California Wine

Winemaker Description

This, Klinker Brick's flagship zinfandel, is made from vineyard blocks up to 120 years old. Delta Breezes and the associated fog allow us to retain above average acidity for the region, providing notes of dark cherry and spices. Barrel fermentation brings additional structure to thin skin varietal. The extremely low yields of century old vineyards bring notes of rhubarb and cranberry, with a hint of black pepper. The result is a balanced and complex Zinfandel perfect for both Summer barbecues and Fall fire pits.

Winemaker Description 

Looking for a creamy and sweet dessert-type beverage you can drink after a meal, eliminating the need to indulge in a heavy dessert? Our Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild offers the perfect way to end the evening. With a blend of fruity flavor and satisfying sweetness, our Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild is unlike any sake you've enjoyed before. Take an adventure and purchase our Nigori sake today!

Nigori Silky Mild emits the fruity aromas and flavors of ripe banana, vanilla, melon, strawberry, and creamy sweet rice custard. Slightly sweeter than Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Crème de Sake, its milky-white appearance previews the characteristically full, smooth palate of the nigori sake type.

Expert Review

San Francisco Chronicle | Brendel likes to say that they have a secret ingredient: dirt. Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions, including the eastern side of Rutherford (the main component here), the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse sites in St. Helena, and a steep plot in Oak Knoll. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape in their array of wines. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Brendel Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh and vibrant take on Napa Valley’s famed grape varietal. Harvested under moonlight, the fruit is crushed at cool temperatures and then thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After a 7-10 day fermentation, the wine is gently pressed to oak casks where it is allowed to mature for 9 months prior to bottling. Fruit is sourced from prized vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, giving the wine its mouthwatering structure, and elevage in upright oak casks preserves the bright red and black fruit characteristics.
– Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Winemaker Description

Deep red in color, our Cabernet Sauvignon is well balanced with hints of humidor, cassis, bright red apple and cherry.

Winemaker Description 

All of our eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays are marked first and foremost by regional characteristics. Beyond that lies the personality of each of the vineyards from which they hail.

All of the sites are planted to the same clone, a California heritage selection that we have been using for close to thirty years. Each wine is produced in the same fashion, with the focus being on the traditional techniques that elicit the earth driven, complex noble sulfides and resulting minerality inherent in the fruit from each site.

Each of our Chardonnay vineyards exhibits characters unique to the site, and hence unique to the wines bottled as vineyard designates. The bottling of wines of site is not a process we take lightly, as it is the main focus of our efforts. We often take years to assess the quality and individual personality of a site prior to deciding to bottle it on its own. We have been working with many of these sites for well over twenty five years.

Founded in 1978, Kistler Vineyards is a small, family-owned and operated winery specializing in the production of Burgundian style Chardonnay and limited amounts of Pinot Noir. Grapes are estate grown and purchased from vineyards in Sonoma County. In 1992, Kistler Vineyards moved all production to its Vine Hill Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

One heritage Californian selection of Chardonnay planted across fifteen vineyards, from Carneros to Sonoma Valley, to the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. From those sites we produce eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. We are wholly dedicated to the ideal of wines of site. It’s an unparalleled approach in the new world.

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 Notes

Our Cabernet Sauvignon greets you with aromas of black cherry, cassis and plum, followed by hints of vanilla, chocolate, and sweet oak. The palate is rich and balanced, offering generous flavors of black raspberry, bing cherry and boysenberry. Rich tannins carry into a smooth and balanced mouthfeel, with ripe tannins and refreshing acidity.

Description

This medium brick, plum colored Cabernet highlights the varietal. Ripe Cabernet shines with intense black cherry notes in this multi vineyard blend. The palate has a rustic fruit expression favoring dried cherry, cassis and pomegranate notes. The wine finishes with subtle oak notes yielding a light vanilla and cocoa finish. The soft tannins provide a lengthy enjoyable finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Tasting Panel 94 Points | A luscious surge of boysenberry and café mocha creates a fabulous first impression for this wine, which is elegant in its approachability. Finely grained tannins offer firm structure as notes of coffee and licorice deepen its formidable character.

James Suckling 93 Points: A medium-bodied red with black berries and blackcurrants with some chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. So delicious and velvety structured. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator 91 Points Lush and fruity, with a wave of plum puree and mulberry fruit cruising along, flanked by apple wood and licorice. Reveals subtle sweet bay leaf accents. Drink now through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Winemaker Description 

The ‘cross’ barn served as a childhood meeting place on Paul Hobbs’ family’s more than one hundred-and-fifty-year-old fruit farm situated in Niagara County, New York. Named after this gathering point, Crossbarn honors the values of hard work and integrity instilled in Paul from his childhood. Committed to high-quality, sustainably farmed vineyards, our wines offer a bright and youthful expression of fruit blended from Northern California’s finest appellations.

Winemaker Description

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Red Blend Red Wine bestows a deliciously rich, full-bodied blend of warm, toasty aromas and flavors, including jammy blackberry, vanilla, and baking spices.

