United States Wine

Winemaker’s notes

La Crema Monterey Chardonnay offers aromas of grilled pineapple, citrus blossom, tangerine, and papaya. On the palate, white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon are complimented by a touch of barrel spice, and a river stone minerality.

Critic Notes

James Molesworth writes: Ripe, fresh and polished, this delivers unencumbered red and black cherry fruit notes laced with a tickle of tobacco, all backed by a just firm enough finish to keep this balanced and engaging. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango and papaya, with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak and butter rounds out the long, lingering finish. Winemaker Description. 

Monterey’s combination of moderate climate and marine influences from the Pacific Ocean keep the grapes balanced and able to develop fully ripe flavors. A classic Central Coast Chardonnay, this wine offers tropical aromas of grilled pineapple with a hint of star fruit and vanilla.

Nicely balanced, Hess Select Chardonnay is medium-bodied with layers of sliced peaches and golden delicious apples, finishing crisp and clean with well-balanced acid. Winemaker Description. 

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes | The 2021 Pinot Noir Oregon is composed of 60% fruit from the Willamette Valley, 40% fruit from the Umqua Valley, and a bit from the Rogue Valley. It pours a transparent medium ruby and is forward with somewhat primary and juicy aromas of ripe red berries, crushed flowers, and a hint of forest spice. Easy-drinking and medium-bodied, it lifts cleanly off the palate and is straightforward, with a lot of charm for early drinking. Bottled under screw cap. 

90 Points Wine & Spirits Magazine | This is a steal for the way its savor and black cherry collide on the palate. It starts off with an herbal riff on cut-leaf tobacco. The tannins are firm and a touch furry, but the wine’s acid buoy the flavors into a bright burst on the finish. 

Wnemaker Notes:

The warm growing season offers decadent aromas of boysenberry and dark cherry with layers of jasmine and fresh herbs helping to maintain freshness. An Oregon icon, this wine achieves the perfect balance between delicate and playful.

Blend: 97% Pinot Noir, 3% Syrah

Winemaker Description

Bright with a deep ruby core that lightens at the rim of the glass, with moderately thick, slow forming tears. Aromatic with ripe black cherry, red berries and blackcurrant fruit with spice notes of vanilla and cinnamon with fresh sage, subtle dried rose petal, and toasted oak. Nearly full-bodied with red plum, ripe bing cherry, and blackberry on entry with savory dried herbs, baking spice and toasted oak on the midpalate supported with balanced, fine tannins. The complex finish shows sustained ripe fruit and spice mixed with dried flower and camphor elements.

The 2020 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that not only invites another sip on its own, but also pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try this wine with grilled chicken or burgers at your next cookout or with a classic filet mignon at your favorite steakhouse.

Winemaker Description

This alluring Cabernet Sauvignon draws you in with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry and sweet baking spices. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture frame the voluptuous dark berry flavors, with notions of barrel spice adding nuance and complexity to the long, lush finish.

Winemaker Description

The wine owes much of its complexity to its varied upbringing, unifying grapes from California's most notable winegrowing regions. Meiomi Pinot Noir brings you structure and depth seldom seen in a Pinot Noir wine, thanks to its unique and meticulous aging process. Aged for six months in French oak barrels, this California red wine's juicy strawberry flavor and notes of dark berries and toasted mocha add complexity and depth on the palate.

Expert Rating (2021 Rating)

Tasting Panel 90 Points | Following dusky aromas of briar, cinnamon mocha, and dark cherry notes of tobacco and chocolate licorice coat the earthy palate Dense and syrupy blackberry jam mingles with cedar

Winemaker Description 

This rosé has lovely balance between the fresh fruit, fine tannins, good minerality and graceful acidity. It is the visual and taste portrait of the Hampton's high summer. Serve chilled, solo or as a complement to almost any food.

Radiant with a polished light copper hue, this rosé delivers sophistication with every sip. Immerse yourself in the bouquet of ripe, elegant fruits, complemented by floral notes reminiscent of rose petals and delicate strawberries. The mouthfeel is an explosion of fruity goodness, balanced by creamy yeast and underscored by playful acidity and classic minerality. Revel in the dry and savory character, and let the refreshing, satisfying, fruit-driven finish transport you. Versatile and food-friendly, this rosé is your ideal companion for a perfect summer soirée!

Serve chilled, solo or as a complement to almost any food. At cocktail parties, it will shine alongside hors d’oeuvres such as smoked salmon, lobster, shrimp, carpaccio and soft cheeses. It can also complement main-course fish and pork dishes, and at Thanksgiving, it is perfect with turkey.

