2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Ernest

Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

2023 Ernest Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

Ernest continues to raise the bar with each vintage, and the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir may be their most impressive yet. Building on the success of the 2022—one of my top five wines of the year in 2024—the new release radiates precision, elegance, and coastal allure. Where Burgundian finesse meets the wild beauty of the Sonoma Coast, this wine delivers concentrated fruit, vivid acidity, and a striking sense of place.

Sourced from the fog-draped Freestone Valley and neighboring coastal vineyards, the wine owes its vibrancy to the region’s cool, ocean-tempered climate. Winemaker Joseph Ryan has embraced a low-intervention, site-driven approach, coaxing purity and nuance from every vintage. His attention to detail and deft touch allow the terroir to speak, with each bottling reflecting a distinct moment in time.

The 2023 Pinot Noir is the clearest expression yet of that vision. A blend of estate-grown fruit and select heritage sites, it pulses with energy—bright red berries, wild herbs, coastal salinity, all wrapped in silky tannins and a crystalline finish. At $38, it offers a rare combination of poise, purity, and pedigree—an exceptional discovery in this price tier.

Ernest
Pinot Noir 2023
Sonoma Coast

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“The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is terrific. Rich and generous in the glass, with tons of savory nuance, the 2023 is a wonderfully complete wine. Cedar, dried herbs, new leather, tobacco and incense wrap around the palate. A healthy dose of stems (33%) adds complexity, but it’s the wine’s balance I admire most.”

92 Points

2023 Schema Cabernet Franc Alexander Valley

2023 Schema Cabernet Franc Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyCabernet FrancKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Schema

Cabernet Franc
Alexander Valley 2023

2023 Schema Cabernet Franc Alexander Valley

Schema Cabernet Franc 2023 debuts Madelyn Hille’s distinct winemaking perspective, honed through years of dedication at renowned houses such as Pax, Merry Edwards, and Arnot Roberts. With a careful, reflective approach, she’s shaped a wine that reflects her expertise and innate connection to Cabernet Franc. The result is a vivid, unadulterated expression—polished yet seemingly effortless in its clarity and precision.

Sourced from the biodynamically farmed Cisne Vineyard in Alexander Valley, this wine radiates vibrant finesse. Its mineral-threaded fruit, paired with bright acidity, ignites a lively, energetic palate. At a modest 12% alcohol, it strikes an uncommon harmony—airy and agile yet rich with intricate layers—delivering instant delight while hinting at a graceful evolution over time.

Picked by hand and fermented with native yeasts, this Cabernet Franc matured for 14 months in neutral oak, safeguarding the vineyard’s essence and allowing the grape’s delicate traits to emerge. Departing from the lush, fruit-forward profiles common in many New World renditions, it echoes the lifted, fragrant restraint of the Loire Valley. This wine captures a sense of place, poise, and unembellished purity, weaving together thoughtful farming and masterful winemaking.

Schema
Cabernet Franc
Alexander Valley 2023
Retails at: $42

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“The Schema 2023 Cabernet Franc from the Cisne Vineyard in Alexander Valley opens with bright notes of lilac, lavender, raspberry, orange zest, chai tea, earth, and a wet stone minerality. On the palate, the wine has a silky texture with flavors of red cherry, marionberry, pomegranate, white pepper, and aniseed. The wine’s low alcohol level is in a delicate balance with the light to medium body and concentration of flavors, ending in an elegant finish.”

95 Points

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Bruliam 

Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Tucked seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, Bruliam Chardonnay shines as a vivid expression of the Heintz Vineyard, a standout treasure along the Sonoma Coast. Perched at 1,000 feet, this site channels the cool, coastal ocean breeze, locking in the fruit’s vibrant freshness. For more than forty years, the Heintz family has tended this remarkable vineyard, its grapes gracing the cellars of California’s most admired winemakers—names like Williams Selyem, DuMOL, and Littorai among them.

