United States Wine

Winemaker Description 

BACA’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an adventurous take on a classic—sourced from top Napa Valley vineyards, including some of the most prized sub-appellations. 

The wine has a dense hue of violet, and aromas of ripe cassis, lavender and warm blackberry pastries. The palate offers dense briar fruit, fine accessible tannins, and a touch of oak from aging lending a fresh expression of the varietal. This is a wine crafted to be enjoyed and cherished early in its life.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil. 

Winemaker Description 

Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Fullbodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil.

Winemaker Description 

The Pinot noir was harvested coldand allowed to push a cap before getting one homogenizing pumpover as primary fermentation began. Ina year that was hot and drythere was a threat of heaviness, sothe wine saw minimal cap management, gentle press downs or pumpovers as the fermentation temperature peaked,and was pressed when dry.

No commercial yeasts or bacteria were used.

Based on the original family recipe from the 1890’s, Trincheri Dry Vermouth is made from French Colombard grapes and infused with 13 herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals, including: Roman Artemisia, Cinchona Bark, Orris Root, Tansy Herb, Ceylon Cinnamon, Lemon Peel, Juniper Berries, Yarrow Flower.

The result is a vibrant dry vermouth with the perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and flavor complexity. Trincheri Vermouth received 91 points an Gold from San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge. Best Vermouth for Martini or Gibson cocktail. 

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points: This sparkling wine delivers a full experience at 9% alcohol. A creamy mousse reveals aromas of strawberry and peach on the nose. The mousse also engages the palate, with lime peel and rounded strawberry flavors working well with the creamy texture.

Winemaker Description 

Everything is better with bubbles! Sunny Bubbly delights with flavors of fresh strawberry and watermelon wrapped in a package of lovely, fine bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish. We are all born to sparkle. Zero sugar, low alcohol, low calorie and positively delicious!

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck writes 97-100 Points |  I was blown away by the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré, which is a classic blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Harvest spanned from the 8th to the 28th of September, the vinification is in tronconique tanks (parcel by parcel), and the élevage will span 18-20 months in 80% new barrels. This inky hued beauty offers that rare mix of power and elegance and offers ample cassis and assorted blue fruits, full-bodied richness, an opulent, concentrated, yet flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and plenty of classic Saint-Julien violets, espresso roast, and crushed stone-like minerality. Despite its incredible concentration and depth, it stays beautifully balanced. In a region that seems to only talk about finesse and elegance, it's a relief to still have producers such as this producing powerful, intense, singular wines. Hats off to the Cuvelier family and their team.

James Suckling 96-97 Points | A very solid LP with black berry, blackcurrant, crushed stone and lavender character. Full and really well structured with a linear length to it. Focused and so polished. Thoughtful. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Neal Martin of Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Léoville Poyferré was picked 8 to 28 September at 33.4hL/ha and matured in 80% new oak. It has a high IPT of 93 and 14.4% alcohol (half a degree less than the 2018). It is quintessentially LP on the nose, with those extravagant and sensual black and blueberry fruit, intermingling with crushed violet and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very harmonious and focused, perhaps more linear than expected with a velvety-smooth finish. This is a very classy, sophisticated Saint-Julien that may well rest at the top of my banded score once in bottle.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Château Fleur Cardinale is a blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified with a cold pre-fermentation maceration and raised for 12-14 months in 72% new French oak, 18% one-year-old barrels, 7% large foudres, and 3% amphora. It's a full-bodied, layered Saint-Émilion exhibiting dark berries, graphite, crushed stone, and truffly earth-like nuances on the nose. This ripe, yet flawlessly balanced Saint-Emilion has moderate acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, polished texture. A slightly modern-styled expression, it’s nevertheless lush, opulent, and utterly compelling, showing both depth and finesse.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Advocate 95+ Points |  A whopping 94% Cabernet Sauvignon but not labeled as such, Alpha Omega's 2021 ERA Red Wine is the 2,380-case flagship of the winery. As you might expect, it's dark, nearly impenetrable in color, with similarly opaque aromas that hint at camphor, creosote, cedar and cassis. Weighing in at 14.8% alcohol (on the label), it's very nearly full-bodied, with ample concentration, ripe but dense tannins and a lingering but somewhat astringent finish. Give this one some time in the cellar.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Juicy and richly interwoven with a fresh underlay of acidity, this powerhouse blend is substantially etched in cassis, plum and red currant. The oak and tannin are equally substantial and present, contributing weight, breadth and length. This will do well to cellar; enjoy best from 2027-2032.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The flagship 2021 ERA (which is also the largest production release of these top cuvées) checks in 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec that was brought up in 50% new French oak. It's a more inward, concentrated 2021 revealing a deep ruby/purple hue as well as rocking black raspberry and blueberry fruits supported by background spicy oak, violets, and chalky minerality. This concentrated, medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced 2021 shows the slightly toned-down style of all these latest 2021s, yet it excels on its purity and finesse. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age yet evolve for 15-20 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

