Veterans Day: All California Reds and Whites on Sale!

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Nicky Hahn California 2024 750ml

The Nicky Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon is Hahn Estates' flagship everyday red — a California Cabernet that delivers serious character at an honest price. Sourced from sun-drenched California vineyards and crafted by winemaker Adam LaZarre, this is a rich, generous, and well-structured Cabernet built for the table. Deep ruby, almost black, with vivid crimson highlights, it opens with a beautifully balanced nose and a palate that rewards every sip.

The wine delivers dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy, finishing with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins anchored by a bright acid core — the kind of California Cabernet that overdelivers at its price point.

"Opens with a striking nose of black cherry, anise, olive, and cedar. Rich, ripe, and generous on the palate with dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy. Finishes with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins." — Winemaker Adam LaZarre

• Producer: Hahn Estates, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, anise, olive, cedar, dark fruit, raspberry, tobacco, firm tannins
• Best Paired With: Rack of lamb with sundried cherry sauce, beef medallions with cranberry Dijon chutney, grilled ribeye, aged cheddar

A benchmark California Cabernet at an everyday price — the Nicky Hahn is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

Daou Vineyards Chardonnay Paso Robles 2025 — Paso Robles, California

Daou Vineyards is one of Paso Robles’ most celebrated estates, founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou on a dramatic hilltop site in the Adelaida District. Best known for their benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou also produces a Chardonnay of genuine character — aged 7 months in 30% new French oak, striking a stellar balance between tropical richness and focused acidity that sets it apart from heavier, over-oaked California styles.

The 2025 opens with enticing aromas of pear, passion fruit, pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of white peach, nutmeg, and buttered toast, rounded out by nuances of crushed hazelnut, hibiscus, papaya, and vanilla. On the lush, vibrant palate, tropical flavors of mango, kiwi, and pineapple mingle with golden apple and clover honey, while suggestions of casaba melon, citrus zest, and toasty oak persist on a clean, balanced finish.

Tropical, vibrant, and beautifully balanced — Daou Chardonnay at its most expressive.

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Oak: 7 months in 30% new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, passion fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, white peach, mango, kiwi, golden apple, clover honey, citrus zest, toasty oak
• Best Paired With: Grilled halibut, lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, brie, crab cakes

Paso Robles Chardonnay with tropical soul and Burgundian restraint — Daou delivers every time.

Producer Description 

Paso Robles is the home to many dreamers and self-starters, those who have a spirit and the drive to create their own destiny. Paso Robles entices those individuals to be their best, create the best from the land and all that it produces. This wine is a tribute to those who believe in Paso Robles and all of its greatness, just like our winemakers. 

Our fourth release of AUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon remains focused on our goal to produce a wine true to ‘Paso Robles’. On the nose savory aromas intertwine with rich dark fruit nuances. On the palate, flavors evolve into layers of juicy blackberry, spicy nutmeg, toasted coffee and fresh vanilla bean. This medium to full bodied wine is finished with refined tannins and a distinguishable zing of acid to balance.

Memo Summary Notes

The Austin Cabernet Sauvignon "Barrel No. 23" is a premium, multi-vintage (non-vintage) release from the Austin Hope family in Paso Robles.

By blending across multiple vintages, the winemakers achieve a consistent, ultra-smooth profile that is ready to drink the moment you pull the cork.

Food Pairings

• Hearty Meals: Classic ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, or a rich beef stew.

• Casual Favorites: It is surprisingly versatile with wood-fired pepperoni pizza or a gourmet blue cheese burger.

• Small Bites: Aged gouda, smoked nuts, or even dark chocolate truffles.

Groth · Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon · 2022

Groth’s roots in Oakville reach back to 1981, when Dennis and Judy Groth chose a 121-acre property to pursue their dream of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. The 2022 bottling is an Oakville red with dark fruit, cedar and a polished structure, suited to a lingering dinner or time in the cellar.

Winemaker Description · 2022 Vintage

The 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine that presents a deep, purple-ruby hue. It offers an elegant bouquet on the nose, with layers, of toffee, blueberry pie, and raspberry compote, complemented by delicate vanilla bean, macerated cranberry, and shortcrust pastry. Herbal notes of bay leaf and tarragon add complexity, enhancing the wine’s refined character. On the palate, vibrant flavors of cherry reduction sauce, tart red plum, wild cherry, and fresh strawberry come to the forefront, while hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and fresh pomegranate juice bring depth and intrigue. The wine finishes with fine, grippy tannins, offering structure and a lively, energetic experience.

Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

An impressive value for an Oakville AVA Cabernet, Groth's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit reticent and slow out of the chute, but aeration brings out nice aromas of black cherries and subtle cedar notes. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, it's medium- to full-bodied but streamlined and silky, showing impressive length and elegance for the vintage. The new-oak component comes in at 45%, imparting just enough structure to ensure a decade's worth of drinkability.

