California Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 91 Points | Bold and beautiful, with stand-up notes of espresso, black pepper, and blackberry arising within a frame of spiced oak. Grainy tannins are bolstered by fine acidity. Made with organic grapes.

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.

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

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

Expert Ratings- Vintage 2019 

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

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

Winemaker Description

Pied à Terre is a phrase that translates to “foot to earth.” We feel that the farmer’s footprint is the best fertilizer and the most important sight in a vineyard. When the land is well-trodden, the vine will be well-tended, and the details not overlooked.

2018 was the first “normal” vintage in many years, with none of the climatic difficulties that complicated previous years of the past decade. Cooler temperatures and moderate weather led to a long growing season, allowing grapes to ripen smoothly. It was an epic vintage that produced wines with great structure and concentration without being overripe.

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.

Winemaker Description 

Our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon with its deep garnet color, opens with inviting aromas of dark cherry, and nutmeg. The flavors of dark cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla are perfectly paired with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. This elegant Cabernet is accessible now, but its structure and complexity will see it through many years of aging.

Winemaker Description

Our Sauvignon Blanc has brilliant clarity and offers subtle aromas of lemon, kiwi and herbaceous notes. This medium-bodied wine is filled with grapefruit and citrus flavors and ends with a crisp, refreshing finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | There are so many gems coming out of the 2023 vintage in California. Flavors of fresh-picked red berries, plums, pomegranates, mint sprigs, a kiss of earth and sunshine tell the story of a short but almost perfect growing season. Pick this one up and give it a whirl on the dinner table.  — Tonya Pitts 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Lemon peel, lychee and wet-rock aromas converge on the nose of this wine. The palate lands with clean, brisk energy, offering flavors of lime peel with rounded, ripe melon.

Winemaker Description 

Hahn SLH Chardonnay greets the nose with citrus, stone fruit and hints of banana and vanilla. A viscous mouthfeel with welcoming acidity that showcases stone fruits, citrus and hints of apple and spices.

Winemaker Description 

In an effort to produce a wine that pays honorable tribute to the esteemed AVA, we source our grapes from premium sites throughout the region. This blend includes several of the vineyards that have shown as standouts within the vast and rugged Sonoma Coast.

Bright and layered, the 2024 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay opens with aromas of citrus blossom, green apple, and Asian pear. On the palate, a lively core of lemon curd, crisp pineapple, and citrus zest is framed by subtle oak tones of vanilla and baking spice. The texture is both fresh and rounded, with vibrant acidity and a mineral lift that carries through to a long, clean finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Tonya Pitts of The Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | This wine is concentrated, with aromas of black currant confiture, cracked black peppercorn, clove-spiced orange and earth on the nose. The flavors on the palate are cherry-cranberry coulis, pomegranate jam, lime-vanilla cream and wintergreen mint, with spicy, gripping tannins to finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Beautiful ruby red in color, the wine bursts with notes of cherry, raspberry, and a touch of cassis. Medium-bodied with wonderful deep flavors that satisfy every inch of your palate. Rich flavors of fresh fruit join with soft oak to create a beautifully long and smooth finish.

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This wine is clean and crisp, with aromas of apple, guava, citrus blossom and dried herbs. The flavors are papaya, kumquat, white grapefruit and chervil, with a savory dry finish.

Winemaker Description

9 Percent Alcohol. The Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc delivers the quality you know and love with less than 100 calories per serving. This crisp white wine wine showcases notes of citrus, pineapple, and guava. Nutrition Facts: Each glass (5 oz. serving) contains only 85 calories, 3 grams of carbs, and 0 sugar per serving. Plus, it's gluten-free, sugar-free, and keto and vegan-friendly.