James Suckling 95 Points | This cuvée has a very energetic and intense feel with a wealth of fresh and attractive red cherries and raspberries, plenty of florals and subtle herbal, forest-wood and light-chocolate notes. There’s a very keenly articulated feel to the palate with a plush, very fleshy and assertively long, detailed finish. Deep fruit presence here. Drink across the next decade."

Vinous 93 Points | Vivid red. Expansive aromas of ripe red berries, candied flowers and baking spices, with a smoky mineral topnote that gains strength as the wine opens up. Coats the palate with appealing sweet raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up and become spicier on the back half. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on an impressively long finish that's shaped by fine-grained, even tannins.

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1993 on our lower southeast-facing slope and sheltered by a small forest, Louise Vineyard is the most geologically complex site at Cristom. The wine has a softened, focused acidity and intense complexity.

Winemaking: 49% whole cluster and native yeast fermentations, aged 18 months in 66% new French oak

Cases Produced: 701

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Vinous 94 Points | An enticing blend of dried roses, peppery spice and woodland berries wafts up from the 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard. This is vividly fruit-focused yet crisp in feel, with tactile minerals adding a crunchy sensation as tart red and blue fruits swirl throughout. It tapers off youthfully tense, leaving a staining of primary concentration while silty tannins frame the experience well.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard pours a vibrant ruby/magenta color and is highly expressive in the glass, with notes of framboise, candied roses, sweet herbs, and fresh earth. It's vibrant and energetic on the palate, with a ripe but more linear feel, finely coiled tannins, and a tapered finish. Drink it over the next 10 years.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is sourced from several different sections of the vineyard planted at various times to various clones, including Pommard planted in 1978, Wadenswil planted in 2002 and 2006, Dijon planted in 2007 and Coury planted in 2010. Various percentages of whole cluster were used during fermentation, and the wine was matured in around 17% new French oak. It opens with flinty tones that give way to wild berry fruit, oolong tea leaves, Angostura bitters and bergamot. The light-bodied palate is silky and refreshing with understated, earth-laced flavors and a long, spicy finish.

Winemaker Description 

The original. Medium-bodied with black cherry, cola, strawberry, plum, and soft tannins. No wonder this Pinot is a favorite. Showing a fine combination of ripe, red fruit and sweet oak, this medium bodied Mark West Pinot Noir stays right in there as a fine example of the varietal.

Winemaker Description 

Our medium-bodied Hearty Burgundy combines mouth-watering richness with flavors ranging from dark berry to red plum. Be it a quiet chat on the back porch or a surprise visit from the neighbors, its a wine that pairs perfectly with the everyday moments of life.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This layered, polished and handsomely oaked wine brims with aromas like vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. These lead to lush berry and dark plum flavors on a texture of fine-grained tannins. Velvety in mouthfeel and delicious to sip.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Appealingly old school, this Zin offers briary cherry, dried sage and cracked pepper flavors that zip toward zesty tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Mother Clone is a classic ‘Dry Creek’ Zinfandel with spicy aromas of ripe cinnamon and white pepper along with red berries and a touch of vanilla. Red cherry flavors combine with vanilla, licorice and warm baking spices. The berry-spice combination, so typical of Dry Creek Zin, includes a touch of pepper on the rounded finish which are a hallmark of our style. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Michael Alberty of The Wine Enhusiast writes 94 Points | Caffè latte, cranberry and lilac aromas make for a heck of an introduction. Then comes the wave of blackberry, rosemary, tarragon and English breakfast tea flavors—delicious. This wine features the sturdiest tannins this side of a tannery, so be prepared to offer it a little air. Enjoy now until 2034. 

