United States Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel 93 Points | Graphite,espresso, cedar, and black olives commingle in this savory, brooding, dramatic beast with teeth-grabbing cocoa tannins. Intense, lengthy flavors of blackberry and plum speak to the wine's inherent ripeness on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.

Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein
Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast: Though the production level of this wine is rather massive, the quality does not suffer. Aromas of lemon chiffon cake and wet stone are engaging on the nose. The palate starts with a tantalizing acidity and stony texture, giving edge to the richer cream and vanilla-meringue flavors that arise by the finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | All varietal brought up in tank, the 2022 Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc has bright citrus and lemon notes in its medium-bodied, vibrant, lively and focused style. It's incredibly well-balanced and has a classic style with tons to love.

James Suckling 91 Points | This is fresh and textured, with bright layers of sliced apples, fresh pears, chopped herbs and wet stones. Medium-bodied, clean and creamy, with tension.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Crisp and multilayered, with lilting flavors of apricot, white blossom and lemongrass that sail on a brisk finish.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc exhibits a classic and focused expression, with citrus aromas taking the forefront. Medium-bodied, the palate is clean and fleshy, featuring a kiss of spice and citrus notes. The finish is food friendly, offering a balanced and finessed expression of Sauvignon Bla

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Columbia Valley lifts from the glass. It’s incredibly fresh, with a sweet herbal tinge that gives way to candied lime and hints of fermented ginger. Luxuriously round and soothing, with a core of mineral-tinged green melon guided by zesty acidity, the 2022 finishes steely clean. A minty sheen lingers on and on. This crisp beauty was refined in all stainless steel.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Cue up the yacht rock because it is Sauvignon Blanc boat drinks for everybody. With a creamy texture and crisp acidity, this wine delivers tropical aromas and flavors of lime, guava, lychee and a Pina Colada one-two punch of coconut and pineapple. Ultimate fun and refreshment.

Winemaker Description 

TASTING NOTES

The 2022 Matthews Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc is yellow jasmine in color with flecks of green. Intense aromatics of starfruit, lemony sorrel leaf, juicy green pear and mandarin orange open to honeysuckle and linden flower. Followed by flavors of lemon curd, oyster shell, candied orange peel and flint, this medium bodied, balanced wine has refreshing acidity. It finishes long with briney and stoney flavors that are taught and textural.

Winemaker Description 

The Oberon Los Carneros Chardonnay is expressive and approachable; showcasing balanced fruit, beautiful crushed seashell minerality, lingering acidity and rich flavors and aromas of caramelized white pear, fresh fuji and golden delicious apple, apple blossoms and torched crème brûlée.

Winemaker Description 

Flavors of pear, apple, and ripe tropical fruit. Well-balanced with vanilla and oak notes. Pair with grilled chicken or fish.

Beringer is known for establishing many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. We were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars. We were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. We are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Winemaker Description

100% Pinot Noir. The only kosher Pinot from Willamette Valley! Cherry on the nose, with flavors of blackberries, dried herbs and roasted coffee beans. Aged 12 months in neutral Oak barrels.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A sleek and vibrant red, offering medium-bodied flavors of cherry and cranberry that take on green tea and forest floor accents as this builds toward zesty tannins.

Winemaker Description

Bright cherry and raspberry aromas complement notes of cinnamon and delicate violet, while the palate strikes a balance between juicy plum and boysenberry and complex, earthy cola and leather, finishing with chalky tannins and hints of crème brulée. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 94 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a sexy wine. Plush, deep and seductive, the 2019 is an opulent beauty the likes of which I don't think I have ever tasted here. A rush of black plum, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and licorice makes a strong first impression. Time in the glass brings out the wine's compelling aromatic nuances. Silky and plush, with tremendous depth, the 2019 is a huge overachiever. I loved it.

Winemaker Description 

94 pts Antonio Galloni Presents Vinous October 2022
91 pts Wine Enthusiast Magazine Cellar Selection December 2023
90 pts Wine Spectator November 15, 2023
90 pts Wine & Spirits Magazine Winter 2023

2019 was a beautiful year for grape growing in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winter was generous with moisture and coolness. The spring was stormy in May, but the late-season Bordeaux varieties escaped harm and set a   modest crop. The harvest schedule was more typical and started in late September and into October, which was encouraging.
 
