2022 Tasting Notes

2019 Hanzell Estate Chardonnay

Score: 94 Points

Location: Sonoma, California

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Wafting from my glass was an enticing bouquet of ripe apples, Asian pears, lemon zest, jasmine flowers, brine, salted caramel, limestone, and soft hints of butter. The wine was medium + in body with a plush palate showing hints of apple, apricots, crushed minerals, brine, citrus oil, and brioche, with honeysuckle and orange blossom on the finish. The wine is refined with complex and savory layers of orchard fruits and crushed minerals that are elegantly balanced with a beautiful level of acidity. The wine is approachable right now but should evolve nicely for 8 to 10 years, for those who appreciate aged chardonnay. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2019 Hanzell Estate Pinot Noir

Score: 95 Points

Location: Sonoma, California

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

The wine had a lovely bouquet of cranberries, raspberries, black cherries, cigar box, soft baking spices, dried herbs, earth, and hints of orange blossoms. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to a plush palate of raspberries, pomegranate, strawberry compote, blood orange, black tea, and wet forest floor, with a touch of sour cherry and earth on the finish. The wine was complex with beautiful layering of fruit and earth. There is a nice level of acidity that brings brightness to the savory berry fruits. This wine is approachable now but should evolve nicely over the next 10 to 12 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2017 Davis Estates Private Reserve “Zephyr”

Score: 96 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot

The wine had a robust bouquet of cherries, blackberries, cassis fruit, sage, spice, bell pepper, earth, iron, chocolate, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of red and black berry fruit, soft herbs, spice, chocolate, dusty earth, truffle, and toasted oak. The wine is complex with rich layers of fruit and earth that harmonize perfectly together. The wine is approachable now but should cellar nicely for 10 to 18 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2018 Davis Estates Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 95 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot

The wine had a seductive bouquet of cherries, raspberry compote, powdered sugar, vanilla, anise seeds, sage, chocolate, tilled earth, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with gripping yet rounded tannins that painted the palate with hints of cherry cola, red currants, salted chocolate, sage, exotic spice, iron, and dusty earth. The wine is complex with rich bold layers of fruit and earth that are subdued by a nice level of acidity, bringing balance and elegance. The wine is approachable now but should cellar nicely for 10 to 15 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2017 Davis Estates Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 96 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wafting from my glass was an inviting bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, black cherries, sage, clove, chocolate, vanilla, earth, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of blackberries, cassis fruit, cherries, sage, chocolate, vanilla, brine, tobacco, and toasted oak. The wine was complex with lavish layers of fruit and earth that were balanced with a nice level of acidity. There is a bold backbone to this wine, yet it also shows restraint, sophistication, and elegance. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2019 Quintessa

Score: 98 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenere, 1% Petit Verdot

This wine had a magnificent bouquet of violets, blackberries, black cherries, boysenberries, cassis fruit, chocolate, sage, soft baking spices, graphite, cigar box, vanilla, and toasted oak. The wine was medium to full-bodied with plush tannins that laid on the palate giving way to hints of blackberries, cassis fruit, black cherries, crushed chalky minerals, graphite, herbs, spice, and toasted oak. The wine is complex with lavish layers of fruit and earth that were subdued with a nice level of acidity, bringing balance and harmony. This is a sexy seductive wine that is elegantly bold and beautiful. This wine should cellar nicely over the next two decades. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2014 Quintessa

Score: 95 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere

The wine had an elegant bouquet of red cherries, currants, black raspberries, cigar box, black tea, sweet caramel, chalky earth, and toasted oak. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of boysenberries, cassis fruit, cherries, soft herbs, spice, black tea, dusty earth, vanilla, and a kiss of toasted oak. There was a nice level of acidity that brought harmony to complex layers of fruit and earth. The wine was elegant, sophisticated, and graceful without diminishing its power and bold structure. This wine is approachable now but should continue to cellar nicely over the next 10 to 15 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2019 Ehlers Portrait

Score: 94 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 51.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.1% Cabernet Franc, 25.8% Merlot, 6.4% Petit Verdot

