California Wine

Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay — Plumis Vineyard, Sonoma County 2024

Bravium is a specialist in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley — one of California’s most prestigious appellations for both varieties, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and lingers through the vines, preserving natural acidity and producing wines of remarkable freshness and precision. The 2024 Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the Plumis Vineyard near Forestville, a prized site where the interplay of coastal influence and California sunshine creates a wine that balances richness with crisp coastal structure. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points.

The nose is loaded and inviting: floral aromas, chalky minerality, pithy lemon, pineapple, honey, pear, apple, and white flowers, with a judicious framing of vanillin oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lively — crisp pineapple and mango fruit flavors that turn into apple pastry on the mid-palate, finely textured with medium acidity that builds into a saline, mineral finish of remarkable length and bounce. It is the kind of Chardonnay that delivers great value at every pour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tom R. Capo) — "The nose is loaded with floral aromas, swirling with chalky minerality, pithy lemon, and pineapple. The palate is driven by lively acid, with flavors of fresh pear, tropical citrus, white flowers, and ginger that ebb and flow through the finale. There’s great value here." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Bravium, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
• Vineyard: Plumis Vineyard, Forestville
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Full-bodied, cool-climate Chardonnay with saline minerality
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, mango, lemon, pear, apple pastry, white flowers, ginger, vanillin oak, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oyster po’ boys, grilled salmon with lemon butter, Dungeness crab cakes, mushroom risotto, fettuccine Alfredo, aged Gouda, creamy Brie

A 91-point single-vineyard Russian River Chardonnay at an honest price — Bravium’s Plumis Vineyard bottling is the benchmark for what cool-climate, fog-influenced Sonoma Chardonnay can deliver.

The Prisoner Red Blend · California · 2023

The Prisoner Wine Company built its reputation on a rule-bending California red blend. Its team, led by Director of Winemaking Todd Ricard, works with growers across northern California to bring together fruit for a wine that favors character over convention.

The winemaker note already on this listing describes dried blackberry and açai, cedar and tobacco leaf, followed by sweet baking spices. Dark cherry, blackberry and anise carry through to a soft, vibrant finish balanced by ripe tannins. Pour a glass for a generous dinner or a long evening with friends.

Critic reviews · Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel, 91 Points — Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine's tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture.

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points — Lavish and full-bodied, the red blend from Prisoner delivers ripe mixed fruits, crushed chocolate blended with dried caramel, vanilla bean, and a light pour of espresso. Succulent tannins and layers of spice make for a forward, crowd pleasing wine.

These reviews appeared on the existing listing without a vintage attribution; their scores are not verified for the 2023 bottle.

At a glance

• Producer: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: California red blend
• Size: 750ml

A richly styled red blend with a distinctive California point of view.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

Bogle Vineyards Merlot — California 2023

The Bogle family has been farming the California Delta since the late 1870s, when Captain AJ Bogle traveled west from Tennessee after the Civil War and planted the first roots in the rich delta soil. Five generations later, the family still farms over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards — and their California Merlot remains one of the most consistent and honest values in American red wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded the prior vintage 90 points, calling it a wine of baked plum, coffee bean, and grippy, mouthwatering tannins. Vegan and gluten-free certified.

The nose opens with Bing cherries, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, supple red fruits — dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind — give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. The tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, with a finish that is approachable, food-friendly, and built to over-deliver for the price.

Wine Enthusiast 90 (Prior Vintage 2022) — "Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals. Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins." — Tonya Pitts

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards, California Delta, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Red Wine — Approachable, Medium-Bodied
• Certifications: Vegan • Gluten-Free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, cranberry, cedar, sweet herbs
• Best Paired With: Peking duck, roasted chicken, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, beef stew, mild cheddar, Brie

A 90-point California Merlot at an everyday price — Bogle's five-generation family estate is the benchmark for what honest American red wine can be.

