2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtRussian River ValleySonomaUSAZinfandel

Limerick Lane

Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley

2021 Limerick Lane Zinfandel Russian River Valley

Limerick Lane stands as a beacon for classic American Zinfandel, where tradition meets innovation to honor the soul of this noble varietal. Renowned for crafting fresh, focused, and impeccably balanced wines, Limerick Lane brings Zinfandel’s unique character to life, showcasing vibrant fruit, complex layers, and a profound sense of place.

This historic estate has remained deeply rooted in its heritage for over a century, committed to sustainable farming practices and a thoughtful approach to viticulture. By relying on minimal, strategic irrigation, their vineyards produce fruit of unparalleled concentration and aromatic depth, reflecting their harmonious relationship between land and vine.

Winemaker Chris Pittenger intentionally curates the vineyard composition of each vintage, seeking out fruit to create the most balanced wine possible. The 2021 vintage embodies the spirit of the Russian River Valley, with perfectly ripe, bright fruit accented by refreshing acidity and an ideal balance of flavors.

Limerick Lane
Zinfandel 2021
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $46

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“A bright saturated ruby, the 2021 Zinfandel Russian River Valley is lifted with fresh aromas of candied peach, grenadine, and pressed red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, with great energy in its notes of fresh mixed berries, gravelly earth, and mocha, it’s an elegant wine with fine tannins, a stony texture, and a good, clean finish. It’s a fantastic entry to the wines from Limerick Lane to drink over the next several years.”

93 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

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

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

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtNapaProprietary RedSonomaUSA

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

Your Price: $39.99

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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

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

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 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

with No Comment $30 and underAlexander ValleyKevin VogtProprietary RedSonomaUSA

Eco Terreno

Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

2020 Eco Terreno Cuvee Tierra Alexander Valley

Eco Terreno’s 2020 Cuvée Tierra is a testament to sustainable winemaking, a harmonious blend of quality, value, and environmental consciousness. Rooted in the rich terroir of Alexander Valley, this wine embodies the essence of biodynamic farming, where the vineyard’s health and ecosystem take precedence.

Founded by renowned winemaker Mark Lyon, formerly of Sebastiani Vineyards, Eco Terreno brings decades of expertise to crafting exceptional wines. The 2020 Cuvée Tierra, a Bordeaux-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, showcases the estate’s commitment to producing wines of depth and character.

Crafted from estate-grown fruit, the 2020 Cuvée Tierra captures the rustic elegance and earthy undertones of its Alexander Valley origin. Each taste reveals layers of dark fruit, subtle spice, and the hallmark dustiness of the valley’s terroir, offering an experience that’s rarely found in this value range.

Eco Terreno
Cuvée Tierra 2020
Alexander Valley

Your Price: $27

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“The Eco Terreno 2020 Cuvée Tierra opens with a complex and inviting bouquet of rose petals, dried thyme, black raspberry, plum, a hint of pie crust, hot chocolate, and a subtle earthy undertone. On the palate, there are flavors of black cherry, hot chocolate, and espresso beans, adding a comforting dimension with savory undertones. The wine has soft, velvety tannins and supple fruits, leading to a long and satisfying finish of harmonious fruit, spice, and earth unique to Alexander Valley.”

94 Points

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaUSA

Walter Hansel

Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

2022 Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

With every vintage, Walter Hansel sets a new standard for California Pinot Noir, offering the kind of elegance and complexity typically reserved for California’s most prestigious producers—yet at a refreshingly accessible price. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir is no exception, capturing the essence of the Russian River Valley with layers of vibrant fruit, seamless texture, and remarkable balance.

The story of Walter Hansel Winery is rooted in a deep passion for the land. Driven by a lifelong love for agriculture, Walter Hansel planted the first vines on their family estate with the help of his son, Stephen. What began as a father-son project in the 1980s evolved into a pursuit of winemaking excellence.

