California Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | This deep and concentrated wine is as smooth as silk, scented with black currants, spearmint and a touch of toast, then soothes the palate with velvety tannins and lush, ripe fruit flavors. While easy to sip, it has a subtle, restrained tannin structure.

92 Points James Suckling | Aromas of blackberries and currants with spicy herbs, pine wood and crushed rocks. Medium- to full-bodied, sleek and polished with soft tannins and silky texture. Juicy, blue-fruited finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

The color is intense and beautiful, almost black with purple, reddish hues. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, piecrust, spice, and mint mingle and leap from the glass. The palate is full and concentrated with similar aromas but also featuring black currant and sweet red cherry with the mild presence of oak, seamlessly integrated. Signature finely structured tannins and balanced acidity give way to a long finish which continues to build after that last sip.

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description 

Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc captures crisp flavors and aromas of citrus, kiwi and mango with a touch of lime.

Excellent as an aperitif or paired with salads, sushi, seafood and fresh, young cheeses.

Winemaker Description

Strikingly rich in color and extract, the 2018 Rubicon is unquestionably a precocious, hedonistic wine. The exotic, well-knit aromas and flavors include ripe cassis, allspice, star anise, vanilla and black licorice. Upon entry, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate with its luxurious concentration and supple, silky tannins, supported by vibrant freshness from the balanced acidity, and perfectly-integrated French oak. Very long and expansive in the finish, the 2018 Rubicon will be memorable for decades to come. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

James Suckling 97 Points | Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022. (2018). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is based on a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It’s a more backward, closed wine, offering classy notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, freshly crushed stone, and cedar. More medium to full-bodied and elegant, I’d like to see a touch more density and richness on the mid-palate, but it's beautifully balanced, has gorgeous tannins, integrated acidity, and outstanding length on the finish. Give this classic, impressive, old school beauty 4-5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15-20. (2018).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Alluring aromatically, with restrained yet complex notes of mulberry, loganberry and anise giving way to an equally understated core of the same, picking up light sassafras, black tea and incense hints. The refined structure lets this drape nicely on the finish, with a mineral hint chiming in. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035. (2018). 

93 Points James Suckling | Very aromatic and bright with some honeysuckle and lemon with some chalk and stone. Medium body with a creamy texture and a long and flavorful finish. (2022). 

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck: Coming all from Carneros and Coombsville and aged in 43% new French oak, the 2022 Chardonnay Napa Valley is medium gold-hued and has a gorgeous perfume of honeyed tangerine, exotic flowers, and subtle baking spice notes in a medium-bodied, layered, rounded, beautifully textured profile on the palate.91Points Robert ParkerA blend of fruit from Carneros (60%) and Coombsville (40%) and barrel fermented in 43% new French oak, the 2022 Chardonnay features subtle buttered toast notes, paired with pear, melon and pineapple fruit. Medium to full-bodied, with partial malolactic fermentation, this plump, round wine is pretty standard Napa stuff but done really well.

Winemaker Notes

Chardonnay thrives in the cool climates of their vineyard sites near the bay. This terroir creates a wine with aromas of Honeycrisp apple, brioche, white flowers, and Meyer lemon zest. The palate is a playful balance of rich and creamy textures with vibrant acidity. Flavors of Anjou pear, tropical fruits, hazelnut, vanilla, and oak spices round out its appeal; making it suited to enjoy on its own or pair well with a wide range of dishes. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

93 Points Tasting Panel | Lots sourced from four vineyards (including Schug's estate property) were fermented separately and aged sur lie in small French oak bar rels. Bolstered by toasty cedar and keen acidity, this dynamic, creamy, and balanced white pres ents notes of orange peel, vanilla wafer, and white flowers. (2021).

90 Points James Suckling | Aromas of sliced apples and white peaches with raw almond and nougat undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with toned acidity and quite a ripe fruit character with savory notes. More rich and mellow style with a flavorful finish. (2021).

