California Wine

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 Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 30% new American oak for up to 16 months. A snapshot of California from vintners Joel and Sarah Gott, the grapes are sourced from select sites in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lake County, Mendocino, Lodi, and Central Coast appellations. Sampled in mid-October 2024, the 2021 vintage is a youthful, easy-drinking Cabernet, perfect for weeknight consumption. Alluring blackberry, sandalwood, and ripe blackcurrant notes intermix with dried rose petals and mulling spices. Medium-bodied with intriguing cola spices, blackcurrant jam, a hint of white mocha, and a spine of zippy acidity, bracketed by fine tannins and a chalky mineral finish. It delivers a satisfyingly dry finish with just 1.7 g/L of residual sugar and a pH of 3.73. Joel Gott Wines was founded in 1996 by Joel and Sarah Gott. The '815' Cabernet is their flagship wine, named after their daughter’s birthday (15th August).  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 92

James Suckling writes:  Blackcurrants, black and green olives, rosemary and some crushed walnuts on the nose. Fresh and refined, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 90

James Molesworth writes: Ripe, fresh and polished, this delivers unencumbered red and black cherry fruit notes laced with a tickle of tobacco, all backed by a just firm enough finish to keep this balanced and engaging. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 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 

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. 

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

Bright with a deep ruby core that lightens at the rim of the glass, with moderately thick, slow forming tears. Aromatic with ripe black cherry, red berries and blackcurrant fruit with spice notes of vanilla and cinnamon with fresh sage, subtle dried rose petal, and toasted oak. Nearly full-bodied with red plum, ripe bing cherry, and blackberry on entry with savory dried herbs, baking spice and toasted oak on the midpalate supported with balanced, fine tannins. The complex finish shows sustained ripe fruit and spice mixed with dried flower and camphor elements.

The 2020 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 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 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

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 

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

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 89 Points | A ripe, friendly, open style, with black tea and anise notes infusing a core of raspberry and cherry compote flavors. Shows a light sandalwood echo on the finish. Drink now through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 

Samantha Cole-Johnson of Jancis Robinson writes | Pale ruby with a purple hue. Fresh red and black cherry with a light spiciness. Sweet fruit on the palate. Viscous, with fine-grained tannins and high, fresh acidity. Fresh finish with light spice.  100% French oak, 22% new; 8–9 months in barrel.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  

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.

Winemaker Description

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

Expert Rating - Vintage 2021 

Tom R. Capo of the Wine Enthusiast writes 86 Points | This wine has a bit of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde vibe. The nose is charming, showcasing aromas of dark chocolate, candied raspberries, soy sauce and black pepper. The palate is another matter entirely, displaying monstrous tannic force that really needs some time to settle down. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

92 Points Wine & Spirits | This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

Winemaker Description 

This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine we made. This is the wine that started it all, setting the exacting standards that we hold ourselves to for all of our varietals. Round and juicy, our Cabernet Sauvignon has flavors of blackberry, toasted hazelnut and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

We love pairing this wine with well-seasoned meats like beef, pork, or lamb, and indulgent chocolate desserts.

Winemaker Description 

This is a bold and classic California Chardonnay from team Rombauer, the winery who arguably made bold, rich, butter-scented Chardonnays the standard across California. This one comes from the cool stretches of Carneros, and balances bright citrus and orchard fruit flavors with bright, refreshing acidity and just enough oak-driven spice.

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. 

Winemaker Description 

Crisp, bright, and vivacious! The Chenin aromatics bring citrus characters of tangerine, yuzu, pear, orange blossom, and honeydew melon. The Viognier aromatics tend to be a little heavier on stone fruit of peach and mango with hints of honeysuckle. The mouthfeel is clean, crisp with no oak or malolactic fermentation. The slight residual sugar and acid are in balance to add a viscous mouthfeel in the mid-palate with a crisp finish.