This wine is a composite of our appellation, produced from five distinct vineyards. All of them are a short distance from Domaine Eden, with our staff farming the majority. When we started this in 1999, we wanted to offer a wine reflecting our region, which is unlike any other. A coastal, high elevation, Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend made to the Mount Eden style--structured and terroir-driven--that is also ageable and affordable.
 
All fermentations were indigenous, with no fining or filtration. There are loamy earth scents along with currant, blackberry and cedar. The palate is bright with blue fruit, acidity and balanced tannins. A good cellar choice for the next 7-12 years.
 

Expert Reviews

100 Points by Jeb Dunnuck: The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is a unicorn wine, with the acids naturally occurring with ease in this cool, long, extended growing season that the wine world is rightfully excited about, producing wines of tremendous elegance and balance, sourced entirely from Monte Bello Estate. The minerality is off the charts, exuberantly defining the wine after a barrel fermentation of nine months on the lees in 85% American and 15% French oak, 15% of it new. Gorgeously lengthy and bright, winemaker John Olney recommends that for primary fruit.

95 Points – Owen Bargreen, OwenBargreen.com
94 Points – Clive Pursehouse, Decanter.com
94 Points – Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
93 Points – MaryAnn Worobiec, WineSpectator

Winemaker Description 

Apple fruit, brioche, and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, focused notes of citrus, pear, bright acidity, and a clean finish.

100% Chardonnay, Organically Grown

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024 

James Suckling 93 Points | A fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp white that's generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals on a medium body. Subtle flavors of cream and butter come from partial malolactic conversion while maturing in stainless steel containers.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made with 81% estate fruit, the 2024 Chardonnay has fresh aromas of red apples and pears, lemon peel, bread dough and spice. The medium-bodied palate is easygoing with ripe flavors, vibrant acidity and a long, flavorful finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2024 is a bright, refreshing style, a great expression of a cool-climate Chardonnay.

Food Pairings The wine's bright acidity and mineral core make it extremely food-friendly.

Seafood: Crab Louie, Grilled Shrimp, Oysters

Poultry: Roast Chicken, Chicken Pailla

Vegetarian: Mushroom & Asparagus Frittata, Creamy Risotto

Winemaker Description 

Our 2024 Dry Rosé is a masterclass in balance and harmony—an artful blend of seven distinct grape varieties, each lending its own voice to a beautifully composed wine.

With the rare luxury of choosing optimal picking times, we believe the 2024 wines will be nothing short of exceptional, showcasing remarkable ripeness, structure, and depth.

Much like a conductor guiding an orchestra, our winemaking team thoughtfully blended each component to bring out the best in the ensemble. Saperavi forms the foundation, delivering depth, structure, and vivid red fruit. Pinot Noir contributes elegance and finesse, while Chardonnay adds a lift of citrusy acidity and a smooth, rounded texture. The supporting cast—Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Blanc—enhance the wine’s aromatic complexity and lively freshness.

The result is a dry rosé that’s generous, layered, and expressive, yet remains bright, crisp, and effortlessly drinkable. Each variety plays its part, weaving character and nuance into a rosé that’s both thought-provoking and irresistibly approachable. 

Expert review

Stuart Pigott writes:  Very delicate strawberry and raspberry aromas fill out the silky and crisp palate of this delicious, medium-bodied rosé. Supple but very fresh finish. From this producer's vineyards in Hector on the eastern side of Seneca Lake. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling 92

Expert Reviews 2022 Vintage

James Suckling writes:  A well-made, balanced and textured cabernet sauvignon showing notes of dark berries, sweet spices and some chocolate wafers. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Mellow, seductive and generous finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 90

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points: This wine is robust and rich, with dark berry, plum, tarragon and maple aromas on the nose. The flavors on the palate are supple, sun-kissed blackberry, cassis, orange slices and dried tobacco, creating a classic wine.

The Tasting Panel Magazine - 91 Points: Perfumed with savory herbs and spices, this is a showcase of a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-forward yet pleasantly rustic, notes of rhubarb and cigar box linger with a hint of smoke.

Winemaker Notes (2022 Vintage)

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

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

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from vineyards throughout California, including Mendocino County, Paso Robles, and other celebrated Cabernet regions. The year was characterized by a dry, cold winter, followed by a warm spring prompting vigorous growth. Moderate summer temperatures allowed the grapes to mature slowly and develop deep concentrated flavor. Although water scarcity resulted in a lower than average yield, the quality of the fruit was outstanding, resulting in a superb 2021 vintage.