The Wine Advocate · 92 points

This young wine is impressively concentrated, tannic and tight at this stage of its development, but it carries the proper amount of dark fruit, dark chocolate and heady oak spices to gain complexity with age.

James Suckling · 92 points

At a Glance

• Producer: Groth
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
• Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, per The Wine Advocate
• Size: 750ml

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

DuMOL · Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2024 · Russian River Valley · 750ml

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir brings together valley vineyards and cooler western ridges in a layered expression of the Russian River Valley. The 2024 combines cherry and raspberry fruit with floral perfume, dried herbs, and spice, balancing depth of texture with a bright, lingering finish.

Character & Style

Winemaker Andy Smith describes a medium-bodied wine with rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry, and dark raspberry. The supplied critics highlight refined texture, red-toned fruit, mineral detail, and refreshing acidity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 95 Points
A pleasing mix of wild berries and red and black cherries with hints of cola and spices. Medium-bodied, plush and refined, showing orange black tea and a little anise in the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a youthful rub -red hue and is more red-fruited, minty, and floral in profile, with the highest percentage of estate fruit to date. Medium-bodied, with spicy pomegranate fruit, refreshing acidity, and excellent structure.

Vinous · 91 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a very pretty, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and crushed rocks are finely drawn in this nervy, taut Pinot Noir. The 2024 is a wine of detail and nuance. Give it a year or two to soften a bit.

Winemaker Description

Andy Smith · Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner
Our “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm vines. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed or harvested for thirty years. Comprising three of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.

The 2024 season saw a wet winter, a mild spring, and a hot July. Fortunately, harvest temperatures were gentle and mild, allowing steady progression to perfect maturity. Irrigation was not required, but we needed to crop thin to bring the vines into balance. Harvest took place over a stress-free three-week period. Berry size was moderate, so the wines have obvious concentration with an intense fruit core and fresh balancing acidity.

Aromas and flavors akin to rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry and dark raspberry. An edge of dried herb and Asian spice. Medium-bodied with deep layers of texture and lovely fruit purity. Turns sleek and succulent on the bright lingering finish. Drink between 2026 and 2034.

Vineyards & Winemaking

• 33% Flax Estate Vineyard
• 26% Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard
• 21% Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard
• 20% Occidental Road Vineyard
• Harvest dates listed: August 21–September 12
• Fermentation: Native yeasts, 25% whole clusters
• Aging: 11 months in 228L French oak barrels, 30% new, followed by 3 months in tank
• Bottled unfiltered
• Production listed: 4,500 cases of 750ml

Additional Press Mention

The supplied producer material also lists 94 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent. No accompanying review text was supplied.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow time in the glass. Try with roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, or herb-roasted chicken. The winemaker’s suggested drinking window is 2026–2034; Vinous recommends allowing a year or two for the wine to soften.

Wine Details

• Producer: DuMOL
• Cuvée: Wester Reach
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Origin: California, United States
• Bottle size: 750ml

Frog's Leap · Napa Valley, California · 2023

Frog's Leap is one of Napa Valley's most celebrated organic estates, farming without pesticides or herbicides since 1981 and dry-farming their vineyards to encourage deep root systems and natural vine stress. Their Shale and Stone Chardonnay takes its name from the ancient fractured shale soils beneath their Napa Valley vineyards — a terroir that imparts a striking minerality and stony tension rarely found in California Chardonnay. Vinified entirely in concrete with extended sur lie aging, this wine is crafted without new oak, allowing the fruit and soil character to speak for themselves.

The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley delivered ideal growing conditions — warm days, cool nights, and a late harvest that built exceptional concentration while retaining the freshness that defines this bottling. In the glass, spiced apples and ripe pears open alongside hints of citrus peel and raw almonds. The palate is taut yet generous — medium to full-bodied with a compact, lightly phenolic texture, vivid acidity, and a long, lingering mineral finish. Drink now or hold through 2028.

"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."
— James Suckling, 91 Points.

"The 2023 Chardonnay Shale and Stone, from Truchard in Carneros, is all class. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine peel, tropical fruit and a kiss of French oak grace this exotic, dynamic Chardonnay from Frog's Leap. Airy and gracious, with stunning balance, the 2023 is fabulous in every way." - 96 Points VINOUS

• Producer: Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Dry-Farmed
• Vinification: Concrete aging, extended sur lie, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced apple, ripe pear, citrus peel, raw almond, stony minerality, vivid acidity
• Food Pairings: Grilled halibut, roast chicken, oysters, goat cheese, vegetable risotto

Napa Chardonnay at its most honest — organic, unoaked, mineral-driven, and built to last.