This California wine melds some of the finest qualities of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah with additional complementary red wines, culminating in a delicious red wine blend that enhances the blackberry and vanilla flavors. Crafted with grapes sourced from California, this hearty Woodbridge wine pairs beautifully with savory burgers, rotisserie chicken, and potato skins.

Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to retain fruitiness before being aged in French and American oak barrels, this well-balanced red wine's complexity is fully realized when stored at room temperature, but chilled in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before serving cool, at approximately 60 degrees. Full and rich with a long, flavorful finish, this red table wine is perfect for every day. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA

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.

Winemaker Description 

This Cabernet Sauvignon is the wine that started it all and set the exacting standards we hold ourselves to for all our varietals. Perfectly balanced and made to be shared, this California wine is round, juicy, and easily enjoy.

Blackberry, toasted hazelnut, and cinnamon, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak.

Pairs well with well-seasoned beef, pork, lamb, or your favorite chocolate desserts.

Winemaker Description 

The wine bursts with bright fruit aromas of cherry and red plum, with notes of vanilla, holiday spices, and lavender all jumping out on the nose. Plum flavors continue to the palate, joined by layers of raspberry jam, mocha, clove, and white pepper. The mid-palate is soft and creamy, framed by fine tannins and ending with a long, lush finish that will leave you wanting another sip.

Winemaker Description

This bright Sauvignon Blanc leaps out of the glass with aromas of honeysuckle, white peach, and Meyer lemon. Tropical notes of lychee and guava meld into notes of key lime and a touch of grapefruit with a vibrant acidity on the palate balanced by a rich mid-palate weight. This zippy wine finishes long and clean with a beautiful roundness at the end. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 Points | This shows vivid and crunchy stone fruit character with hints of spicy herbs, pear skins and guava. Medium-bodied and textural with crunchy acidity and vivid juiciness in the middle, toned up with notes of citrus peel and mint. Drink now. Screw cap.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This ripe tasting and round textured wine blends soft peaches and melons with tangy lemon notes for a mouthfilling yet well-balanced and lively expression.

Winemaker Description

Dark scarlet red in color, with aromas of blackberry, cherry and boysenberry highlighted with layers of cocoa. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of marionberry accented by hints of dried fig and choclate covered blueberry this wine is velvety with supple, refined tannins and a silky, lush finish.

Winemaker Description

Classic Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolate, game, pepper, and smoke are ripe and intense in the 2020 vintage. Very ripe, fine tannins frame the bold flavors and rounded texture. Somehow through all the heat, our fruit retained beautiful acidity which balances out the bold and rich flavors creating an awesome vintage of Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah with classic texture and structure.

Expert Rating 

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Blueberries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and some flower notes all emerge from the 2020 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward, plush, sexy little gem of a Syrah that will offer loads of pleasure over the coming 4-6 years or more. This was completely destemmed and brought up in 35% new French oak. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose. Focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances beautifully with opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish.

Blend: 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

96 Points Decanter | Enormously complex and full of personality. Lots of juiciness and briaryness, with notes of espresso, soy sauce and gaminess. Very rich, impressive and structured, 2020 was Ridge’s 55th consecutive vintage of Geyserville, a wine that many Ridge collectors consider the winery’s best Zinfandel blend. Its pedigree is uncontested. Made from old vines, some of which are more than 125 years old and 60% of which are 50 years old or older, leading of course to tiny yields. A historic field blend of approximately 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (the old name used in California for Mourvedre). The grapes are grown in three adjoining vineyards, all of which are defined by an ancient washout of the Russian River that carried and deposited gravel and river stones to the site.

95 Points Points Wine & Spirits |  The founding partners at Ridge purchased the MonteBello Winery from Leo and Evelyn Trentadue, who also farmed some of the oldest surviving vines in Sonoma County at their ranch on the Alexander Valley floor near Geyserville. The Old Patch, planted in the 1880s, has provided the base of the blend for Ridge’s single-vineyard wine since 1966. In 2020, it was harvested just as the first fires brokeout generations of vines at the Trentadue’s ranch provided 28 different lots, with John Olney selecting 20 for this wine. He finds that carignan, which makes up 20 percent of the mixed planting (along with small amounts of petite sirah, alicante bouschet and mataro), provides the acidity to refresh the zinfandel, which accounts for 69 percent of the vines. The early harvest produced a ripe, rich Geyserville with racy energy. The dark blueberry flavors are layered with red cherry, their seemingly weightless concentration sustained in a sleek, clean and graceful impression that lasts. A great 2020

Tasting Panel 95 Points | An opulent, charming blend of 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro. Ultra-smooth and seamless, with rich flavors of plum and blackberry. Stunning and long, it’s a triumph of winemaking skill.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Deeply structured and briary, with a mix of red and black fruit accented by licorice, dill and savory underbrush flavors. Finishes with medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignan, Petite Syrah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro.

