2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

Sequum

Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah Napa Valley

Sequum’s Kidd Ranch Syrah beautifully captures the essence of its Napa Valley origins. Crafted in small batches at their Saint Helena estate, this wine reflects the meticulous care and dedication of Paul Skinner. A respected viticulturist and soil scientist, Skinner’s intimate understanding of the land informs every vintage, creating a wine that speaks of its unique terroir.

The Kidd Ranch Vineyard is Skinner’s expression of Napa’s rich viticultural heritage. His daily presence in the vineyard is a constant dialogue with the vines, each row nurtured with meticulous attention. By carefully selecting different Syrah clones, each matched to specific rootstocks and soil types, Skinner pays homage to the traditions of the Northern Rhône.

The 2022 vintage displays both poise and elegance. Sequum’s dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention winemaking results in a wine that authentically expresses the interplay of nature and skilled craftsmanship. This Syrah presents exceptional value, offering a quality comparable to much higher-priced wines, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate fine wine without unnecessary formality.

Sequum
Kidd Ranch Syrah
Napa Valley 2022

Your Price: $60.00

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“The 2022 Sequum Kidd Ranch Syrah is a compelling expression of Napa Valley fruit. The nose opens with a dynamic interplay of kirsch and boysenberry syrup, grounded by a distinct minerality reminiscent of iron dust and delicate violets. On the palate, this wine showcases a concentrated complexity. Wild mountain blackberries are interwoven with bright red currants and juicy, ripe blueberries. The fruit profile is penetrating and complex, accented by subtle baking spices. A beautiful balance of richness and freshness defines the wine, with vibrant, mouth-quenching fruit supported by soft, supple tannins. The finish is long, elegant, and ultimately satisfying. This is, without a doubt, the finest Sequum Syrah to date.”

96 Points

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

Ehlers

Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022

2022 Ehlers Portrait Red Blend Saint Helena

Ehlers Estate’s 2022 Portrait marks a new era in winemaking, guided by the vision of Adam Casto. His experience spans the diverse vineyards of New Zealand, Chile, Australia, and France, bringing a global perspective to his craft. Eleven years with the renowned Philippe Melka at DANA and Gandona Estates further shaped his approach, one that unites meticulous technique with a deep passion for the vine. The 2022 Portrait is the first wine to fully express this vision—a remarkable example of his dedication to crafting site-specific, terroir-driven wines.

Located on the northwestern edge of Saint Helena, Ehlers Estate boasts a rich history, its viticultural origins dating back to the mid-19th century. The estate’s organic farming practices are more than just a method; they reflect a commitment to nurturing the land and cultivating fruit of exceptional purity and complexity.

A harmonious blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, interwoven with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the 2022 Portrait embodies Adam’s aim: to capture the distinct character of Ehlers’ terroir while achieving a balance of elegance and strength. The result is a refined, velvety wine where structure and suppleness coexist, the varietals merging into a cohesive story—a portrait of both place and the winemaker’s devotion.

Ehlers
Portrait Red Blend
Saint Helena 2022
Retails at: $80

Your Price: $72

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“This wine immediately grabs your attention yet does so with an understated grace. The nose opens with compelling ripe blueberries and kirsch, their sweetness enhanced by subtle Italian glove leather and a distinct, dusty minerality. It’s a bouquet with both richness and restraint, alluding to the complexity to come. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a supple texture and satiny tannins that balance the rich, sweet black fruit power. Black currants and blueberry compote create a core of concentrated flavor. A saline note adds a mouth-quenching component to the fruit’s intensity, while black tea lends further nuance. The wine’s structure is compact and focused, promising longevity, yet it remains remarkably approachable. The finish is fabulous—long, luxurious, and leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. This Napa red blend showcases the best of the vintage, offering both immediate pleasure and the potential for graceful aging. It’s a wine that invites contemplation, revealing new layers with each sip.”

95 Points

2022 Portalupi Charbono L. Venturi Vineyard Mendocino County

2022 Portalupi Charbono L. Venturi Vineyard Mendocino County

Portalupi

Charbono 2022
L. Venturi Vineyard
Mendocino County

2022 Portalupi Charbono L. Venturi Vineyard Mendocino County

Portalupi’s L. Venturi Vineyard Charbono impressed us deeply, easily surpassing the Cabernets we recently tasted. This is a wine of undeniable allure, weaving layers of profound depth that command your full attention with each sip. With only 80 acres of Charbono gracing California’s vineyards, Portalupi’s masterful expression stands as a siren call, beckoning wine lovers to rediscover a varietal that whispers of untapped potential.