Winemaker Description

The Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon California 2024 is a practicing sustainable California Cab from the Phelps family — crafted with the same attention to detail that defines their storied winemaking heritage. Sourced from premium vineyards across California’s North and Central Coast interior valleys, this blend of 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.2% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 4.8% Petite Sirah is harvested at optimal ripeness, carefully fermented for balanced tannins, and aged in oak to preserve varietal integrity. 14% ABV.

The nose leads with heady aromas of black cherry, cassis, and licorice. On the palate, ripe blackberry, dusty cocoa, and sweet oak complement the silky texture throughout a long, aromatic finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or a slow-braised short rib.
• Casual: Burgers, BBQ brisket, or a hearty pasta Bolognese.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or a sharp Manchego.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines the Silver Oak Legacy

Silver Oak has been one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet producers since 1972, celebrated for a house style that balances power with elegance and approachability. The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, and 0.38% Malbec, aged in American oak seasoned 24 months and toasted 90 minutes — is a benchmark expression of the estate: structured yet silky, complex yet immediately rewarding, with the depth to cellar through 2047.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Beautifully compact with complex aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate with expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices. Fine-grained structured tannins, a crisp, lively, energetic finish. One to cellar. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with lux black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. Drink or hold through at least 2030."

Winemaker Notes

Expressive and lively on the nose with black cherry and huckleberry aromas laced with dry floral notes. Integrated oak adds a light note of sweet nutmeg. Ruby in color, with a fruit-forward entry, silky tannins that build across the mid-palate, and a long, balanced finish. Structured while still approachable — true to the signature Silver Oak style. Will continue to improve through 2047 with proper cellaring.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Vintage: 2019
• Oak: American oak, 24-month seasoning, 90-minute toast
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Napa-style entertaining — exceptional with prime ribeye, lamb rack, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and mushroom-crusted filet mignon.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is California’s most trusted everyday wine brand, crafted in the tradition of Robert Mondavi’s commitment to quality and approachability. This 1.5L Magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — is the perfect format for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant aromas and flavors of pear, apple, peach, oak, and toast. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a rich, toasty finish. Approachable and food-friendly.

Food Pairings

Light appetizers, grilled chicken, pasta with cream sauce, seafood, and soft cheeses. A versatile everyday Chardonnay for any occasion.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Medium-bodied, lightly oaked California Chardonnay
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Frey Vineyards Mendocino Chardonnay Organic 2023 — Mendocino County, California

Frey Vineyards is a true American original. Founded in 1980 in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, Frey became the first certified organic winery in the United States — and has remained one of the country’s most committed producers of organic and biodynamic wine ever since. Their wines are made with no added sulfites (NSA), no synthetic pesticides, and no chemical additives, offering a pure, unmanipulated expression of the grape and the land.

This Mendocino Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel with minimal oak exposure, preserving the grape’s natural freshness and fruit character. The result is bright and approachable: hints of apple, pear, and a touch of caramel on the nose and palate, with clean acidity and a light, refreshing finish. No sulfites added — ideal for those with sulfite sensitivities or anyone seeking a cleaner, more natural wine experience.

America’s first certified organic winery. No sulfites added. Pure Mendocino Chardonnay.

• Producer: Frey Vineyards, Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California (est. 1980)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendocino County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Biodynamic
• Sulfites: No Sulfites Added (NSA)
• Vegan: Yes
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, pear, caramel, light acidity, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Pumpkin risotto, honey-glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh goat cheese

Organic, honest, and genuinely delicious — Frey Chardonnay is the benchmark for clean California white wine.

Some wines earn their name. Bread and Butter Chardonnay is one of them — a California white that delivers exactly what it promises: richness, comfort, and the kind of easy pleasure that makes a Tuesday feel like a celebration.

Sourced from cool-climate vineyards across California, this 2024 vintage is everything a well-made New World Chardonnay should be. The nose opens with inviting notes of vanilla bean, toasted almond, and ripe tropical fruit — mango, pineapple, a whisper of peach. On the palate, it's creamy and full without being heavy, with just enough oak to add warmth and structure, and a clean, lingering finish that keeps you coming back for another pour.

This is the bottle you reach for when you want something reliably delicious — for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or simply because the moment calls for a good glass of wine.

Tasting Notes
Vanilla bean, toasted almond, tropical fruit (mango, pineapple), and a hint of peach on the nose. The palate is creamy and round with balanced acidity, savory oak, and a smooth, satisfying finish.

Food Pairing
Roasted chicken, buttery lobster, crab cakes, pan-seared halibut, mac and cheese, soft cheeses, or a classic Caesar salad.

Product Details

• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Bread and Butter Wines

LA CREMA CHARDONNAY MONTEREY 2024 | 750ML

🇺🇸 United States — Chardonnay | Monterey, California

A consistently reliable, cool-climate Chardonnay from one of California’s most focused white wine producers. The nose opens with grilled pineapple, citrus blossom, tangerine, and papaya. On the palate, white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon are complemented by a touch of barrel spice and a river stone minerality. Energetic and well-balanced, with a clean, refreshing finish.

