California Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Smooth and plump, with an appealing seamlessness to the spice, melon, lemon zest and ripe peach flavors. There's a creamy, juicy quality that makes this white appealing and stylish. Lingering finish. Drink now. 253,505 cases made.

Winemaker’s notes

La Crema Monterey Chardonnay offers aromas of grilled pineapple, citrus blossom, tangerine, and papaya. On the palate, white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon are complimented by a touch of barrel spice, and a river stone minerality.

The winery's original name, La Crema Viñera, means "best of the vine," setting the standard for all the team has done since 1979. For more than 35 years, the family-owned and operated winery has focused exclusively on cool-climate appellations, from its original home in the Russian River Valley, to Monterey and, now, the Willamette Valley. La Crema is continually exploring these very special regions—passionate in the belief that they make uniquely expressive and elegant wines. Thorough vineyard site selection and boutique winemaking techniques ensure the consistently distinct, naturally balanced wines La Crema is committed to producing.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Matt Kettmann writes 90 Points | Savory, slightly reductive aromas of damp soil, charcoal and tar meet with dark berry on the nose of this bottling, which steadily opens up with air. The palate's asphalt minerality gives way to dried plum, dark spice and espresso bean, making for a familiar experience. 

Winemaker Description 

Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

Winemaker Description 

Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango and papaya, with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak and butter rounds out the long, lingering finish. 

Memo Pairing Notes

• Seafood: Lobster, salmon, grilled chicken breast, fish tacos.

• Other: Corn on the Cob, chicken dishes, and rich, buttery foods.
  
  

Winemaker Description

With attractive aromas of black fruit and spice, this smooth, ready-to-drink Cabernet Sauvignon is made with the same care as the highest-quality, traditionally crafted Bordeaux-style wines. Justin Cabernet Sauvignon spends 14 months in traditional small oak barrels to impart depth and complexity. The unique climate and soils of Paso Robles add a classic Cabernet character to this wine, highlighting an exceptional balance of flavors and textures.

Bright, moderate concentration, and consistent ruby red hues to the rim. Aromatic with juicy red fruit on the nose, this wine shows red raspberry and black cherry laced with a bouquet of vanilla, soft herbs, and warming spices. On entry, this wine is dry, moderately full-bodied, supple, and bursting with bright red plum and ripe cherry. The velvety tannins are well-integrated among more nuanced elements of caramel, toasted coconut, fennel, and sage. The long finish turns pleasantly savory with floral notes and a hint of pepper. 

The 2022 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that not only invites another sip on its own, but also pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try this wine with grilled chicken or burgers at your next cookout or with a classic filet mignon at your favorite steakhouse.

Winemaker Description

This wine opens with enticing aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, guava, and mango. The palate offers lush layers of lemon cream, peach, and papaya, elevated by notes of crisp lime zest. The cool, stainless steel tank fermentation delivers a beautiful freshness to the wine, while the subtle oak character from neutral French oak barrels adds body, complexity and depth.

Fumé Blanc pairs well with simple seafood and poultry dishes, and also holds up nicely with veal and pork. This wine has lively flavors that go well with spicy and ethnic cuisines such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Mexican and Southwestern dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 92 Points | A bright and crisp white with sliced lemon, lime and hints of grass on the nose and palate. Flowers too. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Hints of green papaya. Firm phenolics frame it. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

This alluring Cabernet Sauvignon draws you in with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry and sweet baking spices. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture frame the voluptuous dark berry flavors, with notions of barrel spice adding nuance and complexity to the long, lush finish.

Winemaker Description 

This clean Chardonnay is accentuated by fruit-forward aromas of apple, pineapple and melon, ending with a smooth, slightly buttery finish. Pair this crisp Chardonnay with herbed pork loin or pasta with your favorite cream sauce. 

James Suckling 90 Points | A smooth, relaxed, full-bodied wine that's soft in texture and rich in tropical fruit, butter and vanilla bean flavors. Pineapple, mango and coconut flavors spread across the palate and linger in the finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | There's a vivid tropical approach to the nose of this bottling, which is layered in jasmine, plumeria and ripe star fruit aromas. The palate is clean and balanced, offering vanilla, peach and guava flavors.

The Wine Spectator by MaryAnn Worobiec 88 Points | Firm and toasty, with notes of grilled bread and dried spices alongside a core of peach and mango. Nutmeg and cardamom details linger on the firming finish.