The Estate spans 80 acres of contiguous vineyards, with the South Slope at the highest elevation and furthest southern point. This plot, planted to the prized Clone 777, produces wines known for their complex earthiness and depth. The 2022 South Slope Pinot Noir was aged in oak, allowing it to develop a rich, layered profile. Earning 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, this wine is a shining example of the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Walter Hansel
Pinot Noir 2022
The South Slope Vineyard
Russian River Valley

Your Price: $48

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“The 2022 Pinot Noir The South Slope Vineyard is made entirely from the Dijon clone 777 and pours a deep magenta hue. In the glass, it gives off a more floral perfume, with notes of violets, black raspberry coulis, sweet cedar, and mossy forest floor, and brighter fresh red fruit comes through on the palate. Medium-bodied, it reveals more focus on the palate, with a mouthwatering feel, and it has fine tannins and a light, salty finish. A very lovely wine, it’s going to reach its tenth birthday with ease if stored properly. 405 cases were produced.”

94 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

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $40-$50Kevin VogtPinot NoirRussian River ValleySonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Hartford Court

Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast

2022 Hartford Court Pinot Noir Lands Edge Vineyards Sonoma Coast

Poised within the picturesque town of Forestville, just a brief drive from the rugged Sonoma Coast, Hartford Court Winery has established a reputation for producing captivating wines from meticulously selected, single-vineyard sites. With a profound devotion to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they curate an extensive portfolio of over two dozen bottlings, each sourced from low-yielding vineyards. Each vineyard imparts its own distinctive character, showcasing the remarkable diversity of the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and beyond. Hartford Court’s meticulous approach transforms their admiration for Pinot Noir into wines embodying their origins’ beauty and nuance.

The 2022 Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir originates from two estate vineyards perched on the Sonoma Coast—Far Coast and Seascape—where the land meets the untamed Pacific Ocean. This proximity to the ocean imparts a unique character to the wine, harmoniously blending the bright, red fruit typical of California Pinot Noir with the coastal influence of oceanic salinity and wet stone minerality. With its vibrant acidity and lingering freshness, the 2022 vintage is a testament to the dramatic landscape from which it comes, capturing the essence of Sonoma’s coastal terroir.

Hartford Court
Pinot Noir 2022
Land’s Edge Vineyards
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $55

Your Price: $45

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“From the far Sonoma Coast, the 2022 Pinot Noir Land’s Edge Vineyards was aged for 9 months in 32% new French oak barrels. In the glass, it displays a medium ruby color and offers expressive notes of red berries, cranberries, and juniper. There’s a good bit of reduction initially that benefits from a little air at this stage, but it starts to reveal darker notes as it opens, so I would recommend decanting if opening it on the young side. The palate has a wonderful, compact feel, with refreshing lift, fine tannins, and a snappy finish. I personally enjoy the bright and coiled energy that comes through in this one. It’s a lovely wine that is going to drink well over the next 15 years.”

94 Points

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Illumination

Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

Quintessa, a renowned Rutherford producer, extends its meticulous craftsmanship to Sauvignon Blanc, crafting Illumination, a wine as exquisite as its flagship red. This luminous expression bursts with vibrant notes of passionfruit, white peach, orange blossom, and zesty tangerine, creating a captivating bouquet.

Rooted in a deep commitment to the environment, Quintessa selected specific blocks to cultivate thriving clonal varieties, capturing the essence of Napa and Sonoma’s diverse terroir. With the same precision that defines their renowned reds, Illumination is crafted from vines planted in 2002, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional character and depth.

The 2023 vintage marks a stellar year in Napa Valley. Abundant winter rains and moderate temperatures fostered an ideal growing season, culminating in the 2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional wine showcases Napa’s elegance and vitality, making it a true showstopper.

Illumination
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

Your Price: $59.99

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“The Illumination 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to offer a balanced, vibrant bouquet of citrus and floral notes, including orange blossom, acacia, followed by a burst of lime zest, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a touch of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The acidity is well-balanced, leading to a lingering finish that reveals subtle notes of peaches and cream, and a delicate pastry dough character.”

95 Points