Wines Rated 90 pts or More

  • The Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a representation of many of the single vineyard Pinot Noir sites in one bottle. Ripe rainier cherry, red plum and blackberry are nestled between notes of rose petal, cedar and turned earth. The wine is vibrant and lively on the palate with a generous finish. 100% Pinot Noir. WE 91 pts,
  • This fresh and vibrant Chenin Blanc shows highly expressive aromatics of citrus blossom, passion fruit, pink grapefruit, and peach with flavors of yellow apple and pear on a crisp dry finish. 100% Chenin Blanc. JS 93 pts, W&S 90 pts, WE 90 pts.
  • Named after an old estate located in the heart of Domaine Lafage, Mas Miraflors, the Miraflors Rosé is sourced from old vines of Grenache Gris and Noir, some nearing 80 years old, planted near the Mediterranean. Added to this is some Mourvedre that Jean-Marc planted here about 15 years ago. This a direct press rosé with the color coming from the skins of the pink Grenache Gris berries, and naturally, from the much darker Mourvedre and Grenache Noir. It is aged in tank for 4 months before bottling. Decanter 91 pts.
  • Pure elegance in a glass. Aromas of black cherries, pomegranate, dried cranberries and a hint of graphite channel classic Bordeaux. Its lovely, silky texture coats the palate with layers of black cherries and a touch of cedar from French oak’s fine tannins. From beginning to end, the balance carries all the way through. Enjoy now after decanting for 60 minutes or cellar through 2029-2034. Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec. WW 94, WE 92
  • Pure berry and cassis aromas are concentrated and show no holes. This Uco Valley Malbec feels pure, direct and linear, albeit with slightly scratchy tannins that should dissipate in due time. Blackberry and dry spice flavors finish full and grabby, with muscularity. Drink through 2028. We 94 pts, JS 93 pts, TA 93 pts, WS 91 pts.
  • A deep and rich ruby color, the 2017 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir impresses from the moment it’s poured. Notes of Bing cherry, violets, and blackberry crisp shine within this purity, and aromas of orange blossom and cedar add enticing complexity. The ample rainfall of the 2017 season energized the vines at Garys’ Vineyard, resulting in a wine of incredible concentration and freshness from the start. Bright, juicy flavors of black cherry, plum, and baking spice add impressive volume on the palate, while soft, supple tannin gives the wine a well-rounded structure. Lively acidity swirls amongst the fruit flavors, adding brightness that bursts from start to finish while hinting at a graceful, long life in bottle. 100% Pinot Noir. WE 97 pts, RP 95 pts, JD 94 pts, WS 92 pts.
  • Classically chic, Lucy is a sophisticated rosé that you can take just about anywhere. Easy on the wallet, ripe with pinot noir character, and refreshingly versatile, this irresistible rosé is a perennial favorite amongst wine critics and backyard BBQ enthusiasts alike. 100% Pinot Noir. V 92 pts, RP 90 pts.
  • Fresh, bright aromas and the taste of white peach, this wine has a vibrant acidity balanced by the lush flavors of fully ripe fruit. 100% Chardonnay. WW 90pts
  • The aroma of this wine is compelling, virtually reaching out and grabbing our attention. Yellow peach, melon, guava and crisp Fuji apple are accented with hints of tropical mango and pineapple. Lime, Minneola tangelo and orange blossom lend citrus notes. Accents of dry summer grass, vanilla-toned panna cotta and toasted crème brûlée create complexity. An underlying minerality adds further sophistication.The rich palate coats the tongue balanced with hints of yummy Creamsicle and Ruby Red grapefruit. Refreshing acidity and a mouthwatering finish cap the sensual experience of this exceptional Sauvignon Blanc. Ws 93 pts, RP 92 pts.
  • The Spur 2017 is crafted from blending the classic Bordeaux varietals with Petite Sirah, which offers a distinctively California expression. Each varietal is farmed, harvested, and handcrafted individually to achieve their greatest expression prior to assembling the final blend. The 2017 vintage provides an aromatic profile of spiced cranberry, blueberry and clove with complementary notes of graham cracker and ripe blackberry. The dark fruit aromas carry through to the palate which is framed by fine tannins, and a rich, lasting, and elegant mouthfeel. Enjoy through 2025. Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petite Sirah, 13% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot. WE 90 pts.
  • Owned and managed by the Harris family, Paradigm winery produced its first vintage in 1991 in Oakville with winemaker Heidi Barrett. Dark Cabernet color with beautiful aromas of black cherry, cassis, plums, 5-spice, vanilla. Big, ripe and mouthcoating across the palate. The flavors are similar to the aromas with ripe fruit, berry/cherry pie, moderate tannins, and nice length. This wine shows enough structure to be age-worthy yet soft and balanced enough to enjoy upon release. Flavors linger in this tasty dense wine. Tastes like Oakville. 2016 was rated 96 points.