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Delicious pear and apple flavors are lightly accented by vanilla in this generous, well-balanced wine that was aged on the lees for eight months. A full body, smooth texture and well-concentrated fruit flavors make it a pleasure to sip. (2021).

This classic Carneros Chardonnay was grown primarily on the Schug Estate vineyard, with additional barrels from the Wildcat Vineyard and Thornton Ranch. It was fermented and aged on the lees ("sur-lie") in small French Oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. Malolactic fermentation was not induced, allowing the wine to retain its natural acidity and varietal focus. The result is a wine that is both rich and powerful, while refreshing and elegant on the finish. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear, and spiced apples. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal, and pasta dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 93 Points: This supple but structured wine is sourced from various parts of the valley, yet still has the gentle power of the Stags Leap District. Suave oak spices, rich dark fruit and a full body give a generous, broad feel that is nicely freshened by fine-grained tannins.

Wine Spectator 92 Points: Delivers a lovely burst of boysenberry and mulberry puree flavors that glide through, marrying well with judicious accents of glossy toast, anise, sweet tobacco and apple wood through the finish. Drink now through 2036. 87,500 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon offers inviting aromas of boysenberry, plum, currant, chocolate and baking spice. The rich and creamy entrance leads to a fresh and flavorful mid-palate. The wine is full-bodied with rich fruit flavors and integrated tannins that are persistent and plush.

Enjoy this Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled tri-tip, braised short ribs, or pasta with wild mushrooms and prosciutto.

Winemaker Description

This elegant, fruity Zinfandel brims with inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture throughout the mid-palate, balanced with perfectly integrated acidity. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness that will allow it to age beautifully for many years. 

Expert Ratings- Vintage 2019 

Decanter 92 Points | Opulent and lavish nose of menthol, cassis and spice, palate of dark fruit, redcurrant, bramble and spicy oak. Decanter World Wine Awards

Wine Review Online 92 Points | This Zinfandel is a breath of fresh air. Unlike the Zins of a decade ago, this one is not dark or inky on the pour but an elegant medium ruby. On the nose, typical aromas of strawberry jam and sweet cherry come through, but even on the nose, the heightened acidity of the wine is detectable. These jammy notes carry through on the palate, where they are met with a kiss of vanilla, fine-grained tannins, and a moderate 14.5% alcohol. As the aromas alluded to, the acidity is indeed lifted and fresh. This wine showcases well what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.

Winemaker Description 

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir Red Wine offers a bright, fruit-forward glass of wine with strawberry and cherry aromas set off by a hint of spice and toast. Ripe cherry flavor and rich cocoa stand out in this full-bodied California red wine that culminates in a smooth, velvety finish. Made with pinot noir grapes sourced from California's Lodi region and aged in French and American oak, this delicious Woodbridge wine is perfect on its own, or paired with salmon, pork chops, or even pasta with red sauce.

A premium boxed wine containing the equivalent of four 750 mL bottles of red wine, it features a convenient pour spout and includes directions on the outer package for opening the wine box and pouring a glass of wine. It's more of the wine you love in a resealable box; open it whenever, and reopen it whenever. Perfect for a party of two or a dinner party, you're going to need more glasses! Store this 3 liter pinot noir wine at room temperature, but let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before serving cool for best taste. Winner of multiple Wine Enthusiast BEST BUY awards since 2011, Woodbridge is Wine Your Way. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | This seamless, polished but also firm and well-structured wine achieves power with grace. Wonderful black fig, black olive and plump blackberry flavors ride a full body backed by good, well-integrated tannins. This classic from Ridge’s Sonoma County property consists of 79% Zinfandel plus 11% Petite Sirah and 10% Carignan. 

James Suckling 95 Points | This has lots of horizontal tannins that provide fine muscle and form. It's medium- to full-bodied with freshness and brightness. Red berries, crushed cloves and other spices. Grapey, for a better word. Sophisticated. Chewy, Needs time to soften. Zinfandel with petite sirah and carignan. Drinkable now, but better with two or three years of bottle age.

