California Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

93 Points Wine Spectator: This stunning wine leaps out of the glass, with concentrated flavors of white peach, quince and pineapple, plus floral accents of orange blossoms and lemon curd. Finishes with mouthwatering acidity, a note of crunchy sea salt minerality and a whiff of lemon verbena. (2023).

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: Made by Greg Brewer and already bottled, the 2023 Chardonnay comes from the Mission Mills Vineyard just outside of Los Alamos. Its vivid medium gold hue is followed by a vibrant nose of salted citrus, tangerine, exotic flowers, and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, pure, rounded, and beautifully balanced, it has plenty of power and density, integrated acidity, and a great finish. This impeccably made Chardonnay should be snatched up by readers, as it competes with wines at two to three times the price.

93 Decanter Magazine: One of the region's perennial top-value Chardonnays that retains the truest sense of place. With the aroma of salty sea air and dried white flowers, winemaker Greg Brewer calls the wine ‘big and neutral, blurring the lines of expectation.’ Spicy lime flavours combined with cardamom, tingly acidity, and a dash of white pepper finish it off.

93 Points James Suckling: An unoaked chardonnay that's full-bodied but balanced and amazingly rich in ripe fruit. Flavors of lemons, green apples, pineapple. mangoes, minerals and chalk. Harvested late in the year, fermented in steel tanks, then bottled and sold early while it's fresh and racy in texture.

Winemaker Description 

The Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and wet sand with flavors of saline and white peach on the palate. A precise, balanced wine. 

Winemaker Description 

Our family winery has hand-crafted fine wines for four generations. We harvest grapes at their peak of ripeness from our 1,850 acres and prime California vineyards creating wines to be enjoyed every day – whatever the occasion. Our Chardonnay is a delightfully crisp wine with aromas of lemon and citrus.

• Flavors of apple and pear mingle with a hint of oak in this medium-bodied wine that is smooth and refreshing

Producer Description 

This bright, lively wine showcases an abundance of berry flavors and aromas. Red raspberry, wild blackberry, and a touch of cranberry are balanced with spicy notes of anise and cinnamon. This medium-bodied Zinfandel lingers for a long, smooth finish.

Pair with barbecue, blue cheese and cheeseburgers.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Jammy and generous but not blowsy, this Zin is loaded with blackberry and cherry flavors that are accented with hints of pepper and licorice.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, as well as notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Expert Review

Alex Krause and John Locke of Birichino have been making terrific wines from the Central Coast for almost 20 years. The Saint Georges Pinot Noir is an excellent value. It speaks of California, yet the wine is focused, fresh and complex. - Eric Asimov “20 Wines for the Thanksgiving Table”, New York Times, Nov 2025

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Once again, the 2024 Pinot Noir Saint Georges presents one of the best Pinot Noir value propositions in the Central Coast. A poised and pretty nose of red and black fruits with woody, balsamic accents is followed by an elegantly lush palate, concluding with a fresh, balanced finish.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
As with the Juvenile bottling, the 2022 Zinfandel Old Vines punches above its weight in this vintage. The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and similar autumnal accents to its younger sibling. The palate is light- to medium-bodied, carrying through the polished quality of the nose and melds it with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. The finish is straightforward and easy to drink, offering generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes.

Winemaker Description

Dark brambly fruits, such as dark berry and fruitcake, dominate the palate. Notes of gingerbread, black pepper, and cinnamon add a beautifully spiced complexity. Hints of Herbs de Provence and a slight herbal quality are present.

Old Vines is composed of a variety of old sites from California that are either too small to be made into a vineyard designate wine or are “new” to the Turley family (and way of farming). Vines are anywhere from 50 to 130 years old, and a true representation of California old vine Zinfandel, hailing from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador and Paso Robles. There is no better way to gauge the classic character of old vine Zinfandel in California than through this wine.