  • The 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast comes from multiple sites on the Sonoma Coast and saw a touch of stems and 9 months on lees in 11% new French oak. Its ruby hue gives way to a pretty, strawberry, spice, and brambly, forest floor-laced Pinot Noir that has good acidity, plenty of sweet fruit, no hard edges, and a clean finish. It's well worth seeking out. JS 92pts, RP 91pts, WS 90pts, JD 90pts
  • The Pessimist cuvée by the Daou Brothers is always a good value for those who love opulent fruit, and the 2018 offers loads of sweet blue fruits, white chocolate, violets, and toasted spice aromas and flavors. Based on 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, and 17% Syrah, it’s full-bodied, decadent, and rich while staying light on its feet. 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein.  JD 92pts
  • Pale straw in color with green hues. Intense aromas reminiscent of fine dried herbs, white flowers, lemons and limes. Shows great length and depth on the palate with grapefruit and limes, fresh rosemary, white pepper and a hint of tropical fruit. The wine finishes with a soft natural acidity which balances the flavor intensity and a minerality that will reward medium to long-term cellaring. 100% Riesling. JS 94 pts, WE 92 pts, WW 92 pts.
  • Deep ruby in color, this wine boasts aromas of raspberry and blueberry perfumed with floral notes and touches of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate, cherry and raspberry fruit comes forward with layers of cassis, blueberry, vanilla cream, spice, and a sweet note. The texture is smooth and silky with well-integrated tannins and good acidic weight. The wine finishes long and polished. Expressive and elegant, this exceptionally food-friendly wine will pair delightfully with a variety of dishes, from grilled T-bone steaks with chimichurri sauce, to miso-marinated sea bass or grilled salmon. For a perfect cheese pairing, Fiscalini Bandage Wrapped Cheddar, patterned after traditional English Cheddar, has the fullness, complexity, and ambition to match this wine.JD 91 pts, D 91 pts.
  • Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouqet bursting with notes of flowers (hawthorn and jasmine) and yellow fresh fruits (drupe, peach and apricots). On the palate, it is medium-bodied and flavorsome, full of fruit, with clear mineral notes. 100% Gargenega. JS 90 pts.
  • Pale yellow with a green tinge to the hue. Aromas of yellow peach, mango with a slight citrus note intertwine seamlessly with vanilla and spice. The palate is rich and round, with the mango and vanilla fighting for the lime light, while the cream texture, vanilla and slight butter combine seamlessly. The balanced acidity closes out the finish bringing the multiple components into balance. 100% Chardonnay. WW 90pts
  • Aromas of fresh, ripe blueberries, ripe plum, and black currant intertwine with notes of cedar, vanilla, and pie crust. This medium-bodied wine is plush with flavors of plums, blueberries, and figs up front, leading to juicy red fruit on the mid-palate. Delicious now, its depth and structure provide long cellaring potential. 100% Merlot. JS 90pts, WS 90pts, WW 90 pts.
  • With a bouquet of cedar, spice, and sun-ripened blackberries, our Sonoma Zinfandel makes a strong first impression. Bold and richly textured on the palate with an intensity and purity of fruit reflected in notes of wild blueberries, plum, and black currants. A light dusting of tannins provides structure and a long finish that is boueyed by fresh juicy acidity. 100% Zinfandel. WE 90pts. WS 90pts, WW 90pts.
  • Maroon in color with a garnet hue, this wine has an enticing nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. It’s mouthwatering with a juicy entry and has a fruity mid-palate of currant with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar character from American oak barrels. Structured tannins provide an elegant character with a long and expressive finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2041. 95.3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.7% Merlot, 0.4% Petit Verdot, 0.3% Malbec and 0.3% Cabernet Franc. WW 92 pts., D 92 pts.
  • Maroon in color with a garnet hue, this wine has an enticing nose of maraschino cherries, blackberry bramble and brisket with notes of clove and star anise. It’s mouthwatering with a juicy entry and has a fruity mid-palate of currant with toasted vanilla and roasted brown sugar character from American oak barrels. Structured tannins provide an elegant character with a long and expressive finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2041. WW 92 pts, D 92 pts.
  • Wild and brambly with a wealth of mixed berries and dark chocolate. The palate has chalky tannins that are compressed and set like plaster. Chocolate and dark berries to finish. Drink or hold."  JS 91 pts, JD 91 pts.
  • The NV Brut La Française is based on 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier, all fermented in stainless steel and blended with 30% of reserve wines. It is a pure, fresh and well-structured Brut that seems more elegant, complex and round than the Brut Réserve. The persistent finish is clear, fresh and well structured, with refreshing lemon flavors and a nice grip. My sample was said to be bottled in 2014 and disgorged in March 2017 with nine grams of dosage. There is good length and tension here as well as sweet cherry aromas in the aftertaste. WW 93 pts, RP 91 pts, WS 90 pts.
  • Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Rhone Blend. JS 98 pts, JD 97 pts, RP 96 pts, D 93 pts.
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