La Crema — whose original name, La Crema Viñera, means “best of the vine” — has focused exclusively on cool-climate appellations since 1979. From its home in the Russian River Valley to Monterey and the Willamette Valley, the winery is committed to producing naturally balanced, site-expressive wines through thorough vineyard selection and boutique winemaking techniques.

90 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“Clean aromas of lemon zest, lime pith and sliced apple show on the nose… The palate is energetic with familiar flavors of Meyer lemon and nectarine.”
— Matt Kettmann. (Vintage 2024). 

Pairs well with: Grilled chicken, seafood, creamy pasta, and soft cheeses.

Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Monterey, California, United States
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Score: 90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Decoy by Duckhorn — Sonoma County Chardonnay 2024

Decoy is the acclaimed second label of Duckhorn Wine Company, one of Napa Valley's most celebrated producers. Crafted from Sonoma County fruit, the Decoy Chardonnay brings Duckhorn's signature winemaking philosophy — precision, balance, and elegance — to an approachable everyday price point. It is a wine that punches well above its weight: rich and fruit-forward, yet anchored by vibrant acidity and a refined oak touch that adds complexity without heaviness.

The nose is luminous and inviting: ripe tangerine, sweet melon, white peach, and tropical mango mingle with delicate oak spice. On the palate, it is round and full-bodied with juicy citrus zest, pineapple, and orchard fruit flavors, brightened by lively acidity and finishing with a smooth, lingering touch of vanilla and spice. Graceful and satisfying from first sip to last.

"Radiant aromas of ripe tangerine, sweet melon, and tropical mango mingle with delicate oak spice. The palate is round and full, with bright acidity and a supple backbone of sweet oak, layered with notes of juicy mango, pineapple, and a touch of vanilla." — Decoy Winemaker

• Producer: Decoy by Duckhorn Wine Company, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: Full-Bodied, Lightly Oaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tangerine, sweet melon, white peach, mango, pineapple, vanilla, creamy oak finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, creamy pasta, buttery seafood, lobster bisque, soft cheeses
• Serve: Chilled, 45–50°F

Duckhorn quality at an everyday price — Decoy Sonoma Chardonnay is the smart pour for any occasion.

Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Red Blend 2023

Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most iconic and respected wineries — a benchmark producer whose Monte Bello Cabernet has competed with the world’s greatest wines, and whose commitment to traditional winemaking is unmatched. Three Valleys, made since 2001, is Ridge’s Sonoma County field blend: a multi-vineyard, multi-appellation wine sourced from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley, crafted in the exact same way as all of Ridge’s wines — open-top tanks, native fermentations, and real oak. It’s meant to represent a vintage more than a location, and the 2023 is one of the finest in recent memory.

The 2023 blend is 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet, aged 12 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. Floral, complex, and less rustic than usual — the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. A popular by-the-glass pour at restaurants across the country. Order it when you see it.

Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry, baking spices, wild berries, Italian plums, and lavender. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet — expressive raspberry and blueberry, licorice, pepper, and chargrilled herbs — with chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, spicy, generous finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points

“Floral, complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance… A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it.”

Wine Spectator — 93 Points

“Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper. Drink now through 2034.”

James Suckling — 93 Points

“Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry bush, baking spices and violets. Full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel and firmly framed tannins that end in a lush and generous finish.”

Wine Advocate — 91 Points

“Layered aromas of wild berries, Italian plums, chargrilled meats, resinous herbs and lavender. Full-bodied with highly concentrated flavors, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, spicy finish.”

Track Record

Three Valleys has scored 92 points or above for five consecutive vintages: 94 pts Decanter (2022) | 92 pts WS (2021) | 93 pts WS (2020) | 93 pts WS (2019).

Food Pairings

Grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, braised short rib, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Blend: 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, 2% Alicante Bouschet
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Aging: 12 months, 19% new air-dried American oak
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts JD | 93 pts WS | 93 pts JS | 91 pts WA

Blue Quail | Potter Valley Unoaked Chardonnay | Mendocino County | 2025 | Certified Organic

Blue Quail's Potter Valley Chardonnay is a deliberate departure from the California norm — no oak, no malolactic fermentation, no butter. What you get instead is a bright, dry, fruit-forward white that lets the cool-climate character of Potter Valley speak clearly. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in one of Mendocino County's highest-elevation and most temperature-variable sub-appellations, this is Chardonnay built for the table rather than the trophy shelf.