The wine had a lovely bouquet of blackberries, cherries, cassis fruit, violets, soft herbs, spice, molasses, chocolate, savory earth, tar, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of red and black fruits, black tea, tar, charcoal, iron, dusty earth, and a kiss of sweet cedar. The wine was complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth. This wine should evolve nicely for those with the patience to cellar it for 15 to 18 years; however, it is quite approachable now. Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: March 2022

2018 Ehlers Cabernet Franc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Franc

The wine had a rich bouquet of cherries, blackberries, currants, bell pepper, licorice, herbs, spice, tar, tilled earth, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of blackberries, cherries, raspberries, minerals, black tea, asphalt, coffee, herbs, and dusty earth. The wine was complex with supple layers of fruit and earth plush on the palate. This wine has a beautiful texture with a juicy finish that is also savory with hints of terroir. Drink it now or over the next 15 years.  Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2019 Ehlers 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 96 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine had a magnificent bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, cherries, molasses, salted caramel, sage, black tea, cigar box, earth, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins and a perfect level of acidity that brought balance to a palate enriched with hints of cherries, blackberries, boysenberries, baking chocolate, sage, star anise, tobacco, dusty earth, and toasted oak. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that play perfectly together. The wine displays power and a bold backbone without giving up sophistication and elegance. The wine is approachable now and should continue evolving nicely over the next two decades. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2016 Ghost Block Estate Wines / BW9 Sémillon

Score: 93 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 79% Sémillon, 21% Sauvignon Blanc

Underneath the Ghost Block umbrella, you can find Bonded Winery No. 9 (BW9) established in 1877 in Oakville, California. This is the only single-digit bonded winery still operating in California today. The wine had a lovely bouquet of white flowers, poached pears, apples, white peaches, grapefruit, lemongrass, beeswax, and soft minerals. The wine had a beautiful level of acidity that harmonized on the palate painting it with hints of white peach, pears, crisp lime, lemongrass, hay, wet minerals, and a nice lemon note on the finish. The wine is beautifully balanced and is showing outstandingly right now. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2018 Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello

Score: 98 Points

Location: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Blend: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc

This beautiful monster of a wine had a lovely bouquet of blackberries, blackcurrants, boysenberry, violets, molasses, tobacco, cedar, chocolate, dill, mustard seeds, vanilla, and wet earth. The wine was full-bodied with tannins that gripped the palate and gave way to hints of blackberries, boysenberries, blueberries, cassis fruit, candied cherries, chocolate, soft herbs, white pepper, bell pepper, graphite, earth, and a slight hint of a eucalyptus tree. The wine was complex with lush layers of fruit and earth that polished the palate and left a boldly elegant and sophisticated mouthfeel. The wine was harmoniously balanced but is not ready to drink yet; thus, give this wine another 8 to 15 years before approaching. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2016 St. Francis Artisan Collection Moon Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 92 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine had a lovely bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, black currants, sage, olive paste, chocolate, coffee, brine, vanilla, toasted oak, and dried earth. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to a palate with hints of black cherries, blackberries, cassis fruit, black tea, sage, exotic spices, mocha, vanilla, and dusty earth. The wine was complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that played nicely together. The wine is approachable now but should evolve nicely over the next 8 to 15 years. Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: March 2022

2019 Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Carneros Chardonnay

Score: 94 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

The wine had a fresh bouquet of white flowers, baked apples, white peaches, melon, popcorn, lemon, pie crust, flint, and a soft hint of butter. The wine had a lovely level of acidity that brought harmony to a luxurious palate of white peaches, apples, brined lemons, gram crackers, wet river rocks, matchstick, and other minerals. The wine had a nice complex layering of fruit and earth with a medium-body mouth feel. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022 

2017 Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 95 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wafting from my glass was a plush bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, violets, vanilla, sage, soft spice, bell pepper, asphalt, and tobacco notes. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of blackberries, black cherries, baking chocolate, molasses, black tea, sage, wet earth, tar, and toasted oak. The wine was complex with rich layers of fruit and earth balanced with an excellent level of acidity. There is a beauty to this wine that is sophisticated with a bold backbone. The wine is approachable now and should drink well over the next 15 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2017 Arrowood Vineyards & Winery Vales Edge Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 92 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, blueberries, vanilla, bell pepper, black tea, and leafy tobacco. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that painted the palate with hints of blackberries, cherries, cassis fruit, soft herbs, soft spice, and dusty earth. The wine had a lovely level of acidity that brought balance to complex layers of fruit and earth. The wine is approachable now and should drink nicely for another 10 years. Recommended!

