2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

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Evesham Wood

Pinot Noir 2023
Willamette Valley

2023 Evesham Wood Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir embodies the heart and soul of Oregon Pinot Noir: elegant, balanced, and remarkably affordable. Since its inception in 1986, Evesham Wood has adhered to a minimalist approach, prioritizing sustainable vineyard practices and gentle winemaking. This philosophy allows the true character of the fruit to shine through, resulting in authentic, expressive wines from some of the region’s most prestigious vineyards.

The 2023 vintage showcases the brilliance of this approach. Sourced primarily from Mahonia and Illahe Vineyards, with complementary contributions from renowned Eola-Amity Hills sites like Prophet, Koosah, Jubilee, Cortell Rose, and Sojeau, this Pinot Noir captivates with layers of bright red fruit, delicate spice, and refreshing acidity. Its silky texture and inviting charm make it the perfect companion for any occasion, and encapsulates the vibrant, approachable spirit of the Willamette Valley at an incredible value.

Evesham Wood
Pinot Noir 2023
Willamette Valley

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“The Evesham Wood Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2023 begins with a delicate ballet of red fruit that unfolds on the nose, with tart cherry and pomegranate leading the way. A floral bouquet of spring blossoms and potpourri adds elegance, while subtle earthy notes of dried mushrooms, wet stone, and cola bean round out the complex aromatic profile. The palate projects elegance, showcasing a lighter body and bright, refreshing fruit flavors. The wine’s crisp acidity provides a mouth-quenching quality, leaving a clean and satisfying finish.”

92 Points

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Flowers

Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Flowers Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Flowers Chardonnay masterfully captures the essence of the Sonoma Coast, a grace that has earned it a place of honor on countless wine lists and in the hearts of Chardonnay enthusiasts. Consistently exceptional, this wine is a love letter to the rugged beauty of the Sonoma Coast, a region renowned for its cool-climate perfection.

In 1991, Flowers Winery’s visionary founders dared to plant vines on the windswept ridges of the Sonoma Coast. This unique terroir, characterized by cool breezes, persistent fog, and rocky soils, imparts a crisp minerality and invigorating acidity to the Chardonnay. Here, nature’s extremes are harnessed to produce wines of profound character, resulting in a distinctive and impressive Chardonnay.

Now part of the esteemed Huneeus Collection, which includes luminaries like Quintessa, Flowers reaches new heights with this wine attaining #43 on the Wine Spectator’s 2024 Top 100 list. The 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a masterful blend of estate fruit from Camp Meeting Ridge, complemented by select grapes from Ross Ranch, Wildcat Mountain, and Bohan Ranch. The result is a seamless expression of the Sonoma Coast’s signature style, reflecting the distinct qualities of each vineyard.

Flowers
Chardonnay 2023
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $55

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“This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There’s also an appealing grip on the finish, reminiscent of the skin of roasted, salted almonds, while a whiff of wild fennel lingers. Drink now through 2033. 23,000 cases made.” 

93 Points, #43 Top 100 Wines of 2024

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

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Ernest

Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

2022 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Ernest Vineyards is where Burgundian elegance meets windswept Sonoma Coast fruit. Their Pinot Noirs, imbued with concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, and a touch of coastal complexity, are truly captivating. The 2022 Ernest Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a prime example, earning a well-deserved spot among the year’s top five wines. Its seamless harmony, pure varietal expression, and refreshing quality far exceed its approachable price point, making it a standout for the year.

Nestled in the serene Freestone Valley, the Ernest Estate benefits from the ocean-kissed climate of the Sonoma Coast, where Pacific breezes and fog-laden mornings extend the growing season. Since joining Ernest Vineyards in 2018, winemaker Joseph Ryan has championed a philosophy of minimal intervention and meticulous craftsmanship, allowing each vintage to express its unique character with finesse and authenticity.

The 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a tribute to this commitment. This wine exudes energy and precision with a masterful blend of estate fruit and select parcels from renowned vineyards. Its vivid fruit profile, underpinned by vibrant acidity and coastal minerality, captures the pristine essence of the Sonoma Coast. At $38, it’s a truly exceptional offering.

Ernest
Pinot Noir 2022
Sonoma Coast

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“This is a wonderful wine from Grand Vent, Cleary Ranch, the Michael Valentine vineyard from the Freestone Valley, and a Laguna vineyard that supplies the Swann clone. Red and black fruits are concentrated with stem inclusion, giving the wine a tremendous savoury backbone. The palate is redolent of cloves, red berries, and early-season black plums.”

95 Points

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

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Venge

Scout’s Honor
Proprietary Red
Napa/Sonoma 2022

2022 Venge Scouts Honor Proprietary Red Napa & Sonoma

Venge’s Scout’s Honor has captivated wine enthusiasts for years with its bold character and irresistible charm. This Zinfandel-driven blend embodies the essence of California, marrying rich depth with vibrant, intense fruit. Seamlessly balancing opulence, structure, and approachability, it has garnered a loyal following.