Potter Valley sits at the northeastern edge of Mendocino County, separated from the warmer coastal valleys by the Mayacamas Mountains. The combination of warm days and cool nights preserves natural acidity and extends the growing season, allowing the Chardonnay to develop ripe orchard fruit flavors without losing freshness or structure. Organic farming across the estate reflects a commitment to soil health and clean, expressive fruit.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel and sees no oak contact and no malolactic fermentation — a deliberate choice that keeps the palate crisp, linear and food-friendly. The result is a Chardonnay with genuine verve: fresh and bright on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, apricot and white peach, accented by wildflowers and a touch of flint. The palate is lively and well balanced, with flavors of young peach, citrus, pineapple and white fig, carried by mouthwatering acidity through a clean, mineral-tinged finish.

Highly versatile at the table. Pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, grilled trout, shrimp, sushi, Thai green curry, General Tso’s chicken, asparagus risotto, roasted root vegetables and fresh cheeses. Equally at home as a standalone aperitif.

• Producer: Blue Quail
• Appellation: Potter Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel; no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Style: Unoaked, dry white wine
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Au Bon Climat | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Jim Clendenen's Au Bon Climat has long been California's benchmark for the Burgundian approach to Chardonnay — prioritizing balance, acidity, and minerality over heavy oak and butter. The 2023 is sourced from five carefully farmed Santa Barbara vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and North Canyon. Handpicked and whole-cluster pressed, the juice is barrel-fermented and aged 8 months sur lie in neutral François Frères barrels, then blended the following summer. The result is round, bright, and unmistakably ABC.

Vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, North Canyon
Oak: 8 months sur lie, neutral French oak (François Frères)
Drink: Now–2029

Tasting Notes

• Grapefruit, peach, honeysuckle, and lemon curd on the nose
• Round mid-palate with elderberry, brioche, and a hint of nutmeg
• Zippy, bright acidity | Creamy lingering finish | Mineral backbone

Pairings: Roast chicken, pasta alfredo, seared scallops, baked brie en croûte

Silver Oak built its reputation on a single, deliberate choice: age Cabernet Sauvignon in American oak, not French, and do it at a winery with its own cooperage. That decision — made in 1972 and never abandoned — is what gives Silver Oak its signature: wines that are immediately approachable, generous with fruit, and possessed of a smooth, polished texture that makes them as enjoyable now as they are over a decade in the cellar.

The 2022 Alexander Valley is blended before barrel aging — another Silver Oak hallmark, allowing the components to integrate on the basis of terroir and varietal character before oak influence shapes the final wine. The blend is anchored by 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged 24 months in American oak barrels from their own cooperage, The Oak.

The 2022 vintage shows Silver Oak at its most expressive: plum, anise, black cherry, and sweet spice on the nose, with a mid-palate that is juicy and structured without being heavy. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity carry a flavorful mix of red and black fruit through a long, clean finish. Fresh and drinkable now, with the structure to age elegantly through 2035 and beyond.

• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
• Aging: 24 months in American oak (Silver Oak cooperage)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

95 James Suckling — “Pleasing aromas of plums, anise, black cherries and sweet spice box… very fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, showing the pretty side of cabernet. Fresh and drinkable now but will age elegantly.”

Food Pairings: Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hard cheeses.

Napa Valley's Most Iconic Cabernet

Since its founding in 1972, Caymus Vineyards has become one of Napa Valley's most recognized and consistently celebrated estates. The Wagner family's signature style — dark, rich, and opulent, with ripe tannins that make the wine as approachable in youth as in maturity — has earned Caymus a devoted following among Cabernet lovers worldwide.

The 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from across Napa's diverse sub-appellations, from Coombsville in the south to Calistoga in the north. Valley floor fruit contributes lushness and generosity; hillside fruit provides structure and backbone. The result is a wine of layered complexity and seamless balance.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Layered aromas of cocoa, cassis, and ripe dark berries
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with plush, ripe tannins and flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla
• Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying — approachable now, with the structure to age gracefully

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-appellations: Coombsville, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Calistoga
• Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, CA
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic match for prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional alongside rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir Monterey 2023

James Suckling 92 Points - "A fresh, fruity, aromatic red with a nose of spices, cinnamon, black cherries, tart cherries and raspberries. The palate shows a medium body, a rather broad mouthfeel, some soft tannin and a ripe character overall."

Tasting Profile

This elegant Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red berry aromas with subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry balanced with hints of baking spice and toasted oak. Smooth tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie boards with assorted cheeses. Serve slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Details

Producer: Talbott Vineyards | Region: Monterey, California | Varietal: Pinot Noir | Vintage: 2023 | Volume: 750ml

La Crema · Sonoma Coast · 2023

La Crema built its reputation on coaxing elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir out of Sonoma's foggy coastal vineyards, and this Sonoma Coast bottling is the house style distilled. Fruit is sourced from multiple sites along the appellation, hand-harvested at peak ripeness to preserve the bright acidity and structure that define the wine.