Winemaker Description

This red Zinfandel wine showcases aromas of raspberries, blackberries and dried cranberry with notes of vanilla. Each sip opens with dark fruit flavors and vanilla, followed by velvety tannins on the mid-palate and a long finish with hints of spice. Winemaker Description. 

Our Professional Review

David of 67Wine.com |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Featuring well-balanced fruit, lush with flavors of caramel, ripe red fruits and chocolate.

Diamond Collection wines are made from grapes grown across California and are carefully combined to create wines perfect for all occasions – including those special just because ones.

Diamond Collection Merlot derives its complexity and lush concentration by blending fruit from diverse appellations in California. 

Winemaker Description

One of California's original pinks!  Wild strawberry, peach, guava and rhubarb and a very discreet scent of white pepper with Cinsault furnishing the elegant candied cherry top note that chromatically sits atop its vitaceous conjugate. Mourvèdre, at its near homeopathic level, contributes a useful background earthy note.

Winemaker Description

Our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is medium ruby in color and displays expressive fruit aromas of forward Bing cherry, cranberry, espresso, toasty oak, and damp forest floor earthiness. The palate is bright and full of cherry fruit with sandalwood and cedar overtones. The finish on this Pinot is soft with earthiness typically found in Carneros Pinots, mocha, and lingering flavors of oriental spice. This wine is quite enjoyable in its youth and will develop more Pinot aromas and complexity over time.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Very fresh, fruity and spicy, balanced toward the rich side, with a good, full body and a mouth-filling texture. Pine boughs, cinnamon, forest floor and good length on the finish. Light tannins and moderate acidity keep it slightly tangy.

Winemaker Description

Uncork a bottle of real Organic Pinot. Pacific Redwood doesn't stop halfway when it comes to bringing you organic wine. It's not just grown organically, but processed organically. Bright smooth with flavors of berry and spice and a crisp floral finish- all from organically-grown grapes with no added sulfites or other synthetic preservatives. Sustainability is a way of life for this family winery, and they invite you to join them. Pacific Redwood Pinot is acceptable for vegans. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | The beauty of Pinot Noir is the multifaceted hues, colors and tastes. This natural wine offers up cranberry, mulberry, spice-studded orange, dried herbs, flowers and fresh caramel cooking on the stove. A long, engaging finish invites you to take another sip. Fatty tuna would work well with this one.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

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

Winemaker Description

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

Winemaker Description 

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay White Wine offers a vibrant and medium body that pairs easily with appetizers and entrees. Tropical fruit aromas mix with spice, leading to a toasty finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Etude was founded on the philosophy that winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before the harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines with authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of where they are grown and produced.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2022 Chardonnay Estate has open, inviting aromas of candied peaches, manuka honey, white pepper and tropical flowers. The satiny, medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated flavors and textural breadth with tangy acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Winemaker Description

Since 1993, Overture has been an expression of place across time. In keeping with an internal desire to underscore the importance of the growing season, Opus One has taken the necessary steps for Overture to become a vintage-dated wine. In doing so, Opus One intends to emphasize the diversity of our estate with a renewed focus.

Over the years our winemaker, Michael Silacci, and his team have come to deeply understand the individual blocks within the vineyards. Farming practices may then be adjusted at the block level to enable the vines to fully capture the quality of the estate.  The majority of our vineyards are planted in alluvial soils in the extreme western part of the Oakville, AVA, at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains. 

The fruit is harvested and vinified with the same care, precision, and attention to detail as Opus One. Unique aromatics, flavors, and textures are recognized as ideal for Overture — more red fruit, herbal characteristics, soft tannins, and creamy texture. 

Winemaker Description 

Expressive Cabernet with juicy fruit notes, fine tannins and a muscular mid-palate. Layered flavors of plums, dark cherry and vanilla. Expect a long and balanced finish.

Winemaker Description

In 1987, we made our first vintage of a wine styled after the famous First Growth producers of Bordeaux, created with the same uncompromising care as the Grands Vins of those venerable chateaux. Full-bodied with ripe black fruit and complex baking spice, this wine is amazingly ready to drink right out of the gate, and you can try a bottle or two now—but make sure to save a few to enjoy this wine as it continues to evolve after some time in the cellar.

The 2020 Isosceles is bright in the glass with a dark purple/black core and a lighter ruby purple rim. Attractively aromatic and complex with ripe black and red cherry, black currant, new book leather, cedar, tobacco, vanilla bean, licorice, and oak. Full-bodied on the palate with ripe complex cherry, cassis, and a subtle red berry fruit on entry, with vanilla and licorice baking spice leading into the midpalate, which shows complex savory notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and leather. The very long, complex, and continually changing finish is a progression of sustained ripe cherry fruit accented by baking spice and oak notes, with smooth chewy tannins and balanced acidity, adding depth and freshness. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Roasted black plum aromas meet with tobacco leaf on the nose of this blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. The palate shows a lot of primary fruit flavors, from black plum to blackberry, with Christmas spices proving quite prominent. (2020).