Each vintage of Scout’s Honor is a tribute to the Venge family’s beloved family dog while showcasing the artistry of acclaimed winemaker Kirk Venge. Known for his work with esteemed wineries like Eleven Eleven, Macauley, and B. Cellars, Venge crafts the 2022 vintage with approximately 70% Old Vine Zinfandel, complemented by Charbono, 

Petite Sirah and Syrah. This blend offers remarkable depth and complexity, with each varietal contributing its unique voice to a harmonious symphony of flavor and structure.

Unapologetically bold yet effortlessly drinkable, the 2022 Scout’s Honor is ready to enjoy now or age gracefully. It invites you on a sensory journey through high-quality North Coast vineyards, capturing the region’s heritage and Venge’s signature winemaking finesse.

Venge
Scout’s Honor
Proprietary Red
Napa/Sonoma 2022

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“The Venge Vineyards 2022 Scout’s Honor Red opens with supple aromas of blackberries, raspberries, toast, cloves, hot chocolate, and balsamic reduction. On the palate, the wine has concentrated flavors of ripe fruits, fudge brownies, candied walnuts, and Christmas spices. This wine has a nice, smooth mouthfeel and seamlessly combines the best traits of rich California Zinfandel.”

92 Points

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

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Lombardi

Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Lombardi’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay leaves a lasting impression—a glimpse of the exceptional 2021 vintage and the expert farmers who tended the vines. The Lombardi family has been a proud steward of Sonoma County’s winemaking heritage since settling in the region in 1947. With a deep respect for the land and a passion for crafting exceptional wines, Lombardi specializes in small-lot wines that capture the essence of the Sonoma Coast. 

The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a shining example of Lombardi’s meticulous approach to winemaking. Sourced from Benovia’s celebrated Martaella Vineyard—renowned for its connection to icons like Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell—this Chardonnay carries the legacy of one of Sonoma’s most coveted sites. 

Barrel-fermented, the wine seamlessly integrates flavors, with the oak serving as a delicate frame rather than a defining feature. The 2021 vintage offers a striking balance of power and finesse, showcasing depth and concentration from an exceptional growing season. Bright acidity and coastal freshness dance harmoniously with its rich texture, delivering a vibrant and compelling Chardonnay.

Lombardi
Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $52

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“A bright straw/yellow hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is ripe with aromas of candied apple, lemon candies, and a savory saline. It boasts fantastic brightness on the palate, and it’s ripe and juicy but never feels over-ripe. Its really enjoyable and is going to show its best over the next 6-8 years.”

93 Points

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

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Galius

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

In the heart of Saint-Émilion lies Château Galius, named for a legendary Roman soldier who left the battlefield to cultivate the land he received as a war bounty. In this region where Gallo-Roman culture first took root, Galius exchanged his weapons for farming tools, helping to sow the earliest vines that would shape Saint-Émilion’s winemaking legacy. 

Château Galius continues this legacy across eleven hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards. Rooted in the famed clay-limestone soils that have birthed some of the world’s most coveted wines, these half-century-old vines thrive, producing exceptional grapes year after year.

The 2020 vintage, a testament to nature’s balance and the winemaker’s artistry, emerged from a challenging year. Early rains nurtured the vines, preparing them for the intense summer heat. This delicate equilibrium resulted in an extraordinary wine.

A masterful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a harmonious interplay of power and elegance. Rich, concentrated fruit flavors unfold on the palate, balanced by a refreshing acidity that leaves a lasting impression. This impressive Saint-Émilion value is a tribute to Galius’s past, with a promise for the future.

Galius
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

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“Dark plums, blueberries, violets, loganberries and bay leaves on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. I like the intense and persistent bitter chocolate and dark berry fruit. Better from 2025.”

92 Points

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

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Jean-Pierre Vacher

Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

Sancerre, a region renowned for its chalky limestone soils and moderate continental climate, has long been a sanctuary for world-class Sauvignon Blanc. This terroir produces wines characterized by a crispness and mineral-driven elegance that are truly distinctive.

Jean-Pierre Vacher, a pioneer in Sancerre winemaking since 1989, established a legacy that continues to thrive today. His son Jérôme and daughter-in-law Karine now oversee the estate, infusing their passion into every bottle, capturing the essence of Sancerre.

The 2023 Sancerre Blanc is a testament to the Vacher family’s dedication. Carefully tended across 25 acres, the vineyard produced grapes that showcase the region’s unique vibrancy.

