2010 - Present Wine

Winemaker Description

Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure expression of its region. Concentrated aromas of graphite, boysenberry, dark cherry, a hint of menthols and black olive sit atop clove and brown sugar notes. Rich, round and robust in structure, this wine showcases ripe, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, complemented by chocolate, molasses, tobacco spice and a balanced finish.

This is an estate-level, lighter, dry Chardonnay at a great price. Think of it like a German Petite Chablis.

Notes of tropical fruits and the minerality of limestone with a toasty finish. The wine has a fine texture and fullness that makes the incredible food friendly.

Critic Notes

"Deep, brilliant ruby-red. Finely detailed, mineral- and spice-accented raspberry, cherry and floral scents are complicated by botanical herb and white pepper notes. Appealingly sweet and energetic on the palate, its intense red fruit, lavender and spicecake flavors pick up smokiness on the back half. Silky, well-knit tannins frame a smooth, impressively long finish that leaves behind red berry liqueur and floral notes."
Vinous Media, Josh Raynolds - Barrel Sample: 93-95 points

"Round, ripe, juicy and powerful fruit for a 2021. Driving fruit and texture, with the vintage's signature dry, herbal austerity. Very tannic, so wait, but should take on complexity in time. A single unbroken plot near the village of Gigondas, all destemmed and fermented in concrete, matured in old foudres for 18-24 months. No special cuvées, just a single wine produced from this domaine."
Decanter Magazine - Barrel Sample: 93 points

"The 2021 Gigondas isn't going to match the 2020, but it's nevertheless a beautiful, elegant wine. Sporting a translucent ruby hue as well as notes of kirsch liqueur, dried flowers, and Provençal spice, this medium-bodied Gigondas has wonderful balance, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's going to age gracefully on its balance and purity."
Jeb Dunnuck - Barrel Sample: 91-93 points

"While the sample from foudre two was quite reductive and difficult to assess, the sample of 2021 Gigondas from foudre 10 was pretty much the opposite, rather open, lush and creamy, with inklings of dried herbs and ripe black cherries. The combined score gives the presumed blend the benefit of the doubt."
The Wine Advocate, Joe Czerwiński  - Barrel Sample: 91-93 points

Winemaker Description 

Clean and bright aromas with notes of Empire apple and Asian pear. Flavors of mandarin orange, pear, honeydew melon and cantaloupe are enhanced with a pleasant acidity that lingers on the finish.

94 points Wine Advocate "The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard features lovely cherry fruit, interwoven with strands of dried herbs, hints of black cherries and a touch of vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, round and generous yet focused, showing typical Cabernet restraint and structure, then finishing with gentle, silky tannins and a big, highly enjoyable whack of cassis."

94 points James Suckling "Aromas of crushed blackcurrants and cocoa-dusted black cherries with purple flowers and chocolate undertones. Full body. Broad and opulent with compact, plush and well-integrated tannins. Attractive succulence and finesse with a firm, lingering finish and notes of bitter spices and violets to close."

91 points Jeb Dunnuck "The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay comes from a single vineyard in the Stags Leap District and is based on 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% Cabernet Franc. Beautiful cr me de cassis, spring flowers, violets, and chalky mineral notes emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with beautifully integrated background oak, ripe tannins, and a great finish."

90 points Wine Spectator "Packs a core of boysenberry and plum puree notes, coated with melted licorice and backed by sweet toast on the finish. Offers a fine-grained feel, with a subtle tug of earth at the end. Drink now through 2035."

100 points Wine Enthusiast  "There's something so alluring and enticing about the Fay, named for Nathan Fay, who first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in what is now Stags Leap District back in 1961. It shows old-school dust, clove and graphite, with secondary hints of violet, sage and tree bark."

95 points James Suckling  "Concentrated, with lots of black and purple fruit and crushed violets. Broodingly dark and youthful at this stage, but remains elegant. Fleshy, dense and full-bodied with a mouthful of finely polished tannins that dissipate into the black fruit. Silky, opulent texture here, with fresh, medium acidity. Try in 2025."

94 points Decanter  "Fragrant violet florals, ripe berry fruit and dusty minerality lift out of the glass along with heady sweet oak spices. Saturated red and black fruit flavors with Chinese five spice, sandalwood and pulverized rocks. Firm, fine-grained tannins glide to a chocolatey finish."

93 points Wine Spectator  "Packed with bramble, blackberry and black currant pâte de fruit notes, this has good energy, while lacings of licorice and mocha fill out the finish. Lots of immediate appeal here, but there's no rush. Drink now through 2035."

92 points Wine Advocate  "The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard offers a perfumed nose marked by delicate purple raspberry notes and a touch more herbal, tea-like nuances than the 2018. It's medium to full-bodied in the mouth but delicate and elegant, with a long, silky finish."