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | Starmont was created by Napa Valley winery Merryvale Vineyards in 1989, with the purpose of crafting wines from grapes sourced from selected cool climate vineyards located in northern and central California.Their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon shows off the fruits of their efforts with terrific fanfare. There is a lovely essence of black fruits on the nose with layers of earthy spice and herbal complexity. Full bodied and concentrated with generous flavors coating the palate showcasing velvety richness and elegant tannins that flow effortlessly into the long lasting finish. This is a Cabernet lover’s Cabernet! Serve it with hearty bean and vegetable dishes, strong cheeses and anything off the grill.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This opulent, concentrated wine offers red and black currant, blackberry and huckleberry woven together with green bell pepper, black licorice, tobacco leaf, blueberry compote and lemon zest. The midpalate brings the smouldering spice and fruit together seemlessly. Enjoy with fajitas, prime rib and any kind of burger.

James Suckling 90 Points | Ripe black fruit with notes of baking spices, pine cones, cedar and bark. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Succulent and fruit-forward yet a little fluid in the finish. Lots of spices and hints of sandalwood at the end.

Winemaker Description 

The goal for Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon is richness and balance, with just the right amount of restraint to achieve a fresh, elegant example of Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s North Coast winegrowing region. On the nose, blackberry and boysenberry leap out of the glass with graphite and cedar adding complexity, while hints of sage and juniper maintain a fresh element. A focused entry with a generous mid-palate leads into a structured finish that lingers pleasantly.

Winemaker Description 

Pretty aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry and cassis, coupled with scents of sweet oak and herbal spice, introduce plush, deeply concentrated, black fruit flavors bolstered by bright acidity and well-structured tannins. This classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a long, lovely finish featuring savory fruit, spice and mineral tones.

An excellent companion to beef, rich pork dishes and game.

Winemaker Description

Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt.

This wine's chiseled texture, linear acidity, and long finish make it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.

Expert Review

91 Points James Suckling | Aromas of wet stone, sliced peach and fresh flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with citrus acidity and fresh stone fruit. A little phenolic tension here, too, with refreshing tannins at the finish. 

Winemaker Description

Caymus has a signature style that is dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe tannins – as approachable in youth as in maturity. Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. Grapes for this wine are farmed in a range of Napa’s sub-appellations – from Coombsville to Calistoga – with fruit from the valley floor creating lushness and the hillsides providing backbone. Diversification enables us to make the best possible wine in a given year, featuring layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe berries.

Winemaker Description 

Beringer Main & Vine Chenin Blanc is a well-balanced wine with aromas and flavors of crisp citrus, melon, and spicy ginger. This wine is meant to be enjoyed with a variety of foods, from Asian and Mexican dishes to a casual backyard barbecue with friends.

Winemaker Description 

This delicately hued rosé embodies true coastal character with its freshness, vibrancy and marine minerality. Lifted aromas of wild strawberry and rose petal give way to a trio of fresh, sweet and candied ruby grapefruit, underscored with a layer of wet stone minerality.

A welcoming and supple entry reveals hallmark flavors of red grapefruit and a hint of vine-ripened watermelon which echo the wine's charmingly complex aromatics. The palate is taut, neatly framing a latticework of texture and acidity that supports a persistent and mouth-watering finish.

Winemaker Description

Cooper & Thief’s bourbon barrel-aged Red Blend offers notes of warm toasty vanilla, with dark fruit and a gentle hint of classic bourbon spice. Blackberry and jammy dark currants lead to a rich finish, with the elegance of a fine-sipping bourbon.

Monterey International Wine & Spirits Competition Platinum Award Won the Director's Award for Best Spirits Barrel Aged Wine in 2023.

Cooper and Thief Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine Blend is aged in bourbon whiskey barrels for three months, giving it a velvety mouthfeel with subtle heat. Merlot, syrah, zinfandel, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon collide in one bourbon barrel to create this dark and jammy wine, which features true bourbon flavor. Crafted by Cellarmaster Jeff Kasavan, each taste of this California red wine gives way to aromatic hints of fruit and toasty vanilla.

This dark red wine garners its unique taste thanks to varietals found all across California's prime winegrowing regions. Bring this red blend along on your next picnic and enjoy it on its own, or stack this rich, bold taste up against lamb or poultry. The bourbon barrel aging gives this wine soft tannins that deliver a full-bodied and lingering finish in each sip. For a devilishly good taste, keep this red wine blend stored at room temperature, and chill it before serving. Born from mischief, Cooper and Thief Wine celebrates doing things differently. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Pinot Noir grapes were primarily grown in the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, which sits on a gravelly alluvial plain beneath the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cool winds from Monterey Bay ensure gradual ripening and development of vibrant flavors. The rocky soils allow excellent drainage, enhancing intensity and promoting balanced ripeness and acidity.

Vibrant aromas of red and dark cherry, raspberry and plum with subtle touches of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, silky tannins and excellent acid balance are joined by delicate flavors of red cherry and raspberry, culminating with notes of earthiness on a long and lingering finish. 

Memo Summary Notes

This wine is sourced primarily from the cool-climate Arroyo Seco appellation within Monterey County, which provides the ideal conditions for developing vibrant fruit and balanced acidity.

Winemaker Description 

Primarily Merlot, with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this Bordeaux blend shows intricate layers of black cherry, plum, currant, and wild berry, mingled with a hint of spice. Soft, delicate, elegant tannins carry these aromas and flavors to a silky, lasting finish. Perfect for pairing with flatbread pizza for a cozy night at home. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet shows a deep, ruby colour. It is a beautifully compact wine that delivers complex and nuanced aromas of Bing cherry and black raspberry with tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate, showing expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices with a firm backbone of fine-grained structured tannins. Cool raspberry, cherry, and blackberry fruit are perfectly represented, and the lengthy finish is crisp, lively, and energetic. No doubt, this is one to cellar. Exhaustive oak seasoning experiments led by winemaker Nate Weis resulted in the discovery that the American oak they age Silver Oak in when seasoned for 24 months and toasted for 90 minutes, marks the point at which the oak imparts more vanillin character and delivers better tannin integration. By contrast, the 2018 vintage was aged in American oak, seasoned for 16 months and toasted for 60 minutes. Weis explains that their experiments showed that underseasoned American oak imparts a dill character, while overseasoning results in coconutty notes, but finding a sweet spot delivers that vanillian quality winemakers look for in French oak. Taste the 2018 and 2019s side by side if you can, and note the subtle differences and shift to a more savoury profile in the 2019 vintage, with a very precise integration of oak tannin. It will be exciting to follow their progression in the cellar and see how subsequent vintages shape up in healthy and challenging harvest years.  Drinking 2024 to 2038.  - Decanter 96

James Suckling writes:  So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with luxe black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot and dashes of cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold through at least 2030.  - James Suckling 95

Winemaker Description 

Professional Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Wine Advocate - 92 Points: An impressive value for an Oakville AVA Cabernet, Groth's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit reticent and slow out of the chute, but aeration brings out nice aromas of black cherries and subtle cedar notes. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, it's medium- to full-bodied but streamlined and silky, showing impressive length and elegance for the vintage. The new-oak component comes in at 45%, imparting just enough structure to ensure a decade's worth of drinkability.

James Suckling - 92 Points: This young wine is impressively concentrated, tannic and tight at this stage of its development, but it carries the proper amount of dark fruit, dark chocolate and heady oak spices to gain complexity with age.

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2022 

The 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine that presents a deep, purple-ruby hue. It offers an elegant bouquet on the nose, with layers, of toffee, blueberry pie, and raspberry compote, complemented by delicate vanilla bean, macerated cranberry, and shortcrust pastry. Herbal notes of bay leaf and tarragon add complexity, enhancing the wine’s refined character. 

On the palate, vibrant flavors of cherry reduction sauce, tart red plum, wild cherry, and fresh strawberry come to the forefront, while hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and fresh pomegranate juice bring depth and intrigue.

The wine finishes with fine, grippy tannins, offering structure and a lively, energetic experience.

— Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby color. Light to medium bodied with aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, spice with a touch of earth. Supple and balanced with a smooth finish. 

The Bacchus label was created by David Gordon, one of New York’s first recognized sommeliers, and the person responsible for the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list at Manhattan’s famed Tribeca Grill restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1990 by restaurateur Drew Nieporent and actor Robert DeNiro. Gordon, who is self-taught, began learning about wine in the 1980s just as Kevin Zraly was beginning to educate America on the world of wine. At the time, there were very few non-French somms working in the city and the British-born Court of Master Sommeliers was in its infancy.