This wine offers a complex tapestry of flavors: flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and ripe orchard fruit. Its lively acidity provides a crisp, refreshing finish, reflecting the land and the family’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jean-Pierre Vacher
Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

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“The Jean-Pierre Vacher 2023 Sancerre Blanc offers a delicate bouquet of white and orange blossoms, laced with a subtle hint of ginger, and orange zest, grapefruit, and green passionfruit. On the palate, ripe citrus notes intertwine with green mango, melon, while a chalky minerality provides a refreshing acidic backbone. The finish is clean and fresh, showcasing a classic example of the esteemed region.”

94 Points

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

Zialena

Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019

2019 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

Zialena has quickly become one of this year’s greatest discoveries for high-quality, affordable Cabernet Sauvignon. I vividly remember my first taste—it had outshone several $100+ Napa Cabs during our tasting. The winery is an exciting venture led by Lisa and Mark Mazzoni, fourth-generation growers dedicated to sustainable farming. For years, their family vineyard has provided fruit to renowned wineries like Ridge and Jordan, but now it’s their time to showcase the exceptional quality of their grapes.

Zialena is more than a winery; it’s a legacy built on generations of expertise. Mark, a skilled viticulturist who sharpened his craft at elite sites like Bacchus and Vino Farms, brings a deep understanding of grape cultivation. His winemaking prowess was further refined under the guidance of Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29, blending tradition with innovation.

Their commitment to sustainable farming honors the land that nurtures their vines. Located on a historic 120-acre estate in Alexander Valley, Zialena thrives in an extraordinary terroir, with diverse soil types, microclimates, and elevations shaping the unique character of their wines. At an exceptional value of $36, this is a must-have for Cab-lovers.

Zialena
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2019
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $36

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“The stunning Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 offers a captivating nose of rich black plums bursting alongside wild blueberries and hints of candied cherries. Delicate floral notes of sweet violets emerge, followed by aromas of crushed wet granite that adds complexity. The palate explodes with cascading layers of bright red currants, juicy brambly marionberry, and muddled mixed berries. The rich, concentrated fruits are beautifully balanced by a lively acidity, creating a genuinely harmonious drinking experience. At a surprising value, this Zialena Geyserville Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptionally satisfying choice for any Cabernet lover. This is a remarkable wine!”

95 Points

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

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Thierry Laffay

Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

Nestled amidst the serene slopes of the Serein River Valley, the vineyards of Chablis flourish upon a rare and storied terroir: Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary clay rich in limestone that imparts the wines with their signature bright, mineral character. This soil, coupled with the valley’s Atlantic-tempered climate, creates a harmonious balance. The cool air slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the vibrant, racy acidity that defines Chablis wines.

Since 1978, Thierry Laffay has meticulously cultivated this remarkable landscape, nurturing just over 17 acres of Chardonnay. For Laffay, it’s not merely about growing grapes—it’s about embracing simplicity and authenticity and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family-run estate adheres to traditional methods, aging wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks and bottled a year after harvest, ensuring the purity of flavor. The 2020 growing season, marked by ideal weather conditions, yielded wines of exceptional quality with the potential for graceful aging.

The 2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis, a standout in recent tastings, exemplifies the brilliance of the vintage. With its vibrant acidity and elegant minerality, it showcases precisely what makes top-tier Chablis so captivating—an unforgettable expression of both land and craftsmanship.

Thierry Laffay
Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

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“The Theirry Laffay 2020 Chablis opens with notes of chalky minerality, crushed seashells, chamomile, pears, and quince. On the palate, the wine is lively with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of golden apples, apricots, grapefruit, and lemon custard. The wine has a near-creamy texture balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and a crisp, stony finish.”

95 Points

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvinon Sonoma County

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County

with No Comment $30-$40Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

Details by Sinegal

Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County 2021

2021 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvinon Sonoma County

For those seeking exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon without the exorbitant price tag, Details by Sinegal is a must-experience. Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck aptly describes it as a Sonoma wine that rivals Napa Cabernets costing two to three times as much.

How does Details by Sinegal achieve such remarkable quality at an accessible price? The winemaking team meticulously crafts each bottle, focusing on every detail to replicate the characteristics of premium wines. Hand-selected fruit from Sonoma County’s finest vineyards, under the guidance of winemaker Ryan Knoth, ensures that every bottle reflects the expertise gained from working alongside legendary winemakers like David Abreu, Michel Rolland, and Fredrik Johansson.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Sourced primarily from Sonoma Valley, with a touch of Knights Valley for added structure and freshness, this vintage delivers a Bordeaux-inspired experience with a distinctly Californian character.

At under $50, the level of quality in Details by Sinegal is truly exceptional and nearly unmatched.

Details by Sinegal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County 2021
Retails at: $50

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“Coming from Sonoma and based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Details is a smoking bottle of wine, as well as an incredible value. Darker berries, currants, scorched earth, lead pencil, and hints of chocolate all define the aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with a plush, layered mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It’s from Sonoma but will stand toe to toe with any number of Napa Cabernet Sauvignons that run two to three times the price.”

93 Points