All 90+ Red Wines on Sale

Winemaker Description

On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, graphite, and licorice.

Expert Review

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2018

The Wine Enthusiast by Danielle Callegari writes 92 Points | The nose is a messy oak desk, where toffee candies peek around stacks of old books, and a jar of flowers and a bowl of figs try desperately to instill some order with their sweetness. They have more success on the palate before earthy undertones and cultured tannins set up a citrus finish. 

Winemaker Description

The Poggio Il Castellare vineyards are located in the hamlet of Castelnuovo Abate, next to the spectacular panorama of the Abbey of Saint Antimo, opposite the Val d’Orcia (Orcia Valley) from which Mount Amiata rises imposingly.

“Castellare”, the name of the farming estate, originates from an old Etruscan settlement.  The ruins of the houses and towers of this settlement can be found on this hill.  Starting off from this hill, one can go for wonderful walks through the small, old paths that lead to the Abbey.  Sunset watched from the Abbey of Saint Antimo is considered one of the greatest marvels of the world.  According to popular tradition, meeting in Sant Antimo at sunset fills one with emotions that will never be forgotten.

The name “Tenuta Poggio Il Castellare“ brings us back to the historical roots of the place: the remains of an ancient settlement, with what remains of houses and towers on top of the homonymous hill, beside the vineyards. This area called Colline dei Vigneti at the foot of Monte Castellare is one of the most prestigious areas for the production of Brunello due to the characteristics of the soil and the micro-climate. The vineyards of the estate stretch on the sunny slopes overlooking the picturesque landscapes of the Val d’Orcia on one side, of Mount Amiata on another side and, finally, from the Pian del Bosso vineyard you can enjoy the mystical sight of the Abbazia di Sant’Antimo (Sant’Antimo Abbey). Poggio Castellare stretches for 8 hectares of land covered with vines. Tenuta Poggio Il Castellare is owned by Bruna Baroncini. 

The nose of the Brunello di Montalcino is very intense and lingering with hints of cherry fruit and spices. Velvety tannins and aromatic on the finish. Pair with well marbled cuts of steak with olive oil poached potatoes and fresh rosemary, braised shoulder of pork with roasted apples, or crumbly cheeses.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Decanter 91 Points | This Frappato from 40-year-old vines in Vittoria. is vinified using wild yeasts, followed by a 20- to 30-day maceration then maturation for 18 months, 30% in large Slavonian oak barrels and 70% in concrete. Sweet and leafy red fruit scents introduce an energetic palate; intense, airy and tangy. It's light and juicy but with clear verticality which is supported by chalky tannins. Organic. Drink 2023-2027.

Winemaker Description

Frappato was born from my childhood dream of making a wine that tastes like the land I work, the air I breathe, and my own thoughts. It is tart, sanguine and elegant. It is Vittoria and the Iblei mountains. It is the wine that most resembles me, courageous, original and rebellious. He has peasant origins, which is why he loves his roots and the past he carries within. 

Arianna is the niece of Giusto Occhpinti, whose COS wines are undisputedly amongst the very best of Sicily. In 1998, Giusto invited her to help him out at Vinitaly for four days. Arianna was 16 at the time and knew nothing about wine; the experience was such a good one that she decided to study viticulture and oenology in university. This quickly proved counter-intuitive, since everything she had learned from her uncle (organic viticulture, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentations) clashed with what she was being taught in school.

The 2023 Frappato comes from multiple certified-organic parcels with vines averaging 40 years old, planted on red-sandy, limestone soils. Light to medium bodied and savory with red floral aromas and spicy red fruit aromas. Energetic fuit and mineral notes appear in the mouth with earthy complexity and delicate tannins on the finish. A chillable red and highly quaffable.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Winemakers Description

Bertani’s impact on Veneto wine making, particularly in Amarone production, is so considerable that ‘Bertani’ and ‘Amarone’ are nearly synonymous. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of their past, Bertani strives towards innovation, using progressive techniques and equipment allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for tradition to provide wines of uncompromising quality. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 97 Points | Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. It’s very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold. 