Guiding Bruliam Wines is Kerith Overstreet, a physician who traded medicine for the art of winemaking. Her sharp intellect and precise hand in the cellar bring a lively clarity to every bottle. In this Chardonnay, the Heintz Vineyard speaks with striking purity, leaving a lasting echo that resonates with each sip.

Awarded an impressive 96 points, this Chardonnay captures the Sonoma Coast’s character—bright fruit woven with intricate, alluring layers. It reveals the profound possibilities of the region’s Chardonnays, reaching heights that command attention and invite appreciation.

Bruliam
Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $65

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“The 2022 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay slowly unfurls to offer evocative notes of grapefruit, fresh pineapple, white peaches, and chalk dust plus touches of Marcona almonds and nutmeg. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound at this youthful stage, delivering great tension with mineral-laced stone and tropical fruit layers, finishing with great length.”

96 Points

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Rochioli

Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

Rochioli’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc embodies the essence of one of California’s most celebrated vineyards, enticing the palate with its stunning concentration, precise linear focus, and enchanting freshness. Emerging from one of California’s most outstanding vintages, this release is a wine that inspires genuine excitement.

For over 85 years, the Rochioli family has been the proud steward of their cool-climate estate—a site revered as one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards. Rochioli’s pedigree is undeniable; each bottle stands as a testament to the masterful craftsmanship of winemaker Tom Rochioli, whose profound connection with the land resonates through every captivating expression.

Sauvignon Blanc is acclaimed for its luminous character, buoyant acidity, and effortlessly approachable drinkability. The exceptionally high-scoring 2023 release from Rochioli brings these cherished qualities to life with a sculpted clarity that leaves the palate yearning for another sip.

Rochioli
Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley 2023

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“A bright silver/straw color, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard blend with 64% Old Vine Selection, 23% Clone 376, and the rest Hillside planting. Coming from other-worldly looking old vines, Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t get much better than this in California. Lovely flinty reduction frames this wine with a gorgeous, refined, floral perfume of wet stone, white currants, white pepper, grapefruit, and delicate baking spice. Medium-bodied, it has fantastic concentration, driving, mouthwatering, fresh acidity with a linear feel, and a fantastic, long finish with a chalky mineral texture. Exceptional and age-worthy, it deserves another couple of years in bottle to show its best. Drink 2026-2038.”

96 Points

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70ChardonnayKevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Pont Neuf

Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Pont Neuf’s Pont Royal Chardonnay is a masterful expression of Russian River Valley terroir, seamlessly marrying California’s opulent fruit with the restraint of great Burgundian wines. This Chardonnay doesn’t simply impress—it enchants, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

At the helm of this artistry is Douglas Danielak, a winemaker whose deep reverence for Burgundian tradition shapes every nuance of his craft. A graduate of UC Davis with further training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune, Danielak employs a low-intervention philosophy, allowing the vineyard’s voice to shine. Native yeasts, meticulous bâtonnage, and a slow, deliberate malolactic fermentation yield a wine that is both texturally sumptuous and vibrantly pure.

The 2023 vintage is a radiant testament to this vision. It unfolds in layers of golden-hued complexity, where Meyer lemon, white peach, and toasted hazelnut intertwine with hints of crushed rock and delicate spice. A luminous thread of acidity lends tension and precision, balancing the wine’s sumptuous depth with an elegance that lingers long on the palate. Pont Royal Chardonnay delivers a harmonious interplay of richness and restraint, destined to captivate all who discover it.

Pont Neuf
Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $65

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“The Pont Neuf 2023 “Pont Royal” Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley elegantly balances the finesse of French Burgundy with the richness of California fruit. Aromas of ripe apricot and nectarine intertwine with white blossoms, a touch of orange zest, and a refined mineral character reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, subtle nuances of golden apples, toast, vanilla, chantilly, and crème brûlée add layers of depth. The wine’s concentrated flavors unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, silky finish.”

