California Wine

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Merlot has inviting aromas of dark fruit and spice which translate well at first sip. Flavors of cherry, blueberry, and vanilla carry through the palate. Velvety tannins come from behind to give this Merlot a smooth, polished finish. 

Winemaker Description

The oldest petite sirah vines on our Lytton Estate were planted in 1901 and the youngest in 2008. We made our first wine from the property in 1972. In 2002, we began bottling portions of the petite sirah as a separate wine for a limited release. Up until then it had always been included in the Lytton Springs Zinfandel. In 2003 we made another limited release and in 2009 our first national release.

Expert Ratings 

93 Points Vinous | The 2020 Petite Sirah Lytton Estate is superb, and also the highlight of the 2020s at Ridge. Deep and resonant in the glass, the 2020 impresses with its balance, something that was very hard to achieve in 2020. Scents of blackberry, grilled herbs, menthol, lavender and mocha are immediately alluring. There is maybe a bit of graininess in the tannin, but that is a pretty small critique within the context of the year." (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Focused on regeneratively farming tiny vineyards in Napa Valley and minimalist winemaking, James and Lorenza Allen channel their global experiences to make wines with balance, substance, and soul. They believe the accents of wine are best revealed by understanding its roots.

Wanderlust drove both curious minds to a combined six universities and twenty wineries across fifteen regions in seven countries, where they learned from the wisdom of winemaking masters and honed their individual styles. But it wasn't until they met while studying in France that the magic happened. Friendship led to romance years later and a wedding on the vineyard one warm harvest evening between punchdowns. Since then, they’ve collaborated on every grape, wine, and label.

Lorenza and James farm four vineyards around Napa Valley - no tractor, no irrigation, and no tilling. They treat each vine like a bonsai and use cover crops to replenish the soil each winter. To combat climate change they employ regenerative and organic methods as well as lightweight glass, carbon-capturing natural cork, and good old-fashioned activism.

Rich black forest fruits set the foundation from which kirsch and spice notes do lift to fill the nose. Lush and velvety while fresh and balanced on the tongue. A long finish lay dusted with fine tobacco, chocolate, and espresso.

The 2022 DAOU Chardonnay displays a rich, ample nose of pineapple, vanilla bean, mango, hazelnut and nutmeg spice. Floral tones of honeysuckle and star jasmine are accented by sweet ginger and lemon zest. The palate is weighty and mouth-filling, delivering round, silky flavors of Bartlett pear, Crenshaw melon, kiwi and fresh pineapple.

Notes of Golden Delicious apple and papaya are complemented with lemon cream pie and crushed almonds, while hints of white peach, citrus peel and cinnamon linger on a long, graceful finish. Winemaker Description. 

Light, crisp and fruity. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Liar’s Dice is as juicy as ever! The soft tannins invite ripe, yet fresh flavors of black raspberry, black cherry, and blackberry jam. This is created to be a second glass Zin! If you have one, you are certain to have a second.

Baby back pork ribs, slow smoked for hours, are always a hit with the Liar’s Dice Zin, although it’s hard not to have a winning pair with just about anything coming off the grill or smoker. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Rating

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Rich but dry, this robust take on Zinfandel wraps good tannins around ample blackberry and raspberry flavors, while light smoke and black-pepper accents dance around the edges.

Medium dry with a full body. Blended and aged for a mellow, nutty flavor. Producer Description. 

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

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.

91 Points Decanter | Lovely creamy nose of butterscotch, cashew, golden apple and pear. Intriguing palate with crisp, ripe flavours and a soft mousse. Blend : 57% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier.

90 Points James Suckling | Aromas of fresh flowers, garden herbs and grapefruit. Medium-bodied. Mineral, with baked citrus and herbal character.

A vibrant and approachable California Cuvée opens with a pop of tart pineapple and orange blossom on the wonderfully aromatic nose. The palate is lively and rich with layered notes of Asian pear and honeysuckle, overlaying hints of fresh mandarin peel and marzipan before a zesty, focused finish.  Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Dalla Valle's unique terroir. The iron rich, core stone volcanic site comprised of Andesitic Basalt bring beautiful concentration and elegance to the wines each vintage. The 2020 is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, always 100% estate blend. Notes of perfumed violet and bergamot on the nose harmonize with aromas of allspice and cassis. On the first sip you will find rich notes of blackberry, cocoa powder and cedar box carried by the undercurrent of plush and elegant tannins. An elongated finish allows you to experience the full complexities of this wine, which will have a long life ahead. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points James Suckling | So much blackberry and lead-pencil shavings. Hints of tar, too. Full-to medium-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that run the length of the wine. Hints of oak at the end, but this will come together nicely with bottle age. Slightly chewy now. Some salted caramel. (2020). 