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

Bogle Vineyards · Essential Red · California · 2023 · 750ml

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento Valley since 1968, and the Essential Red is the wine that best captures their philosophy: exceptional quality at an honest price. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning Dunnigan Hills, Clarksburg, and Lodi, the 2023 vintage benefited from a long, temperate summer and extended hang time that allowed for slow, even ripening across all varieties. The blend — 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, and 9% Zinfandel — is aged for twelve months in a combination of American and French oak, adding warmth and structure without sacrificing the wine's natural generosity. Certified by the California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. At $9.78, this is one of California's most compelling everyday reds.

Deep, boldly colored ruby in the glass with an expressive nose of bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, and black currant, layered with warm accents of vanilla, mocha, and a hint of tiramisu from the oak aging. On the palate: generous and full-bodied, with an enveloping mouthfeel and a long, composed finish marked by refined, chalky tannins that provide structure while keeping the wine approachable. Pair with barbecue ribs, seared duck breast, rich pasta with truffle oil and parmesan, or anything off the grill.

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards (est. 1968, Sacramento Valley)
• Wine: Essential Red · California
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Dunnigan Hills · Clarksburg · Lodi, California
• Blend: 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, 9% Zinfandel
• Oak: 12 months · American & French oak
• Style: Full-bodied, approachable California red blend
• Certifications: Sustainable · Vegan-Friendly · Gluten-Free
• Drinking Window: Now–2027
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, black currant, vanilla, mocha, tiramisu, chalky tannins, long finish
• Pair With: BBQ ribs · Seared duck breast · Truffle pasta · Grilled meats

Sustainable farming, Sacramento Valley soul — California's best-kept everyday red.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir displays enticing aromas of pomegranate, white tea, and raspberry. Lively and energetic on the palate with flavors of dried fig, white truffle, and ripe cherry fruit. Savory in texture, with notes of wild herbs and peppery spice lingering on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry glaze, herb-roasted chicken, or quail with mushroom sauce.
• Meat: Lamb chops with wild herbs, pork tenderloin with fig reduction.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, crafting the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc” — an elegant, dry, oak-aged style of Sauvignon Blanc that Mondavi named after the French word for smoke. A decade later, Mike's 1973 Chardonnay famously won the Judgment of Paris, putting California wine on the world map. He went on to found Grgich Hills Estate in 1977, where he continued to champion the Fumé Blanc style as a tribute to his mentor and friend. Today, the estate farms all five of its Napa Valley vineyards organically and biodynamically.

The Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 375ml Half Bottle opens with striking aromas of fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle. On the palate, bright citrus, tangy star fruit, and a hint of green mango are framed by deft oak and a chiseled, linear acidity that carries through to a long, mineral finish of lasting slate. Certified organic and biodynamic — a wine of precision, integrity, and genuine pleasure in a perfect half-bottle format.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle
• Palate: Bright citrus, star fruit, green mango, and lemongrass with deft oak
• Finish: Long, chiseled, and mineral with lasting slate and juicy citrus

Wine Details

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc — Fumé Blanc style
• Certified Organic & Biodynamic — five estate vineyards
• Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle
• Pairs with: filet of sole, pork loin, seafood, light pasta

Bull by the Horns · Paso Robles · 2022

This Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon delivers generous, perfumed fruit in a full-bodied style, with supple tannins and a lift of juicy acidity. Notes of baked red cherry and plum meet savory hints of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves and anise.

Pour it alongside ribeye, barbecue brisket, lamb burgers, smoked short ribs or aged cheddar for an easygoing California red that holds its own at the table.

Expert Review · 2022 Vintage

Wine Advocate 90 points: The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is scented of baked red cherry and plum with nuances of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves, and aniseed. The full-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed fruit. It has supple tannins and just enough juicy acidity to call you in for another sip.

Wine Details

• Producer: Bull by the Horns
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. This wine is a blend of Central Coast and Russian River Chardonnay grapes. This blend has produced a very lush and complex wine. Baron Herzog Chardonnay displays notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and apple, with a hint of vanilla on the finish.

Kosher for Passover. 