Winemaker Notes

Kali Hart is our most fruit-forward expression in the Talbott family of wines. In the winery, we let the grapes guide the way with minimal influence, resulting in a rich and bright wine. Aromas of vanilla and brioche rise out of the glass to greet you. Ripe and intense notes of Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine and melon give this wine a luscious, inviting palate. This Chardonnay shines with a soft, clean finish, a hint of minerality and hard spice notes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Made since 2001 from a number of Sonoma County vineyards, the 2023 Three Valleys blends 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% each Mataro and Alicante Bouschet from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley. Floral, it is complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. Though it is one of Ridge's largest production wines, it is made in the exact same way as all its others, in open top tanks with real oak and native fermentations. It's meant to represent a vintage more than a location. A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper, plus a whiff of dill as this builds toward fine-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Mataro and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2034.

James Suckling 93 Points | Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry bush, baking spices and violets. The palate is full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel and firmly framed tannins that end in a lush and generous finish. Made from a blend of 71% zinfandel, 16% carignane, 9% petite sirah, 2% mataro and 2% alicante bouschet.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Three Valleys is a blend of 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro and 2% Alicante Bouschet that matured for 12 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It has layered aromas of wild berries, Italian plums, chargrilled meats, resinous herbs and lavender. The full-bodied palate offers highly concentrated flavors, though it’s light on its feet, with chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. It has a long, spicy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

Notes of blackberry, toasted hazelnut, and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

Winemaker Description

This wine is rich and round, opening with aromas of Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn. The palate shows incredible depth with a full mouthfeel and layers of flavor. Ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel lead to hazelnut and baking spice notes on the finish.

This versatile Chardonnay pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, white meats and dishes with cream sauces. Try preparations that include citrus, butter, cream, cheese, bacon, nutmeg, thyme, basil or toasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 91 Points | Generous aromas of lemon confit, vanilla, pastry and yellow apples. The palate is full-bodied with bright acidity and a creamy texture, the slight phenolic grip adding to the structure. Ripe yet elegantly balanced and refreshing.

Winemaker Description

The wine owes much of its complexity to its varied upbringing, unifying grapes from California's most notable winegrowing regions. Meiomi Pinot Noir brings you structure and depth seldom seen in a Pinot Noir wine, thanks to its unique and meticulous aging process.

Aged for six months in French oak barrels, this California red wine's juicy strawberry flavor and notes of dark berries and toasted mocha add complexity and depth on the palate.

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel. There are ample tannins carrying the fruit to the long lingering finish. Aging for 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels created notes of baking spices, nutmeg and hints of caramel.

This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of foods like rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone cheese and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | For $11, this California Cab packs bags of flavor. Find notes of black cherry, plum and currant, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, crushed violets and toasted wood alongside mouthcoating tannins and modest acidity. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 93 Points | Creamy, with a focused woodsy character. Pear tart, chamomile, and honeyed banana lend depth and texture within a balanced, luxurious mouthfeel. Spiced pumpkin appears on the finish with a pinch of salinity.

James Suckling 92 Points | This is aromatic with ripe peaches, pineapple, honeysuckle, praline and crushed stones. Full-bodied, dense and round-textured with a tangy, spiced nature. Shows tension and energy with mineral undertones at the end. Drink or hold.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | Bright and lemony, with plenty of aromatic interest from the lemon verbena, lemongrass and vetiver accents, all on a sleek frame. Details of lemon cream, Fuji apple, lime zest and salted shortbread come in on the finish. Drink now. 19,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Our unique Chardonnay does not undergo malolactic fermentation, preserving its natural fresh acidity. This exceptional 2022 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach. The taste is of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla supported by vibrant, juicy acidity and abundant minerality. Enjoy its long, flavorful, and delicious finish.

Our Professional Review

Debra 67Wine.com | This wine shows lovely flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and orchard apples . Balanced with aromas toasty oak, coconut and vanilla lead into a generous finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A nice mix of stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with bright acidity. A solid, lively and refreshing California chardonnay at an affordable price.

Winemaker Description 

Pair with cheeses, grilled chicken,  broiled fish and salad. Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Fresh notes of Bosc pear, lemon zest, touches of pineapple, and subtle vanilla on the finish. Fresh and spicy.  Pairs effortlessly with fresh fish tacos and mango salsa. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 92 Points | Fresh orchard fruit, lemon pith, citrus peel and spicy herbs define the nose. The palate is vivid and juicy, with medium to full body and crunchy acidity. Creamy and sleek with a flavorful, fruit-driven finish.