Decanter Aldo Fiordelli 94 Points | One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. The 2011 vintage was challenging, with a warm and rainy summer, but overall it was very good – Bertani isn’t averse to skipping a vintage if it’s not at the top level. Bright garnet in the glass, this is dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. The fresh character is intense, with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with slightly rustic tannins yet outstanding balance between suppleness and structure.  Drinking 2021 - 2047 

Wine Spectator Alison Napjus 91 Points | A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with a range of black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Monica Larner writes:  The 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It opens to an impenetrable, full-bodied approach with dark fruit, pencil shaving, toasted oak, Spanish cedar, campfire ash and iron ore. For sure, this is an especially concentrated and oak-driven vintage of this iconic wine. It absolutely requires more aging time. It feels quite tight and firm in its youth. The concentration is abundant.  Drinking 2026 - 2045  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Audrey Frick writes:  The 2020 Ornellaia is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, raised in 70% new French oak for 18 months, with another 12 months in bottle prior to release. Flush with herbs and menthol, blackberry, and cedar, it is full bodied and fills the sides of the mouth with rounded fruit of luxurious plum, black cherry, and toast, with supple and velvety tannins. Drink 2026-2046.  - Jeb Dunnuck 96

Jancis Robinson writes: Deep, lustrous crimson. Very sumptuous nose followed up by a hedonistic palate that finishes especially fresh. Ripe but not too-ripe fruit – a drier (much less sweet) vintage than usual which should age well. Unusually, there is some vestige of tannin on the finish. It's certainly possible to drink now if it's aerated before serving but ideally, I'd keep this awhile. Savoury persistence.  Drinking 2024 - 2028  - Jancis Robinson 18

Bruce Sanderson writes:  Inviting aromas of blackberry, black currant, anise, cedar, vanilla and tobacco draw you in to this red, which is sleek and open on the palate. This is so well-balanced, it's approachable now, yet there's a bit of reserve too. The fruit flavors are prominent on the finish, along with mineral and spice notes, while the lasting impression is a salty, flinty element. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2045.   - Wine Spectator 96

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Ornellaia is a gorgeous, elegant wine. Seamless and wonderfully deep on the palate, the 2020 is super-refined from the outset. Even with all of its depth, the 2020 retains terrific freshness and cut to play off its soft, succulent fruit. Overall, the 2020 looks to be a relatively accessible Ornellaia that will drink well with minimal cellaring. I especially admire the precision and understated finesse here.  Drinking 2027 - 2045  - Vinous 96

James Button writes:  Estate director Axel Heinz called 2020 ‘a classic Ornellaia,’ and picked the theme of ‘La Proporzione‘ (proportion) to describe its character. Indeed, the blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot marks a return to a more typical blend following the pendulum swings of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon in 2019, and 51% Merlot in 2018. Fine-grained and beautifully textured, its finely integrated tannins support a concentration of black fruits lightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar and damp earth make for a fragrant wine, accompanied by menthol and balsamic streaks which run through the wine and impart plenty of freshness. It finishes with a stony and salty element along with some chocolatey and woody hints. Tight and moreish, its ripeness of fruit combined with freshness and structure adeptly tells the story of this earlier-ripening vintage. It lacks complexity in the mouth – this will come with time – but the array of aromas gives a hint of what is to come.  Drinking 2023 -2050  - Decanter 96

Georgina Hindle writes:  Black bramble fruit on the nose, heady, expressive, forward and open. Aromatic and inviting - on the riper, jammy side. Lithe and supple, this has an energy and weight giving plush tannins but with an austere, mineral grip. A curious combination but one that serves to give a round, interesting mouthful with both balsamic black and sweet blue fruits with touches of wet stone, cola and liquorice. Dark and brooding, a little sombre right now, clearly powerful with concentration and you can tell it's been well worked - feels controlled but still quite tense and constricted. The overall texture is sublime and I do love the dark sticky liquorice and bitter orange zest but this isn't quite giving the wow factor. Nice layering, linear and pure, tannins a touch dry on the finish. Refined and austere. Has a touch of ripe jamminess that detracts a little from the charming elegance you know this wine can have. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.  Drinking 2026 -2046

James Suckling writes:  Alluring aromas of lead pencil and currants with crushed stone and iodine. Full-bodied with hemmed in tannins that are tight and focused. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity for this vintage. Needs four or five years to come together. Better in 2028 and onwards.  - James Suckling 98

#9 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 - this is truly one of the great wines from Tuscany you can purchase this year.  And highly sought after! 

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: This wine represents a selection of the best Sangiovese sourced from various plots with a tiny addition of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few extra moments to open in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia that holds back, this wine comes into full view quickly enough. The wine's flavor profile is a little meatier and fuller, and this could be linked to the warm vintage conditions. San Lorenzo is a generous wine, and it is a bottle you can enjoy in the medium or long term.

95 Points Wine Spectator : Deep, dark and densely wrought, featuring black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Its sinewy tannins are enhanced by the vivid acidity. Everything comes together on the crystalline aftertaste, which echoes the fruit and floral elements. Power meets finesse. Sangiovese and Merlot.