While he tasted and learned about the best wines on the planet, which included expensive Burgundies and Rhône wines, Gordon always kept the consumer top of mind.“I started the Bacchus line as a fun, cool thing to do,” says Gordon. “There really weren't any wines associated with sommeliers at the time.  Now there are many, but these were definitely among the first. I named the wine after the person I worship- Bacchus.”

Gordon has kept to his original promise that wines with the Bacchus label will always be affordable and delicious. “People want ripe fruit and a clean taste that’s not too oaky or tannic,” he says. The wines are refreshing, they can be drunk as an aperitif before dinner or with a meal."

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2023

This Chardonnay grapes come from a single vineyard in Carneros that is influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean allowing for a long growing season. The grapes are fermented in French concrete tanks and aged in barrels 3+ years old. The concrete vessel fermentation enhances the aromatics of the varietal, increases the mineral character and highlights the terroir and vineyard site.

Winemaker Description 

Beautifully lush and expressive, this alluring Merlot draws you in with aromas of black currant, black cherry, boysenberry, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, it is plush and polished, with silky tannins carrying the luxurious dark berry, creamy mocha and bittersweet chocolate flavors to a long, supple finish. 

The rich and fruity profile of this Merlot makes it a great match for:

• Grilled ahi tuna steak

• Roasted meats, Prime Rib, Lamb Chops

Winemaker Description

This beautifully aromatic wine leaps out of the glass with concentrated notes of red currant, boysenberry, cassis, roasted coffee and dark chocolate, along with savory undertones and notions of sweet oak. On the palate it is rich and mouthcoating, with a seamless texture and supple tannins framing luxurious layers of dark berry fruit, barrel spice and fresh herbs. 

Winemaker Description 

An elevated everyday choice, the 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay arrives right on time by awakening the nose with notes of crisp green apple, and the warm sweetness of honey. First sips bring the strong citrus and unmistakable acid of preserved lemon peel, followed by the comfort of toasted graham cracker crust and a subtle whisper of light oak.

Enjoy on a summer evening alongside a chicken piccata or roasted seasonal squash

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler, rounded out with 20% Chardonnay. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.

The Mumm Napa Brut Rose offers a bouquet of ripe Pinot Noir fruit, rich with black cherry and strawberry notes. Part of the wine is initially fermented in the press, producing the soft fruity character that gives Brut Rosé its directness, while a small percentage of Chardonnay gives the wine power and structure. This more robust quality makes Brut Rose a wonderful wine with many kinds of cuisine, ranging from Thai to Italian. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Crisp and refreshing, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Grigio White Wine is a food-friendly California wine with delightful aromas of nectarine, fresh peach, and citrus. Well-rounded with bright, acidic, and flavorful notes, this light wine is made with grapes sourced from California's north valley vineyards, producing a balanced blend. Each small can of wine in this wine 4 pack contains one generous glass of crisp white wine perfect for pairing with seafood and other light dishes. 

Packaged in single-serving, mini wine cans ideal for sharing, this portable, California white wine also complements Thai food, roast chicken, and other poultry, plus a variety of cheeses, making this Woodbridge wine a delightful addition to any warm and sunny afternoon, at home or on the go. Cold-fermented to enhance aroma and crafted to retain its fresh, crisp character, this pinot grigio wine is best served slightly chilled. Winner of multiple Wine Enthusiast BEST BUY awards since 2011, Woodbridge is Wine Your Way. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2022 Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA

Winemaker Description

Aromas of juicy plums marry Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine is a fruit-forward California wine that opens with enticing aromas of cherries, berries, rich cedar, brown sugar, and toast.

This delicious red wine imparts flavors of blackberries, dark cherry, spice, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate to each glass of wine. Medium-bodied and with a pleasing complexity of flavors, this cabernet sauvignon wine pairs deliciously with grilled meats, tomato-based pasta dishes, and chili. 

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Suppose you hear Zinfandel and immediately think of sweet pink wine. In that case, you owe it to the wine lover inside you to get a bottle of Baron Herzog Zinfandel, a colossus of red wine from California's iconic kosher winery. 