"Laced with ripe cherry, strawberry, floral, spice, iron and leather flavors, this red is complex and charming, yet with serious tannins that ply the structure and lift the long finish. The fine balance should facilitate longevity. Best from 2024 through 2048." Wine Spectator - 97 points

"The Altesino 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 10,000 bottles made) shows a tight and firm delivery with the abundant fruit and the generous richness that is associated with this warm and sunny vintage. The wine is fermented in steel vats and ages in Slavonian oak casks for three years. The tannins are nicely integrated, however the wine's solid structure will carry it forward over the years." The Wine Advocate - 95 points

"While Altesino’s Montosoli bottling is a closeup of a single cru, this Riserva is a panoramic shot of Montalcino. It draws on a selection of bunches from the estate’s vineyards spread throughout the region. It's an attractive and seductive interpretation of 2015 with scents of rose, orange and exotic spice. The palate offers ample depth of macerated cherry and ripe strawberry. Tannins are supple, though build with a chalky texture and carry the weight of plentiful fruit effortlessly. A tangle of tarragon, fennel and mint linger on the finish." Decanter Magazine - 94 points

"Warm with baking spice, the 2015 Brunello Riserva has comforting aromas of cherry pie and purple plum. Full of ripe fruit, the palate gives way to more vinous, savory characteristics of cherry pit, black licorice, and tea leaf. The 2015 was aged for four years in new and used Slavonian oak. This is a contemplative wine in the Altesino lineup which deserves time to show what its potential will hold. Cellar 3-5 years and enjoy 2025-2035." Jeb Dunnuck - 94 points

"A very pretty Brunello now with sweet berry, orange-peel and cedar aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet refined and relatively soft with silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Fine tannins. Drink or hold." James Suckling - 94 points (2015 vintage)

Expert Ratings

93 Robert Parker | Sourced primarily from Oak Knoll, the 2021 Zinfandel Black Chicken delivers briar-laced bramble-berry fruit, plus a decent dose of vanilla (maturation was in 25% new French oak). Full-bodied, it's creamy, ripe and lush, with a slightly herbal tang on the lingering finish. 

93 Points James Suckling | Dark plums, crushed dark berries, cocoa beans, dried orange and moist bark. Medium-bodied, spiced and racy with sleek tannins and vivid acidity. Flavorful and silky.

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Tobacco, cigar, red and black plums, and strawberry notes all emerge from the 2021 Zinfandel Black Chicken, a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless Zinfandel that has light tannins and a great finish. 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | A touch of maple sweetness tops boisterous, bright fruit flavors in this fullbodied, smooth and lightly tannic wine from one of Napa’s few Zinfandel specialists. Raspberries, strawberries and vanilla taste rich and relaxed as you sip.

Winemaker Description

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the 2021 vintage offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity and a structure defined by well-ripened tannins. Layered notes of black cherry, raspberry, sandalwood, bergamot, cloves, blueberry, and balsam on the nose. Delicate, yet rich with plum compote, violets, and baking spice on the palate. An ideal vintage of the Black Chicken that, with proper cellaring, will continue to improve for the next 5-7 years. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

Wachau Riesling is dry and often defined by high levels of dry extract (due to a lengthy ripening period) and a pleasing freshness (due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night). Rudi Pichler’s Riesling Achleithen comes from steep, southwest-facing terraces of meager primary rock soils resulting in a dry white wine of great structure and strong mineral character.

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 97 Points | This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Decanter 95 Points | Tangs of cut stone and lime zest are peppered with gunpowder and smoke, but there's a powerful core of ripe lemon, lime and yellow cherry flavours too. While light on its feet, it's an unctuous, supple wine with a pert tangerine sweetness. Quite a bit more expressive in youth than the 2022 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese, it's already hedonistic with a brief decant but certainly ageworthy as well. 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Delivering power and concentration, this is densely packed in a compact frame. Opens up to reveal impressively fresh flavors of dried thyme and apricot. This white's acidity shows a crunchy texture, and a wet slate note brings a cooling feel to the finish. This is one for the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2046.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese is rather shy. The palate tingles with tangerine, ripe, rounded, aromatic, and full of tangy, zesty, sweet, ripe citrus. Wonderfully expressive on the mid-palate and with a subtle finish, full of those vivid aromatics. (Sweet).

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 97 Points | This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. (2022). 

Decanter 95 Points | Tangs of cut stone and lime zest are peppered with gunpowder and smoke, but there's a powerful core of ripe lemon, lime and yellow cherry flavours too. While light on its feet, it's an unctuous, supple wine with a pert tangerine sweetness. Quite a bit more expressive in youth than the 2022 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese, it's already hedonistic with a brief decant but certainly ageworthy as well. (2022). 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Delivering power and concentration, this is densely packed in a compact frame. Opens up to reveal impressively fresh flavors of dried thyme and apricot. This white's acidity shows a crunchy texture, and a wet slate note brings a cooling feel to the finish. This is one for the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2046. (2022). 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese is rather shy. The palate tingles with tangerine, ripe, rounded, aromatic, and full of tangy, zesty, sweet, ripe citrus. Wonderfully expressive on the mid-palate and with a subtle finish, full of those vivid aromatics. (Sweet).(2022). 