Tasted: March 2022

2018 Bougetz Cellars “Jovana” 65% Merlot 35% Cabernet Franc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc

This wine had a bouquet of cherries, currants, sage, bell pepper, iron, salted caramel, and a kiss of sweet toasted oak. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of ripe red cherries, red currants, cherry stems, sage, caramel, iron, and dusty earth. The wine was balanced with a nice level of acidity that brought harmony to beautiful layers of fruit and earth. This wine is approachable now but should continue developing nicely over the next 8 to 12 years. Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2018 Bougetz Cellars “Amaryllis” Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 92 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

This wine had a lovely bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, coffee, caramel, sage, tobacco, earth, and a soft note of jalapeno pepper. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of blackberries, black currants, cherries, roasted coffee, leafy tobacco, soft herbs, dusty earth, and toasted oak. The wine was sophisticatedly complex with savory layers of fruit and earth that harmonized beautifully together. This wine should evolve nicely over the next 8 to 14 years and is a great price for the quality. Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2017 Bougetz Cellars “Ardante” Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 94 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot

This wine had a flamboyant bouquet of blackberries, boysenberries, cassis fruit, chocolate, molasses, salted caramel, black tea, sage, and sweet toasted oak. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of blackberries, boysenberries, salted caramel, baking spices, tar, black tea, soft herbs, and toasted oak. This wine had a lovely level of acidity that brought balance to elegantly complex layers of ripe fruits and savory earth notes. This wine is approachable now but will reward those with the patience to cellar it. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2018 Bougetz Cellars “Prominence” Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 96 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

Wafting from my glass was a seductive bouquet of black cherries, cassis fruit, blackberries, salted caramel, chocolate, black tea, sage, dusty earth, iron, and sweet toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with gripping tannins that coated the palate like a luxurious tapestry of blackberries, black currants, cherries, black tea, iron, soft herbs, baking spices, tar, chocolate, tilled earth, and toasted oak. There is a brilliance to this wine with integrated acidity that brings balance to the sexy complex layers of fruit and earth. The wine had savory terroir notes that played perfectly with the juicy array of dark berry fruits. This wine needs about 5 years in the cellar and should drink beautifully after that for the next 12 to 18 years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2019 Cakebread Cellars Family Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay

Score: 94 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of white peaches, baked apples, citrus oil, iodine, soft baking spice, wet minerals, and a hint of pie crust. The wine was medium to full-bodied with a nice level of acidity that brought balance to a palate painted with hints of green apple, white peach, pears, creamy citrus oil, baking spices, wet river rocks, crushed minerals, and a spray of tropical fruit notes on the finish. The wine was complex with soft but vibrant layers of fruit and earth. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022 

2019 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 91 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Blend of Cabernet Franc & Petite Sirah

The wine had a bouquet of cherries, blackberries, burnt sugar, salted caramel, herbs, soft spice, black tea, chocolate, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, black tea, caramel, chocolate, herbs, soft spice, brine, and dusty earth. The wine was balanced with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that were subdued with a nice level of acidity. This wine is showing nicely right now and should show well over the next 10 years. Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2021 Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Picpoul Blanc

Wafting from my glass was an elegant bouquet of fresh cut apples, pears, lemon curd, crushed seashells, wet river rocks, and a touch of lemon grass. The wine had nice acidity with a crisp palate giving way to hints of green apple, pears, melon, citrus oil, lemon grass, crushed minerals, and a soft note of dill on the finish with a splash of lemon. The wine is beautifully balanced with fresh orchard fruits and crisp minerals that seamlessly intertwine together. 

