2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

JOSEPH JEWELL

PINOT NOIR 2018
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley
Joseph Jewell wines are known for their approachability, balance, and natural varietal character derived from small, independently owned vineyard sites in Humboldt and Sonoma Counties that focus on sustainable farming practices. Owner and winemaker Adrian Jewell Manspeaker was delighted to begin working with the Hallberg Vineyard in 2010 and has produced this single-vineyard Pinot Noir ever since. Hallberg is a longtime vineyard source for Gary Farrell and Emeritus, both great producers.
 
The Hallberg Vineyard is known for its dry-farmed Gold Ridge soils that encourage deep root propagation, giving fruit with increased depth and complexity of flavors. This 2018 vintage is a prime example of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, highlighting the vineyard’s earthy terroir and opulent fruit that will leave your taste buds craving more.
 
JOSEPH JEWELL
PINOT NOIR 2018
HALLBERG VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $60
 
 
 
“The Joseph Jewell Hallberg Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 begins with an elegant nose of fresh raspberries, dried cranberries, cola bean, French lavender, and sweet vanilla. A supple, opulent palate follows with integrated flavors of pomegranate, red cherries, delicate fresh herbs, and a liquid saline complexity. This bottling is a lush, penetrating wine with depth and lots of character and length that rates as another fantastic Pinot Noir from Joseph Jewell.”
94 Points
2021 Martin Ray Chardonnay Concrete Fermented Dutton Ranch Vineyard

2021 Martin Ray Chardonnay Concrete Fermented Dutton Ranch Vineyard

with No Comment $30 and underChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MARTIN RAY

CHARDONNAY 2021
CONCRETE FERMENTED
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD

2021 Martin Ray Chardonnay Concrete Fermented Dutton Ranch Vineyard
There’s good reason for the resurgence in concrete egg fermentation, primarily because of its convex shape, which creates a vortex that naturally stirs the wine and causes the lees to disperse throughout the vessel—this natural circulation results in a wine with a fuller body and softer texture. Martin Ray’s consistently high-scoring Dutton Ranch Chardonnay is a pristine example, with a sharp focus complemented by the richness from lees providing a noticeable balance.
 
Dutton Ranch Vineyard sits in the Green Valley subregion of the greater Russian River Valley AVA, an area known for its Goldridge sandy loam soils and proximity to the ocean, producing some of Sonoma County’s most distinguished grapes. This 2021 Chardonnay is perfect for summer with its uplifting aromas and levity that pair effortlessly with the season, offering an abundance of value and enjoyment.
 
MARTIN RAY
CHARDONNAY 2021
CONCRETE FERMENTED
DUTTON RANCH VINEYARD
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $26
 
 
“Sliced apples, apricot stones, jasmine, lemons and white tea on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with a very clean, focused and mineral palate. Elegant. Made in concrete eggs. Drink now. Screw cap.”
93 Points
2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

WIGHTMAN

PINOT NOIR 2018
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2018 Wightman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley produces some of California’s most distinguished Pinot Noirs due to the sandy loam and Goldridge soils and their proximity to the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean. Wightman’s founder and vintner Justin Harmon worked under 100 Point winemaker Russell Bevan for several years, honing his craft, so he understands how to capture the texture and intensity of the region’s terroir with its opulent, ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and spice.
 
Justin sourced the fruit for this outstanding Pinot Noir from an assortment of Heritage clones: Wadenswil, Pommard, and Martini, harvested from vineyards in the rugged hills on the edge of the Russian River AVA. The wine was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak giving some spice but allowing the beautiful fruit to shine, making a grand impression on our tasting panel. Now, we can’t wait to share it with you.
 
WIGHTMAN
PINOT NOIR 2018
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $49
 
 
 
“The Wightman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018 begins with a nose that includes cotton-candied raspberries, cola bean, delicate fresh green herbs, light florals, and cinnamon hints. The palate has bright, elegantly concentrated red cherry/berry fruit with a liquid saline complexity, hints of toasty oak, and a beautiful combination of fruit extraction and mouth quenching acidity. This release is a lovely, classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that is ready to drink now but will cellar nicely over the next eight years.”
93 Points
2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley

2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MARITANA

PINOT NOIR
LE RUSSE 2019
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2019 Maritana Pinot Noir Le Russe Russian River Valley
Donald Patz made wine at Patz & Hall for 29 years, working with Pinot Noir from some of California’s premier vineyards, spanning from the northern coast of Mendocino County to the Santa Cruz Mountains. In 2017, Don created the Maritana Vineyards brand to take his wines in a slightly different direction, focusing on fruit from the Russian River Valley.
 