Winemaker Description 

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay; 40% Malolactic Fermentation. A tribute to tradition and excellence, this Napa Valley Chardonnay is a sublime example of the vintage’s advantageous growing season. It begins with inviting aromas of ripe pear, fresh lemongrass and a delicate touch of ginger. As it unfolds, vibrant layers of citrus and creamy crème brûlée emerge, accompanied by a subtle hint of salinity that adds depth and intrigue. A silky entry leads to a long, juicy finish, where its balanced complexity shines through.

In 2023, heavy winter and spring rains delayed budbreak and set the stage for one of the latest vintages in decades. Cooler spring temperatures led to an extended flowering period with our team applying post-veraison thinning to achieve a balanced crop.

As the season progressed, temperatures remained below average, which provided additional hangtime but required extra patience. Our patience paid off, with 2023 offering one of our most unique and rewarding vintages to date! Semillon harvest began on August 28th with Sauvignon Blanc soon following. With no significant heat events, the grapes were able to ripen beautifully. Harvest concluded on November 9th with Cabernet Sauvignon from

Oak Knoll and Howell Mountain. Our 2023 whites are crisp, with ideal flavor development and bright acids, and the reds are pure, supple and balanced, with vibrant acidity, fresh flavors, and intense colors.

Our Professional Review 

Debra of 67Wine.com writes | This fleshy medium bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy mouth coating finish. 
- Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 93 Points | Achieves excellent balance between a tangy feel and generous flavors. Quite toasty, flinty and nervy in aromas before a ripe, buttery palate delivers good richness and length. Minerals and sea salt on the nose, then bright pineapple, baked apple, butter and lemon zest on the palate.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Aromas of honey drizzled on ripe honeydew melon invite the nose into this comfortingly classic style of California Chardonnay. Toasted hazelnut and apple pie flavors on the palate are balanced by brisk lemon, cinnamon and star anise spices.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Impressive for its intensity and harmony, with caramelized pineapple, ripe Bosc pear, papaya and apricot flavors at the core, accented by touches of wildflower honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity keeps everything in focus.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Spiced and cedary on the nose, with dark cherries, plums and hints of cigar box and wet earth. Full-bodied and chewy with a lightly austere, bitter-spice character, yet with juicy fruit underneath.

Winemaker Description

A bright, fruit forward wine with supple tannins makes this a crowd pleaser. Petite Sirah contributes beautiful color and spice, while splashes of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the mouthwatering finish.

Winemaker Description

An undeniably juicy Pinot Noir that bursts with cherries, raspberries and a touch of cassis. Rich flavors of fresh fruit join with soft oak to create a beautifully long, smooth finish filled with sweet vanilla.

This wine goes well with roasted mushrooms, duck breast and dog-earing another page in your favorite book.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

A vivid, structured and textured wine in which vibrant acidity merges with bold sliced apple and Bosc pear flavors. It shows brightness, lift and freshness that are especially appetizing. Medium-bodied and quite affordable.

Winemaker Description

Raeburn Chardonnay shows an array of complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine, notes of Crème Brulee with a balanced and elegant finish.

Winemaker Description 

Embodying the luxurious beauty of great Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this alluring wine draws you in with complex aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, the tannins are supple and round, framing juicy layers of dark berries and chocolate, with sophisticated hints of white pepper and toasty oak emerging throughout the long, resonant finish.

Winemaker Description

Lovely dark fruit aromas waft from the glass with notes of spice and eucalyptus. Blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry flavors are accentuated by hints of vanilla, espresso and baker’s chocolate. The finish is round and supple. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

James Sucking 94 Points: A discrete and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity and notes of dark cherries, olives and beets. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 1% malbec. A well-balanced wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 92 points: The expressive nose of this wine gives aromas of black currant, plum and tobacco, with just a whisper of capsicum. The palate displays vibrant cranberry, black cherry, cigar and black pepper flavors in a medium-bodied frame.

Winemaker Notes:

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Tonya Pitts of The Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | This wine is supple and bright, with aromas of lime marmalade, yellow apple, pineapple and notes of bay leaf. The flavors on the palate are white grapefruit, preserved lemon, apple and white nectarine with white pepper and wet stone accents that create a pleasant mouthwatering finish.