Tasted: April 2022

2021 Acquiesce Grenache Rose

Score: 92 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Noir

This light salmon color wine had a lovely bouquet of strawberries, melon, raspberries, Jolly Roger candy, and dried hay bale. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance to a palate painted with strawberries, watermelon, cherry, lemon zest, and crushed gravel. The wine was refreshingly crisp with a beautiful layering of fruits and bright terroir notes. This wine is reminiscence of a French Provence rose wine; thus, an elegant and sophisticated style. 

Tasted: April 2022

2020 Acquiesce Grenache Blanc

Score: 93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Grenache Blanc

The wine had an expressive bouquet of cut apples, white peach, cut almonds, wet river rocks, chalky minerals, and a note of marzipan. The wine is full bodied with a nice level of acidity, giving way to hints of green apple, white peach, wet slate, chalky minerals, and a finish with softly brined apricots. This vivacious wine had lovely layers of fruit that harmoniously blended with the wonderful terroir notes. 

Tasted: April 2022 

2020 Acquiesce Clairette Blanche

Score: 93 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Clairette Blanche

This rare beauty had an eloquent bouquet of poached pears, apricots, white tea, ginger cookie, marzipan, dried herbs, grapefruit, and soft hints of yellow beeswax. The wine is full-bodied with bright acidity that gives way to a palate painted with mixed orchard fruits, crisp minerals, light spice, fresh herbs, and a touch of white fig on the finish. There is beauty here with a tapestry of fruit, exotic spice, and lovely terroir notes. 

Tasted: April 2022

2020 Acquiesce Ingenue

Score: 94 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% ingenue

The wine had a floral bouquet of white flowers, poached pears, apple pie crust, kiwi, orange blossoms, cut almonds, dried herbs, lemon, and crushed minerals. The wine was medium-bodied with lovely acidity that brightened the palate with hints of fresh apple, honeydew melon, vanilla, soft citrus oil, crushed gravel, and a drop of honey on the finish. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that harmonize wonderfully together.

Tasted: April 2022

2020 Acquiesce Bourboulenc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Lodi, California

Blend: 100% Bourboulenc

This wine had a lovely bouquet of green apples, pears, white peach, lemon grass, chamomile tea, and a splash of brine. The wine had nice acidity that gave way to hints of white peach, sliced apple, lime, beeswax, and white pepper. The wine is refreshing and crisp on the palate with soft notes of spice and orchard fruits. 

Tasted: April 2022

2015 Honig Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Campbell Vineyard

Score: 92 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of blackberries, cherries, concentrated cassis fruit, chocolate, sage, soft spice, and toasted oak. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that coated the palate with hints of blackberries, cassis fruit, dark chocolate, iron, tar, and toasted oak. The wine was balanced with a nice level of acidity that brought harmony to complex layers of fruit and earth. This wine is approachable now and should continue evolving nicely for those wanting to cellar it. Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2019 Ladera Pillow Road Vineyard Chardonnay 

Score: 93 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

The Pillow Road Vineyard can be found in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. The wine had a lovely bouquet of baked apples, white peach, pineapple, citrus, burnt popcorn, crisp minerals, iodine, and orange blossoms. The wine had a nice level of acidity giving balance to a plush palate of apples, pears, lemon zest, wet river rocks, citrus oil, beeswax, flint, and chalky minerals. The wine is complex with beautiful layers of orchard fruits and minerals that harmonize perfectly. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2016 Ladera Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 96 Points

Location: Napa Valley, California

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine had a vibrant bouquet of blackberries, cassis fruit, black cherries, sage, powdered sugar, molasses, chocolate, wet red clay, black tea, dusty earth, and toasted oak. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to a palate painted with hints of black cherries, blackberries, cassis fruit, mint chocolate, black tea, savory herbs, soft spice, dusty earth, molasses, and sweet toasted oak. The wine was complex with layers of ripe dark berry fruits and savory terroir notes. There was a rich decadent backbone that was balanced with a nice level of acidity bringing harmony and elegance to the wine. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: April 2022

2018 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Score: 92 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