On the nose, raspberry, cranberry, black licorice, and exotic tea notes lead the way. The palate brings red cherry, plum, and boysenberry, with subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpinning notes of spice and toast. Firm yet integrated tannins and bright acidity carry through to a long finish, the result of aging in French oak that builds depth without overwhelming the fruit.

Winemaker Description

Aromas of raspberry, cranberry, black licorice, and exotic tea notes. Flavors of red cherry, plum, and boysenberry, subtle hints of espresso and cocoa nib underpin notes of spice and toast. Firm yet integrated tannins and bright acidity drives a long finish.
— La Crema, Winemaker Notes

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points — Aromas of macerated cherry, cranberry and cinnamon dominate the nose of this Pinot. The palate brings the satisfying grip of plush tannin, pithy orange acidity and concentrated raspberry and mint flavors that linger.

Wine Spectator, February 2024 — #1 Top Value Wine

Pairings & Serving

The bright acidity and red-fruit core make this a versatile match for grilled salmon, roasted poultry, or mushroom risotto. Serve slightly chilled, around 55–60°F, to keep the fruit lively and the tannins soft.

Specs

• Producer: La Crema
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Decoy by Duckhorn Pinot Noir California 2023 — California

Duckhorn Wine Company is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic producers, and Decoy is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to detail as their flagship wines but priced for the table. This California Pinot Noir draws from the state’s finest cool-climate growing regions, where the combination of coastal fog, moderate temperatures, and well-drained soils coaxes out the delicate aromatics and silky texture that define great Pinot Noir.

The 2023 is lush and alluring from the first pour. Aromas of black cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, black tea, and sage lead to rustic hints of earthy forest floor. On the palate, generous ripe berry flavors are framed by bright, balanced acidity and refined tannins that carry the wine to a long, silky finish.

“Lush and alluring — black cherry, wild strawberry, and sage with a long, silky finish.” — Winemaker’s Notes

• Producer: Duckhorn Wine Company (Decoy Label), California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, red currant, black tea, sage, earthy forest floor, silky finish
• Best Paired With: Salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, roasted chicken, soft cheeses

Duckhorn craftsmanship at an everyday price — California Pinot Noir done right.

Meiomi Pinot Noir — California 2023

Meiomi is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, built on a singular vision: to capture the best of the California coast in a single, seamlessly blended wine. The name comes from the Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples’ word for “coastline,” and the wine lives up to it — sourced from three of California’s most prized coastal appellations: Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County. Each vineyard is chosen for its ability to express the best of its respective terroir, then carefully blended to achieve balance, complexity, and richness of flavor. The 2023 is aged six months in French oak barrels, adding structure and depth that is seldom seen in a Pinot Noir at this price point.

The color is a luminous, deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is lush and immediately appealing: fresh strawberry, blackberry, and boysenberry, layered with toasted mocha and vanilla from the oak aging. On the palate, it is silky and medium-to-full-bodied — juicy red and dark fruit, a touch of toasty oak, and a smooth, lingering finish that is quintessentially coastal California Pinot Noir. Bolder and richer than a traditional Burgundian Pinot, this is the crowd-pleasing, jammy style that has made Meiomi one of the most recognized Pinot Noirs in the country.

• Producer: Meiomi Wines, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California — Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Aging: 6 months in French oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bold, jammy, fruit-forward coastal California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, toasted mocha, vanilla, silky tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, roasted duck, lamb, tomato-based pastas, mushroom dishes, brie

California’s most beloved coastal Pinot Noir — Meiomi 2023 is the bottle that never disappoints.

 Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | A superb and rich chardonnay with driven phenolics that frame the wine, giving it form and intensity. It’s full-bodied but not heavy. Dried apples, nuts, peach pie and hints of salted butter and honey. It’s flavorful and intense. Real Napa chardonnay. 70% Wente clone and the rest Calera. So drinkable now, but will age very well. 

Winemaker Description 

Delicate aromas of Bartlett pear and fresh-sliced pineapple are lifted by notes of jasmine and citrus zest, maturing into subtle warming tones of baking spices, brioche, and vanilla custard. On the palate, the flavors are intensely focused, yet the pleasant round body fills the mouth with a wide, elegant mid-palate. The salinity and minerality of this wine bring a refinement that is gently carried by bright, integrated acidity. 

Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2023

Joel Gott is one of California’s most beloved winemakers — a third-generation vintner who built his reputation on the simple idea that great wine should be approachable, consistent, and honestly priced. Blend No. 815 is his signature Cabernet Sauvignon — the number refers to the specific blend Joel crafts each vintage from select vineyards across California, always chasing the same benchmark of ripe fruit, velvety texture, and reliable quality. It has become one of the most recognized everyday Cabernets in the country, and for good reason: vintage after vintage, it delivers.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is layered and expressive: raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha, with savory notes of damp soil, charcoal, and a whisper of tar that steadily open with air into something genuinely complex. On the palate, red fruit leads into an asphalt minerality, dried plum, dark spice, and espresso bean — velvety tannins carrying through the mid-palate to a long, textured finish of black pepper and cedar. Familiar, satisfying, and built for the table.

