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The 2017 Arise offers a rich attack with sweet, plush tannins and notes of cherry, plum, and smoked duck in a long finish of coffee, plum, and blueberry. An ideal 2016 harvest season resulted in rich fruit of uncompromised character. The 2016 Arise is Blackbird at its core of supple winemaking. Blend: 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. RP 92 pts, WW 92 pts, WS 90 pts -
The Garnacha from these two spectacular plots is hand harvested and rigorously sorted at the winery. The wine spent the first 18 months of ageing in 40% new, 60% used puncheons and demi-muids. The next 10 months were spent in completely neutral 600L demi-muids. The profile of the wine is extremely elegant and focused on the linear, pure expression of the Garnacha from Calatayud. JD 94 pts, JS 90 pts. -
We started to pick the grapes, manually, in early October, in small 20 kg/44 lb boxes. The first selection was carried out at the vineyard, and we collected only the best bunches, perfectly ripe and in top condition. At the winery, a second selection was carried out at the sorting table, removing those clusters found to be less suitable. After gentle destemming and crushing, the grapes were placed in tanks where they underwent alcoholic fermentation at a temperature below 28°C/82°F. After 18 days of fermentation and maceration, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels, with weekly bâttonages for two months. It was aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels (70%) and the rest in French oak barrels with two wines. JS 92 -
Plenty of blueberry and blackberry character with hints of spices. Medium body. Fresh finish. Hints of chocolate add to the complexity. JS 91 -
The 2017 Chardonnay Arthur was aged 10 months in about 15% new oak and has pure aromas of golden apples, quince, toast, honey, almonds and notions of elderflower, hay and chamomile. The light to medium-bodied palate is silky and delicate with mouthwatering acidity and a long, lively finish. 100% Chardonnay. RP 92 pts, WS 91 pts. -
Coming mostly from Sonoma, the 2017 Zinfandel Old Vine is medium ruby in color and opens with fantastic aromas of mixed berry preserves with spiced peaches and cranberry, potpourri, dried hollyhock, rooibos tea and oodles of exotic spices. Medium-bodied, it offers intense tricolored flavor layers with grainy tannins and juicy freshness, finishing long on a peachy note. A perfumed, restrained and delicious style. Blend: 86% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Sirah, 5%Carignan, 4% Field Blend Reds. WS 93 pts, WW 92 pts, RP 91 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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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 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. -
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. -
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.