Long Island, New York. Produced and bottled in Sagaponack, New York. 

Winemaker Description

Vivid notes of black raspberry, fresh pomegranate juice, with wild blueberry, sassafras, subtle licorice, toasted oak an earthy backbone, and grippy tannins. 

Expert Ratings

Winemaker Description

The 2021 Columbia Valley Chardonnay is crafted in a fresh, soft style with bright apple and sweet citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards throughout Washington’s Columbia Valley to create this complex yet approachable, food-friendly style. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Rating

Tasting Panel 91 Points Fruit from both estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley and top growers in the Dry Creek and Alexander valleys make up the blend of this well-structured red. Aromas of dark plum, oak, and coffee lead to firm tannins on the palate, where crushed violets teem in waves of mocha and boysenberry. Black pepper and Italian herbs season cedar and espresso on the finish .esn..St. Francis Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic aromas and flavors of ripe black currant, spicy tobacco and cedar are accompanied by full body and firm structure. 

Expert Ratings 

James Suckling 92 Points | Notes of ripe cherries and dried cranberries with hints of toasted cloves and chocolate. Some ashes, too. Medium-bodied with juicy crunchiness and chalky tannin structure. Vivid acidity with fresh sour cherries at the end.  - James Suckling.

Wine Spectator Tim Fish writes | This shows focus and good energy, with lively plum and guava flavors accented by dusky spices and forest floor, finishing with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2028. 

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of ripe cherry, cocoa, anise and rich baking spices. Plush flavors of cherry, plum and pomegranate meld with hints of delicate tea leaf. Structured, balanced acidity and elegant, firm tannins round out the mouth.

Critic Notes

James Molesworth writes:  A ripe, friendly, open style, with black tea and anise notes infusing a core of raspberry and cherry compote flavors. Shows a light sandalwood echo on the finish. Drink now through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.  - Wine Spectator

Samantha Cole-Johnson writes:  Pale ruby with a purple hue. Fresh red and black cherry with a light spiciness. Sweet fruit on the palate. Viscous, with fine-grained tannins and high, fresh acidity. Fresh finish with light spice.  100% French oak, 22% new; 8–9 months in barrel.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Jancis Robinson

Winemaker Description

This lush and alluring Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, black tea and sage, as well as rustic hints of earthy forest floor. On the palate, the generous ripe berry flavors are framed by bright, balanced acidity and refined tannins that carry the wine to a long, silky finish. 

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  What a refined and expressive 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay that isn't even remotely styled in the over-the-top richness that public opinion would suggest. In short, get a bottle and be humbled if you think this is a butter bomb -- because it's not. Candied ginger and lemon peel aromatics with elegant baking spices. Round and warm on the palate with grip and expressive acidity, and attractive ginger and salted lemon peel notes. Enjoy this wine now for its youthful exuberance and refreshing acidity, or hold it for a few years and revel in the warming, rich character that will emerge, but above all, please make your best roast chicken ala Julia Child and live life to its fullest on that night—100% Chardonnay aged in 9 months in American and French oak barrels (30% new).  Drinking 2024 -2028.  - Decanter 92

Expert Reviews

Michaela Morris writes:  First overall in the sparkling category. Louis Roederer's outpost in California's cool Anderson Valley is a stylistic chip off the old block. The blend includes a considerable portion of reserve wine that's been oak-aged, making for a rich, weighty mouthful of creamy bubbles. Malolactic fermentation is suppressed in order to preserve acidity but a healthy dosage of 12g/l adds to its girth. What this sparkler lacks in zip, it makes up in texture and concentration. Lots of baked apple and toasted cashews here.  - Decanter 92

Eric Asimov writes:  Roederer Estate, the Mendocino County outpost of the excellent Champagne house Louis Roederer, has long been not only one of California’s biggest sparkling wine producers, but one of the best. This is, not surprisingly, made with Champagne grapes, pinot noir and chardonnay, but grown in Anderson Valley terroir. It doesn’t taste like Champagne. It’s more herbal, less mineral, but it’s got a good Champagne’s freshness and elegance. - Eric Asimov’s New York Times Article Dec. 21, 2023

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel. There are ample tannins carrying the fruit to the long lingering finish. Aging for 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels created notes of baking spices, nutmeg and hints of caramel.

This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of foods like rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone cheese and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Debra 67Wine.com | This wine shows lovely flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and orchard apples . Balanced with aromas toasty oak, coconut and vanilla lead into a generous finish. 

