Whites

Winemaker Description

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | Elegant, silky and well-balanced, this medium-bodied wine backs bright citrus and baked apple flavors with good acidity for a tangy touch that counters the generous fruit components. (2021).

94 Points James Suckling | A structured and layered white with apple, light honey and acacia aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Creamy mouthfeel. Phenolic texture that runs through the wine. Flavorful yet subtle finish. Touch of flint and cedar. Drink or hold.

Great aromatic intensity—citrus and nectarine fruits, jasmine and orange blossom, briny/flinty sea spray edges. The flavors center upon lemony green apple then deeper stone fruits with honeysuckle and ginger richness. The wine’s texture is deep, oily, and layered. Fresh mineral, grapefruit acidity cuts through the richness giving a pinpoint focus to the wine’s long echoing finish. Winemaker Description. 

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pierre Mansour, Beth Willard write:  Lovely nose, fragrant and leesy. Racy, zippy acidity with lemony, green apple crunch on the palate. Tropical fruit, grapefruit, and banana flavours linger with a long tangerine finish and pronounced salinity.  Drinking 2023 - 2028.  - Decanter 93

Zekun Shuai writes:  Chalky and zesty nose with plenty of lemon zest and stones. A similar echoing of fruit and minerality on the palate, which is dry and textured and followed by a saline, gastronomic finish. Vegan. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Jancis Robinson writes:  Creamy fruit on the nose, real structure and saline juiciness. A good one to head to for drinking without food.  100% Albariño from a vineyard planted on granite and sandy soils close to the Atlantic Ocean and the River Miño. The grapes were manually selected, destemmed, crushed and cold macerated. Long, natural fermentation then six months on fine lees in stainless steel. 

Jeff Porter writes:  The focused nose of this white wine opens with a mix of orchard, stone and citrus-fruit aromas that all meld seamlessly and then give way to mineral and savory aromas, fresh flowers and wild herbs. Mouth watering and structured, the rounded palate has a captivating texture and a saline finish.  - Wine Enthusiast 93

Susan Hulme MW, Vincenzo Arnese, Sara Bachiorri write:   Light honey and white flower, white blossom aromas. Structured and creamy with notes of pear, white melon and candied lemon.  - Decanter 

The grapes for this delicious Riesling come from the prized area of Ürziger Würztgarten, in the middle Mosel above the village of Ürzig. Vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel vats, and intentionally released after a minimum of one year in the bottle, it displays classic Mosel mineral and lime notes throughout with bright, crisp acidity and just enough residual sugar to soften the edges.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | A touch of ripe Mirabelle plum joins the pear fruit on the nose. The resolutely dry palate holds them tight on a very concentrated, fresh but also earthy body. Taut and clean, this needs a little more time in bottle. The finish is whistle-clean.Vinous  Vivid deep straw. White flowers, apple butter and honey plus a touch of vanilla on the nose and in the mouth. Fresh, clean and much richer and denser than Trimbach’s entry-level Pinot Gris, but I think it needs time to smooth out and come together. Closes a tad short, with a hint of residual sweetness on the medium-long finish (Pierre Trimbach told me he feels that this wine needs that extra touch of residual sugar to have the best balance).

Our Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine that bursts with flavors and aromas of citrus, melon and apple. With a clean, crisp finish this versatile wine is a perfect partner with seafood and stands up to spicy Latin and Asian cuisine. Winemaker Description. 

All the expressivity of a grape variety that seduces from its extraordinary origins. 100% white Tempranillo which clearly demonstrates it purity, refinement and personality. A unique wine.
The white Tempranillo grape is genetic mutation of the red Tempranillo which appeared for the first time in a Rioja in 1988. At that time, it was not expected to be at the forefront of new era for white Riojas. This is a well-balanced wine that is expressive and persistent which is called upon to be the flagship for a new identity. A surprising wine. 