This versatile wine pairs well with a number of dishes, from light salads to seafood, and most notably with foods with a hint of spiciness – its subtle sweetness provides balance alongside a touch of heat.

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. 

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. 

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 Ratings - Vintage 2022

93 Robert Parker | The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate was vinified with 40% whole clusters and matured in used oak. The nose is bursting with cranberry, pomegranate, mushrooms, woodsmoke and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a core of earth and spice-laced fruit. It has a frame of chalky tannins and juicy acidity and a long, nuanced finish. (v. 2022)

93 Points Wine Enthusiast |  Baked cherry and boysenberry aromas meet with dark earth, star anise and eucalyptus leaf aromas on the nose of this appellation cuvée. There's a rich body to the palate, but the ripe cherry flavor stays vibrant and energized, bolstered by green sage and lemon-peel elements. (2022).

Winemaker Description

The aromatics instantly permeate the glass, ripe red plums, cloves, and orange zest. When tasting, the flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry and blackberry race over the entire palate and are followed by black tea and tarragon. A harmonious backbone of silky tannins and energetic acidity give this wine real verve.

Winemaker Description 

On the nose, beautiful aromas of tropical fruit, melon and perfumed lemon mingle with hints of slate, wet chalk and intriguing floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. The lush tropical fruit is echoed on the velvety palate, with flavors of pineapple and guava giving way to layers of stone fruit, Key lime pie, Asian pear and yellow apple, all of which flow to a long, luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description 

With luxurious aromas of ripe mango, pineapple, Mandarin orange and sweet citrus zest, this vibrant Chardonnay beckons a first sip. On the smooth, supple palate, refreshing acidity adds poise and polish to the tropical fruit flavors, with hints of vanilla and toasted almonds adding complexity to a long, lush finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | Fragrant, almost-sweet aromas lead to ripe red cherries, strawberries and cinnamon on the palate. Generous, mouth-filling and full-bodied, with good underlying acidity and moderate tannins for an appetizing texture.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel 94 Points | Spending eight months in (25% new) French oak, this startlingly focused Chardonnay tastes of luscious pear crème, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche. Lemon meringue suits up on mid-palate, with ripe pineapple and a pinch of salty stone on the finish." - Meridith May, September 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | Pure and precise aromas of lemon zest, flint and orange blossoms. The palate is medium-bodied with tightly wound acidity supported by a creamy texture, giving notes of lime curd, almond meal and grapefruit. Citrus driven with a nicely integrated, underlying power." - January 2025

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | White melon, crisp nectarine and apple slice aromas are cut by sea salt on the cohesive nose of this bottling. There’s a sharper, crystalline focus to the palate, where citrus edges cut into the warmer cantaloupe and tropical touches, with lively acidity throughout.- Matt Kettmann, December, 2024

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Chardonnay Highland is ample and lively, opening with an uncomplicated nose of golden apple, nectarine and savory herbs. A nicely measured inner sweetness makes this approachable and easy to like. The 25% new oak is skillfully integrated, adding a spicy kick through the focused finish. Well done.” – Billy Norris, August 2024

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. 

Winemaker Description

This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc offers an enticing medley of tropical and citrus aromas, including pineapple, lemon verbena, lime and guava. The palate is lush and lively, combining a silky texture and energetic acidity with fresh melon, citrus, and pineapple flavors framed by subtle minerality throughout a long, bright finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | This wine is vibrant, with aromas of Meyer lemon, green papaya and lemongrass on the nose. The flavors on the palate are white nectarine, orange sherbet and allspice, intertwined with pink grapefruit zest, mineral and a dry finish. Pair with Fritto Misto.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 90 Points | Notes of ripe pineapple and waxy lemons, with hints of walnuts, honeysuckle and vanilla. Full-bodied, seamless and creamy on the palate, with good fruit concentration and a spiced, slightly nutty undertone. Juicy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Balance and proportion best describe the character of their 2020 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. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Our 2023 Unoaked California Chardonnay has aromas of pear, sweet-tart apple and mango with notes of citrus and honeysuckle. On the palate, the wine opens with bright fruit flavors, followed by crisp minerality on the mid-palate and a long, clean balanced finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Tonya Pitts of Wine Enthusiast 88 Points | This wine is concentrated with tropical fruit, stone fruit, herb spice, cardamom, nutmeg and mulled orange. The wine has a dry finish.   