Donald’s love for Pinot Noir comes from the varietal’s complex perfume of intriguing aromas that he believes are enhanced by the valley’s hillsides and valley floor sites, providing a variety of microclimates. Sourcing from some of his favorite vineyards, including Martaella, Browne, and Martinelli River Road, Don gives the 2019 Maritana “Le Russe” his signature style and flair, offering it at a sensational value.
 
MARITANA
PINOT NOIR
LE RUSSE 2019
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Aromas of redcurrants, cherries, cola, nutmeg and flowers. Medium-to full-bodied with soft tannins. Juicy and fruity with a silky, caressing texture and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.”
93 Points
2020 Macauley Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley

2020 Macauley Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

MACAULEY

CHARDONNAY 2020
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2020 Macauley Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard Russian River Valley
Macauley Vineyard was founded in 1980 by Ann Macauley Watson and today is owned and operated by her son Mac. Mac began his love affair in the wine industry after crushing his first vintage in 2001 while working for Rudd Estate. He works closely with his childhood friend Kirk Venge, son of the renowned winemaker Nils Venge, to craft wines representing the next generation of exceptional winemaking.
 
Mac and Kirk share the same goal of producing wines with depth, brilliance, and a range of complexity directly related to each site’s specific terroir. Their Chardonnay beautifully depicts the historic Bacigalupi vineyard, coming from the same block that went into the famed 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, winner at the iconic Judgement of Paris tasting. The wine indulges the senses with its Burgundian finesse, balance, and bright acidity from equal treatments of concrete, oak, and stainless steel, producing a mere 315 cases.
 
MACAULEY
CHARDONNAY 2020
BACIGALUPI VINEYARD
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $48
 
 
“The Macauley 2020 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay opens with rich aromas of apricot, nectarine, honeydew melon, cinnamon apple strudel, toast, and wet rocks. On the palate, the wine has opulent flavors of peach, lemon yogurt, and a hint of vanilla extract with a long, pleasant finish. This wine is ready to drink now and has a structure suitable for aging.”
93 Points
2020 Angeline Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2020 Angeline Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

ANGELINE

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
PINOT NOIR 2020

2020 Angeline Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Centered in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Angeline winery specializes in fermenting small lots of fruit from some of the best regions in California. Their winemaking philosophy involves minimal intervention and sustainability, recycling stems, seeds, and skins from the pomace back into the vineyard, and solar energy supplying 80% of the winery’s power, resulting in wines you can feel even better about drinking. 
 
Angeline’s 2020 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir grapes come from various specially selected sites blended to accentuate Pinot Noirs’ most desired characteristics. Yields were lower for Pinot Noir in 2020, resulting in more concentrated flavors, proving that sometimes less is more, resulting in this beautifully-built, lush, easy-drinking, and delightful value.
 
ANGELINE
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
PINOT NOIR 2020
Retails at: $25
 
Your Price: $19.99
 
 
“Aromas of cherries, ripe raspberries, toasted bread and baking spices with mushroom undertones. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Lively and sharp on the palate with a fresh, dry finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”
92 Points
2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

CASTALIA

ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
PINOT NOIR 2019

2019 Castalia Pinot Noir Rochioli Vineyard
Terry Bering worked long days harvesting grapes in 1988 and 1989 for J. Rochioli Vineyards; finishing the second harvest, he obtained some second crop grapes, making a Pinot Noir that impressed the Rochiolis. In 1990, Tom Rochioli offered Terry the Cellar Master position, and for the last 32 years, he’s proudly dedicated his life to working with some of the best fruit in the Russian River Valley.
 
Terry launched Castalia wines in 1992 with access to some of Rochioli Vineyard’s most coveted blocks, crafting Pinot Noirs that rival some of Russian River Valley’s finest. The firmly structured 2019 vintage saw 15 months in 25% new French oak, giving the wine a penetrating character on release with a rich complexity typical of the region that will age delicately in the cellar for well over a decade.
 