Charbono’s journey is one of resilience, tracing back to the slopes of France’s Savoie region, where it’s known as Douce Noir, and flourishing in the rustic landscapes of Northern Italy. This enigmatic grape yields brooding wines, inky depths, sumptuous textures, and a structure as enduring as stone. In the US, vintners like Turley, Heitz Cellar, and Robert Foley have also unveiled Charbono’s hidden charms, and Portalupi’s version stands tall among them.

Drawn from 90+-year-old vines that stretch their roots deep into the pinole gravelly loam of Mendocino’s L. Venturi Vineyard—this Charbono is a testament to the magic of California terroir. Its robust, yet elegantly structured profile enchants, proving that Charbono is a revelation waiting to unfold in your glass.

Portalupi
Charbono 2022
L. Venturi Vineyard
Mendocino County
Retails at: $45

Your Price: $36

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“This Charbono opens with a densely layered bouquet, where notes of boysenberry syrup mingle with cassis, red roses, and subtle baker’s chocolate. A distinct minerality adds a grounding note. On the palate, concentrated brambly blackberries and rich black currants take center stage, delivering a decadent experience yet retaining a refreshing vibrancy. The texture is supple and seamless, showcasing the wine’s exceptional balance. This is, quite simply, the finest Charbono I’ve ever encountered. The flavors linger exceptionally long, leaving a lasting impression.”

96 points

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

Bruliam

Pinot Noir 2022
Soberanes Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

Bruliam’s Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir captures the essence of one of California’s most respected vineyards, showcasing remarkable varietal purity, impeccable balance, and a profound sense of place. Sourced from the renowned Soberanes Vineyard, the latest jewel in the crown of the Pisoni and Franscioni families, this wine offers an exceptional glimpse into the terroir-driven excellence of the Santa Lucia Highlands—at a price that belies its quality.

Bruliam Wines is led by Kerith Overstreet, a physician-turned-winemaker whose meticulous approach and scientific background infuse every bottle with precision and vibrant energy. Her strong relationships with top growers provide access to fruit from iconic sites like Soberanes. Here, fog-drenched mornings, well-drained granitic soils, and consistent coastal winds contribute to the Pinot Noir’s remarkable depth and complexity.

The 2022 Soberanes Pinot Noir impresses with captivating aromatics and a majestic balance of complexity and finesse. This wine, with its impressive 95-point score, surpasses expectations, demonstrating excellence in both viticulture and winemaking—a true achievement for Bruliam Wines.

Bruliam
Pinot Noir 2022
Soberanes Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $49.99

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“Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir gallops out with vibrant notes of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, and forest floor plus wafts of garrigue and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is both elegant and intense, with loads of red berry and mineral layers and a fine-grained texture, finishing long and refreshing.”

95+ Points

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

Kosta Browne

Pinot Noir 2022
Sta. Rita Hills

2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills

The star of our recent Kosta Browne tasting, the 2022 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, redefines expectations with its unforgettable expression of California’s Central Coast. This remarkable vintage highlights fruit from the iconic Rita’s Crown Vineyard, a gem in Kosta Browne’s portfolio. Perched on windswept slopes near the Pacific, this vineyard lends the wine a vibrant energy that captures the rugged beauty and unique spirit of the Santa Rita Hills.

As part of Kosta Browne’s acclaimed Appellation Series, this Pinot Noir reflects the winery’s unwavering dedication to storytelling. The Santa Rita Hills AVA, shaped by tectonic forces over 20 million years, is a geological marvel where cool marine breezes and fog flow through coastal ranges. This rare microclimate slows ripening, allowing grapes to achieve exceptional depth, complexity, and balance—a signature of this world-class region.

The 2022 vintage was expertly crafted, fermented in a masterful combination of stainless steel, concrete, and oak, followed by 16 months of aging in premium French oak barrels. The result is a captivating symphony of vibrant red fruit, exotic spice, and velvety tannins that glide effortlessly across the palate. Elegant and layered, this stunning wine is a must-try for every Pinot Noir lover—a true celebration of Kosta Browne’s artistry.

Kosta Browne
Pinot Noir 2022
Sta. Rita Hills
Retails at: $115

Your Price: $99.99

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“This Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Kosta Browne is a truly captivating wine. The nose opens with alluring aromas of strawberry preserves, delicate spring blossoms, and a touch of earthy wet stones with hints of subtle pie spices. On the palate, the wine unfolds with vibrant flavors of wild strawberries and briary boysenberries, complemented by a refreshing note of black tea. The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and supple, with ripe fruit tannins providing elegant structure and a touch of grip. The finish is long and graceful, leaving a lasting impression of pure elegance and refined fruit expression. This wine exemplifies the exceptional quality and terroir-driven character that Kosta Browne is renowned for. It is a wine that will undoubtedly reward careful cellaring and provide many years of enjoyment.”

