California Wine

Critic Notes

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  Aged in 50% new and 50% second-use American Oak from the Duncan family's The Oak cooperage in Higbee, Missouri. Matt Duncan joined me for my tasting, and he says the Petit Verdot in the blend, of which there is 0.4%, is co-fermented with the Cabernet Sauvignon, intended to bring focus to the Cabernet fruit. A compelling, brooding, muscular rendition of Cabernet from Alexander Valley with gorgeous boysenberry notes, black currants, and rose petals laced with vanillin notes and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with black currants, ripe blackberry and black cherry notes framed by velvety tannins laced with that irresistible vanillin note. Toasty oak spices lend a hint of sweetness, balanced by grippy acidity. Long and complex, revealing umami, garrigue, and crushed slatestone on the finish. It's a terrific wine from the Alexander Valley.  Drinking 2023 to 2035.  - Decanter 95

James Suckling writes:  Handsome and classic for a Sonoma County cabernet, this full-bodied, approachable wine offers abundant aromas of black cherries, toasted oak and tobacco backed by gorgeous black cherries and black olive flavors on moderate tannins. It’s 95% cabernet sauvignon. Best through 2034.  - James Suckling 94

Alder Yarrow writes:  Smells of sweet black cherry and cola. Flavours of black cherry, cola and hints of mocha have a nice bright juiciness thanks to excellent acidity. Powdery tannins coat the mouth and stiffen slightly with time. The oak is very well integrated here, making its presence felt in the gradually more muscular tannins and a scent of woodiness in the finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.  - Jancis Robinson 17

Audrey Frick writes:  The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley includes tiny splashes of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot was aged for 24 months in 50% new American oak and the rest in second-use barrels. The 2019 is the current release, as the estate likes to hold back their wines until they are ready to drink. It offers notes of toasted oak, preserved red plum, forest floor, a hint of coconut, and vanilla. Full-bodied, it has a rounded, creamy texture with a coating feel, sweet tannins, and its oak profile lasting through the ripe finish. It is going to show its best over the coming several years.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Winemaker Notes

The 2019 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, iris, vanilla and clove. Ruby in color, this elegant wine has great acidity and lift on the mid-palate. Black currant and warm baking spices linger with a deep and fruity finish. It will provide drinking pleasure through 2047 given proper cellaring.

Winemaker Description

Murphy-Goode Pinot Noir comes from vineyards up and down the coast of California, including Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. Cool conditions in these prime growing spots keep grapes at a perfect balance between vibrant dark fruit character and bright acidity. Notes of vanilla from aging in French and American oak add complexity to the intense black cherry aromas and flavors.

Expert Rating

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This wine is lush, zesty with aromas of cinnamon apple, orange cream, vanilla bean and fresh herbs on the nose. The midpalate has flavors of tangerine, cardamom and yellow apple wrapped around mineral, earth and a dry finish. 

The nose is fresh with aromas of honeysuckle and citrus fruit. This medium bodied California Chardonnay is food-friendly with bright acidity and creaminess on the palate. Ripe pear, lemon curd, and vanilla flavors lead to a clean and lively finish. Winemaker Description. 

Woodbridge Buttery Chardonnay offers rich, creamy and more buttery profile than our much loved, classic Chardonnay. Flavors of golden delicious apple & tropical fruit, complemented by notes of brown spice and toasty vanilla aromas distinguish this wine. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers bright blackberry, red plum, and raspberry fruit with notes of cranberry, black tea, spice, and coriander seed. Luscious and balanced, with toasty oak and a long finish.

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 93 Points | Attractive dark-fruited character here offering ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries and dark spices with bark and walnut undertones. Full-bodied, polished and chalky with tight-grained tannins and succulent dark berries underneath. Long and mineral finish. (2021). 

Robert Parker 91 Points | There are 15,000 cases of Honig's affordably priced 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. While it may not make you see stars, it's a solid value play (for Napa Valley), matching mixed cherries with mocha and cedar shadings and some loamy notes. It's medium to full-bodied, nicely weighted and textured, with a silky finish. (2021). 

Deep rich ruby. Aromas of blackberry cobbler, ripe and dark mixed berries, graham cracker, brown sugar, vanilla, milk chocolate, toasty oak, with notes of coffee and smoke. On the palate, ripe blackberry cobbler, blueberry pie, pralines, sweet vanilla custard, brown sugar, caramel, mocha with hints of coffee. Ripe, dense and soft chewy tannins with toasty oak round the wine out with a lush, long, and lingering finish.

A superb accompaniment to bourbon glazed ribs, charcuterie board, hearty pasta dishes, and strong cheeses. Producer Description.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | Chalk Hill is one of California’s up and coming places for top notch Cabernet Sauvignon, and the 2021 Balverne Be Forever Wild is flavorful proof. The wine sports a terrific bouquet, with  aromas of blackberry, purple plums, crème de cassis, licorice and violets that swirl from the glass with notes of cedar, tobacco, mint and cloves. Richly textured in the mouth with luxurious velvety tannins that give shape and structure to the fruit and carry long into the finish. Solidly built and immensely delicious. A great wine for hearty meals or simply for casual sipping with good cheese plates.

- Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer

 DECANTER MAGAZINE 91 Points | Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  Bursting with a lovely, classic Cabernet nose of blackberry fruit, tobacco spices, graphite and sweet cedar as more of the same emerge on the medium-bodied palate and capsicum notes capped off by slivers of dark chocolate. It’s a lovely easy-drinking Cabernet with the kind of grip you’d expect from fruit grown in the Chalk Hill AVA. Founded in 1992 by Bob and Renée Stein, Notre Vue Estate produces Notre Vue and Balverne wines from its estate vineyards. The winemaker is Alex Holman.  

Winemaker Description

The Austin Hope Cabernet displays a beautiful ruby hue. Enticing aromas of fresh black cherry, burnt sugar and a slight smokiness fill your glass. On the palate, flavors evolve with vanilla foam, ripe dark fruit, roasted coffee & nuances of spice. This full-bodied wine is rounded out with smooth supple tannins that are brightened with a touch of acidity to balance this crowd pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon.

Deep ruby in color, the 2020 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon expresses aromas of fresh black currants and cherries accompanied by subtle smoky notes and dried spices. On the palate, this lavish powerful wine is layered with juicy blackberry, ripe cherry, vanilla bean and brown butter. It’s full-bodied and rich, balanced by a touch of bright acidity and firm polished tannins. 

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from vineyards throughout California, including Mendocino County, Paso Robles, and other celebrated Cabernet regions. The year was characterized by a dry, cold winter, followed by a warm spring prompting vigorous growth. Moderate summer temperatures allowed the grapes to mature slowly and develop deep concentrated flavor. Although water scarcity resulted in a lower than average yield, the quality of the fruit was outstanding, resulting in a superb 2021 vintage.

Petite Sirah adds a touch of color, texture and spice to this Cabernet Sauvignon. A brilliant deep garnet hue hints at the wine’s powerful aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and prune, layered over rich notes of leather, tobacco and graphite. This well-structured, medium-bodied Cabernet delivers elegant tannins, pleasing acidity and a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

Rich with dark cherry, plum and baking spices. The delicious fruit is accompanied by black pepper notes, crushed violet and cassis. The palate has medium tannins, lingering spicy oak flavors with a velvety lush finish. Winemaker Description. 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Golden apples, green apples, vanilla and cinnamon flavors pour out of this ripe and indulgent wine. It has all the warm, buttery nuances and rich texture that make California Chardonnay so appealing. (2021).

Lush, pure, and polished, this enticing Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon, lime, white peach, sweet tangerine, and caramel. The bright citrus layers are echoed on the full-bodied palate, where they mingle with juicy flavors of stone fruit and French oak-inspired hints of crème brûlée and spice. 

Our Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine that bursts with flavors and aromas of citrus, melon and apple. With a clean, crisp finish this versatile wine is a perfect partner with seafood and stands up to spicy Latin and Asian cuisine. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Seductive oak spices and a plush mouthfeel come with abundant red and black fruits in this full-bodied, appropriately tannic wine that needs time to reach its full potential. Pine and rosemary accents merge nicely with the blackberries and blueberries. Best from 2028–2038. (2021).

James Suckling 93 Points | Spiced and creamy character with ripe dark berries and a chocolate and bark undertone. Lots of cassis and floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and sleek with chalky texture and hints of graphite at the end. Lingering finish. (2021).

Wine Spectator 92 Points | There's a nice streak of warm earth and singed cedar running in lockstep with the core of cassis and gently mulled plum fruit, with savory and mineral accents checking in. Restrained in feel overall, with judicious toast that lets all the elements play out on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2036. (2021).

Robert Parker 90 Points | Clos du Val's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 1% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Hints of thyme and sage accent cassis and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is on the fresher, leaner side of that spectrum, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with a strong note of mocha. It's a solid, all-around effort at what is a realistic price for Napa Valley. (2021). 

Winemaker Descripton

Sophisticated Pinot from a classic California name who is devoted to crafting wine with a bold new world flair while using original rootstock from Burgundy. Always sourced from an exemplary single plot in the cooler regions of Russian River Valley and matured in an abundance of new oak for 12+ months.

The 2022 comes from a cooler Russian River site and offers a complex bouquet of red currants, smoked earth, ground pepper, and exotic floral and rose hip notes. Rich, medium-bodied, and seamless on the palate, its incredibly classy as well as perfectly balanced.

Pair with: baked salmon, roasted pork loin, duck with figs

Winemaker Description

This is a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla that welcome you into the glass. Flavors of black plums, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso enhance the wine's complex and full-bodied structure, with a core of elegant acidity from start to finish.

Expert Review

James Sucking 93 Points | The most widely available Frank Family cab is firm and structured in this drought vintage, wrapping moderate to full tannins around a mix of bright red cherries, black cherries, mint and cassis accents. (2021). 

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 Notes

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

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.