Winemaker Description 

The color is classic California golden straw. The flavors are dominated by the tropical notes that have become a signature of their Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay: pineapple, mango and melon. The 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy texture and a touch of butterscotch; oak aging adds the note of vanilla. The dash of verdejo brightens the wine with a lift of minerality. This delicious chardonnay has a satisfyingly plump mouthfeel balanced by the crisp, fresh fruit that lingers in the finish.

Winemaker Description

Bonanza calls back to a simpler time – Chuck Wagner recalls fondly how his family enjoyed his dad’s homemade wine with their nightly dinner. His vision is that delicious Cabernet should be accessible to a broad group of people. Chuck wants everyone to have the chance to enjoy good wine as a simple pleasure of everyday life.

Tasting Notes:

Bonanza Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 6 is a bold and delicious red wine that embodies the spirit of the Wild West. With its deep ruby color and rich aromas, this wine is a true testament to the adventurous spirit of the American frontier. It reflects the “bonanza” of the great state of California – and bonanza calls back to the discovery of land where delicious Cabernet can be farmed. Medium ruby-red, this wine opens with scents of currants and dried roses, grape pomace, and fresh tilled soil.

The nose is filled with ripe blackberry and black currant, along with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture and silky tannins that make it easy to drink.

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.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Tasting Panel 96 Points: Since its founding in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has produced just one red wine in every single vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to meticulous craftsmanship, the 2019 embodies the standard set for this world-class red. Its sleek mouth- feel is dotted with white-peppered black raspberry, balsamic, and Italian herbs as well as illustrious, glossy tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points: Excellent concentration and a classic flavor profile of black cherries, black olives and toasted oak give good reasons to buy and enjoy this Sonoma County icon. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannis and equally generous in black fruits, the wine is well-balanced and trim in body.

Winemaker Notes:

The 2019 vintage hits all the right notes. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and blackberry, making this a vintage that will age for years to come. A fitting release to commemorate Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and blackberry interlace with a lovely violet floral note. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and boysenberry that are all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve beautifully in the glass and linger on the palate.

The dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make it a decadent
wine for food pairing. This wine’s elegance, acidity and spice notes complement
grilled or roasted dishes, such as coq au vin, lamb ragu or roasted salmon with
miso. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthiness even complements vegetarian
dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto and ratatouille.

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. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This priced-to-sell appellation blend gives hints of what the single-vineyard expressions can do in a more accessible manner. Aromas of pomegranate, green peppercorn and oregano decorate the nose. The palate shows baked plum and strawberry flavors as well as Calera’s telltale showing of terpeneladen herbs like bay leaf and marjoram.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Central Coast is one of the few fully destemmed wines in the Calera portfolio. It's packed with sweet cherry-berry fruit, citrus peel lift and savory, earthy undertones. Morello cherry and marionberry join nips of blood orange zest, sweet tobacco and lavender, blossoming with air to reveal their charms. Linear and driven through the finish.

James Suckling 91 Points | A beautiful, balanced and easygoing wine with almost-sweet cherry and plum flavors on a big, broad texture. Strawberries, red cherries, sweet plums, light baking spices and vanilla bean on light tannins

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Central Coast is a lovely introduction to the modern era at Calera, opening with a fragrant, dark-fruited nose lifted by pure herbal and spice aromas. The palate is supple and deftly concentrated, finishing on a balanced note framed by gentle acidity and subtle grip.

Winemaker Description 

This beautifully lush and supple Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage and sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice emerging on a long, satisfying finish.