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of white peach, fresh herbs and cut grass. Flavors of key-lime and juicy green Anjou pear throughout. A textural richness midpalate with fleshy fruit and crisp acidity. Lingering notes of wet stone and citrus notes of lemon and lime. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

This medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has vibrant notes of blackberry fruit, hints of vanilla and oak, and a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a rich, medium straw color. It enchants with aromas of stone fruit and apple blossom, complemented by honeydew, pineapple and subtle oak spice. On the palage, it offers a lush blend of ripe pear and golden delicious apple, balanced by our signature bright acidity and soft mid palate. The finish is distinguised by gentle barrel spice, adding a layer of sophistication. This wine’s vibrant fruit character is perfect for pairing alongside gourmet meals or savoring on its own.

The Sonoma Coast is as much about lifestyle as it is about the celebration this wonderful grape deserves. Sonoma-Cutrer's winemakers are selective about the fruit that goes into this wine to ensure that vintage after vintage, they are producing an exceptional Chardonnay.

This wine has all of the elements of a classic Chardonnay. It is a wine you serve when you want to show people you care about them. Or, sometimes it's just for you – because you've earned it.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 California growing season began with plentiful winter rains that revitalized the soils after several years of drought. Cool spring temperatures led to later ripening trends, running anywhere from two weeks to a month behind average. The October heat was a gift, pushing the grapes to optimum ripeness and phenological maturity.

The longer growing season produced red wines with depth, plentiful texture and rich color, and white wines with delicate aromatics, breadth, and vibrant acidity, making 2023 an impressive harvest of outstanding quality.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This wine is fresh, with aromas of citrus, white nectarine, yellow apple and orange-blossom water on the nose. The flavors on the palate are tangerine and Golden Delicious apple, sliding into white peach, white grapefruit zest and white pepper, with a mouthwatering, dry finish.

Winemaker Description 

California white wine with vibrant aromas and flavors of pear, apple, peach, oak and toast.

Medium-bodied white California wine with balanced acidity and a rich, toasty finish
Table white wine that pairs well with light appetizers and hearty entrees. 

Winemaker Description 

This light-bodied, refreshing Pinot Grigio Colombard has crisp acidity with bright citrus notes with hints of pineapple and pear. Pair with grilled chicken or fresh seafood. 

Winemaker Description  

Balance and proportion best describe the character of this Russian River Chardonnay; it displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouth feel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish.

Our Russian River Chardonnay is born from two vineyards within the Russian River appellation: Wood Vineyard, located on River Rd and River Vineyard, located in the heart of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley on East Side Road. The floral, mineral, and lime aromas and steely structure of the River Vineyard are complemented by the peach and apricot aromas.

Winemaker Description 

A rich and memorable Chardonnay with creamy notes of vanilla bean, almond and a touch of tropical fruit. Balanced acidity and savory oak lead to a long, smooth finish. 

Winemaker Description

The McManis Family Vineyards Cabernet is dark garnet in color with juicy flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Most of the fruit for the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Lodi AVA, with the remainder coming from sustainable vineyards within the Valley. They generally harvest the Cabernet in late September. After 7-9 days of fermentation on the skins, the resulting wine is pressed and finishes fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on new and used French and American oak for 4-6 months.

Winemaker Description 

Cool breezes and damp fog build character in this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. 

Elegant and balanced, this wine showcases the lush fruit and finesse typical of the Russian River. The nose opens with delicate aromas of crushed violets and ripe raspberries, layered with subtle earthy tones and a hint of tea leaf.

On the palate, it is soft and inviting on entry, with a round, supple texture, offering flavors of candied red fruit, wild strawberry, and herbal undertones, all framed by a fine dusting of well-integrated tannins.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Gold & Best of Class  |  2024 Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Challenge
Gold, 92 points  |  2024 Sunset International Wine Competition

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points by Tonya Pitts | This old vine Zinfandel is rich with aromas of spiced raspberry, strawberry, orange pekoe black tea, clove and vanilla on the nose. The mouthfeel is sumptuous with juicy tannins, aromas from the nose repeat on the palate as the delicious flavors in this wine. The finish is long and dry.

Winemaker Description

A core of Zinfandel from 60-80-year-old head-trained vines, carefully handpicked.

Flavors of cranberries and raspberries, leading to notes of red fruits, marionberry pie, and baking spices.

Winemaker Description 

To impart highlights of vanilla, caramel and nutmeg, Ron barrel fermented and aged 70 percent of the Chardonnay in French and American oak barrels (20 percent new) for eight months. Fermenting the remainder in stainless steel maintained a bright, fresh fruit balance. The resulting wine has ripe pear and pineapple, and mango flavors highlighted by citrus, Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spices.

The Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay is the perfect combination of pear, apple and ripe tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of citrus and a classically round mouthfeel.