Petite Sirah adds a touch of color, texture and spice to this Cabernet Sauvignon. A brilliant deep garnet hue hints at the wine’s powerful aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and prune, layered over rich notes of leather, tobacco and graphite. This well-structured, medium-bodied Cabernet delivers elegant tannins, pleasing acidity and a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description

Fresh, bright berry fruit form our heritage Russian River vineyard, combined with the ripe, peppery jam from their Alexander Valley and Dry Creek vineyards, make for a wonderful diversity of flavor, showcasing the best that Zinfandel can offer. This wine boasts notes of blackberry, plum and boysenberry with a touch of red fruit jam and creamy vanilla.

Enjoy this Zinfandel now with spiced short ribs, pulled pork sandwiches or a barbeque chicken pizza.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 93 Points | Mouthwatering aromatics of spice, fennel, and thyme entice as a kaleidoscope of pepper, cherry, and graphite flavors melds with a structure of dense tannins and freshness. Satisfying to the end, this is an intriguing wine that invites reflection.

The Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | A lighter hue in the glass, this bottling offers aromas of blackberry, oregano and a mineral streak of wet clay on the nose. The broad red-fruit flavors of the palate are lifted by a minty licorice.

Winemaker Description 

This Cabernet Sauvignon is pure Paso Robles, full of polished aromas of blueberry, cherry and vanilla, leading to flavors of dark red fruits, black currants and hints of pepper, mocha and caramelized oak. Rich yet smooth, this wine is very approachable now, and will continue to mature for years to come. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 93 Points | Fresh lemons, herbs and spices on the nose. The palate delivers a focused and energetic body with vibrant acidity supporting a rounded and creamy mouthfeel. A very complex, mineral-driven and balanced chardonnay.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points |  A bright silver straw hue, the nose of the 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley is very lifted with a vibrant energy on opening, offering notes of fresh green apples, lime leaf, linen, delicate sweet spices, and fresh white flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a kiss of sweet pear-noted fruit and a clean, easygoing feel. It’s very, very charming and drinking well now. I like this for the freshness, but it should hold on nicely over the coming 5-6 years.

Vinous 91 Points |  A vivid burst of crushed yellow apples and peaches, minty herbs, vanilla beans and sweet spice form an enticing bouquet as the 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley comes to life in the glass. This is fruit-focused and rich, with round and supple textures and a core of ripe orchard fruits. Juicy acidity keeps the mouth watering through the finish as candied lime notes linger on and on.

Winemaker Description 

A true expression of the Willamette Valley, and a partner to their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. This wine is driven by bright acidity overlaid on top of a solid foundation of fruit, sourced from premier sites across the region to incorporate the unique terroirs of the region's sub-AVAs.

Winemaker Description

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

Expert Ratings- Vintage 2019 

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

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a medium ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is forward in the glass, with bright aromas of preserved cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and red flowers. The palate has lovely energy within a medium-bodied frame, and it has a refreshing feel, with its spices and chalky texture coming through on the finish.

Winemaker Description

An exciting, yet friendly wine, bursting with aromas of fresh, muddled strawberry, bright cherry and pomegranate with hints of forest floor, toasted caramel and five-spice. The flavors combine to create a fruit-driven front palate and very subtle oak influence. The finish leaves you wanting more, with nice acid and flavors of strawberry sauce, pomegranate and spice to create great weight for an excellent food wine, as well as a charming drinking experience by itself.

Winemaker Description 

Vibrant coral and rose quartz color with bright aromas of melon, citrus and dried herbs with ample orchard fruits and mineral salinity.  Always one of the finest rosés in California.  

This Rosé comes from two incredible sites: Luchsinger and St. Amant Vineyards. The rocky, volcanic site enjoys a warm growing season suitable to Touriga Nacional. Touriga is a late-ripening grape that needs some heat to mature and the Luchsinger site is a perfect match for this hearty variety.

This vineyard, farmed by the Spencer family since 1972, is composed of sandy granitic loam, and benefits from cool air descending the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains which helps moderate ripening.

The grapes have a vibrant personality with fine tannins and bright acidity. The fruit from both of these vineyard sites is crushed lightly prior to pressing to release some color, then fermented with native yeasts and aged in stainless steel.