95 Points Decanter A clever bridge between the entire Castello di Ama stable, San Lorenzo is a selection of older vines from key estate vineyards. It also includes both Merlot and Malvasia Nera, which contribute to the identity of the cru bottlings. In 2021, this flagbearer is a brilliant balance of fruit and territorial expression with deftly integrated oak. Tobacco, iron and nutmeg infuse dark plum and cherry. There is great flow and length, with tangy, mouth-cleansing acidity. Articulate aromas and flavours along with finessed tannins give a sense of readiness – but that authoritative structure has the last word.

99 Points James Suckling: This is really perfumed and gorgeous, with black cherries, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with totally integrated tannins and a palate presence that is pretty spectacular. Wonderful finish. Give this three or four years.

 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2023 Malbec leads with an elegantly perfumed, juicy bouquet accented with turned-earth aromas. The texture is precise, vibrant and straightforward, concluding on a high-toned finish with a savory, sturdy core.

Memo Notes Summary 

The Catena Malbec Classic Mendoza 2023 is widely considered an excellent, high-value representation of Argentine Malbec. It comes from the prestigious Bodega Catena Zapata, a pioneering winery in high-altitude viticulture.

The classic Catena Malbec is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of savory dishes:

Classic Pairing: Grilled red meats, especially leaner cuts like skirt steak, flank steak, or sirloin.

Cheeses: Aged cheeses, sharp cheddar, blue cheese, and Manchego.

Dishes: Roasted lamb, beef empanadas, hearty stews, or pasta with rich, tomato-based sauces.

 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Decanter 91 Points | Earthy, red and black plum flavours with spicy, leathery notes, lovely tannins and a long finish.

Winemaker Description

With a dark ruby color, this wine is soft, expressing great flexibility and elegance, with fruity notes that recall ripe grapes.

This wine is a fine accompaniment for grilled red meats.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Langhe Freisa is another new wine in this range. Lifted floral, spice and savory overtones lend an exotic flair. Readers will find a quirky Freisa with a ton of character. I don't know of any other Freisas done with stems, 50% in this case. The Vietti Freisa is a promising wine that will surely be better as the team gains more experience with this tricky indigenous grape and in using whole clusters here.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The very classical 2016 Gran Reserva comes with a very traditional label (they seem to have changed the image of most wines), including the golden wire net. It was produced with a selection of grapes from their El Estanque estate in Haro, a canonical 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French and American oak barrels for two years and was kept in bottle for another three. It has a textbook spicy nose with sweet spices, smoke and toast, berry fruit and herbs, a touch of forest floor and truffles, with a moderate 13.5% alcohol and balancing freshness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Spice-laden red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, savory flowers, and new leather notes all shine in the 2022 Château Tour Saint Christophe, another brilliant wine from this team. I love its complexity, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, and a great finish. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling 96 Points | A very good year for Tour Saint Christophe, showing great depth and flavor despite high alcohol. Abundant dark minerals, fresh blackberries, black olives and a hint of cocoa powder. Pretty full-bodied and firm with crunchy, reactive tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of density here.

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeously scented on the nose, smooth, round and focused with purity and persistence. Tannins are so fine, really sculpting this wine, with a clear bite and almost strict tang to the overall structure giving a sense of tension. I like the terroir aspect, the saltiness but still with juicy richness. Less ample than Bellefonte but more precise. 

The Wine Advocate 93+ Points | This first vintage under the denomination of Grand Cru Classé, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is excellent, offering up aromas of spices, cassis, dark wild berries, orange peel and licorice mingled with delicate oaky notes. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's layered and textured and framed by powdery, velvety tannins enhanced by a racy, pure, fresh finish. It should gain raciness with some time in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Vinous 92+ Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Affinity is mostly Howell Mountain fruit in this vintage, which elevates its quality but also makes it more difficult to enjoy young. Dark fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice power through this deep, forbidding wine. This big, brooding Cabernet is built for cellaring. Give it plenty of time in decanter before enjoying.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir The Bohan-Dillon is a very pretty, understated offering from Hirsch. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright red-toned fruit, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and dried herbs. This mid-weight Pinot is all charm. Those qualities are best enjoyed over the next handful of years.

Our Professional Review

David of 67Wine.com |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Vinous 93 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a huge overachiever. Bright, punchy and super-expressive, the 2021 offers up boisterous red/purplish fruit. Lavender, rose petal, spice and mint are all dialed up in this heady, explosive Pinot. Readers will have a very hard time finding a Pinot with this much quality for the money. All of the fruit is estate. I am not sure I have ever tasted a California Pinot this good for $40 a bottle.