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Cakebread Cellars · Sauvignon Blanc · North Coast · California · 2024

Cakebread Cellars planted Sauvignon Blanc as the very first white grape variety at their Napa Valley winery in 1972 — and it’s still thriving there today. More than five decades later, the North Coast Sauvignon Blanc remains one of California’s most reliable and food-friendly whites: sourced from North Coast vineyards and Napa Valley estate ranches in Carneros, Suscol Springs, Rutherford, and Calistoga, fermented in a variety of vessels to build complexity, and crafted for the kind of zesty, citrus-driven freshness that makes it perfect for the aperitif hour and the dinner table alike.

The 2024 growing season delivered ideal conditions — winter and spring rains, moderate summer temperatures, and an extended pre-veraison period that allowed clusters to accumulate a wealth of aromatic compounds. The wine bursts with aromas of pink grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, kiwi, honeydew, guava, and lime zest. On the palate, bright citrus and green apple meet orange sherbet and lemongrass, with hints of tropical fruit and a refreshing acidity that carries through to a balanced, lingering finish of citrus, melon, pear, and tropical notes.

• Producer: Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California (est. 1973)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: North Coast, California
• Vineyards: Carneros, Suscol Springs, Rutherford & Calistoga estate ranches
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Style: Dry white — citrus-driven, aromatic, refreshing
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pink grapefruit, Granny Smith apple, kiwi, honeydew, guava, lime zest, lemongrass, orange sherbet, tropical fruit, lingering citrus finish
• Pairings: Grilled fish, poultry, pasta, salads, goat cheese, seafood, aperitif

North Coast California — Cakebread’s original white grape, still thriving since 1972. Zesty, aromatic, and built for the table.

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2023 750ml

Banshee is one of Sonoma County's most exciting Pinot Noir producers — a winery built on the belief that the best wines from Sonoma are yet to be made, and determined to produce some of them. Sourcing from a carefully curated network of cool-climate vineyards across the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley, Banshee pursues Pinot that achieves power without weight — transparent, site-driven, and alive with the flavors of the coast: forest floor, pine, tea, spice, and minerals alongside the fruit.

The 2023 Sonoma County Pinot Noir is generous, layered, and immediately appealing — an excellent food wine that is equally charming on its own. Bright, medium-bodied, and bursting with red and dark fruit, it delivers real complexity for the price and confirms why Banshee has earned such a devoted following.

"Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold." — James Suckling, 92 pts

• Producer: Banshee Wines, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, elegant, cool-climate California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, dark cherry, blackberry, violets, forest floor, five-spice, toasted caramel, graphite, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, grilled lamb chops, or brie

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling — 92 Points
Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold.

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
Pouring a medium ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is forward in the glass, with bright aromas of preserved cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and red flowers. The palate has lovely energy within a medium-bodied frame, and it has a refreshing feel, with its spices and chalky texture coming through on the finish.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
A pretty red, with a steady beam of raspberry and cherry coulis flecked with red tea and savory. The streamlined finish shows a late tug of red licorice.

Site-driven Sonoma Pinot Noir that over-delivers at every price — Banshee is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

Daou Vineyards Chardonnay Paso Robles 2025 — Paso Robles, California

Daou Vineyards is one of Paso Robles’ most celebrated estates, founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou on a dramatic hilltop site in the Adelaida District. Best known for their benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou also produces a Chardonnay of genuine character — aged 7 months in 30% new French oak, striking a stellar balance between tropical richness and focused acidity that sets it apart from heavier, over-oaked California styles.

The 2025 opens with enticing aromas of pear, passion fruit, pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of white peach, nutmeg, and buttered toast, rounded out by nuances of crushed hazelnut, hibiscus, papaya, and vanilla. On the lush, vibrant palate, tropical flavors of mango, kiwi, and pineapple mingle with golden apple and clover honey, while suggestions of casaba melon, citrus zest, and toasty oak persist on a clean, balanced finish.

Tropical, vibrant, and beautifully balanced — Daou Chardonnay at its most expressive.

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Oak: 7 months in 30% new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, passion fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, white peach, mango, kiwi, golden apple, clover honey, citrus zest, toasty oak
• Best Paired With: Grilled halibut, lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, brie, crab cakes

Paso Robles Chardonnay with tropical soul and Burgundian restraint — Daou delivers every time.