95 Points Robert Parker | Black cherries, dark loam and cassis appear on the nose of Dalla Valle's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, joined by hints of cedar and vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, firm, tannic and sturdy but essentially ripe, with a softness to its structure that suggests early accessibility. The long, mocha-tinged finish lingers elegantly, a delicious capstone to a super wine.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid step up, boasting a deep purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and nicely integrated background oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, it hits the palate with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the top wines I've tasted in the vintage.

93 Points Wine Spectator | This has showy violet, boysenberry and sweet bay leaf notes that leap to the fore, with good juicy energy tucked inside the core. Offers nice flow on the finish, which picks up a loamy accent while the fruit keeps the upper hand. Drink now through 2035. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Made from organically grown grapes, our Pinot Noir has a dry palate with heavenly cherry flavors. The finish expresses light tannins with hints of oak and vanilla. Only 435 cases of this limited edition wine were produced. 

Expert Reviews

Decanter 98 Points | Screaming Eagle’s ‘The Flight’ is positively gorgeous in 2020, leading with a plethora of perfumed violets and wild herb notes intermixed with graphite and cedarwood spices. Mediym-bodied offering a purity of redberry fruit flavours redolent of cranberry and raspberry alongside dark cherry, all framed by tantalising acidity. The crunchy red fruit is balanced by a dazzling minerality, opening up to reveal blood orange, brown spices, spearmint, and pops of lovely blue floral notes. Broad tannins build in stature on the long, sanguine finish.

James Suckling 98 Points | Aromas of blackberries, red and black currants. Green olives, too. Dark roses and perfume. Medium-bodied with super crunchy energy and brightness. Very fine tannins. Elegant and precise. So subtle and complex, it’s really something...Needs four to five years to open and come together.

Winemaker Description

Estate Vineyards provide the backbone to this vibrant Napa Valley Merlot. Aromas of ripe raspberry and plum jam emerge from the glass, enhanced by caramel notes from oak aging. A bright entry of red fruit flavors balanced by stunning minerality and notes of rich, velvety chocolate-covered cherries. A "Cab-Lovers" Merlot with structure, mid-palate weight, and a long, round finish. 

Winemaker Description

This Zinfandel-based red blend jumps out of the glass with lovely bright plum fruit. Dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea, this wine strikes a perfect balance between fruit forward enjoyment and layered sophistication. Medium bodied, with a mouth of sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy this wine pairs with almost any meal or occasion.

Expert Rating

93 Points Robert Parker | The NV Old Vine Red Lot 74 is primarily Zinfandel, with some Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache and Barbera. Spicy and easy to drink, it has aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish.

On the nose, notes of sweet cream, juicy white peach, green apple, and a hint of minerality are accented by brown spice and vanilla. The mouthfeel is round and smooth but balanced by bright acidity with hints of stone fruit and honey make for an elegant and perfectly ripened chardonnay from the Central Coast.  Winemaker Description.

Expert Rating

93 Points Wine Spectator | A jammy bomb of fruit, offering cherry pie and ripe raspberry flavors accented with toasty spice and briar notes as this energetic Zin zips along the zesty finish.

Winemaker Description

Aromatically the wine has a nose full of juicy dark cherries, blackberries, just ripened raspberries, and some savory thanksgiving spices. On the palate there are notes of salty dried meats as well as brambly fruits paired with silken tannins. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Generous aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and fig accented with earthy notes. Robust, concentrated flavors on the palate, the wine offers blackberry and boysenberry notes layered with hints of minerality. Structured and opulent tannins fill the palate with a deep, powerful black fruit finish. Dancing Bear, despite its intensity, displays a charming elegance. Delicious upon release but will more than reward another decade of aging. Enjoy with rosemary braised lamb shanks, filet mignon, or grilled portabello mushrooms.

Expert Reviews

97+ Points Robert Parker | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch is composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the gate with bold crème de cassis, blackberry pie and plum preserves scents, followed by touches of star anise, bouquet garni and tar with a waft of crushed rocks. Full-bodied and packed with juicy black fruits, the palate is beautifully framed by plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with loads of fragrant earth and exotic spice accents. 

90 Points James Suckling | concentrated cabernet with aromas of baked blackberries, dark cherries, chocolate, coffee, toast and sweet spices. Full body with firm, creamy tannins. Rich and chewy. A blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon and 2% cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

As we begin our third decade of producing this Cabernet named after our children, we are excited at how incredible this wine continues to be. Exhibiting a nose of dark blackberry and blackcurrant, nuanced with notes of vanilla, and fresh rose powder, the subtlety and finesse are what strike the mind. The beautiful framework of this creamy, velvety and rich wine has amazing structure and mid-palate with a mouthfeel full dark cherry and purity of fruit expression. This wine has incredible balance and length to its finish. 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

This Ramey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir strikes a fine balance between rich, unctuous styles and leaner, coastal styles. It is at once both elegant and delicious. 