Winemaker Description 

Macrostie Sonoma Coast Chardonnay offers up alluring layers of persimmon, ripe Meyer lemon, and rich brioche.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

MaryAnn Worobiec of the Wine Spectator writes 91 Points | Intensely juicy, with wonderful purity to the pear, pineapple, and tangerine flavors, notes of lemon blossoms, and dashes of honey and spices. Shows mouthwatering acidity on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of minerality lingers. Drink now.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024 

The Wine Spectator by MaryAnn Worobiec 94 Points | Fragrant, effusive and charming, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossoms up front giving way to a creamy mix of mango, orange sherbet and lemon curd. Spicy accents of candied ginger, litsea oil and salted, preserved lemon join a drizzle of wildflower honey and linger on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 5,000 cases made. 

The Wine Advocate 93 Points by Joe Czerwinski  | Quintessa's 2024 Illumination blends fruit from Napa (55%) and Sonoma (45%). As usual, there's a decent-sized dollop of old-vine Sémillon (14% this year) in the blend, with the rest of the fruit being Sauvignon Blanc—roughly one-third of that is the more aromatic Musqué clone. Fermented and raised in a variety of vessels, including new and old French oak barrels, acacia barrels, stainless steel drums and concrete eggs, it offers up enticing scents of pencil shavings, lemon zest, grapefruit and fig. Plump and medium-bodied in the mouth, it boasts a fine line of acidity from start to finish, giving the fruit a spine to play against and prolonging the concentrated, citrusy finish.

Further Winemaker Notes

What started as a passion project for the Huneeus family, this limited bottling is one of Napa Valley's most sought-after Sauvignon Blancs. When making Illumination our ultimate goal is to produce a white wine of true character. We approach Illumination with the same care and attention as with Quintessa, with the aim of capturing the best qualities of our grapes and to craft a wine of harmony and balance. Illumination is alive with aromatic complexity, beautiful texture and bright fruit flavors. This is an incredible vintage and the perfect summer wine that pairs with a variety of appetizers and seafood.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points - Editors' Choice | This classic-style, elegant wine is well structured for further aging and so expressive of the Napa Cabernet tradition. Aromas of blackberries, black olives and bay leaves lead to black cherries, dark chocolate and tobacco flavors that are deep and persistent without being heavy. Drink from 2028–2038.

James Suckling 95 Points | Aromas of blackcurrant, hazelnut and chocolate, with hints of mint and sage that follow through to a medium to full body, with wonderful soft and fine tannins that give a velvety texture and persistent finish. So balanced and refined. Subtle. Didn’t include wine from vineyards in Atlas Peak this year. An excellent 2020. Drinkable, but will improve so well in the cellar.

Decanter 94 Points | The 2020 Lyndenhurst Produced by Spottswoodee. NV CS 13.6% // Civic Ruby colour with loads of savoury cedar spices, cinnamon and tobacco brown baking spices and red-toned fruits. Supple on entry with plump red berry fruit, tangy blood orange acidity under a bed of tobacco leaves, fragrant wild herbs, milk chocolate shavings and a kiss of anise. There is telltale crushed stone minerality, and the wine finishes long and lean with plenty of energy and drive. The tannins are burly with good grip. And the wine is generally light on its feet.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Solidly built for the vintage, with a core of blackberry and black currant preserves that flex brambly energy and grip, along with licorice root, chaparral and apple wood notes filling in on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 2,205 cases made.

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Spiced cedar and espresso open up to dusted cocoa and black tea. Round tannins create a plush platform for a finish of blackberry pie.

Winemaker Description

Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure expression of its region. Concentrated aromas of graphite, boysenberry, dark cherry, a hint of menthols and black olive sit atop clove and brown sugar notes. Rich, round and robust in structure, this wine showcases ripe, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, complemented by chocolate, molasses, tobacco spice and a balanced 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). 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 89 Points | Partially barrel fermented and matured, with the balance in stainless steel, the 2023 Chardonnay features scents of crushed stone, pear, melon and citrus. Sourced from Carneros and Oak Knoll, it's medium to full-bodied, silky and balanced. Maybe it could use a bit more flavor intensity and length, but it's a solid effort at a fair price for Napa. Includes 1% Viognier.

Winemaker Description 

Boasting a glorious shimmering golden hue, with bright and lively aromatic notes of lemon crème, white pineapple, and melon. Delicate citrus blossoms and magnolia flowers add a floral elegance on the nose. The ripe and full palate offers flavors of Golden Delicious apples, Asian pear, and lemon curd. Spiced oak notes of vanilla, brioche toast, and ginger complement the fruit, while exotic floral notes provide a lovely perfume. Full-bodied with a creamy texture, the finish is long and satisfying, highlighted by hints of lychee and a beautiful mineral character.

2023 delivered one of the most prolonged and compact harvests in recent Napa Valley history. The long growing season delayed the start of harvest until the fifth of September—two and a half weeks later than the previous year. This posed a logistical challenge in the cellar as tanks quickly filled. Additionally, there was concern about completing the harvest before the rainy season. Our winemaking team rose to the occasion and made the 2023 harvest season a bountiful yield of
exceptional quality fruit. The grapes displayed intense color and complex flavors, maintaining a vibrant acidity that adds a distinctive character to what will surely be remembered as an excellent wine collector’s vintage.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | Grapes for the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi were picked from September 21 through November 2—an especially long harvest window. “It was a special year because everything was pushed back,” Winemaker Robert Fiore says, noting that the cooler season resulted in very lively wines. Blended with 4% Sémillon, the 2023 L’Après-Midi is open and inviting. Pineapple, peach and guava are accented by tones of beeswax, dried tarragon and candle smoke on the nose. The palate is bursting with concentrated, tropical, spicy flavors. Its vibrant acidity provides the perfect foil, lending the wine a shimmery feel, and it has a long, perfumed finish. 1,850 cases were made. 

Winemaker Description 

2023 'L’Après-Midi' (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon, which according to Sir Peter is a good time to start enjoying this wine. This is one of our two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends.

The grapes are grown alongside our red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from the steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude. The wine is whole-cluster-pressed and then naturally fermented in a barrel, forgoing a second malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. It is predominantly made from Sauvignon Blanc, with just a touch of Sémillon.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | Hibiscus and herbal aromas mark this detailed pinot noir, following through to a palate of definition, length and mineral bones that frame cranberries, pomegranate, red cherries and their pits. Rose hips rise through the finish, a zip of orange zest on top.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | All destemmed and aged seven months in 18% new French oak barrels, the 2023 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard offers framboise, Bing cherries, sappy underbrush, and floral notes that develop nicely with air. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has good depth of fruit, and a complex, satisfying style that would best many a great Village-level red Burgundy.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Rustic aromas of tart cranberry, oregano and thyme show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is also a touch rugged and earthy, pairing red fruit with sage-like spices and dusty soil tones.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard is another fabulous entry-level wine, if you can even call it that. Bright, rich and forward, the oak is front and center, but it frames and braces the wine nicely. Spice tones and dark red cherry fruit form the core. There's real character and Santa Maria Valley identity here. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Cambria Pinot Noir "Julia's Vineyard" is a quintessential expression of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County. This vineyard is home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the region (dating back to the 1970s), which contributes to the wine's depth and signature "Santa Maria spice."

The 2023 vintage is highly regarded for its balance of bright fruit and earthy complexity, making it a "standard-bearer" for high-quality, value-driven California Pinot Noir.

This wine’s acidity and savory spice notes make it incredibly versatile:

• Poultry & Fish: Roast chicken with herbs, grilled salmon, or duck confit.

  Savory Mains: Mushroom pizza (the earthiness of the mushrooms complements the wine), or a mild cheese platter with Gruyère. Savory Mains: Mushroom pizza (the earthiness of the mushrooms complements the wine), or a mild cheese platter with Gruyère.

  
  

  
  

   

Winemaker Description 

The 20th vintage of Klinker Brick's flagship Zinfandel, where it all started! This wine 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 aromas of dark cherry and spices on the nose. Barrel fermentation provides additional structure to a thin skinned varietal. 

The extremely low yields of century old vineyards bring notes of plum 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.

Discover the Exquisite Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon

Discover the legendary quality of Chateau Montelena, the iconic Napa Valley winery established in 1882 that put California wine on the world map. This exceptional 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the estate's signature style: classic "old-world" structure combined with ripe California fruit. Crafted from Montelena estate and prime neighboring vineyards in and around Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, this 750ml bottle represents the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.

Winemaking Philosophy

The wines at Chateau Montelena are distinguished by their classic chemistry and California sunshine, offering immediate pleasure and complexity on release with the ability to develop beautifully over time. This Cabernet tends to have more acid and moderate alcohol levels compared to some "cult" Cabs, creating a more balanced, food-friendly wine. Each vineyard site has been selected for its alluvium soil profile, which provides earthy, complex, and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is softened by the judicious addition of Merlot and aged in oak barrels to develop its sophisticated character.

Tasting Profile

This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon reveals layers of pomegranate, plum, and dried blackberry, complemented by aromas of barrel toast, potpourri, and black pepper. On the palate, bright fruit and tannin tie together with fresh mint and graphite. The wine finishes with notes of earth, baking spices, and toasted almond, complemented by chalky tannins. Subtle hints of black cherry, dark chocolate, oak, and tobacco add depth and complexity, creating a long, lingering finish.

Perfect Pairings

This wine can handle bold flavors and is a great match for:

• Juicy steaks and grilled meats
• Wild game like pheasant and duck
• Beef stew, pot roast, or braised short ribs
• Grilled veal or lamb
• Rich mushroom risotto
• Dishes with dark mushroom sauce, red wine reductions, or peppercorn sauce

A Napa Valley Icon

Chateau Montelena's commitment to quality and its rich viticultural heritage make this Cabernet Sauvignon a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. The 2022 vintage showcases the best of Napa Valley's terroir, where sun-drenched vineyards produce grapes that reflect the unique characteristics of the land and climate. Whether enjoyed now or aged further, this wine promises an enriching experience with every sip.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | Seamed with saline minerality and fleshed out with mixed cherries and thyme, this silky pinot shows just how detailed appellation-labeled wines from Santa Barbara can be. The finish lingers with brambleberries embraced by tealike tannins, ending on a savory note.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Medium ruby-hued, the 2023 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County reveals exotic red and darker berry fruits intermixed with flowers, spice, and forest underbrush notes. Based on a 50/50 split of two vineyards and aged 10 months in 25% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and has a pure, balanced, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This brilliant value in California Pinot Noir.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County is a standout regional blend from one of California’s most dedicated Pinot Noir specialists. Siduri is famous for its "minimal intervention" approach—bottling their Pinot Noir unfined and unfiltered to preserve the authentic character of the vineyard.

Because this Pinot Noir balances fruit-forward energy with savory spice, it is exceptionally versatile:

• • Casual: Herb-crusted chicken or a selection of mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

  • Vegetarian: Roasted root vegetables with thyme or a lentil-based ragu.

    Mains: Mushroom risotto, grilled salmon with herbs, or roasted duck breast.

Winemaker Description 

Siduri explores two exceptional areas within Santa Barbara County that are exceptionally well - suited for growing Pinot Noir - Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. Pinot Noirs from the Santa Maria Valley provide "crunchy" fresh fruits that are laden with spice notes, while Pinot Noirs from the Sta. Rita Hills provide opulent red and black fruits that jump from the glass with tremendous energy. The marriage of these two distinctive growing areas provides a portrait of a beautiful place to grow cool - climate Pinot Noir. 

Winemaker Description 

Smooth, opulent layers of stone fruit and hints of citrus and apple are heightened by sweet smells of ripe tropical fruit, honey, and baking spices. The full flavors are highlighted by minerality and juiciness on the palate and a rich, custardy, plush finish.