Winemaker Notes

Quick Expert Summary - Vintage 2024

 🍇 Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Praised for its solid texture and fresh, flush aromas of mango, honey, and gardenia. Notes of coconut flake and tropical fruit get a light dusting of toasted oak.

Winemaker Description - 2024

The Discovery Chardonnay leads with a stunning nose of juicy pineapple, freshly sliced pears, lemon chiffon and warm toast. Spicy notes of nutmeg and ginger are highlighted with star jasmine and honeysuckle fragrances accompanied by hints of smoky oak and hazelnut.

Elegant and silky on the palate, this Chardonnay offers delectable peach, melon and green apple flavors accentuated by tropical notes of mango, guava, pineapple and kiwi. A clean, exceptionally balanced finish is rounded out with essences of sweet Crenshaw.

Expert Review

Scott and Jenny Schultz of Jolie-Laide make highly distinctive wines from grapes that are not among California’s usual suspects. The trousseau gris grapes for this bottle were farmed organically and stomped by foot. The wine is lively and aromatic and will go with a wide range of savory and sweetish things.- Eric Asimov “20 Wines for the Thanksgiving Table”, New York Times, Nov 2025

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review

For years, wine writers reflexively recommended zinfandel, the American wine, to go with Thanksgiving, the American holiday. That never made sense to me as, in my 25 years writing about wine, the dominant style of zin has been too alcoholic and overwhelming for the Thanksgiving table. But the pendulum is swinging. Monte Rio’s 2022, far more manageable than many at 13 percent alcohol, is a reminder of the spicy, savory fruit that made zinfandel so attractive. - Eric Asimov “20 Wines for the Thanksgiving Table”, New York Times, Nov 2025

94 Points Wine Enthusiast: This wine is opulent, with aromas of blackberry jam, blueberry pie, cinnamon, orange peel, toasted vanilla cream and violets on the nose. Flavors on the palate are boysenberry coulis, huckleberry, orange cream, maple and clove, with a dry, supple and silky finish.

Winemaker Notes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | Spiced apples and pears with hints of citrus peel and raw almonds on the nose. Tense and juicy with medium to full body and a compact, lightly phenolic texture. Vivid and lingering. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

'Shale and Stone' on the label is reflective of the deep minerality of the vineyard's ancient fractured shale soils and the freshness of the varietal. With long sur lie aging in concrete, it is taut but generous, and full yet bright on the palate.

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 

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

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

Winemaker Description 

All of our eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays are marked first and foremost by regional characteristics. Beyond that lies the personality of each of the vineyards from which they hail.

All of the sites are planted to the same clone, a California heritage selection that we have been using for close to thirty years. Each wine is produced in the same fashion, with the focus being on the traditional techniques that elicit the earth driven, complex noble sulfides and resulting minerality inherent in the fruit from each site.

Each of our Chardonnay vineyards exhibits characters unique to the site, and hence unique to the wines bottled as vineyard designates. The bottling of wines of site is not a process we take lightly, as it is the main focus of our efforts. We often take years to assess the quality and individual personality of a site prior to deciding to bottle it on its own. We have been working with many of these sites for well over twenty five years.

Founded in 1978, Kistler Vineyards is a small, family-owned and operated winery specializing in the production of Burgundian style Chardonnay and limited amounts of Pinot Noir. Grapes are estate grown and purchased from vineyards in Sonoma County. In 1992, Kistler Vineyards moved all production to its Vine Hill Road Vineyard in the Russian River Valley.

One heritage Californian selection of Chardonnay planted across fifteen vineyards, from Carneros to Sonoma Valley, to the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. From those sites we produce eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. We are wholly dedicated to the ideal of wines of site. It’s an unparalleled approach in the new world.

Winemaker Description 

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

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

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

Our Expert Review

Debra of 67Wine.com writes 91 Points | This cool climate chardonnay, energetic, lively, fresh and concentrated , comes from Melville's Santa Rita Hills Estate.  

Polished, refined, linear with ample depth, shows a harmonious balance of acidity and  flavors of ripe apple fruits, citrus and a spicy finish.