The wine had a fresh bouquet of cranberries, black raspberries, red cherries, black tea, dried forest leaves, allspice, and a kiss of orange blossoms. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of red cherries, black raspberries, damp forest floor, wet leaves, cinnamon, herbal tea, citrus, and a touch of oak. The wine is complex with layers of fruit and savory terroir notes that are balanced with a nice level of acidity. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: May 2022

2019 Williams Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

Score: 94 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, cherries, black tea, baking chocolate, campfire smoke, tilled earth, and a kiss of sweet oak. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of bright cherries, black raspberries, cranberries, black tea, crushed gravel, wet morning forest floor, soft spice, and sweet oak. The wine was complex with lovely layers of black and red berry fruits harmonizing with savory terroir notes. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought balance and a sophisticated elegance. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: May 2022

2019 Williams Selyem Luella’s Garden Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir

Score: 95 Points

Location: Sonoma County, California

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

Wafting from my glass was an alluring bouquet of black raspberries, boysenberries, cherries, strawberry compote, violets, morning forest floor, glove leather, brine, allspice, and a kiss of orange blossom. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate and painted it with hints of ripe black raspberries, strawberries, cherries, thyme, burnt vanilla, olive paste, brine, exotic spices, citrus, forest floor, and sweet oak. The wine was complex with layers of juicy black and red berry fruits blending seamlessly with savory tilled earth and other terroir notes. The wine is brilliantly balanced with an excellent level of acidity that adds sophistication and poise. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: May 2022

2019 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Passetoutgrain

Score: 91 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 50% Gamay, 50% Pinot Noir

The wine had an intriguing bouquet of cherries, boysenberries, black raspberries, forest leaves, brioche, chocolate, and a touch of wet clay. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that gave way to hints of blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, baking spices, dried leaves, forest floor, and tilled earth. The wine was nicely layered with bright fruits and savory earth that were balanced with a lovely level of acidity. Recommended! 

Tasted: September 2022

2017 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Pinot Noir

Score: 96 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

The wine had a bright bouquet of violets, raspberries, pomegranates, green tobacco leaves, pencil shavings, and a kiss of caramel. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of crushed cranberries, raspberries, plum, dried leaves, graphite, baking spices, white pepper, tilled earth, brine, citrus, sweet roasted almonds, and a touch of oak. The wine was complex with flamboyant layers of fruit and earth that were balanced with a beautiful level of acidity. The wine was sexy yet elegant and sophisticated with polished layers that harmonized perfectly together. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: September 2022

2017 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Anden Pinot Noir

Score: 94 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

The wine had a bouquet of cranberries, raspberries, dried bay leaves, forest tree bark, white pepper, forest floor, and a kiss of rose petals. The wine was medium-bodied with rounded tannins that painted the palate with hints of raspberries, cranberries, cherry pie crust, bay leaves, wet forest floor, crushed chalky minerals, and sweet oak. The wine was complex with layers of fruit and earth that were balanced with a nice level of acidity. There was a beautiful savory component to this wine that integrated perfectly with the fresh berry fruits.  Highly Recommended!

Tasted: September 2022

2021 Evening Land "Seven Springs Vineyard" Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay

Score: 93 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

The wine had a crisp floral bouquet of white flowers, white peach apricots, apples, gingerbread cookies, crushed limestone, and fresh lemons. The wine had a lovely level of acidity bringing balance to a creamy palate of orchard fruits, pie crust, crushed minerals, lemons, and hazelnuts. The wine was poised with elegance, and beautifully layered with fruit and earth that harmonized perfectly together. This wine always punches above its weight class for the price. Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: September 2022

2017 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay

Score: 96 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

Wafting from my glass was an alluring bouquet of white flowers, white peaches, green apples, shaved almonds, lemon curd, beeswax, rocky minerals, and a touch of ocean brine. The wine had a nice weight to it without losing its elegance, and a level of acidity that brings balance to a luxurious palate. The wine paints the palate with hints of green apples, white peaches, pears, hazelnuts, crushed seashells, creamy lemons, and wet minerals. The wine was complex with beautiful layers of fruit and earth that harmonized perfectly together. The wine is approachable now but should continue evolving nicely for those who want to cellar it for a few years. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: September 2022

