passion fruit, citrus and crushed fresh green herbs. An attractive mineral backbone and suggestions of sea spray add appealing texture, finishing long and bright. This memorable, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc can be paired with creamy cheeses, green salads, fresh seafood or grilled chicken. VITICULTURE NOTES Grown in four exclusive vineyard sites across Marlborough, 55% from three sub-regions within the Wairau Valley (22% Renwick, 22% Spring Creek, 11% Lower Wairau) and 45% from two separate blocks of a single vineyard in Awatere Valley. The 2022 growing season was cool and long, offering optimal conditions for ripening while preserving excellent acidity. A wet winter gave soils ample water resources for the season ahead. Spring arrived with ideal conditions, giving us wonderful fruit set and healthy yields. Summer was dry and lengthy, allowing fruit to hang on the vines while ripening slowly. Grapes were harvested later than usual, delivering fruit with flavor maturity and concentration while retaining pure fruit expression. WINEMAKING NOTES Windward Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of our five best lots of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2022 vintage. Both in the vineyards and in our cellar, these standout blocks stood out above the rest for their aromatic intensity, layered flavor development and incredible structure. Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested in cool conditions, then pressed immediately with minimal skin contact. After cold settling, the clear juice was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks at very low temperatures with selected yeast strains to preserve inherent varietal characteristics and classic Marlborough flavors. These lots sat on light yeast lees in tank for up to six weeks prior to blending.

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Merlot V22 750ML

Our food-friendly, velvety-smooth Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Dry Creek Valley Merlot offers a full-bodied style with flavorful ripe fruit characteristics and complex structure. Layered notes of dark plum, black cherry and baked blackberry are accented on the robust, well-balanced palate by hints of chocolate, black pepper and spice-roasted nuts. Oak aging adds subtle touches of nutmeg, vanilla and toasted oak on the long, supple finish. Pair this versatile Merlot with roasted chicken or turkey, slow-cooked beef stew or a grilled lamb burger topped with cheese.

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

93

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

Our 2021 Jayson Chardonnay offers a captivating interplay of richness and finesse, with a soulful complexity revealing itself with each sip. The nose is greeted with aromas of orange blossom and honeysuckle, lemon oil, and crushed Marcona almond. Notes of preserved Meyer lemon introduce the bright, finely detailed palate, the integrated oak profile lending a complementing mid-palate richness. Interwoven notes of butterscotch, marzipan, and grilled pineapple slowly emerge and sustain through a long, layered finish.

Prophecy Red Blend V20 750ML

This is an exceptional red blend that unites two regions into a single, harmonious wine. Luscious and lingering, with hints of raspberry, plum and dark cherry that seamlessly layer with notes of butterscotch, toasted oak and chocolate-covered strawberries. The smooth finish is long and flavorful.

Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon V21 750ML

The 2021 Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon is a decadently smooth, full-bodied wine. Deep purple shows in the glass with aromas of black cherry and a subtle touch of vanilla from the oak. The palate presents layers of plum, blackberry, mocha and toasted oak. This wine carries the rich berry notes through the finish.

Hahn Founder's GSM Red Blend V22 750ML

Our 2022 GSM is a medium-bodied blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aromas of violet, blueberry and a tap of white pepper rise from the glass. The mouthfeel is soft with layers of ripe raspberry and strawberry. Subtle hints of toasted oak and mocha pull through the finish.

Edna Valley Central Coast Merlot V21 750ML

Our 2021 Merlot leads with supple tannins and distinctive notes of black cherry and spice. The palate is smooth, revealing notes of toasted oak for a thoroughly satisfying finish.

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

93

pts

Jayson by Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

Our 2022 Jayson Sauvignon Blanc has fresh flavors and lively acidity counterpoised with a deep, textural richness. Vibrant aromas of orange blossom, Kefir lime leaf, and ripe guava leap from the glass. The palate opens with a focused surge of Key lime, guava, and a hint of river rock minerality. Bright, concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavors glide through the supple, layered mid-palate, continuing laser sharp through the crisp finish, an echo of citrus meringue ringing on. My intention with Jayson Sauvignon Blanc is to make a wine that is incredibly bright and energetic with a beautiful purity of fruit bolstered by a broad, textural midpalate. In the vineyard, I manage the canopy to encourage early ripening with acidity retention. I’m blending acid-driven valley floor fruit with intense, ripe fruit from our mountain vineyards that’s given longer hang time to fully evolve, a range of ripeness bringing nuance and detail. Lees are stirred just enough to impart a balancing richness while retaining freshness. The finished wine is a complete package of energy and crispness, complexity and depth.

Frei Brothers Russian River Valley Chardonnay V22 750ML

With vineyards established in Sonoma County over 125 years ago, Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve is part of the fabric of Sonoma County's celebrated farming and winemaking culture. We craft our acclaimed wines by selecting the right grapes grown in the right places within Sonoma County's premier growing regions, allowing our winemakers to showcase the true varietal character of each grape. Our focused Chardonnay features classic flavors from the cool, fog-cloaked vineyards of the Russian River Valley. Notes of ripe green apple, citrus and pear on the rich, round palate blend seamlessly with hints of tropical fruit, cream and vanilla on the lingering finish. THE HEART OF SONOMA

92

pts

Pieropan Soave Classico V22 750ML

Our liveliest and most youthful style from Soave Classico, the Pieropan family has been producing this wine since the early 1900’s. Generous, pleasingly fresh and versatile, it is made from the traditional varieties of Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grown in family-owned vineyards situated in the Soave Classico region. The 2022 vintage was characterized by a winter without significant rainfall, both snowy and rainy, and mild temperatures that led to an early but always dry spring. The temperatures of the first spring months were above average and this situation of scarcity, almost no rainfall and high temperatures lasted until the month of August. In the summer months we then witnessed prolonged waves of extreme heat which exacerbated the evo-transpiration rates of the plant. This has led to a situation of water stress, mainly in hilly areas, where both the scarcity of substrate and the drainage capacity of the soil have made irrigation vital. The budding was slow due to the shortage of water in the spring, partial in some cases. The setting was poor, with sparse bunches, which accentuates a lack of product and weight. This is more marked in early varieties such as Trebbiano, which was affected by the vintage. The Garganega, thanks to the rains of August and September, only partially recovered as the rains were not such as to make up for the water deficit. The plants finish the final stages of grape ripening in water suffering In our Valpolicella, on the other hand, the situation is a bit different, undoubtedly due to a more favorable climatic condition. The grapes are ripe, with low yields but in any case the position of the vineyard and its altitude have meant that the product is optimal from the point of view of the ripening parameters. We report an optimal state from a phytosanitary point of view of the grapes. As far as the finished product is concerned, it is still premature to say anything, it will certainly be slightly scarcer in terms of quantity.

Sign in with your social media Account

Sign in with your social media Account

New & Noteworthy