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: No. 815
• Style: Approachable, velvety, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, blackberry, plum, mocha, espresso, dark spice, black pepper, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar

California’s most reliable everyday Cabernet — Joel Gott 815 is the bottle you reach for when you want something great without thinking twice.

Oberon · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley 2023

Oberon draws fruit from across Napa Valley, including Oakville, Oak Knoll and Yountville, to bring different expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon into one bottle. The winemaker’s account describes a blend of fruit from volcanic and valley-floor soils for a rich, seamless texture.

Expect a generous Napa Cabernet for a ribeye dinner or roasted mushrooms. Bart Hopkins of 67Wine finds dark berries, cherry, mocha and spice, with silky tannins that make this an easy bottle to bring to the table.

Expert reviews on this listing - Vintage 2023

James Suckling · 93 points

Aromas of red and black currants, bitter chocolate, licorice, spices and earth. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins, a rounded mouthfeel and a balanced finish. Nicely constructed.

Wine Enthusiast · 92 points

Lush aromas of mixed currants and plums layered with spiced cocoa and espresso grounds linger into rich flavors of ripe, black fruits with crushed cacao nib. Full bodied with generosity and powdery-fine, palate-coating tannins, this is a hearty wine built for satisfaction.

67Wine buyer’s note

Blended with small amounts of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, Oberon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is darkly colored with aromas and flavors of lush blackberries, black cherries, mocha, dark chocolate, and baking spices. Silky sweet tannins lead to a long and delicious finish.

— Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

Wine details

• Producer: Oberon (Michael Mondavi Family)
• Winemaker listed: Tony Coltrin
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah according to the buyer’s note
• Size: 750ml
• Pair with: ribeye, lamb chops, roasted mushrooms or aged hard cheeses

A richly fruited Napa Cabernet built for a satisfying dinner.

Rombauer Vineyards | Chardonnay | Carneros, Napa Valley | 2024 | 750ml

Few California Chardonnays have achieved what Rombauer has: a style so consistent, so immediately recognizable, and so genuinely crowd-pleasing that it has become a benchmark in its own right. The Carneros bottling is the house's flagship — a wine that delivers ripe fruit intensity, creamy texture, and the signature bright acidity that keeps it from ever feeling heavy.

The 2024 vintage benefited from good winter rain, a moderate spring, and warm September spells that brought optimal ripeness while preserving structure. Sustainable farming throughout, with block-by-block precision guided by NDVI aerial imaging. The result is a wine that is both generous and focused.

On the nose: yellow peach, ripe melon, and bright citrus. On the palate: creamy vanilla, buttery nuance, and a long finish anchored by Rombauer's hallmark acidity. This is the Chardonnay that earns its reputation every vintage.

The Rombauer family authored the Joy of Cooking — they recommend pairing this with their Chicken Risotto or Strawberry Shortcake. Hard to argue.

• Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley, California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Sustainable, NDVI block-by-block management
• Style: Full-bodied, creamy, oak-influenced
• Pairs with: Lobster with drawn butter, Fettuccine Alfredo, crab cakes, chicken risotto, strawberry shortcake

Winemaker Description

The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.

Clos du Bois · California Chardonnay · 2024 · Magnum 1.5 Liter

Clos du Bois Chardonnay 2024 comes in a generous 1.5-liter magnum, bringing California Chardonnay to the table in a format made for sharing. Each magnum holds the equivalent of two standard 750ml bottles, a practical choice for a dinner gathering or celebration.

This listing features the 2024 vintage in the larger bottle format. For anyone planning a shared meal, the magnum keeps the wine service simple while giving the table a distinctive centerpiece.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled and allow the wine a little time in the glass. As general Chardonnay pairing ideas, consider roast chicken, baked fish or creamy pasta, adjusting your choice to the wine’s character once opened.

Wine Details

• Producer: Clos du Bois
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: California, United States
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: White wine
• Bottle size: 1.5 liters
• Format: Magnum, equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles

California Chardonnay in a magnum format for sharing around the table.

Frame of Mind Vineyards · The Pessimist Red · 2023

The Pessimist is Frame of Mind Vineyards' signature red blend, built each vintage around a shifting mix of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein to chase maximum character rather than a fixed formula. The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair: 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.

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.
— Frame of Mind Vineyards

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.

Specs

• Producer: Frame of Mind Vineyards
• Wine: The Pessimist Red
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein
• Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, crafting the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc” — an elegant, dry, oak-aged style of Sauvignon Blanc that Mondavi named after the French word for smoke. A decade later, Mike's 1973 Chardonnay famously won the Judgment of Paris, putting California wine on the world map. He went on to found Grgich Hills Estate in 1977, where he continued to champion the Fumé Blanc style as a tribute to his mentor and friend. Today, the estate farms all five of its Napa Valley vineyards organically and biodynamically.

The Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 375ml Half Bottle opens with striking aromas of fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle. On the palate, bright citrus, tangy star fruit, and a hint of green mango are framed by deft oak and a chiseled, linear acidity that carries through to a long, mineral finish of lasting slate. Certified organic and biodynamic — a wine of precision, integrity, and genuine pleasure in a perfect half-bottle format.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle
• Palate: Bright citrus, star fruit, green mango, and lemongrass with deft oak
• Finish: Long, chiseled, and mineral with lasting slate and juicy citrus

Wine Details

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc — Fumé Blanc style
• Certified Organic & Biodynamic — five estate vineyards
• Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle
• Pairs with: filet of sole, pork loin, seafood, light pasta

Joel Gott Wines · California · 2023

Joel Gott has been crafting approachable, expressive California wines since 1996, sourcing the best fruit from premium growing regions across California, Oregon, and Washington. His Old Vine Zinfandel draws from some of California's oldest and most revered Zinfandel plantings, yielding a wine of exceptional concentration and character. Balanced, food-friendly, and consistently over-delivering at its price point, it has earned a loyal following among casual drinkers and wine lovers alike.

The 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel opens with inviting aromas of blackberries and black plum, layered with notes of tobacco and warm spice. On the palate, rich dark fruit gives way to soft, velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish with a satisfying touch of black pepper. A crowd-pleasing California Zinfandel that works as well at a dinner party as it does on a quiet weeknight.

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Grape Variety: Zinfandel (Old Vine)
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberries, black plum, tobacco, warm spice, velvety tannins, black pepper finish
• Food Pairings: BBQ ribs, grilled sausage, lamb burgers, tomato-based pasta

A reliable, fruit-forward California Zinfandel — drink now through 2027.

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 9 — California

Bonanza is the passion project of Chuck Wagner — the legendary winemaker behind Caymus Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic estates. The concept is deeply personal: Chuck recalls fondly how his family gathered around the dinner table each night to share his father’s homemade wine, and Bonanza is his answer to that memory. His vision is simple and democratic — delicious Cabernet Sauvignon should be accessible to everyone, not just collectors. Lot 9 is sourced from premium California vineyards across the state, blended with the same meticulous attention to quality that has defined Caymus for decades. This is the bonanza of California — a discovery of land where great Cabernet can be farmed and shared at the everyday table.

The color is a medium ruby-red with depth and clarity. The nose is inviting and expressive: currants, dried roses, ripe blackberry, black currant, grape pomace, and fresh-tilled soil, with hints of vanilla and warm spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich — velvety texture, silky tannins, and an easy, generous drinkability that makes it impossible to put down. This is Chuck Wagner’s gift to the everyday wine drinker: Caymus-level care at a fraction of the price.

“Delicious Cabernet should be accessible to a broad group of people. I want everyone to have the chance to enjoy good wine as a simple pleasure of everyday life.” — Chuck Wagner

• Producer: Bonanza Wine by Chuck Wagner (Caymus Vineyards), California
• Lot: Lot 9
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, approachable California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Currants, dried roses, blackberry, black currant, vanilla, spice, silky tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, casual entertaining

Caymus craftsmanship at an everyday price — Bonanza Lot 9 is Chuck Wagner’s most democratic wine, and one of California’s best values.

Joel Gott · Unoaked Chardonnay · California · 2024

Joel Gott Unoaked Chardonnay 2024 takes a fresh, fruit-focused approach to California Chardonnay. Fermented entirely in stainless steel, it puts bright fruit and crisp mineral character at the forefront, without oak-barrel influence.

Pear, sweet-tart apple and mango lead the tasting profile, with citrus and honeysuckle aromatics. A bright fruit entry gives way to crisp minerality on the mid-palate and a long, clean finish. It's a refreshing direction for those who prefer Chardonnay without an oaky profile.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 91 Points: Fresh, vibrant and minerally, with aromas of sliced lemons, wet stones and nectarines. The palate is mid-weighted with taut acidity and a tense, mouthwatering finish. Varietal, fresh and ready to drink.

Tasting Notes

Pear, sweet-tart apple and mango on the nose, accompanied by citrus and honeysuckle. Bright fruit, a crisp mineral mid-palate and a long, clean finish define the palate.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled with grilled fish, shrimp, sushi or light salads. Goat cheese offers another pairing direction for the wine's bright acidity and fresh fruit character.

Wine Details

• Producer: Joel Gott
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: California, United States
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Unoaked white wine
• Fermentation: 100% stainless steel
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Review: James Suckling 91 points

Fresh California Chardonnay with the fruit in focus and the oak out of the picture.