Winemaker Description

Lemongrass, mint and wet slate aromas alongside cassis on the palate.

Expert Review

Robert Parker 91 Points | The 2021 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese is very clear, pure and refined on the fascinating, flinty, finely concentrated and lemon-scented nose. Lush and savory on the palate, with crystalline acidity and great precision, this is a supple yet frisky as well as substantial and sustainable Auslese from the Himmelreich, and it develops a long, complex and saline finish. This is highly stimulating already, but the best is yet to come here. 

Winemaker Description

This Riesling is rich in taste with a fresh, fruity delicate flavor.

Serve slightly chilled.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 96 Points | Here is a great Mosel Kabinett that needs a bit more time to show what it is really made of. Still very young with a pronounced yeasty character that slowly recedes with aeration, but the white peach and honeysuckle aromas that emerge are stunning. Extremely vibrant and precise, the slatey acidity making this fabulously graceful. As pure as an Alpine stream running with glacier water.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This elegant version starts off closed before opening to reveal flavors of jasmine, sweet green apple and Asian pear. Shows impressive purity and inner density, with accents of fresh-cut chive and wet slate. Bitter, pithy acidity moves through, making for the shimmering, razor-edge finish, which lingers. Drink now through 2040. 300 cases imported.

Winemaker Description

This Riesling is rich in taste with a fresh, fruity delicate flavor. Serve slightly chilled.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker 95 Points | The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett offers a discreet and sublime, complex and very elegant and slightly flinty nose with a coolish and very delicate expression of stewed apricots but also some greenish berries, whereas the first stony character remains. This irresistible and noble bouquet leads to a round and lush yet also refined and savory palate, with coolish apricot flavors on the long and sustainably salty finish that is firmly structured but elegant and highly stimulating. This is a superb, very elegant and complex, sustainably structured Sonnenuhr. (2020).

Wine Spectator 92 Points A lightweight, intense white defined by a mix of floral, peach, celery seed, chive and slate aromas and flavors. Racy and linear, with a terrific finish. Drink now through 2038. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

J.J. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese is a very pale yellow with pristine expression of fruit. Immediately showing great balance of sweetness and acidity, a bit creamier than the Kabinett, lovely stone fruit, very elegant with that kick from the well known Graacher acidity. Good length with a bright and mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points Striking nose of garden herbs with just a hint wet earth underlining the delicate white tree fruit aromas. Stunning concentration and energy on the super-straight medium-bodied palate. Very long, almost perfectly balanced finish that is surprising for this category at this early stage in the wine’s development. Great slate expression. Drink or hold. (2022). 

Decanter 96 Points | This powerfully concentrated yet fresh-fruited sip is a touch more inviting young than the more nervous Wehlener Sonnenuhr this vintage. Flavours of white grapefruit and green apples are intensely ripe but pure and pristine, etched by strikes of lime and salt. A delightfully fruity, off-dry wine with a kiss of tangerine sweetness on the finish. Ready now but will improve further. (2022). 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | A plush, alluring style, with apricot, guava and creamed pear flavors backed by a layer of finely crushed mineral notes. The texture is creamy and chalky, offering a stream of fruit punctuated by dried herb accents and a dusting of fleur de sel. Radiant, pure and long, with energy in reserve. Drink now through 2040. 250 cases imported. (2022). 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 95 Points | All the ripeness of this very warm vintage, married to wonderful freshness that gives this the light-footedness of a great dancer. Mostly white fruit, but just a hint of fresh pineapple. Long, silky finish. Drink or hold. (2018). 

Robert Parker 93+ Points | The 2018 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese is discreet yet deep and complex on the elegant and spicy nose that exhibits very fine stone fruit aromas. Round, lush and piquant on the palate, this is a crystalline, piquant, persistently salty and stimulating Himmelreich with fine tannins on the finish that add grip and a very light, food-friendly astringency that moderates away the sweetness. Still young, this is a Spätlese to serve with food in 10-15 years. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This has all of the elements of a great spätlese, with pronounced acidity supporting the ripe peach, yellow apple, mango and spruce flavors, while hints of vanilla and piecrust add to the complexity. Still a bit intense, but this should develop beautifully with age, allowing the minerality to become more prominent. Best from 2022 through 2038. (2018).

Winemaker Description

Purple with ruby highlights, this wine shows up-front aromas of raspberries and black cherries with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is expansive and rich.

Pair with lamb and apricot tajines, prime rib, tomato stews, or green lentil-based dishes.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  | This deep-hued wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood, coffee bean and dried sage. It opens with notes of mint and clove accompanied by sturdy tannins and ripe summer cherry, Mission fig, cocoa powder and dried thyme flavors. The lengthy finish is marked with menthol and pomegranate. (2015). 

Robert Parker 92 Points |  There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper (even if it's only 13.5% alcohol), showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past.

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

Aromas of ripe black fruit with light toast and spices. Very powerful, yet elegant, on the palate. Notes of ripe, jammy fruit with subtle toasted notes, with soft tasty tannins and a long, lingering finish.