Winemaker Description 

Bright, deep purple-ruby core, lighter at the rim with moderate slightly stained tears on the glass. Robust aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, plums with dried herbs, black pepper, baking spice, leather, camphor and oak.

Full-bodied, with ripe blackberry, pluot, and mixed cherries with cinnamon, black pepper, and tanned leather on the entry. Robustly textured tannins lead to a mid-palate featuring smoked tea leaves and savory meats. The long and balanced finish is dominated by the lasting flavors of dried cranberry, camphor and baking spices. 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 95 Points | Some blue fruit with iron and lavender character. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and tight. Hibiscus at the end. A blend of declassified barrels from the single-vineyard wines. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The ripe ruby-colored 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley saw the small addition of about 10% whole cluster. The nose opens to a just gorgeous perfume of red and blue fruit as well as fresh violets and cherry candies. Very tasty indeed, the palate is inviting and medium-bodied, and it has a supple, silky texture, with a long, fresh, pure finish. This inviting red is going to have a wide drinking window over the next 6-8 years.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a blend of fruit from Arista’s seven vineyard-designate wines. It has pretty aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and turned earth. The medium-bodied palate offers layered, spicy flavors structured by finely astringent tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, fragrant finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Bright and punchy, offering energetic pomegranate, cherry and loganberry fruit infused with sassafras and hibiscus notes, while fresh and slightly high-pitched acidity gives the finish a racy edge. Drink now through 2031.

Winemaker Description 

The core principle of the winemaking philosophy at Arista is to capture and express the true character and potential of each vineyard. They work with a very carefully chosen handful of grand-cru level Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, and are uncompromising in their efforts to maximize the full potential of the wines crafted from these special sites.

The 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir blends several vineyards from across the storied Russian River appellation, which makes it a prime snapshot of our home region as a whole in each vintage. In 2021, conditions for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley were exceptional, leading to deeply colored, intensely aromatic, wonderfully vibrant wines.

This ruby-hued wine shows classic Pinot Noir aromas of black plum, tart cherry, and cola. Across the palate, similar ripe fruit notes are abundant and buttressed by the tangy acidity. The firm tannins, which are a hallmark of the 2021 vintage, round out the long finish on this quintessential Sonoma Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2021

Tim Fish of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points |  Supple, richly textured and elegantly complex, this Pinot opens with a burst of fresh raspberry, then unfolds with notes of forest floor and brown baking spices, plus a touch of licorice as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,100 cases made.

Clive Pursehouse of Decanter writes 94 Points | Elegance is personified in this 2021 bottling of Bergström's renowned Silice. So-named for the sandy silica soils, the hallmark of the hilly Chehalem Mountain vineyard source. Beautiful bright fruit aromas are further framed by touches of tomato leaf, pine bough and mossy forest floor. The palate is marked by fleshy red raspberries, early season blackberry and fine grain tannin that provides a structure that shows this wine's longevity. (Drink between 2023-2031).

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points |  Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard blossoms slowly to pomegranate, blackberry, watermelon, dried herbs and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with wild berry fruit. Combining power and elegance, it's silky and seamless in the mouth, and a flourish of spicy accents across the finish hints it has more to reveal over the next 2-3 years in bottle.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Michael Alberty of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points |  This best barrel selection from prime Willamette Valley vineyards invites you in with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, sweet pea flowers and lemon. Crisp acidity awakens the palate to fresh flavors of boysenberries, rosemary and orange zest. L'Ensemble's tannins are as silky as its texture. To quote the Fine Young Cannibals, the L'Ensemble is a "Good Thing.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir L'Ensemble is a top 100 Wines of the Year contender. Sporting a reflective medium ruby hue in the glass, its pretty and inviting on opening, with pure notes of wild berries, delicate spices, crushed stones, and fresh roses. Medium-bodied on the palate, its refreshing and light on its feet, with fine tannins, a clean feel all the way through, and a tapered, mouthwatering finish. Seamless and pure, this is a fantastic appellation wine to enjoy over the next 10-12 years. I would snatch up a case or two to enjoy more frequently.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir L'Ensemble is a total pleasure to take in, mixing wild blueberries and cherries with sweet spice and hints of cola. This is fruit-forward yet refined, with juicy acidity and bitter tinges of clove and citrus that add contrast throughout. It tapers off with medium length, leaving a tart cranberry crunchiness and a pleasantly chewy sensation that persists.

Winemaker Description 

A bright raspberry hued color along the edges, a dark core, and a certain viscosity as the wine swirls slowly around the glass that leans medium+. Aromas do not hesitate and seem to pour upward from the glass even before fully immersing yourself into the stemware. A sweet bark and earth aroma is layered with a prickly raspberry liqueur, a freshly cut straw dynamic and brown sugar rolled oats. There's an exotic edible red flower aroma and some crushed white pepper, toasted rosemary and an extremely sweet vine picked hood river cherry that is almost overwhelming to process all at once. Signature Jean-Nicolas Méo texture as this wine shifts and widens its stance across your palate. its racy out of the gate with tight granular tannins, white peach and tangerine flavors. As the texture broadens further a brigade of red and blue fruits emerge and push the structure ever further. It's exhilarating in its freshness but combines a raw juiciness that's simply exquisite. Jean-Nicolas' 4th iteration of this super blend of hand-chosen barrels may very well be his best version yet. Although approachable in the short-term, it's certainly a wine that will improve in your cellar for years to come.

Vintage | The 2022 vintage was one of the most unique harvests in recent memory. Typical rainfall and winter temperatures kicked off the vintage, but winter was not yet over as temperatures plummeted in April. Bloom resumed, but with this delayed budbreak we found most of our sites not suitably ripe until October had already arrived. But this prolonged hangtime and extended cool evenings of September and October generated compelling and unique acid structures and textures. Pinot Noir shows classic, cool-climate aromatics reminiscent of vintages long ago. A delicate and ethereal structure shows elegance on the front end, but a generous complexity develops in the mid-palate with waves of citrus fruit acidity intermingling with a dark blackberry liqueur and minerality essence. Lifted and upright from start to finish with an unrelenting precision and energy throughout.

Winemaker Description 

The 2020 Valliant Pinot Noir showcases the bright, fruit-forward nature of Pinot Noir grown along California’s Central Coast. The cool, maritime influences of the Pacific Ocean provide the fruit an extended period on the vine whereby the grapes develop increased flavor.

In the bouquet, this bottling shows notes of wild berries, spiced cranberry, black cherry as well as purple flowers and vanilla cream. Replete with refreshing acidity, the wine shows medium weight with supple tannins and a long, silky finish. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Hazel & Axe Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunner. It showcases bold, dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cassis, harmoniously balanced with subtle oak nuances. A well-structured body, with velvet-like tannins and a lingering finish, make it a timeless representation of the classic California Cabernet.

Appellation: California (Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County)
Aging: 12 Months - 100% Second Use French Oak
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Description 

The individual lots for this wine spent months aging separately in French Oak, before Winemaker Abigail Estrada hand-selected the final blend. The result is richness yet restraint — allowing this Cabernet to be paired with an array of cuisines or simply enjoyed on its own.

On the nose, there are lovely aromas of Satsuma plum, black cherry, and subtle graphite from Paso Robles’ mineral-rich soils. On the palate, you'll find flavors of ripe red cherry, mixed berry pie, and Tahitian vanilla. The finish is smooth with well-integrated tannins. It’s opulent, richly textured, and beautifully balanced.

