California Wine

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 

Monterey’s combination of moderate climate and marine influences from the Pacific Ocean keep the grapes balanced and able to develop fully ripe flavors. A classic Central Coast Chardonnay, this wine offers tropical aromas of grilled pineapple with a hint of star fruit and vanilla.

Nicely balanced, Hess Select Chardonnay is medium-bodied with layers of sliced peaches and golden delicious apples, finishing crisp and clean with well-balanced acid. 

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. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points This full-bodied, round and buttery chardonnay has notes of baked apples, toast and brown butter. Ripe, soft and generous. 

Winemaker Description

A fresh, youthful and textured Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of pear, floral, white peach, citrus, baking spices and honey.

This versatile wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a triple crème or Humboldt Fog goat cheese, or to accompany entrées such as fresh seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, or chicken piccata

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.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | A light and fresh pinot that has real pinot character, with sliced strawberry and citrus notes. Light-bodied, clean and an attractive.

Winemaker Description

Vivid notes of black raspberry, fresh pomegranate juice, with wild blueberry, sassafras, subtle licorice, toasted oak an earthy backbone, and grippy tannins. 

Winemaker Description - 2024

The iconic California Chardonnay! This wine will delight with its ripe fruit intensity, hints of vanilla oak, a creamy midpalate, and a buttery finish, all supported by bright acidity tying it all together. Bring this wine to a party or open on a quiet night at home- you'll never be disappointed! 

Aromas of yellow peach and ripe melon are found on the nose, interspersed with bright citrus notes. These notes continue on the palate, featuring creamy vanilla and buttery nuances on the long finish. Rombauer’s signature bright acidity is evident in each sip, balancing the softness of the midpalate.

2024 was another classic vintage with good winter rain and moderate spring, ending with warm spells in September that brought us good yields. These perfect conditions allowed optimal fruit ripeness while still preserving the signature acid and body for which Rombauer wines are known.

Sustainable farming practices used throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology.

Food Pairings

• Rich Classics: Lobster with drawn butter, Fettuccine Alfredo, or Crab Cakes.

• The "Joy of Cooking" Match: The Rombauer family famously authored the Joy of Cooking; they specifically recommend pairing this with their Chicken Risotto or Strawberry Shortcake.

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of raspberry, cranberry, black licorice, and exotic tea notes.  Flavors of red cherry, plum, and boysenberry, subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpin notes of spice and toast. Firm yet integrated tannins and bright acidity drives a long finish.

#1 Top Value Wine Wine Spectator, February 2024

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2023

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 Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet boasts flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon spice. It has a round mouthfeel, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. A food-friendly wine, it pairs beautifully with a grilled rib-eye steak, roasted vegetables, or aged cheddar.

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.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Streamlined, with velvety tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations for its price point. Creamy notes of black cherry, vanilla, and purple plum bathe the mouth, giving way to a delectable finish of spiced LOHR black currant.

James Suckling 90 Points | Currants, sage, roasted plums and cloves on the nose of this rich and spicy red. It’s full-bodied, plush and toasty, with ripe tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Damp earth aromas lead quickly into sharp yet ripe cherry aromas on the nose of this bottling. Likable flavors of black cherry greet the palate, as wet clay, cocoa, mint and mace flavors add impressive complexity at this price point.

Winemaker Description

Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from J. Lohr's authentic barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavors infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish.

A classic Cabernet Sauvignon with rich color, layered aromatics and good structure. The wine is smooth and vibrant with cassis, dark cherry and black olive aromas preceding rich fruit flavors of dark plum and cherry preserves followed by a note of roasted coffee bean.. 

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. 

Luminous, fruit‑forward white that strikes a perfect balance between richness and freshness. With aromas of white peach, mandarin, and tropical orchard fruit upfront, it’s anchored by subtle oak hints and a creamy texture that adds depth without overwhelming. The palate delivers juicy citrus zest and orchard fruit flavors, brightened by vibrant acidity and finished with a smooth, lingering touch of vanilla and spice. It’s a graceful wine made for elegant sipping, ideal with roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or buttery seafood.

Winemaker Description 

Radiant aromas of ripe tangerine, sweet melon, and tropical mango mingle with delicate oak spice. The palate is round and full, with bright acidity and a supple backbone of sweet oak, layered with notes of juicy mango, pineapple, and a touch of vanilla.

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.

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

This lush and alluring Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, black tea and sage, as well as rustic hints of earthy forest floor. On the palate, the generous ripe berry flavors are framed by bright, balanced acidity and refined tannins that carry the wine to a long, silky 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

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.

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.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a terrific base appellation release, with redcurrants, framboise, peppery herbs, and floral nuances on the nose. Medium-bodied, pure, supple, and well-structured on the palate, it has integrated acidity and ripe, polished tannins. Fermented with 40% whole cluster and aged in neutral wood, it’s beautifully done and worth a case purchase.

The Wine Advocate 92+ Points | Tasted just three weeks after its bottling, the 2023 Pinot Noir Estate is already showing beautifully. The nose presents powerful dark fruit and citrus peel aromas with spry energy, notes that are mirrored on the silky, refined palate. It finishes with a lovely balance between saturated fruits and a powdery, subtly drying structure. I look forward to checking back on this after a bit more time in bottle

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Brisk and fresh, with pine and savory notes peeking out from a core of strawberry and raspberry coulis. The finish is light-bodied but sleek. Drink now through 2027. 6,066 cases made.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Serving & Pairing

• Food Pairings: Its high acidity and savory notes make it versatile. It pairs well with mushroom risotto, grilled pork chops, or even a tuna poke bowl.

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 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 tried-and-true Cabernet has been a dinner table staple for more than 40 years. A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft, gorgeous tannins. 

Memo Summary Notes

That is a great choice! The Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2023 is an extremely popular and dependable wine from the Hope Family Wines portfolio, known for being an excellent value.

This is a very versatile wine that pairs well with classic American comfort foods:

• Grilled Steaks and Burgers

• Red Sauce Pasta Dishes

• Lamb

• Hard Cheeses

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 Morning Fog Chardonnay stands as the cornerstone of the Wente Chardonnay portfolio, and the 2024 vintage proudly upholds this legacy. Subtle oak nuances of sweet cream and vanilla integrate effortlessly with the bright character of crisp Gala apple, underpinned by hints of fresh-cut pear and lemon curd. On the palate, the wine offers the hallmark weight and depth of classic Chardonnay, balanced by a refined acidity that brings a modest richness while preserving it svibrant, fruit-driven freshness. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2024 Wente Vineyards "Morning Fog" Chardonnay is a freshly released vintage from the estate that pioneered Chardonnay in California. Named for the coastal fog that rolls through the Livermore Valley, this wine is known for balancing "New World" fruitiness with a crisp, food-friendly acidity.

Because it has moderate acidity and subtle oak, it is more versatile than heavier Chardonnays:

• Seafood: Pan-seared scallops with lemon butter or roast chicken.

• Vegetarian: Pasta with cream-based sauces, roasted squash, or mushroom risotto.

• Casual: It is a classic "crowd-pleaser" for sipping on its own due to its smooth texture.

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

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