For 'old world' chardonnay drinkers, this 'new world' chardonnay may just appeal to you. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 94 Points | The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is exquisite. Floral and lifted, with striking precision, the Melville Chardonnay makes such a strong case for why Chardonnay is so ideally suited here. Lemon confit, jasmine and light tropical inflections are some of the notes that grace this sublimely elegant white. Bright acids pull it all together on the finish. I would give the 2023 six months to a year in bottle, as it is pretty tightly wound at this stage.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Ripe lemon and citrus fruits, some minty herbs, and chalky minerality all emerge from the 2023 Chardonnay Estate Sta. Rita Hills, a clean, vibrant, focused Chardonnay that has solid acidity, beautiful overall balance and texture, and a great finish. The estate comes all from the Melville Vineyard and was raised in neutral oak. 

Expert Reviews 

Jan Anson 100 Points | A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.

James Suckling 99 Points | An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

Decanter 98 Points |  The 2021 Opus One is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and half a percent each of Malbec and Merlot. It was aged up to 19 months in 100% new French oak. It's a seamless wine with balletic elegance and grace. From a deep ruby-crimson colour comes heady red and violet floral notes, sandalwood, and rich brown spices nuanced by graphite and dried sagebrush. Medium to full-bodied with ultrafine-grained tannins, almost powdery, with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruits and a kind of juicy, woody, crushed pomegranate seed character. You really can't believe how light and ephemeral this wine is.

The Wine Independent 98 Points | The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant.

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points |  The 2021 Opus One is brilliant and I think one of the finest wines made from this estate. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of cassis, darker raspberries, spicy oak, and obvious minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, lots of ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shines on all accounts and is complex, nuanced, textured, and beautifully balanced. It will have 30 years of prime drinking.

Winemaker Description 

Opus one is the dream project between baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. They both had a single dream of creating a single wine dedicated to uncompromising quality. Nearly four decades later, they still continue to refine the complex subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods. The estate is made up of four estate vineyards, 100 acres are within the famed To Kalon Vineyard and another 70 acres are within the Ballestra and River parcels. The winemaking is lead by Micahel Silacci who combines intuition and technical acumen and has his hands in both the winemaking and vineyard practices.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 vintage of Illumination reveals aromatic purity and incredible depth. Classic notes of grapefruit peel, lemon curd, and white peach are layered with undertones of ginger tea, wild thyme, and clover blossom - the floral character a hallmark of the cool vintage. On the palate, flavors of kumquat and guava mesh with wet slate and elderflower. A lovely textural roundness is balanced by racy acidity and minerality. While vibrant in its youth, this wine's structure also promised aging potential. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | An extraordinary white, with details of beeswax, honeysuckle and lanolin giving way to succulent white peach, nectarine and lemon curd flavors on a plush, juicy frame. Shows details of marmalade and candied ginger, with hints of litsea oil and lemon balm that linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2035. 5,000 cases made.

Further Winemaker Notes

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

Winemaker Description

This full-bodied Syrah shows robust and pronounced aromas of blackberry, black currant, violets, black peppercorn, Herbes de Provence, and licorice. Spiced dark fruit flavors reveal themselves on the palate finishing with a mouth-filling, savory richness.

Expert Reviews 

92 Points James Suckling | Attractive nose of grilled herbs, blackberries, olives, chicory root and peppercorns. Savory and gently chewy with medium to full body, grainy tannins and an inky finish. (2020).

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Coming from a mix of sites, the 2020 Syrah Columbia Valley is an up-front, fruit-loaded, charming Syrah revealing tons of darker berry fruits, some peppery, meaty notes, medium to full body, plenty of creamy background oak, and a great finish. It's a good value and will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 5-7 years.

90 Points Robert Parker | Displaying herbal notes of sage and a soft, meaty essence, the 2020 Columbia Valley Syrah presents a nose filled with notes of spiced plum and dusty cherries. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers a fresh, spicy sensation with a kiss of oak over the peppery finish. 

90 Points Decanter | A blend of Syrah from four different Washington vineyards throughout the larger Columbia Valley AVA. Aromatics of rich dark fruits mingle with notes of pepper and clove. The palate is intensely ripe, with kirsch, black cherry and black plums. There are notes of white and black pepper spice and savoury anise notes to finish. (2020) 

90 Points Vinous | The 2020 Syrah opens with a delicate blend of fresh sage and plum sauce forming its bouquet. This is softly textured and lifted in feel, with crisp red and black fruits complemented by sweet spice. It finishes youthfully grippy yet lively, leaving hints of citrus and a bitter balsamic twang. The 2020 is beautifully balanced and eager to please.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

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

Winemaker Description 

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

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