Paso Robles Cabernet That Delivers Napa-Level Richness

Austin Hope has become one of Paso Robles' most celebrated names, crafting wines that showcase the region's unique ability to produce powerful, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon with remarkable depth and approachability. 

The 2024 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon captures the depth, richness, and generosity that have become synonymous with Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Layered with ripe dark fruit, warm spice, cocoa, and polished tannins, this full-bodied vintage is bold yet balanced, delivering a long, expressive finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Producer: Austin Hope Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rich dishes — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel — Sonoma County, California 2022

St. Francis Winery is one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated producers — a winery whose commitment to old-vine Zinfandel has made it a benchmark name for the variety in California. The 2022 Old Vines Zinfandel is sourced from Sonoma County’s most storied Zinfandel vineyards, where ancient, deeply-rooted vines produce fruit of remarkable concentration, complexity, and character. Bright, lively, and generous, this is a Zinfandel built for immediate pleasure without sacrificing structure — earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 90 Points from VinePair, and 88 Points from Wine Enthusiast, and overdelivering at its price point.

The nose is vibrant and inviting: red raspberry, wild blackberry bramble, cranberry, licorice, and barrel spice, with an abundance of berry aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with roasted plum, cinnamon, and earth, set in a framework of barrel structure with well-integrated tannins and a long, smooth, lingering finish. It is approachable, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying — the kind of old-vine Sonoma Zinfandel that disappears fast at the table.

"Aromas of wild blackberry bramble, licorice and barrel spice dominate the nose. On the palate, flavors of roasted plum, cinnamon and earth sit in a framework of barrel structure that lingers into the finish." — Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast, 88 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: St. Francis Winery, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Zinfandel (Old Vines)
• Aging: Barrel-aged for blackberry, cinnamon & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Awards: Double Gold — San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | VinePair 90 pts | Wine Enthusiast 88 pts
• Tasting Notes: Red raspberry, wild blackberry, cranberry, licorice, roasted plum, cinnamon, barrel spice, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, blue cheese burgers, grilled sausage, braised short ribs, aged cheddar

Sonoma’s benchmark old-vine Zinfandel at an honest price — St. Francis is the standard for what concentrated, barrel-aged California Zinfandel can deliver.

Napa Valley's Most Iconic Cabernet

Since its founding in 1972, Caymus Vineyards has become one of Napa Valley's most recognized and consistently celebrated estates. The Wagner family's signature style — dark, rich, and opulent, with ripe tannins that make the wine as approachable in youth as in maturity — has earned Caymus a devoted following among Cabernet lovers worldwide.

The 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from across Napa's diverse sub-appellations, from Coombsville in the south to Calistoga in the north. Valley floor fruit contributes lushness and generosity; hillside fruit provides structure and backbone. The result is a wine of layered complexity and seamless balance.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Layered aromas of cocoa, cassis, and ripe dark berries
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with plush, ripe tannins and flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla
• Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying — approachable now, with the structure to age gracefully

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-appellations: Coombsville, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Calistoga
• Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, CA
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic match for prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional alongside rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Mark West Pinot Noir California 2023/2024

Mark West is the original California Pinot Noir for the everyday table — the wine that proved you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a genuinely good Pinot. Sourced from vineyards across California’s cool coastal regions, it’s been a go-to carafe wine for over two decades, beloved for its approachable style, consistent quality, and the kind of easy drinkability that makes a bottle disappear faster than expected.

Medium-bodied and smooth, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, strawberry, cola, plum, and a touch of vanilla. Soft, fine-grained tannins and a clean finish make it endlessly food-friendly — and just as good on its own. Screw cap for easy opening anytime.

Food Pairings

Pasta with light tomato sauce, grilled salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, a juicy cheeseburger, or simply poured into a carafe for a relaxed dinner. If you’re not a cook, drink it on its own — no judgment.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: California
Vintage: 2023/2024
Format: 750ml | Screw cap

Winemaker Description 

Experience the dark side of Ménage a Trois with Midnight, a luxurious dark red blend sure to satisfy your deepest desires. Voluptuous black cherry and berry flavors with hints of mocha and exotic spice play across your lips, urging you to turn out the lights and savor the pleasures of the dark.