Pair with cheeses, grilled chicken,  broiled fish and salad. Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Fresh notes of Bosc pear, lemon zest, touches of pineapple, and subtle vanilla on the finish. Fresh and spicy.  Pairs effortlessly with fresh fish tacos and mango salsa. Winemaker Description. 

92 Points Wine Spectator | 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.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Well-balanced and rather light on its feet, this elegant but full-bodied wine complements lemon and lime notes with richer vanilla and butter nuances on a smooth and slightly tangy texture.

With a medium golden color and alluring layers of persimmon, ripe Meyer lemon and rich brioche this is an elegant and alluring wine. Lush, textural and beautifully complex on the palate, its bright citrus flavors and cool-climate energy showcase the poise and purity of great Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Winemaker Description.

Expert Ratings

Tim Fish writes:  Fragrant raspberry and fresh violet aromas lead to elegantly layered cherry, mineral and savory tea flavors, with a silky mouthfeel that slowly builds tension on the polished finish.   Wine Spectator 94 

James Suckling writes:  Fresh cherries, strawberries, red plums and cloves. Juicy mushroom notes, too. Medium-bodied, fresh and plump, with soft tannins and a succulent finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 93

Eric Guido writes: A pretty blend of steeped plums and violet flowers introduces the 2022 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. This is cool-toned and classic in feel, with ripe red and blue fruits that flow across textures of pure silk, leaving a tinge of sweet spice toward the close. An air of lavender lingers along with ripe blackberries and hints of sage as the 2022 tapers off with stunning length and gentle tannins. This is a wonderfully harmonious effort that will reward cellaring. - Vinous Media 92

Audrey Frick writes: Ruby red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has a very appealing nose with notes of ripe cherries, wild herbs, sassafras, and fresh flowers. Approachable and medium-bodied, it offers ripe, defined tannins, stemmy spice on the palate, and ripe acidity. It’s a charming wine with a stemmy texture to drink over the next 4-5 years. - Jeb Dunnuck 90

Winemaker Description

Acrobat wines are sourced from a spectrum of Oregon vineyards, spanning the three classic Western AVA’s – Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley. Grower relationships are what make Acrobat wines so deliciously consistent each vintage. We are honored to work with such marquee vineyard sites. Each vineyard and AVA have distinct characteristics and provide their own flavor. This diverse geographical selection was done by design, giving Acrobat wines a balanced flavor profile of the state of Oregon.

Acrobat Pinot Noir delivers notes of dark cherry, raspberry, rich plum and cinnamon on the nose. Bright acidity and elegant tannins shine on the palate, leading to a juicy but delicate finish. Enjoy a glass with a classic woodfired pizza.

Expert Ratings

Eric Guido writes:  The 2022 Pinot Noir opens with a mentholated freshness, mixing wild berries and hints of sage. This is juicy and round, with vividly ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. The 2022 leaves youthful tension with the mouth watering for more as hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2024 - 2028   - Vinous 91

James Suckling writes:  A very good, medium-bodied wine with ample leafy, spicy, mulled cherry flavors, this wine is an affordable, everyday choice with a smoky, dusky undertone. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

This fleshy medium bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy mouth coating finish.
- Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Antonio Galloni writes: The 2021 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard Signature Collection is bright and super-focused. Citrus peel, mint, white flowers and tangerine peel all grace this exquisite, intense wine. The 2021 was fermented in tank and aged in barrel, of which 50% new. The Katherine's Vineyard comes from own-rooted vines planted in the 1970s. Readers should plan on giving this a bit of time, as it is quite nervous today. - Vinous 95

Jeb Dunnuck writes: Beautiful orchard fruits, toasted bread, and some sappy flower notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant wine that has nicely integrated acidity as well as a supple, up-front, delicious style. - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Alder Yarrow writes: Smells of lemon curd and butterscotch. Flavours of lemon curd and white flowers have a nice mineral undertone and lemon-pith chalkiness. Excellent acidity with just a whiff of vanilla in the finish. - Jancis Robinson 16.5

MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Remarkably balanced, with details of fresh, crisp apple, citrus and pear that mingle with salted butter pastry and touches of brown sugar on a supple, creamy frame. Reveals a touch of lemongrass on the finish. Drink now. - Wine Spectator 90

Expert Ratings

93 Robert Parker | The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate was vinified with 40% whole clusters and matured in used oak. The nose is bursting with cranberry, pomegranate, mushrooms, woodsmoke and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a core of earth and spice-laced fruit. It has a frame of chalky tannins and juicy acidity and a long, nuanced finish. (v. 2022)

93 Points Wine Enthusiast |  Baked cherry and boysenberry aromas meet with dark earth, star anise and eucalyptus leaf aromas on the nose of this appellation cuvée. There's a rich body to the palate, but the ripe cherry flavor stays vibrant and energized, bolstered by green sage and lemon-peel elements. (2022).