Expert Reviews 

92-94 Points Robert Parker | A finished tank sample, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is made using about 25% whole-cluster fermentation—the first time, David Ramey says, that they've experimented with whole cluster. Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, it has a gregarious, youthful nose with tangerine peel, soft baking spices, forest floor and a wicked vein of floral nuance with warm red and black fruits at the core. The palate gives good concentration of spicy fruit, with grainy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and spicy. (2017). 

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck | As to the reds, the 2017 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley comes from a handful of sites and spent 14 months in just under 40% new French oak. Its translucent ruby color is followed by a complex, earthy effort that offers mulled strawberry and cherry fruit, notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and saddle leather, medium-bodied richness, and a great texture. This Burgundy lover’s Pinot Noir shines for its complexity and elegance more than power and richness. (2017).

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | This wine is sourced from a selection of different vineyards, including Bucher along Westside Road. Earthy funk underlies high-toned red cherry, rhubarb and strawberry, threading the needle between richness and crispness. A salty savory finish tops things off. (2017). 

90 Points Wine Spectator | Delicate, with finely textured dried cherry and raspberry tart flavors, supported by fresh acidity. Shows cherry confit notes midpalate, revealing plenty of spice and smoke hints on the finish. (2017). 

Winemaker Description

2019 embodies classic Hillside Select richness, vibrancy, and balance. The aromas push out of the glass, offering black cherry, cedar, cassis, and juicy red summer berries with lifted floral tones. Even at this youthful age, the complexity of the vintage is striking, merging dark fruit with tobacco, espresso, black olive, red plum, and black tea. The expansive mid-palate is complemented by ripe integrated tannins that add depth and structure, culminating in a long, profound finish.

Expert Reviews

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).

98+ Points Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).

98 Points James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).

98 Points Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).

94 Points Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).

Winemaker Description

Dark fruit notes of blueberry and plum on the nose with hints of dried oregano. On the palate, this Cabernet segues from dark fruit notes to savory undertones, while showing off a silky texture. Full-bodied and dense in structure, the wine’s long finish is driven by firm tannins plus hints of cocoa and vanilla. 

This Pinot Grigio has aromas of wildflowers, peaches and pears. It has fresh, tropical flavors, that combined with a touch of spice in this medium-bodied wine provide a lovely finish that is crisp and refreshing on the palate. Winemaker Description. 

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.

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.

Expert Review

91 Points James Suckling | Lots of pear and apple puree with hints of flowers and citrus. Tropical fruit undertones. Medium to full body with melon and hints of pear. It is dense yet lively. Nicely framed. Sourced mostly from Napa and Sonoma with some Mendocino and Lake County. A blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon. 

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. 

Expert Review

Mevushal. 90 Points James Suckling | Ripe dark berries with hints of dried herbs, tea leaves, black olives and licorice. Full-bodied, plush and opulent with a sweetish, succulent dark fruit character. Deep and lengthy.

Winemaker Description

This intensely inky-colored Cabernet Sauvignon wine is grown in the well-drained, stony and iron-rich soils of the Weir Family Vineyard along the Silverado Trail, one mile south of the famed Stags' Leap appellation and ten yards from the Oak Knoll District, the Valley's newest sub-appellation.

The rich, spicy nose of bakers' chocolate and black cherry complements the brooding and spice-filled black licorice, black cherry, plum and cranberry on the palate. The addition of 10% Cabernet Franc enhances the complexity of the wine, as well as adding to our trademark robust and silky mid-palate. Aged for 19 months in small French and American oak barrels, Hagafen Cabernet Sauvignon will flourish with bottle age.

Kosher for Passover. 

Winemaker Description

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. 

Winemaker Descrption

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dark and dense in color to the rim of the glass. Layered aromas of black cherry, currant and blueberry are accented by an authentic barrel-aged bouquet of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and roasted coffee.

The palate peaks with high-toned red berry fruit, and follows with bright acidity and a full structure that is both dense and soft at once. 

Red wine blend is full-bodied with juicy flavors of boysenberry and plum. It is a balanced, luscious blend that finishes smooth and soft making it a perfect accompaniment to any table. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Box Wine. This barrel aging, along with the red grapes' slow ripening process, imparts a pleasing complexity and depth of flavor to this Central Coast wine. With luscious flavors of ripe Bing cherries and blueberry, which are accented by toasty oak and hints of coffee and vanilla flavors, this delicious red wine pairs well with grilled lamb and steak, hearty pasta, strong cheeses, and a variety of other dishes. 

Feature this California red wine at a wine and cheese party, or enjoy a glass of wine on its own. This premium boxed wine features a convenient pour spout and includes directions on the outer package for opening the wine box and pouring a glass of wine. For optimal taste, store this 1.5 liter wine box at room temperature, but chill it for 30 to 60 minutes and serve cool at approximately 60 degrees. Robert Mondavi Private Selection: Here's to What's Next. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. © 2021 Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA