United States Wine

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 vintage overall was very similar to 2018. July, August, and into September were warm and very humid with significant rain during the fall with some places receiving up to 9” of rain in 24-36 hour periods at several different times over the three months.

Rains and frequent cloud cover during September and October made the season challenging. however, the long fall season gave us bright acidity and a fresh palate. The fruit was hand harvested on October 7, being carefully sorted in the field to only select the most clean fruit. 

Winemaking: The fruit was hand harvested and gently destemmed. After pressing, the juice was cold settled for 48 hours before being racked to a combination of four French oak barrels made by Dargaud Jagle, all medium toast (one new, one once used, one twice used, and one neutral). The juice was inoculated with VIN13 yeast and went through a swift but healthy fermentation followed by full Malolactic fermentation.  

The wine aged sur lie for 11 months being stirred biweekly by rolling the barrels with special racks meant to agitate the lees without introducing oxygen. After racking, it was gently fined with a small amount of bentonite prior to bottling. It bottled in November and was aged in bottle for 9 months prior to release in August 2022.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 vintage overall was a classic vintage for the Finger Lakes. Budbreak was early and a hard freeze on May 13th threatened many vineyards.  June and July were very wet with frequent rains and high disease pressure.  Finally, mid-August the region saw some sun although rains continued at regular intervals.  The long fall season dried out a bit to make the vintage a very classic style with bright acidity and cool climate fruit flavors. It also allowed us to fully ripen the Cabernet Franc that makes up most of this blend in this fresh style of Rose.

Winemaking: To produce our Rose, we used Cabernet Franc which was pressed quickly to ensure a delicate rose color and minimal skin tannins. We allowed the pressed juice to sit on gross lees for several days before racking to enhance the body and texture of the final wine. Then a long, cool fermentation in stainless steel maximized the intense aromas and flavors. For the final blend we added a small amount of our Chardonnay fermented in a neutral French Oak barrel to lengthen the finish and solidify the acid backbone of the wine. 

A dry vermouth rooted in 19th-century Italian craft — Trincheri Dry Vermouth is made from the original family recipe dating to the 1890s, built on a base of French Colombard grapes and infused with 13 carefully selected herbs, spices, fruits, and botanicals. The result is a vibrant, complex dry vermouth with a perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and aromatic depth that sets it apart from mass-market alternatives.

Bright and aromatic on the nose with floral and herbal lift. On the palate it’s dry and layered — the interplay of Roman Artemisia, Cinchona Bark, and Orris Root delivering a classic vermouth bitterness, while Ceylon Cinnamon, Lemon Peel, and Juniper Berries add warmth and brightness. Clean, precise, and exceptionally well-suited to a dry martini or Gibson.

Awards

San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge — 91 Points, Gold Medal | Best Vermouth for Martini or Gibson cocktail.

Producer Description

Based on the original family recipe from the 1890s, 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, and Yarrow Flower.

• Producer: Trincheri, Italy
• Style: Extra Dry Vermouth
• Base: French Colombard Grapes
• Botanicals: Roman Artemisia, Cinchona Bark, Orris Root, Tansy Herb, Ceylon Cinnamon, Lemon Peel, Juniper Berries, Yarrow Flower (13 total)
• Format: 750ml
• Serve: Dry Martini, Gibson, or on the rocks with lemon twist
• Tip: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 4–6 weeks

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. 

Tasting Notes

Fairbanks Cocktail Sherry is a medium dry, full-bodied California Sherry aged for a mellow, nutty flavor with a smooth, approachable finish. Versatile and well-priced, it's a classic American Sherry ideal for sipping as an aperitif or as a go-to cooking wine.

About the Wine

Produced in California — America's premier wine state — Fairbanks has long been a trusted name for everyday fortified wines. This 1.5L Magnum format offers exceptional value, making it a pantry staple for home cooks and entertainers alike.

Serve & Use

Serve chilled as an aperitif, or use as a cooking sherry in sauces, soups, and marinades. Also works beautifully in classic cocktails calling for a dry or medium sherry.

Product Details

• Style: Medium Dry Sherry (Fortified Wine)
• Origin: California, United States
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Producer: Fairbanks

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.

Expert Review - Vintage Year 2022 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Followers of the fruit, this wine's for you. Aromas of lemon verbena, thyme and apple blossoms start things off. Then come the creamy fruit flavors of mango sorbet and lemon curd, with a touch of pineapple and vanilla crème brûlée. Fortunately, just enough acidity keeps the fruit from running amok.

Winemaker Description

Deep garnet red with aromas of black currant, cherry pie filling, cedar, and milk chocolate. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of dark fruit such as ripe plum, sweet black cherry, and boysenberry with hints of sage and thyme. This wine is bold and well-balanced with supple, refined tannins, and a long satisfying finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.

Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.

Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?

In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.

Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.

Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.

Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.

Winemaker's Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

Winemaker Description 

100% estate, sustainably grown Cabernet Franc from our White Springs and 16 Falls Vineyards. Incredibly fresh and inviting with aromas of redcurrant, cranberries and mountain herbs.

The palate is pure and elegant, with notes of raspberries and hints of earth and spice. 

A perfect rendition of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc, aged for a year in our 6-year-old, 2000 liter Austrian and Hungarian Oak casks.

Memo Summary Notes

Ravines is widely considered a pioneer of the region's dry, European-inflected style, and their Cabernet Franc is frequently used as a benchmark for what the variety can achieve in North America.

Pair with

    Meats: Roast chicken with thyme, grilled pork chops, or duck confit.

    Savory: Lentil stews, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

Casual: A classic charcuterie board with pâté and hard cheeses like 

Winemaker Description 

Hosmer Estate Red is a blend of Vinifera and French-American hybrid grape varieties including DeChaunac, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Chardonnay to soften the mouth feel. Sweet vanilla, coupled with blackberries and earthy notes, mingle in the aroma of this smooth, dry, full bodied red. Barrel aging adds complexity and just a hint of oak, complimenting the bright berry tones without overwhelming the fruit. Recommended Food Pairings A versatile, everyday table wine. Wonderful with pastas, Estate Red also complements steaks, pizza and burgers. Try experimenting with this easy-drinking red!

Vista Point Chardonnay — California

Vista Point is named for the breathtaking overlooks that punctuate California’s most scenic wine country — and this Chardonnay captures that spirit of easy, sun-drenched California living. Crafted by winemaker John Willumson from carefully selected premium California grapes, Vista Point is built for everyday enjoyment: approachable, fruit-forward, and refreshing straight from the fridge. No fuss, no pretense — just honest California Chardonnay at an unbeatable price.

The nose is fresh and inviting: ripe apple, pear, and a hint of citrus. On the palate, it is soft and round with gentle fruit flavors, a touch of creaminess, and a clean, easy finish. Sealed with a screwcap for maximum freshness and convenience. Serve well-chilled.

• Producer: Vista Point, California
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Closure: Screwcap
• Style: Soft, fruit-forward, everyday California Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe apple, pear, citrus, soft and round with a clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, light pasta, seafood, salads, casual entertaining

California sunshine in a glass — Vista Point Chardonnay is the perfect everyday pour at an everyday price.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.

Winemaker Description 

Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.

Winemaker Description 

A whirlwind of a vintage. The welcome September rains gave their vineyard sites the hang time they needed for slower ripening and intense flavor development. Fruit arrived from their 20+ vineyard partners from September 15th through October 6th in beautiful condition with smaller-than-average yields. Expect intense, fruit forward wines from this vintage.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Food Pairings

• Classic Match: Cedar-planked salmon or roasted chicken with herbs.

• Savory Dishes: Mushroom risotto or duck confit.

• Casual Fare: Charcuterie boards with soft cheeses (Brie or Camembert) and earthy pâté.

Winemaker Description 

Elegant, juicy and balanced, with a beautiful combination of cherries, strawberries and hints of spice. The grapes come from Ravines two estate vineyards on Seneca Lake, the 16 Falls Vineyard (east side) and White Springs Vineyard (west side). It is drinking beautifully now, but will age well over the coming 5 - 12 years.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | A richer reflective ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is a savory wine with notes of wet stones, graphite, pine, fresh black cherries, mixed berries, and tea leaf. It is very appealing on the palate early on. with refined tannins and a juicy feel. It’s very attractive now, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Drink 2024-2040.

James Suckling 95 Points | Aromas of fresh sour cherries and strawberries with hints of violets, crushed herbs and seashells. Crunchy and savory on the palate, with a medium body and wet stone and mineral character. Structured with refined yet firm tannins. Long finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points |  The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard opens with tarry, meaty tones that give way to wild berry fruit, mushrooms, dried herbs and potpourri. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with understated yet detailed flavors, silky tannins, juicy acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Briary raspberry and wild strawberry aromas burst from the glass, followed by traces of violets and grilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s Bing cherry, lemon and white chocolate flavors fill the mouth. A combination of jangly acidity and rippling tannins suggests a long life for this wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Brooding and deeply structured, offering blueberry and cherry flavors laced with black tea and savory spice notes as this builds toward medium-grained tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, toward the western edge of the Willamette Valley near the Eola-Amity AVA. The grapes from Freedom Hill make their way into the wine portfolios of some of the most esteemed, artistic wineries in the Willamette Valley.

Producer Description 

Brushtech's Vineyard Series brushes features an elegant wooden handle that reminds us of the peace and tranquility of life on a vineyard. These brushes work hard on the job, yet look charming while hanging near your kitchen sink.

Our soft yet high tensile foam brush, under normal usage, will last ten times longer than the best brush and 20 times longer than the best sponge.

The foam, made of special hydrophobic formula composition, does not absorb any water and will not become limp or soggy. The brush maintains its shape and firmness even during your biggest cleaning jobs.

This brush will not scratch, chip or mar your valuable crystal champagne, prosecco and sparkling wine flutes, nor will it harbor bacteria. 

Penetrates deep to the bottom narrow flutes where your fingers do not reach.

Made in USA, just like all of Brushtech's Brushes.

Producer Description

• Foam brush reaches the bottom of narrow flutes.
• Reinforced foam bristles will not scratch or mark your most delicate glassware.

Winemaker Description 

Our 2017 Chardonnay is stunning. The color is a beautiful light yellow, verging on gold. In the glass, the wine presents a full and complex aroma with distinct hints of honeysuckle, caramel, pear, pineapple, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is generous, bright and smooth, displaying balanced acidity and just a hint of oak. A long finish encourages another taste.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Another beautiful Pessac from 2020, the 2020 Château Latour-Martillac has a textbook bouquet of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, truffly earth, and smoked tobacco. With a lush, round, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, it has ripe tannins, some classic Graves sexiness, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years.

Decanter 94 Points | Chocolate, liquorice, some bitter points that accompany the fruit from beginning to end, this is one of the best in terms of focus and precision. There is clearly excellent colour extraction, you get real glass-staining purple, but the flavours are more austere and tannic than the colour might suggest. Well chosen coffee and chocolate expression that remains elegant and pointed. Good stuff, needs time, but will grow into a classic elegant wine. A yield of 38hl/ha.

Wine Advocate 92 Points | Complex aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals, bay leaf and spices introduce the 2020 Latour Martillac, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy, lively wine with good depth and excellent balance. It represents an improvement on the 2019.

Wine Spectator 91 Points |  Juicy and compact, with a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit waiting to unfurl, while sweet tobacco, tar and bittersweet cocoa notes flash around. Reveals a light cedary thread on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 9,350 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

James Suckling 91 Points |  Juicy and compact, with a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit waiting to unfurl, while sweet tobacco, tar and bittersweet cocoa notes flash around. Reveals a light cedary thread on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 9,350 cases made, 1,000 cases imported

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate writes 92-94+ Points | Opaque purple-black colored, the 2019 Larrivet Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with wonderfully fragrant scents of black raspberries, Morello cherries and wild blueberries with suggestions of blackcurrant pastilles, candied violets, chocolate mint and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with red and black fruit layers, framed by firm, exquisitely ripe, velvety tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Just stunning!.

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 vintage was marked by a dry, mild winter. April showers were followed by cool, rainy May and June. The year was also notable for its exceptionally hot summer, with irregular rainfall. A dry, warm September helped to balance out the slow veraison. Harvesting took place from September 19 to October 12. 

The 2019 vintage is a blend of three grape varieties, composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. This vintage is notable for its brilliant garnet color. The typical nose of this wine is the expression of the Cabernet Sauvignon of our terroir, powerful and deep, releasing notes of black fruit stewed with spices and zan sticks. On the palate, the wine is opulent, sustained by an explosion of black fruits such as blackcurrant and morello cherry. The powerful tannic structure accompanies the gourmand sensation throughout the entire length. 2019 is one of the great Bordeaux vintages of 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

Producer Description 

Spray onto carpet or fabric, let soak and rub. Some stains may require a second application. Bleach-free and biodegradable. Made from vegetable extracts. Safe when used around children and pets. Also works on other stains such as cranberry juice, coffee and more. Fresh citric scent. Made in the USA.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points |  This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Matchbook "The Arsonist" 2021 is a high-intensity, "left of center" series from the Giguiere family in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County, California. While the series includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Red Blend is the most widely acclaimed release this year, having earned high marks for its bold, concentrated style.

52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (20% new French oak) has a touch of chamomile in its perfumed aromatics of golden apple, honeyed toast, spice, and subtle green almonds. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it's medium-bodied on the palate, has high yet nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and outstanding length.

91 Wine Spectator | Displays wonderful density, offering nectarine and lemon sorbet notes at the core, with a touch of salted, roasted almond. This white shows a hint of crunchy sea salt, with lemon verbena and lemon blossom aromatics. Firming acidity adds a refreshing punctuation point. Drink now. 331 cases made

Producer Description 

This Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay is bright, beautifully layered, and nuanced. Meyer lemon, candle wax, and cut straw all grace this very savory Chardonnay. Orange marmalade, stone fruits, and chamomile work seamlessly with the rich textures on the palate. This wine is natural with richer dishes and even light game.

Producer Description 

Livingston Cellars Rhine is a pleasantly sweet California Rhine that balances a crisp mouthfeel with bright fruit flavors. Livingston Cellars offers affordable award-winning wines that consistently exceed expectations.