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento Delta since 1968, and Phantom is their flagship red — a bold, layered blend built from the estate's oldest and most expressive blocks. The 2021 is anchored by Petit Sirah and Zinfandel, aged over 24 months in 1- and 2-year-old American oak.

The result is a wine that punches well above its price: rich, structured, and unmistakably Californian.

The nose pulses with ripe Bing cherry, black currant, layered incense spice, molasses, and vanilla cream. On the palate, it is fresh and zesty — red berries, citrus, and dark chocolate mousse give way to spicy pepper, juniper, black plum, and blueberry. Pipe tobacco and clove settle around the long, lingering finish, framed by dry, mouth-watering tannins. A 92-point red blend at a rock-bottom price.

"The aromatics of ripe Bing cherry and black currant pulsate throughout the glass, and the notes of layered incense spice, molasses and vanilla cream create another dimensional element. The mouthfeel is fresh and zesty with red berries, citrus, dark chocolate mousse and dry, mouth-watering tannins on the finish." — Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points (Vintage 2021)

Winemaker Notes

Full-bodied and jammy, Phantom's origins of Petit Sirah and Zinfandel emerge from the glass. Spicy pepper and juniper tantalize your senses, while black plums and blueberries emerge on the palate. After aging for over 24 months in 1 & 2 year old American oak, pipe tobacco and clove settle around the finish, long and lingering.

Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast 2022 750ml

Paul Hobbs is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a perfectionist whose name on a label is a guarantee of quality. CrossBarn is his Sonoma Coast project, sourced entirely from estate vineyards including George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock, and Catherine Lindsay Estates. The 2022 vintage is a triumph: four critics, four scores of 90 points or above, led by James Suckling at 94. This is Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at its most expressive — elegant, layered, and built for the table.

Brilliant deep ruby in color. The nose opens with pomegranate, cranberry, crisp red apple skin, delicate florals, and forest floor. On the palate, harmonious layers of plum, raspberry, and Morello cherry are lifted by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, refreshing finish of spice and fruit. Creamy, focused, and beautifully balanced.

James Suckling 94 • Wine Advocate 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lovely elegance, a refined feel, and great freshness through the finish." — Jeb Dunnuck. (VIntage 2022). 

• Producer: Paul Hobbs CrossBarn, Sonoma Coast, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock & Catherine Lindsay Estates
• Style: Light-Medium Bodied Red
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pomegranate, cranberry, plum, raspberry, Morello cherry, florals, forest floor, spice
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 5–6 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, charcuterie

Four critics, four scores of 90+, one outstanding price — CrossBarn is the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that overdelivers every time.

Oberon · Los Carneros · 2024

Chardonnay · California · 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Oberon by the Michael Mondavi Family brings together Los Carneros Chardonnay and the experience of Head Winemaker Tony Coltrin. The producer notes his more than 50 years of Napa Valley winemaking heritage, understanding of the region’s terroir, and long-standing relationships with premier growers.

Winemaker Description

The Oberon Los Carneros Chardonnay is expressive and approachable, showcasing balanced fruit, beautiful crushed seashell minerality, lingering acidity, and rich flavors and aromas of caramelized white pear, fresh Fuji and golden delicious apple, apple blossoms, and torched crème brûlée.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The following reviews are retained from the existing listing. Their vintages are not specified in the supplied text, so they are not confirmed ratings for the 2024 vintage.

James Suckling, 92 Points: Aromas of wet stones, sliced lemons, grapefruit, sea salt and pastry. The palate is finely tuned with bright acidity, a generous texture and a restrained finish. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast, 89 Points: The nose of this wine leads with nuanced aromas of citrus peel, nectarine, white flower, and fresh linen. The nimble palate features bright acid and flavors of fresh Gala apple, pithy Meyer lemon, toasty barrel spices, and lemongrass to finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast chicken, seared scallops, or pasta with a light cream sauce. Serve chilled.