95 Points

2021 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

2021 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Zialena

Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2021

2021 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon Geyserville

Zialena redefines the expectations of California Cabernet Sauvignon with wines that radiate purity, precision, and elegance. Known for their bright, concentrated fruit and impeccable balance, Zialena’s Cabernets have quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. In fact, the 2019 Zialena Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the most re-ordered wines last year, a testament to its universal appeal and extraordinary craftsmanship.

Rooted in legacy, the Mazzoni family has been stewards of their Geyserville property since 1931. Now led by fourth-generation siblings Mark and Lisa Mazzoni, the winery blends history and innovation. Mark’s expertise as a viticulturist—honed through work at prestigious vineyards like Bacchus and Vino Farms—ensures exceptional fruit. His winemaking skills, refined under the mentorship of renowned winemaker Philippe Melka at Vineyard 29, bring an artisan’s touch to every bottle.

Nestled on a historic 120-acre estate in the heart of Alexander Valley, Zialena thrives in a landscape shaped by diverse soils, varied microclimates, and gentle elevations. These natural advantages are masterfully harnessed to produce wines of remarkable character and depth. At an extraordinary value of $32, the 2021 Zialena Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-have for any wine lover, offering a true taste of Alexander Valley in every pour.

Zialena
Cabernet Sauvignon
Geyserville 2021
Retails at: $76

Your Price: $32

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“The Zialena 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s estate gives aromas of red currants, red and black cherries, a hint of mint, graphite, and forest floor. On the palate, the wine has an elegant balance of acidity and tannins resulting in bright fruit flavors of cranberry, cassis, blackberries, earthy minerality, mocha, and spice. This wine finishes beautifully with layers of eloquence and reminds us why Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in Alexander Valley.”

94 Points

2021 La Follette Los Primeros Pinot Noir Sonoma County

2021 La Follette Los Primeros Pinot Noir Sonoma County

with No Comment $30 and underAnderson ValleyKevin VogtPinot NoirSonomaSonoma ValleyUSA

La Follette

Los Primeros Pinot Noir
Sonoma County 2021

2021 La Follette Los Primeros Pinot Noir Sonoma County

La Follette’s Los Primeros Pinot Noir is a masterful expression of Greg La Follette’s decades of winemaking expertise and dedication to crafting wines of purity and place. Greg, a visionary winemaker and former biochemist mentored by the legendary André Tchelistcheff, has long been celebrated for his ability to unlock the soul of a vineyard, transforming its unique character into wines of exceptional depth and elegance. 

La Follette’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that every vineyard holds a distinct identity, and he collaborates exclusively with growers who share his passion for authenticity. This meticulous approach ensures that each vintage is a testament to the unique terroir of Sonoma County. The 2021 Los Primeros Pinot Noir, sourced from declassified barrels of premier single-vineyard lots, reflects this ethos—a wine that marries accessibility with complexity.

The 2021 vintage underwent fermentation in stainless steel to preserve its vibrant aromatics. The wine was aged for ten months in French oak barriques, where subtle spice notes were delicately woven into its structure, enhancing the wine’s bright red fruit profile and silky texture. The result is a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir with a finish that lingers like a well-told story—elevating Los Primeros from a value-driven offering to a celebration of Sonoma’s rich winemaking heritage.

La Follette
Los Primeros Pinot Noir
Sonoma County 2021

Your Price: $29.99

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“Savory, tea-like aromas and flavors dominate this charming, lighter-style wine as fresh acidity and light tannins give a slight, mouth-watering grip on the palate. Perfect for a roast chicken, sauteed mushrooms or sauteed salmon.”

92 Points

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Paul Hobbs

Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Paul Hobbs masterfully captures the essence of the Russian River Valley in his 2022 Pinot Noir, showcasing the vibrant character and alluring qualities of this celebrated varietal.