Charles Curtis MW writes:  This delightful white from a single lieu-dit in Rully is a marvelous example of the solid quality possible in the Côte Chalonnaise. It boasts ripe apple and linden flower aromas with a hint of butter and spice. The fresh acidity feels fairly chiseled, yet there is enough extract to give the wine a rich texture and lingering finish. Chartron farms three hectares here on the border with Mercurey; the grapes are pressed as whole clusters and run into cask (10% new) for fermentation.  - Decanter 91

Allan Meadows writes:  Subtle but no invisible wood sets off agreeably fresh aromas of pear, apple and a touch of zest. The delicious middleweight flavors possess both good density and a beguiling sense of energy on the bitter lemon-inflected finish. This forward and nicely effort is attractive in its fashion and should drink well young.  - Burghound

Winemaker Description 

The wine is pale yellow in color with green reflections. On the nose, aromas of white flowers and citrus fruits are complemented by subtle flinty notes. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced with bright acidity, richness, and citrus flavors.

The wine's purity, elegance, and a clean, refreshing finish exemplify the finesse and terroir of Sancerre. 

Winemaker Description

Made from Biodynamically grown certified organic grapes. Pale straw color with a green tinge. On the nose, cantaloupe, tropical fruits, passionfruit, key lime pie, and honeysuckle flowers. Granny Smith apple, gooseberry, pie crust and hazelnuts on the palate. Rich with raw acidity and evolving length. 

Expert Review

Winemaker Description

Brightly colored with notes of fresh grapefruit, grass and kiwi and a long, nicely acidic finish.

Goose Bay’s approach to winemaking is rather simple. Goose Bay’s winemakers also don’t believe in building a winery business by constantly talking about how great they are. They are in the business because they love the life… the viticulture, the winemaking, the marketing and the people they work with and meet.

Kosher for Passover. Mevushal. 

Zekun Shuai writes:  Pure and mineral nose full of sea shells, lime and green apples. Blistering acidity cuts through the taut, medium-bodied palate, leaving a mouthwatering finish with a lasting saline smack. Textbook albarino that brings your nose and palate to the sea. Outstanding quality. Vegan. Drink now.  - James Suckling 93

Alison Napjus writes: A lithe, mouthwatering white, with peach skin and nectarine, pickled ginger and jasmine notes. Well-balanced and fresh, with a tang of salinity driving the finish. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Sarah Jane Evans MW writes: Lime and elderflower on the nose. Lively expression with sweet and sour contrast of acidity and rich peach and berry fruit. Nice regional typicity in this wine, like a salty sea breeze with a racy finish.  - Decanter

2021 Vintage Reviews:

One of the most classic produced Albarinos in Rias Baixas. Nose: Pineapple, green apples and toast. Medium-bodied with notes of ripe peaches and red apples. Succulent and juicy finish.
- Oscar Garcia Moncada

92 Points James Suckling: I love the apple blossom and white peach aromas of this racy and very focused dry riesling that is only medium-bodied (12% alcohol), but it is beautifully balanced with a long crisp wet stone finish. The best vintage of this Finger Lakes stalwart in quite a few years! Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Audrey Frick writes: From the old Wente clone, the 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard has a soft floral perfume of chamomile and takes on ripe aromas of yellow pear, golden fruits, and cantaloupe. Full-bodied, it has wonderful intensity on the palate, with notes of ripe apricot and fresh flowers as well as a great chalky texture and a savory finish. It’s a great wine in the lineup to drink over the next 10 or more years. - Jeb Dunnuck 96

Erin Brooks writes: The 2020 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was harvested on August 17th before the wildfire smoke arrived, and with its pure, mineral-driven expression, it's worth cellaring for several years. The nose opens with iodine and nori tones that give way to pretty scents of panna cotta, spring honey and lilac. The medium-bodied palate is buzzing with shimmery acidity that enlivens its perfumed fruit, and it has a long, saline-driven finish. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96

MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Shows juicy apple and pear flavors that are crisp and sleek, with lemon meringue, ginger and tropical hints on an appealingly dense, fleshy frame. Delivering details of toasted herbs and minerality, this is harmonious and expressive on the long finish. Drink now. 359 cases made. - Wine Spectator 93

Tropical fruit aromas of guava and pineapple with hints of toasted marshmallow and lavender. Flavors of pear, white peach and key lime. A weighty entry that is balanced by lively acidity brings complexity and elegance to this lovely wine. Enjoyable upon release and over the next six to seven years. Winemaker Description. 