2017 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Summum Chardonnay

Score: 97 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Chardonnay

The wine had a magnificent bouquet of ripe apples, pears, white peaches, flint, gunpowder, chalky minerals, brine, beeswax, lemons, and a touch of pineapple. The wine had a beautiful level of acidity that gave balance to a palate painted with hints of apples, pears, pineapple, lemons, cut almonds, crushed seashells, chalky minerals, and a kiss of honeysuckle. The wine was complex with layers of fruit and earth that harmonized perfectly and was medium to full-bodied on the palate. The wine is approachable now but should continue developing nicely for another decade. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: September 2022

2019 Patricia Green Cellars 20th Anniversary Cuvee Pinot Noir

Score: 96 Points

Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir

This wine had a brilliant bouquet of black raspberries, strawberries, rhubarb pie, orange blossoms, lavender, savory spices, crushed minerals, forest floor, and tilled earth. The wine was medium to full-bodied with a luxurious palate painted with hints of raspberries, cranberries, pomegranates, candied cherries, exotic spices, dusty earth, dried forest leaves, tobacco, black tea, crushed minerals, and a kiss of orange peel on the finish. The wine was powerful yet elegantly balanced with a nice level of acidity that played perfectly with the complex layers of fruit and earth. This wine should evolve beautifully for those with the patience to cellar it. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: September 2022

2021 Château Pégau Cuvée Lône Blanc

Score: 91 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 40% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc, 20% Grenache Blanc, 10% Ugni Blanc

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of white flowers, beeswax, nectarines, apples, pears, brine, and a touch of citrus. The wine had an excellent level of acidity that have balance to a palate painted with hints of nectarines, pears, dried herbs, cut almonds, crisp minerals, and bright citrus notes. This is a crazy good wine for the price, as it punches way above its weight class. Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2021 Domaine Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée Réservée

Score: 94 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 60% Clairette, 20% Grenache blanc, 10% Bourboulenc, 10% Roussanne 

The wine had an enticing bouquet of white flowers, orange blossoms, apricots, peaches, honeysuckle, dried herbs, brioche, brine, and crushed minerals. The wine was elegantly balanced with a perfectly integrated level of acidity that gave harmony to a palate painted with hints of orchard fruits, dried honey, crushed minerals, brine, orange peel, and lemon. The wine was medium-bodied with beautiful depth and sophistication, as the wine was complex with focused layers of fruit and earth. This wine is approachable now but should evolve nicely in the cellar for another six years. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2019 Domaine du Pégau "Cuvée Réservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Score: 96 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 80% Grenache, 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, 10% Other Varieties

Wafting from my glass was a bouquet of violets, blackberries, black cherries, savory spices, roasted coffee, olive paste, soft oak, and a kiss of molasses. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of black cherries, blackberries, plum, coffee, spice, mint, and tilled earth. The wine was complex with rich layers of fruit and earth that were balanced with a nice level of acidity. The wine was decadent yet sophisticated with depth and poise; thus, it should evolve nicely over the next 10 to 12 years for those with the patience to cellar it. Extremely Highly Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2021 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance Blanc

Score: 93 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 35% Roussane, 30% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 15% Bourboulenc

The wine had an expressive bouquet with aromas of white flowers, peaches, almonds, hazelnuts, chalky minerals, and lemon. The wine had a bright acidity that gave balance to a creamy palate painted with hints of peaches, pears, vanilla cream, shaved almonds, chalky minerals, honeysuckle, fresh fennel, and lemon. The wine was complex with dynamic layers of fruit and earth that harmonized beautifully together. Truly a beautiful wine that punches way above its weight class! Highly Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2012 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Prestige

Score: 94 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: Mostly Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and other Varieties