Decanter 95 Points | Committed to both sustainable and organic farming practices, Ridge’s pre-industrial approach lends its sensibility to field blends made from old, time-honored vines. Leading the Sonoma County blend is Zinfandel, California’s quintessential heritage grape, along with Petite Sirah, Carignan and Alicante Bouschet. Hand-harvest, co-fermented, then thoughtfully aged in American oak, the ruby hues with purple reflections follow with a bramble of wild berries, violet, sarsaparilla, fennel, and mint on the nose. An energised mouthfeel of blackberries, cherry cola, dried herbs, and cocoa-covered coffee beans, drive this lush and juicy field blend to a long, lifted finish. 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Lytton Springs is a very pretty wine. Bright floral and spice accents open first. Silky and medium in body, with plenty of persistence and fine balance, the 2020 is pretty impressive, especially for the year. Zinfandel character really drives the feel in 2020. A burst of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, cinnamon and dried herbs lingers on the open-knit, intensely perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

Rich blackberry and plum on the nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and dried sage. 

Winemaker Description

High Haven captures the essence of California's highest and coolest growing region, and the humble, nostalgic —slightly eccentric — charm of Anderson Valley. This rustic enclave, in the shadow of the giant redwoods, produces world-class Pinot that is deeply aromatic, balancing concentrated fruit with beautiful acidity.

Expert Reviews

91 Points Wine Enthusiast |Find bright aromas and flavors of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry along with earthy notes of river-rock minerality, roses, violets, hints of fennel and tarragon and just a touch of wood. Elevated fruit concentration yields pleasantly plush tannic texture along with an energetic acidity that points to a long, lingering finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Clean, fresh, bright and tangy, this pinot is touched by notes of orange and vanilla, lasting on a cherry-leaf scent. It’s fruit-forward with tannins that melt into the background, leaving the cool feel of Anderson Valley pinot.

91 Wine Spectator | Alluring, with a nice swath of mulled raspberry and blood orange inlaid with pine forest and savory hints. Caressing finish.

Winemaker Description

Blackberry, chocolate-raspberry, espresso roast coffee, au jus, cardamom, cigar box, new leather, dense, youthful tannin, persistent finish.

Expert Reviews

91 Points The Wine Advocate | The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a touch shy to begin before revealing red cherry, tobacco, aniseed and earth with wafts of floral perfume and mint chocolate. The full-bodied palate has a deep core of perfumed fruit framed by supple tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, refreshing finish.

Winemaker Description

Using their now well-established technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment and then infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, Frog's Leap locks in the freshness of the fruit and accentuate the elegance of the resulting wine.

A dash of Carignane adds additional acidity and structure, preserved nicely by their practice of aging Zinfandel largely in small concrete tanks. The resulting wine is beautiful: deeply flavored, balanced, and fresh—a great summer drinker to be sure, especially with a quick chill. But don’t be afraid to put a few bottles away in the cellar; like all Frog's Leap Zins, this wine has decades of life ahead of it.

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Papillon fills the glass with an unmistakable dark crimson, a flash of neon purple and a ruby rim. Tears move glacially and the wine opens with aromatics of boysenberry jam, violets, chocolate covered blueberry and hints of Cara Cara rind, graphite and brioche. The entry and mid-palate are bright throughout with considerable weight—tones of cassis, blackberry and baking spices flourish. Enveloping texture, chalky, drying tannins and an enduring finish bows out the wine. 

Expert Reviews

91-93 Points Robert Parker | Still not bottled at the time I tasted it, the 2021 Papillon Red Wine is a five-variety Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot) that spends 13 months in 44% new oak. While not that complex, it does offer up bold cherry and cassis aromas on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and velvety, with a long, almost zesty finish. Best After 2024.

90 Points James Suckling | Lots of delicious, juicy fruit with spices and berries. Medium to full body, affective, fresh and clean, but a little straightforward. 

Winemaker Description

Woman Winemaker 

Rich blackberry and plum on the nose with notes of aniseed. Full-bodied with dark bramble fruit and well-coated tannins on the palate. The long finish reveals layers of black licorice and dried sage.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021 

95+ Points Vinous | The 2021 Lytton Springs is fabulous. Bright and vibrant to its core, the 2021 impresses with its poise. Readers will find a Lytton Springs that is very much in reserve, as opposed to the rest of the 2021s in this report, all of which are more approachable. Salivating acids and veins of tannin lend shape and persistence, but the 2021 needs time. Red cherry fruit, blood orange, rose petal and sage are some of the notes that linger on the close.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2021 Lytton Springs is based on 72% Zinfandel, 15% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan, Alicante Bouschet, Cinsault, and Counoise. This deep ruby/purple-hued effort has a juicy, lively, medium-bodied style as well as both red and blue fruits, some peppery, herbal, spicy nuances, lots of floral character, and ripe, polished tannins. It shines for its fresher, focused, elegant profile, and its purity of fruit is top-notch. 

93 Points Wine Spectator | Robust and rustic, yet retains a sense of style, with deep blackberry, savory anise and black pepper flavors that gather tension and structure toward broad-shouldered tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Alicante Bouschet, Cinsault and Counoise.

Jancis Robinson 17.5+ | Samantha Cole-Johnson writes:  Medium ruby with a purple hue. Really dusty with some vanilla and spice, black plum, red cherry, a touch of cedar and spicy red floral notes. Long, sweet-spice finish. Cranberry sauce and cinnamon. Lots of depth and layering to this wine.  Drinking 2024 to 2035. 

The ensuing wine is amazingly complex and classic Napa Valley. The aroma is cedar, cola, dark black fruit and just a kiss of oak. The pallet is round, expansive, bright and complex with flavors of cocoa, coffee, fruit and herbs. The wine fills the mouth but isn't dominated by any one element and finishing amazingly bright for Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the great joys of making Cabernet is blending the wine before bottling and this wine was so very fun to combine just the right amount of Cabernet Sauvignon with its power, Cabernet Franc for the beautiful wild aroma and flavor, a touch of Merlot for the dusty plum character, Malbec for violet notes and Petit Verdot for color and tannin. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Tri-County Pinot Noir showcases a beautiful garnet gem color in the glass with aromas of red plum, dried black cherry, mocha and a touch of cedar. On the palate, it displays the classic fresh coastal acidity that our three regions provide, along with peppery herbs and savory black fruits. Carried by a well developed tannic structure, the silky finish rounds out this medium bodied wine. 

Winemaker Description

Trousseau Noir, Mondeuse, Zinfandel, Barbera, and Grenache

The 2021 Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon opens with classic Cabernet aromas of saddle leather, cigar box, and a touch of earthy eucalyptus. Sumptuous flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, huckleberry and mocha are framed by sweet oak and vanilla from barrel aging. Fine-grained, dusty tannins add a plush structure to the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Powerful mountain character. cascades from the glass with aromas of black currant, dried cherry, and raspberry jam. Scents of dark chocolate, coffee, dried rosemary, and hints of fig emerge over time. 

The palate is full-bodied and rich, with concentrated ripe cherry, cranberry, and blackberry flavors plus hints of mocha, leather, turned earth, baking spices, and rocky minerality. The tannins are firm yet opulent, driving the wine’s long, powerful fruit finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Tasting Panel 91 Points | Blended with Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Petite Sirah, this French oak- aged red produces bold notes of tobacco, blackberry, and sandalwood. Savory notes are amplified by graphite for a fine textural experience.

Winemaker Description 

Inviting warm aromas featuring notes of violets, pomegranate, herbes de Provence, cedar, and baker’s chocolate. A soft mouthfeel with supple and concentrated flavors of plum, cherry cola and blackberry pie filling, all supported by melting, dusty tannins.

Pair with baked feta and plum tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and served over pasta.

Winemaker Description 

The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose compliment the boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes. 

Winemaker Description

In the glass, bright strawberry and cranberry mix with hints of plum and citrus. Fresh fruit flavors are inviting and complex with a touch of spice and earthy notes on the finish. Silky tannins and balanced acids combine seamlessly to produce a luxurious mouthfeel. Aged on French Oak.

Enjoy with dishes such as grilled salmon or roasted pork loin.

Winemaker’s tasting notes:  2022 Intercept Chardonnay is medium bodied with notes of ripe peaches, shortbread, and spiced apples. Rich from barrel fermentation and sur-lie aging, the wine has bright acidity with a lingering toasty oak finish. 

Our Professional Description

67Wine.com | Leather, plums, pepper, and some green vegetal notes on the nose. Lighter medium body. Some citrus, blackberries, and prunes on the palate. Very soft and fading tannins. Pair with roasted poultry. Herbed dishes would play well with this subtly green wine. Great for all your Thanksgiving sides or your favorite hearty salads.

Winemaker Description

Camins 2 Dreams is a winery designed by two women with a creative desire to produce natural wines, utilizing the best sustainably and organically farmed grape cultivars available. Business and life partners Tara Goméz and Mireia Taribo work in tandem with SIP Certified growers to create wines of specific terroir with absolute regard for grape typicity and quality.

Winemaker Description 

Corbett Canyon is committed to crafting fresh, awardwinning premium wines Our Merlot is medium bodied with classic hints of black cherry and toasty oak.

Winemaker Description

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely impeccable. Best of all, it won't require years in the cellar to be enjoyable. In fact, it is quite expressive today. Juicy dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. 

Expert Review 

Vinous 96+ Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and elegant, with lovely aromatic presence and impeccable balance. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and mint all give this mid-weight Cabernet lovely complexity and nuance. The 2018 has shut down since I tasted it last year, but that is not surprising given the style here. Today, bright acids give the 2018 energy, tension and a good deal of precision. Those qualities should help the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon age well over the coming decades.  Drinking 2028 - 2058.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | This is a balanced red, showing blackberry and bark with chili and some herbs. It’s medium-to full-bodied with nice drinkability and a succulent, flavorful finish. Iodine, pine needles, slate and graphite undertones. Subtle. 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Fission emerges from Alta Vista, on Moon Mountain. A dark, potent wine, the 2019 captures plenty of mountain energy in its savory, earthy flavor profile. Dark cherry, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and chocolate all flesh out. My impression is that less new oak and longer élevage might bring out even more character. This is certainly an impressive debut from Mai Errazuriz and Rodrigo Soto. (AG)  

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Suscol Springs is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, exuberant notes of fresh blackberries, boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles rocket from the glass, followed by hints of sautéed herbs, forest floor and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is intense and energetic, featuring finely grained tannins and a refreshing backbone, finishing long and lifted.

James Suckling 93 Points | Ripe blackberries, cassis, chocolate, mocha and sweet spices on the nose with some tobacco leaf. Full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Polished and well-balanced. Drink from 2023. 

Winemaker Description

The 2018 Blank has a beautifully layered dark nose of black cherry, aromatic black tea, blackberry bramble, rose oil, black licorice, and violet candies. The silky entry opens to flavors of black fruit, culinary bay, and bakers’ chocolate seamlessly underpinned by velvety tannins and lovely texture through to the finish. This wine will age effortlessly for at least 20+ years. 

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 95 points | I was able to taste two wines from Grace Family both made by the incredibly talented Helen Keplinger who has been at this estate since 2014. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Blank offers a beautifully pure elegant style in its darker currant and blueberry fruits as well as notes of iron minty herbs tobacco and lead pencil. Soft supple medium to full-bodied and as seamless as they come drink this singular beauty any time over the coming 20 years. I love its mid-palate as well as its tannins.

James Suckling 98 points | So much graphite and dark fruit here with some iron and spice. Lead pencil, roses and light mint, too. Full-bodied and wonderfully seamless with dusty tannins and a lightly balsamic finish. Drinkable now, but better after 2025. 

Wine Spectator 93 | A nice burst of mulberry and loganberry fruit leads the way, with licorice, black tea and violet notes playing supporting roles. Sleek and refined through the finish, with sneaky depth. Drink now through 2033