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts writes 91 Points | Lively aromas of baked candy apple, plum, raspberry and notes of allspice on the nose. Flavors of hibiscus flower, mandarin orange, black tea and supple, silky tannins encourage another sip to keep the party on the palate going. Pair with a cold smoked Hamachi collar and pickled mushrooms.

The Tasting Panel 91 Points  This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Pinot Noir and 25% Tempranillo offers an unctuous mouthfeel, slick and tart with red cherries in aspic, cinnamon rose petals, and peony. Red berries converge in a summer fruit bowl, dotted with white pepper, and scented with jasmine.

Winemaker Description 

Composition:
• 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 25% Pinot Noir
• 25% Tempranillo
• Small amounts of naturally occurring & added sulfites — nothing else.

Appellation: Lodi CA (Cosumnes River)

Alcohol by vol.: 13.2%

Production:
• Regeneratively farmed
• Certified sustainable per “Lodi Rules”
• Fermented in stainless steel lined with oak staves, 11 mos.
• Vegan-friendly

Eye: Brilliant translucent ruby through and through.

Nose: Hibiscus, tea rose, pomegranate & Marschino cherry with subtle cinnamon, clove, and English lavender.

Palate: Light body & crisp acidity meet lush fruit & spices. Intense flavors make for a sublime lingering finish.

Pairing inspirations: Avocado & beet salad; tomato tart; hoisin pork buns; trout & watercress fritters; chicken Caesar salad; French onion soup.

House of Brown is a second-generation wine label under the BROWN Napa Valley umbrella, which also includes Chaos Theory and is anchored by flagship Brown Estate.

The Brown family have been in Napa since 1980. Siblings Deneen, Coral, and David began making wine in 1996. Raised by two medical professionals in a “Blue-Zone” household in Southern California, they all pitched in at their parents’ medical clinic. There, they adopted what would become a guiding principle in their wine business: Do no harm.

The creation of House of Brown was inspired by an extraordinary community of wine consumers who for over two decades had been finding themselves at home with Brown Estate, and in 2017 began assembling at the family’s then newly opened Brown Downtown Napa tasting room. This period marked an evolution in wine consumer demographics, with the industry at large seeing an influx of young and culturally diverse enthusiasts coming to the fore — dynamics that have been manifest at Brown for decades.

House of Brown was established in 2018 to expand access to the Brown wine experience, then nearly 25 years strong. The label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, and to the sense of welcome and belonging that are hallmarks at Brown. Produced with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate, House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

House of Brown is 100% family-owned + 100% Black-owned, and the brand is women-led.

Memo Summary Notes

The House of Brown Red Blend 2022 is the second label from Brown Estate—Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. Known for its "fresh, juicy, and chillable" style, it is designed to be an accessible.

Its high acidity makes it extremely versatile. It pairs brilliantly with hoisin pork buns, tomato tarts, avocado & beet salad, or French onion soup. It's also an excellent "couch wine" to enjoy with a simple charcuterie board.

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.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | This is the flagship Chardonnay produced by Domaine Anderson. It is a glimpse into the winemaking style of the house, highlighting the cool climate, sunshine and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The nose conveys pithy apple, youthful nectarine and butterscotch candy. The palate intensifies these notes, along with high acidity, minerals, cinnamon and a mouthwatering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Made from estate-grown, certified organic vineyards, including three single-vineyard designates (Navarro-Fairhills, Walraven, and Dach), the 2021 Chardonnay Estate is a light-bodied white that is tangy in acidity and fresh citrus notes, expertly showcasing both the cool-climate region and coolness of the vintage, one of the earliest harvests on record in the Anderson Valley. Meyer lemon and a twist of lime highlight the aromatic profile, with more lemon developing on the palate as a nice complement to the green and Golden Delicious apple flavors.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | With sleek notes of lemon, pear and yuzu alongside racy acidity, this pops out of the glass, finding wonderful harmony with the grace notes of white pepper and vanilla custard, plus a hint of salted butter shortbread on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.