Winemaker Description

The aromatics instantly permeate the glass, ripe red plums, cloves, and orange zest. When tasting, the flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry and blackberry race over the entire palate and are followed by black tea and tarragon. A harmonious backbone of silky tannins and energetic acidity give this wine real verve.

Expert Rating

James Suckling 90 Points |  Blackberry fruit, oyster shells, sage and roasted herbs on the nose. It’s savory with a medium to full body and tight tannins. Nice freshness. Drink now or in the next few years.  (2021). 

Jeb Dunnuck 89 Points |  Coming from multiple sites throughout the Central Coast, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a juicy, medium-bodied, nicely balanced style in its ripe cherry and plum fruit as well as notes of ripe herbs and chocolate. It's a terrific value that brings plenty of classic Cabernet style. (2021). 

Erin Brooks writes:  The 2022 Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon is scented of red and black cherries and nuances of allspice, milk chocolate, tobacco and cedar. The medium-bodied palate is approachable and easygoing, with an alluring combination of concentrated, spicy fruit and savory tones. It finishes with satisfying freshness.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

This bold style Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and structure. Slight pepper, round body, dried cherry, silky vanilla, concentrated with a long velvet finish.

Pair with - Blue Cheese, Dark Chocolate and Grilled or Roasted Duck, Beef or Veal. 

Expert Ratings

90 Points Vinous | The 2020 Merlot Grand Estates is darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. This washes across the palate with juicy acids that enliven its tart wild berry fruits. It leaves a mark of minerality along with a chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha. This is an excellent entry to the "value category" of Washington State Merlot.

90 Points James Suckling | Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries here, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

This Merlot has round juicy flavors of dark plum and herb, finishes bold and structured with notes of vanilla and raspberry.

Pair this wine with blue cheese, duck, beef, veal and dark chocolate

Critic Notes

Clive Purshouse writes:  It is a departure for Ridge, as it's not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine's generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.  - Decanter 94

Tim Fish writes:  A broad-shouldered red, with a potent structure but expressive blackberry, savory dill and white pepper flavors that speed toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2033.  - Wine Spectator 92 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Ratings

Tasting Panel 96 Points: Since its founding in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has produced just one red wine in every single vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to meticulous craftsmanship, the 2019 embodies the standard set for this world-class red. Its sleek mouth- feel is dotted with white-peppered black raspberry, balsamic, and Italian herbs as well as illustrious, glossy tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points: Excellent concentration and a classic flavor profile of black cherries, black olives and toasted oak give good reasons to buy and enjoy this Sonoma County icon. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannis and equally generous in black fruits, the wine is well-balanced and trim in body.

Winemaker Notes:

The 2019 vintage hits all the right notes. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and blackberry, making this a vintage that will age for years to come. A fitting release to commemorate Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and blackberry interlace with a lovely violet floral note. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and boysenberry that are all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve beautifully in the glass and linger on the palate.

The dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make it a decadent
wine for food pairing. This wine’s elegance, acidity and spice notes complement
grilled or roasted dishes, such as coq au vin, lamb ragu or roasted salmon with
miso. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthiness even complements vegetarian
dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto and ratatouille.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast: Soft strawberry and watermelon aromas are cut by tangerine peel on the nose of this bottling. The palate has earthy tones of wet rocks and chalk, with well-integrated acidity pumping into the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Lovely dark fruit aromas waft from the glass with notes of spice and eucalyptus. Blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry flavors are accentuated by hints of vanilla, espresso and baker’s chocolate. The finish is round and supple. 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Nicely concentrated fruit flavors, subtle oak spices and a good sense of layering all help to make this well-balanced and well-proportioned wine something special. (2020). 

Balance and proportion best describe the character of their 2020 Russian River Chardonnay; it displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouth feel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish. Winemaker Description. 

Cakebread Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with aromas of ripe golden apple, white peach, and light oak. On the palate, apple and pear characteristics are balanced by fresh acidity, and the finish is clean, with appealing hints of apple and lemon intermingling with notes of minerality.

This is a versatile pairing wine—enjoy it with grilled seafood and nearly any selection of cheeses. Winemaker Description.