Wine Details

• Producer: Michael Mondavi Family
• Wine: Oberon Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Los Carneros
• Region: California
• Country: United States
• Winemaker: Tony Coltrin
• Bottle Size: 750ml

A Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from One of the Valley’s Most Iconic Estates

Cakebread Cellars has been crafting benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since 1973, and the 2022 is a quintessential expression of the house style — rich, layered, and beautifully balanced. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it delivers ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry with dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak, underpinned by bright acidity and velvety tannins.

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 92 pts: Plush and generous aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries and baking spices. Full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of olive tapenade, blackberries and cedar. Approachable for early drinking, but will age nicely. (Vintage 2022). 

Winemaker Notes

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Rich layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry enhanced by subtle hints of dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak. Bright acidity and velvety tannins deliver a full-bodied yet refined and elegant structure. Approachable now and built to age gracefully.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Cakebread Cellars
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb rack, rich pork dishes, game, and aged cheddar or Gruyère.

Joel Gott Wines · California · 2023

Joel Gott has been crafting approachable, expressive California wines since 1996, sourcing the best fruit from premium growing regions across California, Oregon, and Washington. His Old Vine Zinfandel draws from some of California's oldest and most revered Zinfandel plantings, yielding a wine of exceptional concentration and character. Balanced, food-friendly, and consistently over-delivering at its price point, it has earned a loyal following among casual drinkers and wine lovers alike.

The 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel opens with inviting aromas of blackberries and black plum, layered with notes of tobacco and warm spice. On the palate, rich dark fruit gives way to soft, velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish with a satisfying touch of black pepper. A crowd-pleasing California Zinfandel that works as well at a dinner party as it does on a quiet weeknight.

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Grape Variety: Zinfandel (Old Vine)
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberries, black plum, tobacco, warm spice, velvety tannins, black pepper finish
• Food Pairings: BBQ ribs, grilled sausage, lamb burgers, tomato-based pasta

A reliable, fruit-forward California Zinfandel — drink now through 2027.

A 99-Point Napa Cabernet That Outscores Cult Wines at Double the Price

Heitz Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, producing benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon since 1961. The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet bounds from the glass with Heitz’s signature pure red cherry and redcurrant flavors, accented by mint, underbrush, and dark cocoa. With Napa Valley’s average Cabernet price cresting $100, this is a phenomenal value — outscoring some cult names at double the price, with the firm acidity and tannin structure to fascinate for decades.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 99 pts: Remarkably pure and fresh. Pristine black cherry and blackberry, layered with beautiful violet aromas. Everything builds with precision and focus, supported by gorgeously firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins that bring energy and drive. Compact and tightly wound at this youthful stage, its intensity truly emblematic of the vintage.
• James Suckling — 94 pts: Dark fruit aromas of blackberries, bitter chocolate, dried herbs, blackcurrants, black olives and graphite. Full-bodied with a textural, rounded mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins, leading to a savory, fruit-driven finish.
• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: Ripe, fresh and focused, offering a lovely beam of red currant and plum coulis alongside savory, violet, tobacco and singed cedar hints. Finishes with a late twang of iron.
• Vinous — 93 pts: Plump and vibrant with good up-front fruit and bright acids. Captures the essence of modern classicism typical of Heitz wines today. Floral overtones brighten the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Pure red cherry and redcurrant on the nose, accented by red plum, mint, underbrush, and dark cocoa. Firm acidity and tannin in harmony with a plush mouthfeel — a wine built to evolve for decades. One of Napa Valley’s great values in serious Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Heitz Cellars
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Napa Cabernet at the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb rack, duck breast with cherry reduction, and aged cheddar or Gruyère.

Producer Description

Dark and luscious, the 2023 Diamond Collection Claret showcases flavors of plum, black pepper, and cocoa. Good length, firm tannins, and sophisticated character are enhanced by a full body and long finish.

The term “Claret” is traditionally used to describe a Bordeaux-style red blend, and this wine consistently delivers a rich, smooth, and fruit-forward take on that classic style.

Food Pairings

Serve at 60–65°F. This rich red blend is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted or Grilled Meats: Steak, lamb, beef tenderloin.
• Hard Cheeses: Aged Cheddar or Gouda.
• Savory Dishes: Mushroom risotto or pasta with a meat-based sauce.

• Producer: Francis Ford Coppola Winery
• Appellation: California
• Style: Bordeaux-style Red Blend (Claret)
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Frame of Mind Vineyards · The Pessimist Red · 2023

The Pessimist is Frame of Mind Vineyards' signature red blend, built each vintage around a shifting mix of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein to chase maximum character rather than a fixed formula. The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair: a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry.

Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.
— Frame of Mind Vineyards

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel, 93 Points — Graphite, espresso, cedar, and black olives commingle in this savory, brooding, dramatic beast with teeth-grabbing cocoa tannins. Intense, lengthy flavors of blackberry and plum speak to the wine's inherent ripeness on the finish.

Specs

• Producer: Frame of Mind Vineyards
• Wine: The Pessimist Red
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein
• Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel — California 2024 750ml

Turley Wine Cellars is California’s most celebrated Zinfandel specialist, founded by Larry Turley in Napa Valley in 1993 with a singular mission: to rescue and vinify fruit from California’s oldest, most historic Zinfandel vines. The Juvenile is Turley’s entry-level Zinfandel — but “entry-level” is a relative term here. Sourced from younger vines across California’s finest Zinfandel-growing regions, the Juvenile consistently delivers the house’s signature combination of perfumed aromatics, mid-weight elegance, and vibrant fruit character. The 2024 vintage is described by critics as an especially delicate and gracious expression — a beauty by any measure.

The 2024 Juvenile opens with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, and mint on an expressive, perfumed nose. The winemaker notes juicy dark cherries, blackberries, and just-ripened raspberries alongside savory Thanksgiving spices. On the palate, notes of salty dried meats and brambly fruits are paired with silken tannins — mid-weight, refined, and utterly drinkable.

Vinous 91 Points — “A very pretty entry-level offering from Turley. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice and mint give this mid-weight, perfumed red tons of character. The 2024 is an especially delicate, gracious Zinfandel. What a beauty.”

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California (est. 1993)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Zinfandel
• Style: Mid-weight, perfumed, elegant California Zinfandel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, spice, mint, dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry, savory spice, salty dried meat, brambly fruit, silken tannins
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, roasted lamb, pizza, aged Gouda, charcuterie

California’s greatest Zinfandel specialist at its most approachable — Turley Juvenile 2024 is a perfumed, elegant beauty built for drinking now.

Hahn Founder's Pinot Noir — Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California 2024

Hahn Family Wines was founded by Nicky Hahn in 1980, when he recognized the extraordinary potential of Monterey County's cool-climate appellations for producing wines of genuine elegance and varietal precision. The Arroyo Seco appellation — a gravelly alluvial plain beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains — is one of California's most distinctive Pinot Noir sites: cool winds funneling in from Monterey Bay ensure gradual, extended ripening and the development of vibrant fruit and natural acidity, while the rocky, well-drained soils enhance intensity and promote balanced ripeness. The Founder's Pinot Noir is Nicky Hahn's personal expression of the appellation — a tribute to the vision that brought Hahn to Monterey and a showcase for everything that makes Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir so compelling at any price.

The nose is vibrant and expressive: red and dark cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry, and plum, with subtle touches of vanilla, sweet tobacco, and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance frame flavors of red cherry and raspberry, with a dash of salinity and a hint of earthiness that adds complexity. The finish is long, lingering, and juicy — a classic example of fruit-forward, balanced, supple California Pinot Noir that retains freshness thanks to the cool Monterey climate.

"Vibrant aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. Silky tannins and excellent acid balance, with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish." — Hahn Family Wines, Winemaker

• Producer: Hahn Family Wines, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, USA
• Founder: Nicky Hahn (est. 1980)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, dark cherry, strawberry, raspberry, plum, vanilla, toasted oak, silky tannins, earthy finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, silky, cool-climate
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, Portobello tacos, roasted beet salad, aged Gouda

Cool-climate Monterey Pinot Noir from one of California's founding estates — Hahn Founder's 2024 is silky, vibrant, and one of the great California Pinots under $20.