In the same way, Napa is synonymous with the great California Cabernet Sauvignon. Lodi is known as the perfect site for growing Zinfandel. And that is where Baron Herzog winemaker Joe Hurliman sources his fruit for this bottling, a heady, jammy, spicy masterpiece with gigantic fruit flavors and a silky intensity. With a smoky note that comes through on the finish, this is a hedonist's dream served with smoked brisket.

Baron Herzog Old Vine Zinfandel offers a rich texture and lovely notes of cherry compote, cranberry and black pepper.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

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

 Winemaker Description

Round and fresh with notes of ripe pineapple, kumquat, lemon zest, and touches of Golden Delicious apple, with bright acidity throughout and almond on the finish.

Fresh and zesty. Pairs effortlessly with seafood, fresh pasta and salty potato chips. 

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Led by Owner and Winemaker Charlie Wagner, Sea Sun Pinot Noir is created from the singular beauty and character of the California coast. The premier regions where Sea Sun is sourced span several hundred miles - from the largely undiscovered Suisun Valley, an up and coming wine region that neighbors Napa Valley - down to Santa Barbara County. All of the coastal regions where we source grapes for Sea Sun provide ideal conditions for Pinot Noir, with cooling ocean  breezes and an extended growing season that leads to heightened complexity in the wine. These regions also feature subtle differences, with even a few degrees in temperature or the strength of the wind leaving their mark on the grapes. As a result, Sea Sun Pinot Noir is layered with aromas and flavors. 

The 2023 Sea Sun Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, light toasted wood, dry earth, clove and a hint of s'mores. The flavors echo the cherry on the nose, with raspberry on the finish. Bright and fruit-driven, with lush cherries and a strikingly soft texture.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 96 Points | Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fresh and lively, offering a delightful stream of raspberry and mulberry coulis flecked with a mouthwatering savory edge through the pure, pinpoint finish. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has gregarious aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. The medium-bodied palate features generous, spicy fruit structured by grainy tannins and juicy acidity, and it has an easygoing finish.

Winemaker Description 

Eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites come together in this gorgeous display of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This blend displays classic coastal traits of lively fruit graced with. Complex and inviting aromas of red fruits include Morello cherry and wild strawberry. A warm spice mix of cinnamon, clove, anise and coriander accompanies subtle notes of forest floor and pink flowers. The palate is full and finishes with good purity supported by refined tannins and fresh acidity. This 2020 offering is a lovely expression capturing the elegance and purity that are hallmarks of Pinot Noir at its best.

Winemaker Description

At Bonterra, we grow wine organically and sustainably, treating the land with deep respect. We plant native flowers around our grapes to attract beneficial bugs, and welcome songbirds and chickens into our vineyards to eat up pests. We even employ sheep to mow between the vines.

In our vineyards, every living thing is connected and we all work together to create pure, flavorful wine.< sourcing from celebrated Mendocino County vineyards with various microclimates and soil types results in a complex, bright, fruit forward Pinot Noir. After hand harvesting, the fruit was gently de-stemmed and moved to small open-top fermenters for a three-day cold soak. It was then inoculated with select yeast strains for fermentation. The cap was punched down daily to reach the desired color and level of phenols.

After a gentle pressing in a basket press, the wine was settled and transferred to 100% French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in French oak for ten months and then fined with organic egg whites prior to bottling. This Pinot Noir has aromas of strawberry and raspberry, accented with hints of oak spice and vanilla. In the mouth, this wine is rich with nice soft tannins and flavors of berries, vanilla and spice that fade into a lovely long finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 vintage reflects the distinct influence of a cooler growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced flavors. On the nose, expect vibrant aromas of bright citrus, freshly plucked apples and delicate white jasmine.

On the palate, stone fruit notes are met with rich undertones of vanilla and clove, harmonized with warm spice and a touch of oak-derived toastiness. The interplay between the oak and fruit brings a balanced finish, with higher toasty notes lingering gracefully.” 

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.

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.

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.

Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein
Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast: Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose. The palate starts with a tantalizing acidity and stony texture, giving edge to the richer cream and vanilla-meringue flavors that arise by the finish.