Winemaker Description 

Jesús Sastre performs a high-wire, tight-rope act with his wines, where the drinker can have everything in one wine, and at the end of it all, one is left wondering how he is able to pack such an adventure into each bottle.

He manages to achieve a level of sophistication and complexity unequaled by almost no other producer in Ribera del Duero.” WOW!!!

The Viña Sastre is dark and brooding with notes of baked black fruit, herbs, earth, and cocoa powder. Grill it up with steak with a little melted cabrales blue cheese and see God.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Decanter 93 Points | A blend of Tocai Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay from small vineyards around the Napa Valley. Each variety is harvested separately and fermented independently in French Oak—aromas of honey, lychee and crushed stone. The palate is fleshy and mouth-filling with rich, ripe peach and honeyed apricot, finishing with a mouthful of wild, savoury herbs.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A sleek, juicy and smooth frame sets up the structure for an elegant, complex mix of peach, ripe melon and lime sherbet notes, with a sprinkle of crunchy sea salt, plus hints of almond, tangerine and Fuji apple on the long finish.

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | This full-bodied, round and buttery chardonnay has notes of baked apples, toast and brown butter. Ripe, soft and generous. 

Winemaker Description 

A fresh, youthful and textured Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of pear, floral, white peach, citrus, baking spices and honey.

This versatile wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a triple crème or Humboldt Fog goat cheese, or to accompany entrées such as fresh seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, or chicken piccata.

Winemaker Description 

This new addition to the Harvey & Harriet family brings a fun, medium gold tone at first glance. Hints of tangerine, pineapple, and honeydew exude from your glass in this aromatically driven delight.

A subtle saltiness with nutmeg undertones lead you into this lighter in body wine that still manages to possess a unique, restrained creaminess that can be appreciated by all.

The burst of bright, refreshing acidity leaves one immediately ready for the next sip. The precise and understated oak finish show that this playful wine has a serious side to it as well. Be ready to drink this as soon as you get home on a warm, summer evening or as an addition to your meal with lighter fare.

For those that are patient, you will most definitely be rewarded with a cool complexity as this wine ages gracefully.

Winemaker Description

Half bottles hold ~2.5 glasses of your favorite Meiomi wines

From the dense fog and brilliant sun, to the high winds, cool coastal air, and diverse terrain, the California coast presents many challenges. And yet it's still one of the best winegrowing areas for producing world-class Pinot Noir. Each of the vineyards chosen for this wine offers the best expression of its respective appellation, carefully blended to achieve balance, complexity, and richness of flavor.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Matthew Luczy of The Wine Advocate writes 94+ Points | The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Turley Estate Vineyard is expressive and light on its feet, opening with classic and alluring scents of charred cedar, pipe tobacco, tomato leaf, violet, dried bay leaves and turned earth floating above a core of pure black and red fruits. The palate is suave, generous and full-bodied, with no shortage of finely grained tannins and bright, vibrant acidity. The finish is long and laced with delicate spice and earth-driven tones, gaining additional structure and sturdiness with time and becoming more detailed and expressive as it spends time in the glass.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Cuvée brings together a variety of Pinot Noir blocks from the 42-acre Domaine Lumineux vineyard, showcasing the full spectrum of the estate. Heavy rains in the early summer of 2021 impacted pollination in the vineyard and resulted in a very light fruit crop. This was followed by record setting heat and extreme dry conditions throughout the summer, which proved to be beneficial for optimal grape ripening. The combination of low yield and ample warmth produced wines of exceptional balance, intensity, and grace in the Willamette Valley. This ideal harvest yielded outstanding Pinot Noir fruit that came together harmoniously in this blend.

A select blend of our distinct pinot noir clones, the 2021 Cuvée is a multidimensional, harmonious, expression of the Domaine Lumineux Dundee Hills vineyard. This wine exhibits opulent aromas of spice, featuring hints of anise, nutmeg, and earthy forest floor. The savory palate is accompanied by concentrated red fruit notes, intermingled with dried fig. The 2021 Cuvée boasts a complex structure, with intriguing notes of black pepper lending an alluring mouthfeel and a prolonged finish.