95 Points

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

Aniello

‘006’ Malbec 2022
Patagonia, Argentina

2022 Aniello 006 Malbec Patagonia Argentina

Bodega Aniello’s 006 Malbec is a vibrant expression of Patagonia’s unique terroir, a captivating interplay of perfectly ripened fruit, silky textures, and intriguing savory notes. This stunning Malbec, a remarkable value at $20, showcases the rising brilliance of Río Negro, where elegance and wild beauty converge in every sip.

The winery’s story is as rich as its wines. Founded in 1927 by an Italian family with a centuries-old winemaking heritage, Bodega Aniello embodies a harmonious blend of Old World craftsmanship and the untamed potential of Patagonia. Nestled amidst pristine, alluvial soils of sand, silt, and gravel in the celebrated Río Negro region, the estate is perfectly positioned to capture the magic of this emerging wine region.

Grown in the winery’s Manique vineyards in the Upper Río Negro Valley, where Malbec thrives in the cool climate, the 2022 006 Malbec is crafted with meticulous care. Fermented in small concrete tanks and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, the wine achieves a harmonious balance of vibrant freshness and subtle complexity. Enjoy its delightful approachability now, or savor the promise of added depth with careful cellaring.

Aniello
‘006’ Malbec 2022
Patagonia, Argentina

Your Price: $19.99

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“The 2022 Malbec 006, from Mainqué, Patagonia, underwent aging in 30% American oak. Purple in color, it boasts aromas of plum and herb-tinged cherry. Rich and taut, with reactive tannins, the 2022 delivers a lasting, ripe-fruited finish-the embodiment of a sun-kissed Malbec.”

90 Points

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

2022 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

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

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

Steps

Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

2022 Steps Barrel Select Reserve Napa Valley

The 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select embodies the exceptional artistry of Grant Long, Jr., a renowned winemaker celebrated for his work at Aonair, Reverie II, and James Joseph. Grant possesses a unique talent for crafting both approachable and elegant wines, transforming each barrel into a harmonious expression of texture, balance, and enduring appeal.

Sourced from premier vineyards across Napa Valley – Saint Helena, Oak Knoll, Atlas Peak, and Calistoga – the 2022 Steps Reserve showcases a captivating interplay of lush valley floor fruit and structured mountain grapes. This meticulously crafted blend, centered around Cabernet Sauvignon and interwoven with Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, exemplifies Grant’s ability to translate Napa Valley’s diverse terroir into a genuinely captivating wine.

After 18 months of careful aging in French oak, the 2022 Steps Reserve Barrel Select unfolds with layers of rich, penetrating flavors. Polished yet vibrant, this wine promises a journey of evolution, maturing gracefully into a paragon of sophistication over time.

Steps
Barrel Select Reserve
Napa Valley 2022

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“The Steps 2022 Reserve Barrel Select opens with supple fruit aromas of plums and black currants, accompanied by notes of sweet spices, chocolate fudge, graphite, new leather, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is penetrating and concentrated with flavors of blackberries, black plums, allspice, gingerbread, vanilla extract, and toasted hazelnuts. The wine has a sultry structure with silky tannins that glide into a long, smooth finish like a sunset slowly fading into twilight.”

95 Points

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

2022 Hero Proprietary Red California

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

Your Price: $29.99

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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

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

EnRoute

Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley

2022 EnRoute Pinot Noir Les Pommies Russian River Valley

Crafted with the artistry and precision synonymous with the Far Niente family of wines, the 2022 EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir weaves a tale of place, passion, and expertise. Conceived to showcase the unique character of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, this wine embodies the elegance of the Russian River Valley, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Far Niente Wine Estates.

Each vintage embarks on a journey, beginning with EnRoute’s Estate vineyards and extending through partnerships with growers who share their unwavering commitment to quality. These collaborations yield a Pinot Noir as layered and complex as the vineyards themselves. The 2022 vintage, sourced from three coveted Russian River Valley sites, thrived under near-perfect growing conditions.

Aged in French oak, the wine unfolds with a seamless harmony of bright cherry and raspberry fruit, nuanced spice, and lively acidity. The result is a graceful, polished finish that lingers invitingly, beckoning the next sip and celebrating the remarkable terroir of this iconic region.

EnRoute
Pinot Noir 2022
Les Pommiers
Russian River Valley
Retails at: $60

Your Price: $48

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“Vibrant ruby in color, this wine erupts from the glass with aromas of sweet cinnamon, cola and cherry. There is a charming delicacy here, with flavors of dried rose petal, cherry and berry pie filling on a midweight palate. A captivating dance between the snappy tannin structure and the lively acidity of this wine lead to a very pleasurable finish.”

93 Points