Renowned as a visionary in the wine world, Hobbs, often compared to Steve Jobs for his innovative approach, began his journey with Robert Mondavi at the pioneering Opus One. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master’s in Viticulture and Enology, he built a career that has shaped the wine industry.

In 1991, Paul Hobbs embarked on his independent path, driven by a bold vision. He sought out legendary vineyard owners Larry Hyde and Richard Dinner, securing five tons of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes formed the foundation of his inaugural releases, establishing Paul Hobbs Winery as a beacon of quality and innovation. His Appellation Tier wines reflect his philosophy of blending exceptional vineyard sources into a single, harmonious expression.

The 2022 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir exemplifies Hobbs’ meticulous craftsmanship. This wine unveils concentrated fruit flavors interwoven with remarkable complexity and depth—each sip an unfolding journey of sensory delight. Awarded an impressive 95 points, this Pinot Noir invites wine lovers to experience the magic of Hobbs’ artistry and the extraordinary character of the Russian River Valley.

Paul Hobbs
Pinot Noir 2022
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $69.99

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“Sliced strawberry with bark and stone with some sand undertones. Graphite. Medium-bodied, tight and focused with spices such as pepper and bark. Flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.”

95 Points

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

with No Comment $80-$90Alexander ValleyCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtSonomaUSA

Silver Oak

Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020

2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley

Silver Oak is a quintessential expression of American winemaking, with a steadfast commitment to American oak. Sourced exclusively from their Missouri cooperage, where this noble wood flourishes, the oak imparts a signature character to every bottle.

Founded in 1972 within the walls of a dairy barn, Silver Oak emerged from a partnership between Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. Their visionary goal: crafting world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s premier vineyards near Oakville and the Silverado Trail. This aspiration is encapsulated in the winery’s name.

Today, Silver Oak cultivates vineyards in Napa and Alexander Valley, each terroir contributing its unique essence to the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. While oak aging remains constant, the wines evolve with the subtleties of the land.

The 2020 Alexander Valley is a testament to this philosophy. A precise blend of 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, and 0.6% Malbec, this wine is a meticulous composition that showcases the innovation and unwavering dedication behind this enduring classic.

Silver Oak
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley 2020
Retails at: $100

Your Price: $89.99

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“The Silver Oak 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is elegantly opulent and opens with aromas of lavender, dill, cedar, blackberry pie, baking spices, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine has a round, supple texture and flavors of black cherries, plums, coconut, cinnamon raisin toast, and savory spice. This wine is enjoyable immediately after the cork is pulled, and still has the concentration and structure to age for years to come.”

95 Points

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Hero

The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

The 2022 Beau Vigne Hero California Red Blend beautifully illustrates the remarkable talent of Julien Fayard, one of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed winemakers. A top-seller in 2024, Hero offers an exceptional balance of value and refinement.

Crafted from meticulously selected vineyards across Napa and Sonoma, this multi-AVA blend showcases the unique character of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in chalky soils, resulting in a wine of striking concentration and vibrant minerality.

Julien Fayard, with his distinguished background at renowned estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Quintessa, brings a profound understanding of balance and nuance to winemaking. This expertise is evident in Hero, where 74% of Cabernet Sauvignon harmoniously blends with Merlot and a touch of Syrah, creating a wine that is both expressive and remarkably integrated.

Aged for 17 months in French oak, the 2022 Hero Red Blend captivates with its firm yet silky texture and layered complexity. The wine possesses a bold concentration beautifully balanced by a polished elegance, making it an immediate delight and a promising cellar addition for years to come.

Hero
The Beau Vigne Collection
Proprietary Red
California 2022
Retails at: $60

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“A Bordeaux blend from winemaker Julien Fayard who has sourced grapes outside of Napa Valley for this dynamic project. White pepper, with plum skin tannins, graphite, and above all, energy, and tension. Sweet black cherry and black tea create a winning combo of fervor and power.”

94 Points