James Suckling 93 Points | Lots of currants and black berries with black cherries and tobacco. Medium body with nicely opened tannins here that give length and beauty. Juicy at the end with hints of tobacco and cedar. Attractive tobacco undertones. Drink now or hold.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This juicy and softer-style Cabernet gives loads of raspberry and candied cherry aromas on the nose. Spiced black plum compote, cocoa powder and black pepper flavors are concentrated on a plush but neatly balanced palate. 

 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of cassis and ripe blackberries with notes of chocolate, nutmeg, spices and bark. Medium-bodied with juicy character and sleek, polished texture. Tannins are fine and chalky. Flavorful finish. 

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Opens with a toasty vanilla bean and spiced pastry note that clings to the rich wild berry and plum core, which is kept honest by a streak of mineral acidity. Comes together nicely in the end, with a lingering note of chocolate. This is a touch flamboyant, but will have its fans. Drink now through 2028.

The Wine Enthusiast by Jesica Vargas 89 Points | Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, this Cabernet boasts aromas of vanilla and cocoa bean followed by a note of strawberry. Oak spices repeat on the soft palate and are matched by blackberry and strawberry flavors. 

Winemaker Description 

Deep red color, with ruby color. With a characteristic fruitiness of Maipo costa, red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and cassis are mixed with aromas of black pepper, some moist soil and tobacco. Of elegant and smooth body, of balanced structure, good acidity that increases the complexity. Tannins present and soft at the same time, ending with a prolonged end-of-mouth sensation.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Decanter 94 Points | With super slow maturation in 2023, Dave Phinney’s only concern was, “Will it get ripe?” given the extended hang time of the grapes in this even-keeled, cool vintage. A blend of 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah, aged for seven months in 35% new oak. This wine is super fresh and fragrant, with red, black, and blue fruit aromatics, lifted by elegant coriander spice. Medium-bodied with impressive intensity, it is balanced by soaring acid tension, with nuances of sagebrush and cool wet slate adding depth. One of the most structured and fresh expressions of this wine I’ve ever tasted—vibrant, layered, and built to evolve.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Sourced primarily from Dry Creek, the 2023 Red Blend 8 Years in the Desert includes 74% Zinfandel, 24% Petite Sirah and 2% Syrah, all aged seven months in 35% new oak. Attractive floral and stone-fruit nuances accent ripe raspberries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate boasts a supple, silky feel that gives way to some tarry notes and a slight green-peppercorn astringency on the finish.

The Wine Spectator 87 Points | A full-throttle red, with concentrated flavors of black currant, espresso, jalapeño and burnt toast. There’s not much finesse, just power and tannins. Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah. Best after 2026. 54,000 cases made.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

94 Points Vinous, Antonio Galloni | The 2018 Lafon-Rochet is such a classy wine. Power and finesse meld together in this Saint-Estèphe that is gorgeous, right from the very first taste. Black cherry, herbs, leather, licorice and dried flowers all build in the glass. In 2018, Lafon-Rochet is richer and bolder than it usually is, and yet all the elements are so nicely balanced. I would give it a few years in the cellar to allow some of the baby fat to melt away.

94 Points James Suckling | Blackberry and blueberry on the nose, as well as dark-chocolate, mineral and earthy undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Fleshy and savory texture with layers. Flavorful finish and beautiful length. Lovely ripe fruit in the center palate. Try after 2025.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The upper Médoc did brilliantly in 2018, and that's certainly apparent when tasting the 2018 Château Lafon-Rochet. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, lead pencil, forest floor, chocolate, and leafy herbs, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, mouth-filling texture, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't quite have the precision of the top wines in the appellation, but it's loaded with charm and character, and I'd certainly be thrilled to drink a bottle. This rich, textured, flavorful Saint-Estèphe will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and keep for two decades.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Seductive, with a gush of dark plum and blackberry preserve notes leading off, while light bay, dark tobacco and charcoal notes peek through. Has a racy edge through the finish, even with the warm fruit keeping the upper hand. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2032.