The wine had a mature bouquet of tart raspberries, pomegranates, blackberries, menthol tobacco, cinnamon, earth, and powdered sugar. The wine was medium to full-bodied with smooth rounded tannins that gave way to hints of raspberries, blackberries, black cherries, soft spice, tobacco, tilled earth, and notes of pomegranate on the finish. The wine was beautifully balanced with a lovely level of acidity that gave harmony to complex layers of fruit and earth. The wine was elegant yet displayed a nice backbone that gave depth and focus to the wine. This wine is in its window of maturity and drinking great right now! Highly Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022 

2021 Famille Isabel Ferrando Côtes-du-Rhône “Beatus Ille”

Score: 91 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 90% grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Cinsault

The wine had a bouquet of blackberries, boysenberries, red currants, roasted coffee, vanilla, white pepper, baking chocolate, baking spices, and earth. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate with hints of cherry pie, boysenberries, vanilla, licorice, savory spices, earth, and cocoa powder. The wine displayed a nice richness that was restrained; thus, elegant with a nice level of acidity that brought balance and harmony to the wine. Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2020 Famille Isabel Ferrando Chateauneuf-du-Pape 

Score: 98 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 75% Grenache, 2% Syrah, 11% Mourvèdre and 12% Cinsault

Wafting from my glass was a wonderful bouquet of cherries, blackberries, crushed strawberries, black raspberries, led pencil, chalky minerals, dried herbs, baking spices, and tilled earth. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that painted the palate with hints of cherries, strawberry pie crust, black raspberries, plums, graphite, chalky minerals, sage, soft spice, citrus, and savory dusty earth. The wine was beautifully complex with impressive layers of fruit and earth that blended perfectly together. The wine had a lovely level of acidity that brought balance to a rich luxurious palate. The wine is approachable now but should evolve gracefully for those with the patience to cellar it. Extremely Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: October 2022

2020 Famille Isabel Ferrando "Colombis" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Score: 98 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 100% Grenache

The wine had a sexy bouquet of dark cherries, ripe plums, pomegranates, strawberries, vanilla, graphite, white pepper, chocolate, black tea, dried lavender, exotic spices, licorice, and earth. The wine was full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate and painted it with hints of cherries, plum, juicy pomegranates, crushed gravel, exotic brown spices, black tea, cinnamon, cocoa powder, led pencil, and tilled earth. The wine had a nice level of acidity that brought elegance and sophistication to rich complex layers of fruit and earth. The wine was focused and seamless on the palate with a beautifully long luxurious finish. This wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it for a decade or two; however, if you must enjoy it now give it a long decant. Extremely Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: October 2022

2020 Domaine Du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos Roquete Blanc

Score: 92 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 35% Clairette, 35% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc

The wine had a lovely bouquet of white flowers, pears, pineapple, citrus, beeswax, brine, crushed minerals, and honey. The wine had a bright acidity that gave balance to a palate painted with hints of white peach, pears, pineapple, crushed limestone, citrus oil, and a kiss of honeysuckle on the finish. The wine was beautifully layers with crisp minerals and orchard fruits. Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2020 Domaine Du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape Telegramme

Score: 93 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 4% Cinsault

The wine had an expressive bouquet of raspberries, cherries, plums, chocolate, caramel, dried herbs, roasted coffee, and soft spices. The wine was full-bodied with tannins that gripped the palate with hints of raspberries, plum, baking chocolate, pomegranates, dried herbs, savory brown spices, and tilled earth. The wine was elegant with balanced layers of fruit and earth. Highly Recommended!

Tasted: October 2022

2019 Domaine Du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

Score: 96 Points

Location: Rhône Valley, France

Blend: 65% Grenache Noir, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and Clairette with

others 

The wine had a beautiful bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, redcurrants, chocolate, soft herbs, spice, caramel, orange peel, and tilled earth. The wine was medium to full-bodied with rounded tannins that gripped the palate and gave way to hints of black and red berry fruits, licorice, tobacco, cherry cola, soft spice, dried herbs, tilled earth, and a kiss of orange peel on the finish. The wine was complex with elegantly focused layers of fruit and earth that were balanced with a beautiful level of acidity. This wine will reward those with the patience to cellar it, as this should continue evolving nicely for another 17 years. Extremely Highly Recommended! 

Tasted: October 2022