CASTALIA
ROCHIOLI VINEYARD
PINOT NOIR 2019
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“The Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2019 begins with an elegant nose of red cherries and light Spring florals with hints of Asian spices. This vintage is drinking rather young and firm at this early stage but expands the red fruits on the palate with pomegranate and wild berries, combined with crushed rocks, dried mushrooms, and vanilla hints. It is a wine that drinks very nicely now but will certainly reward those with patience another decade or more of absolute joy.”
94 Points
2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast

2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Fort Ross SeaviewKevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

VICARIOUS

BY MODUS OPERANDI
PINOT NOIR 2019
SONOMA COAST

2019 Vicarious Pinot Noir By Modus Operandi Sonoma Coast
Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars is a self-taught winemaker who developed a passion for wine while working in fine dining restaurants. At 24, he moved to Napa, where immense self-discipline and valuable mentors helped shape his winemaking style of crafting deep, intensely captivating, balanced wines.
 
The Vicarious Collection is a readily drinkable, crowd-pleasing selection to simplify the sometimes overwhelming world of wine by offering a product made without snobbery and over-delivers on quality at an affordable price. The 2019 Pinot Noir is sourced from small vineyards along the Sonoma Coast, focusing on the Fort Ross-Seaview/Russian River/Occidental regions for a fresh essence of bright fruit ripened by the California sun.
 
VICARIOUS
BY MODUS OPERANDI
PINOT NOIR 2019
SONOMA COAST
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“The Vicarious Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2019 immediately struck a chord when I tasted it. The nose begins with bright, zesty, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir aromas, including red cherries, fresh berries, cola, spring flowers, and light baking spice. The balanced palate has a beautiful combination of brighter and darker fruits, beautifully blending the bright freshness with concentrated flavors and length. This bottling is a high-quality Pinot Noir at a modest price.”
93 Points
2020 Black Pine Pinot Sonoma Coast

2020 Black Pine Pinot Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtPetaluma GapPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

BLACK PINE

PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2020

2020 Black Pine Pinot Sonoma Coast
Roger Roessler’s Black Pine exemplifies the essence of California Pinot Noir by blending opulent Russian River Valley fruit with earthier Petaluma Gap grapes while maintaining a value price, setting it apart from all others. Their method of blending also allows for a more consistent wine vintage to vintage as Roger hand-selects each site, showcasing the talents of the winery’s grower partners deliciously in your glass.
 
This wine has a permanent section on the rack in our shop as it hits the sweet spot with the perfect balance of juicy fruits, minerality, and earth. Passionate Pinot Noir enthusiasts made this fantastic value Pinot Noir for Pinot-lovers to enjoy any day of the week, and the 2020 vintage is one of their best yet.
 
BLACK PINE
PINOT NOIR
SONOMA COAST 2020
Retails at: $38
 
Your Price: $26
 
 
“The Black Pine Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020 opens with red cherries, cola, nutmeg, dried oregano, forest floor, and coffee. The palate is enhanced with deeper fruit flavors of black raspberries, pomegranate, and berry bramble with accents of mushrooms and cocoa powder. This medium-bodied wine is refreshingly easy to drink, with or without food, and a pleasure to enjoy on any occasion.”
92 Points
2020 Emeritus Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2020 Emeritus Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

EMERITUS

PINOT NOIR 2020
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

2020 Emeritus Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
Emeritus proprietors favor wines with balance and vineyard character over those with intensity and varietal character alone, following a Burgundian philosophy where the grape acts as a vector for translating the terroir in a glass. It is essential to Emeritus to be an estate winery because they believe that winemaking begins in the vineyard, and having complete control over their land is ideal for cultivating the vines to their pinnacle of potential.
 
All vineyards are dry-farmed, forcing the vines to dig deep into the earth, searching for nutrients and water and enhancing the overall complexity and minerality of the wines. The 2020 Emeritus Russian River Pinot Noir is a blend of Emeritus’ estate vineyards planted in coveted the Goldridge soils of the Green and Russian River Valleys, and at $40 is a serious contender of ultimate quality.
 
EMERITUS
PINOT NOIR 2020
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“The Emeritus Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020 begins with a deep, rich nose of ripe boysenberries, cola bean, violets, and fresh mushrooms. The palate is bright, fresh, and concentrated, with complementary flavors of medium intensity. It has mouth-quenching acidity and an elegant, long finish. This bottling drinks beautifully now but will put on even more weight and body over the next couple of years.”
92 Points