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

91 Points James Suckling: (2025)A charming, floral, light-bodied white in a lightweight bottle. It bursts with green apple, white peach and lemon blossom flavors on a low-alcohol body. A trace of residual sugar softens the edges. All tank-fermented with no malolactic.

Winemaker Notes

Discover Pine Ridge's refreshing white wine. Crisp, bright and vivacious, with notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and juicy stone fruit flavors.

Easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.

In a valley that has made its name on Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap has always done things a little differently. Since 1981, they have farmed their Rutherford estate organically and dry-farmed — no irrigation, no shortcuts, no apology for it — producing wines that taste unmistakably of where they come from. Their Sauvignon Blanc is proof that Napa can make world-class whites when a producer commits to restraint and terroir over sheer extraction.

The 2024 is sourced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, vinified primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision, with lees-stirring to build mid-palate texture and a small addition of Muscat clone for aromatic lift. The result is a white of genuine elegance: stone fruit and white flower on the nose, layered with crisp citrus, mineral, slate, and a clean herbaceous thread that speaks clearly of Rutherford’s distinctive soil and climate.

On the palate it is medium-bodied and refreshingly precise — bright lemon and lime flavors supported by lively acidity, with dried herb and mineral accents that carry through to a clean, focused finish. This is California Sauvignon Blanc at its most thoughtful.

• Producer: Frog’s Leap
• Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Dry-Farmed
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024:

93 Vinous — “Lemon confit, slate, white pepper, mint and dried herbs… lees-stirring builds the mid-palate beautifully.”

92 James Suckling — “Crisp, well balanced and medium-bodied… refreshing and clean. Good acidity supports bright lemon and lime flavors.”

Food Pairings: Oysters, grilled halibut, goat cheese salad, roasted asparagus, herb-crusted chicken, or a simple summer lunch that deserves a great white.

Intensely flavored with a long finish, our Pinot Noir is elegantly balanced and filled with lush fruit flavors, complemented by subtle hints of toasted wood.

Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022 - Premium California White Wine

Discover the rich, luxurious character of Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022, a beautifully crafted California Chardonnay that showcases the best of Sonoma County's warmer vineyard sites. This full-bodied white wine delivers layers of golden apple, yellow peach, and luscious caramel wrapped in a creamy, mouth-filling texture.

Why Choose Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay?

• Exceptional Value: 93 points from James Suckling - premium quality at an accessible price
• Rich & Luxurious: Full-bodied with extraordinary depth and complexity
• Perfectly Balanced: Lush texture with bright acidity and a creamy finish
• Versatile Pairing: Ideal with seafood, poultry, creamy pasta, and rich cheeses

Tasting Notes

Experience a wonderfully complex wine with enticing aromatics of caramel toffee, exotic lychee, hints of spice, and lemon pie filling. On the palate, this Chardonnay is lush and viscous, packed with flavors of lemon pie, luscious caramel, and vanilla wafer. The wine finishes with bright acidity and a creamy, lingering finish that invites another sip.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | From warmer parts of Sonoma County, this rich and luxurious wine offers golden apples, yellow peaches, hints of caramel and vanilla on a full body and rounded, mouth-filling texture.

Perfect Food Pairings

This versatile Sonoma Coast Chardonnay pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled lobster or crab with drawn butter
• Roasted chicken with herbs and lemon
• Creamy fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara
• Aged Gruyère or triple-cream Brie
• Pan-seared scallops with brown butter

About Banshee Wines

Banshee Wines crafts exceptional, terroir-driven wines from California's finest coastal regions. Their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay showcases the winery's commitment to producing rich, expressive wines that over-deliver on quality and value.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled at 50-55°F to fully appreciate the wine's complex aromatics and creamy texture. This Chardonnay is perfect for enjoying now or can be cellared for 2-3 years to develop additional complexity.