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 8 of Napa’s 16 sub-appellations, with diversification enabling us to make the best possible wine in a given year. Their Cabernet offers layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe berries. 

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.

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby purple core, lighter toward the rim of the glass, with moderately stained tears. Aromatic with attractive ripe black cherry, black currant over black and red berry with vanilla, cinnamon, oak, leather, autumn leaf with cedar and licorice accents.

Dry and near full-bodied with ripe dark fruit of cherry and cassis and berry notes on entry joined by vanilla, cinnamon and oak barrel notes toward the mid palate with savory tobacco,leather and cedar elements. The finish is moderately long and clean, showing baking spice, licorice and subtle camphor over sustain complex fruit. 

The 2019 JUSTIN Cabernet is anexceptionally balanced Cabernet, showing both rich, complex fruit and a fresh palate even in its youth, making it a versatile red wine at a great price that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it with some hard sheep’s milk cheeses and salami, a rotisserie chicken with garlic and herbs, homemade pizzas, pasta Bolognese, or a nice steak. You’ll find this wine a great accompaniment to just about anything you would want to have with a red wine. 

Expert Ratings

91 Points Tasting Panel | Made with grapes from the temperate El Pomar District and aged 12 months in Ameri- can oak, this is a distinguished, lush red. Ripe boysenberry melds with milk chocolate on the luxurious entry, and the creamy mouthfeel is graced with vanilla spice and violets. (2021).

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Clean lines of black cherry and warm baking spices draw the nose into this widely available bottling, perfect for midweek enjoyment. Smooth tannins retain just enough edge on the palate to balance the cherry cordial and toasty wood flavors. (2021).

Winemaker Description

Varietal aromas of plum, currant, and violet are elevated by a light barrel signature of baking spices and toasted pastry. The addition of Malbec contributes notes of pomegranate and hibiscus flower. Cabernet Franc brings layers of cocoa and peppery spice. The mouth-watering palate transitions to a lingering black cherry finish.

This versatile wine pairs well with grilled sausage and vegetable shish kebabs or creamy spinach and tomato tortellini. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Aromatics of bing cherries, sassafras and hints of pipe tobacco. Supple red fruits on the entry give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. 

Audrey Frick writes: From the old Wente clone, the 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard has a soft floral perfume of chamomile and takes on ripe aromas of yellow pear, golden fruits, and cantaloupe. Full-bodied, it has wonderful intensity on the palate, with notes of ripe apricot and fresh flowers as well as a great chalky texture and a savory finish. It’s a great wine in the lineup to drink over the next 10 or more years. - Jeb Dunnuck 96

Erin Brooks writes: The 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was harvested on August 17th before the wildfire smoke arrived, and with its pure, mineral-driven expression, it's worth cellaring for several years. The nose opens with iodine and nori tones that give way to pretty scents of panna cotta, spring honey and lilac. The medium-bodied palate is buzzing with shimmery acidity that enlivens its perfumed fruit, and it has a long, saline-driven finish. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96

MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Shows juicy apple and pear flavors that are crisp and sleek, with lemon meringue, ginger and tropical hints on an appealingly dense, fleshy frame. Delivering details of toasted herbs and minerality, this is harmonious and expressive on the long finish. Drink now. 359 cases made. - Wine Spectator 93

Tropical fruit aromas of guava and pineapple with hints of toasted marshmallow and lavender. Flavors of pear, white peach and key lime. A weighty entry that is balanced by lively acidity brings complexity and elegance to this lovely wine. Enjoyable upon release and over the next six to seven years. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Notes: The Atom California Chardonnay is a super-collision of hand-selected fruit, sourced from key growers throughout the coastal shoals & rocky foothills. The ‘Half-Life’ moniker adorning our dulcet, golden elixir is representative of our passion for concise & scientific winemaking met with nucleic intensity; explosive aromas & flavors that yield over time in the glass & on the palate.

Aromatics ignite the senses with mineral notes of soapstone & flint. A balanced coalescence of ripe stone-fruit, apple blossoms, lemon zest & toasted coconut greet the palate & dissolve to rich caramelized sugar, baking spices & a touch of smoke. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Ripe and very juicy, with a youthfully compact set of plum, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors wrapped in licorice and violet notes. This is both racy and grippy, showing serious power but with the freshness and drive to match. Delivers a long, iron accent that scores the fruit through the finish. Best from 2024 through 2040.Wine Advocate 95 points The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is a typically long-term proposition, coated in dusty tannins and cedary oak. It will take time for the cassis, blueberry and slightly pine-scented backbone of this wine to emerge, as for the moment it's almost difficult to taste. Yes, the concentration is present, the tannins are almost silky-ripe, but the structure of this medium to full-bodied wine is unassailable. Hands off for at least five years, and probably more, to judge by how past vintages have evolved.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is elegant, deep and classy. Inky dark purplish fruit, savory herbs, menthol, licorice and spice. The purity of the fruit is remarkable today. There is plenty of youthful Howell Mountain tannin, so readers will have to be patient. Bright floral accents lift the red/purplish berry fruit nicely. This is such an expressive, alluring Cabernet.