91 Points Wine Advocate | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet delivers impactful scents of baked blackberries, warm cassis and black cherry compote, with suggestions of chargrill, tar and tobacco leaf, plus a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves and earthy accents, supported by firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length, if a little chewy.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast: This wine comes from an estate that is performing with distinction. It is rich, the tannins cushioned by ripe blackberry fruits and good acidity. Showing both structure and fruitiness, the wine will develop well, everything in balance. Drink from 2026. Editors' Choice

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeous Cabernet aromas, clear and crystalline, some herbal notes with a cool blueberry and chalky element. Rose scents, dark cherries and cinnamon bark. Full and expressive, warming tones but great acidity that gives such lift. Lovely purity and drive, this has a great sense of confidence - nothing overdone, really pristine and finessed. If anything it’s not super heavy, but it’s the better for it. You get the Napa richness in the fruit concentration but it’s so well defined and still with a graceful power. Yum. 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Winemaker Description

Since 1993, Overture has been an expression of place across time. In keeping with an internal desire to underscore the importance of the growing season, Opus One has taken the necessary steps for Overture to become a vintage-dated wine. In doing so, Opus One intends to emphasize the diversity of our estate with a renewed focus.

Over the years our winemaker, Michael Silacci, and his team have come to deeply understand the individual blocks within the vineyards. Farming practices may then be adjusted at the block level to enable the vines to fully capture the quality of the estate.  The majority of our vineyards are planted in alluvial soils in the extreme western part of the Oakville, AVA, at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains. 

The fruit is harvested and vinified with the same care, precision, and attention to detail as Opus One. Unique aromatics, flavors, and textures are recognized as ideal for Overture — more red fruit, herbal characteristics, soft tannins, and creamy texture. 

 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Claire Nesbitt writes 92 Points | Mocha, chocolate truffles, cassis, oranges and lavender on the nose of this fragrant red. It’s full-bodied, warming and aromatic, filled with ripe blue and orange fruit and accompanied by ripe tannins.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 season was hot but the Sulcis region received rain in spring and also in August, enabling the grapes to mature well and with good quality. Sulcis also avoided grape losses due to hail that occurred in other regions of Sardinia. Overall, it was an excellent year for both red and white grapes in terms of quality.

Hand harvested grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation.

Each variety is vinified separately, and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques (2-3 years old) with a medium toast. The wine ages for 12 months then rests for about 45 days in cement tanks before being bottled without filtration. Released after 3 months in bottle. 

 

Expert Reviews - 2022

James Sucklling 92 Points | Absurdly concentrated for an entry-level wine. Deep blueberry and black-cherry fruit fills out the compact and structured medium-bodied palate. Generous fine tannins and notes of licorice and baking-spice aromas. Long, powdery and fresh finish. This is a unique solera-type blend of several vintages from 2022 to 2012. Blaufrankisch plus pinot noir, merlot and zweigelt. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

Winemaker Description

The house brand red is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir, which is matured in large used wooden barrels. The Zweigelt brings fruit and charm, the Pinot Noir juiciness and the Blaufränkisch character and structure.

The Blaufränkisch also dominates the nose with dark aromas, ripe black cherries and plums, some eucalyptus and a slight smokiness of bacon. On the palate it starts fresh and animating, a fine and mellow tannin spreads directly on the tongue, again cherry and fine tannins.

The house brand stands for fresh drinking fun and goes well with stews and autumnal cuisine, for example with pumpkin.

 

Winemaker Description

Peay Vineyards is a first-generation family winery. Husband and wife, Nick Peay & Vanessa Wong, grow and make the wine and brother, Andy Peay, and his wife Ami, sell the wine and run the business.

All wines are made from grapes grown on our 53-acre estate vineyard located above a river gorge in the far northwestern corner of the Sonoma Coast, 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean at Sea Ranch. We sit in the chilly inversion layer with fog and wind from the Ocean maintaining cool temperatures with plenty of sunlight.

Winemaker Vanessa Wong left her position as winemaker at Peter Michael Winery in 2001 to launch Peay Vineyards. Formerly she worked at Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Domaine Jean Gros and Hirsch Winery.

We farm organically and maintain our licenses for fish friendly farming and integrated pest management. The health of our vineyard dictates these approaches to farming and making wine. We also run on bio-diesel at the vineyard and solar power at both the vineyard and winery.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021 

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Ama is dark ruby, with notes of red cherry and apple skin. The palate is full-bodied and has great structure, with a broad texture, ripe tannins and notes of dark cherry, tea leaf, and forest earth. It’s long on the palate and has a good finish. (2021). 

Robert Parker 94 Points | The 2021 Estate Pinot Noir Ama is powerful and perfumed this vintage. It offers aromas broody aromas of red and black cherries and aniseed with top notes of saline and citrus peel. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with generous berry fruit and floral accents, and it has a long, spicy finish. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Wine Spectator James Molesworth 95 Points | Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038.