90 Points James Suckling: If you like sauvignon blanc, then you should enjoy this strikingly original, aromatic dry white. Plenty of herbal and crisp pear and blackberry character. Interesting interplay between juicy fruit and pithy structure. Moderate acidity for the region, but attractive, sappy freshness at the long finish.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Notes

Occhipinti SP68 Bianco is a dry, organic and biodynamic white wine made with the Albanello and Moscato de Alejandría varieties and produced by Arianna Occhipinti, in Sicily, Italy.

"The name of a road, for a wine that is a journey", is the perfect and forceful description that Arianna Occhipinti gives to her Occhipinti SP68 Bianco, a wine that refers to the Strada Provinciale 68 as a tribute to all those peasants who have travelled along this road from the countryside for three thousand years, first with amphoras and then with barrels containing the fruit of their labour, fatigue and joy, and the aroma of their land.

In the middle of Strada Provinciale 68, in Vittoria, Sicily, we also find the Arianna Occhipinti winery where this Occhipinti SP68 Bianco was created. The wine is made with grapes that come from vineyards with an average age of 15 years, located 280 metres above sea level and composed of soils of red sand and limestone, which are cultivated according to the principles of organic agriculture and biodynamics.

The plots are cultivated without employing chemicals, and the grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with their native yeasts. The must remains in contact with the skins for 15 days. The wine is aged for 6 months in cement tanks and finally bottled unfiltered.

Occhipinti SP68 Bianco is a terroir wine born out of respect for the land and the vineyard, and reflects the philosophy of Arianna Occhipinti who states the following: "If the work in the vineyard is performed with care, the passage to the winery becomes simpler and requires fewer interventions. Winemaker Description. 

Critic Notes

Eric Guido writes:  The 2023 Bianco SP68 is distinctly savory, as wild herbs and wet concrete give way to crushed nectarines. This is soothingly round and supple with a spicy tinge of ginger up front, leading to tart orchard fruits and a cascade of salty minerals. The 2023 finishes vividly fresh yet still potent, leaving hints of green melon and lime zest that linger on and on. Allow the Bianco SP68 some time to open in the bottle to express its aromatics properly.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Vinous 90

Winemaker Notes: The Atom California Chardonnay is a super-collision of hand-selected fruit, sourced from key growers throughout the coastal shoals & rocky foothills. The ‘Half-Life’ moniker adorning our dulcet, golden elixir is representative of our passion for concise & scientific winemaking met with nucleic intensity; explosive aromas & flavors that yield over time in the glass & on the palate.

Aromatics ignite the senses with mineral notes of soapstone & flint. A balanced coalescence of ripe stone-fruit, apple blossoms, lemon zest & toasted coconut greet the palate & dissolve to rich caramelized sugar, baking spices & a touch of smoke. Winemaker Description. 

Burghound 92 Points | There is a whiff of the exotic on the white and yellow peach, citrus and floral-inflected aromas. The texture of the medium-bodied flavors is at once rich but sleek with excellent minerality on the impressively persistent finale. I quite like this, and it should amply repay extended keeping. 

Winemaker Description

Sancerre Aujourd'hui Comme Autrefois is intended as a classic expression of the appellation with aromas and flavors of citrus, fresh herbs, and elderflower. The wine shows a bit more weight and structure than Sancerre tradition thanks to old vines and limestone soils. Minerals and fruit linger on the finish.

Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with salad greens and other sharp ingredients like tomatoes and vinaigrette. Sauteed white fish, oysters, smoked salmon, and foods flavored with fresh herbs all work well with Sauvignon Blanc. It is classic with goat's milk cheeses especially those from the Sancerre region such as Crottin de Chavignol and chèvre. 

Critic Notes

James Suckling writes:  A lively, focused and precise sauvignon blanc showing notes of sliced apples, cinnamon and mild spices. Medium-bodied with vivid acidity. There is a fresh lemon character balancing the comforting fruit. Plenty of energy, with an agreeable finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Kristen Bieler writes:  Nectarine and salty lime notes reveal a waft of smoke in this steely, well-structured version. A firm beam of acidity and a mineral spine hold strong, with the herbaceous finish marked by wet stones and refreshing brininess. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Notes

Year’s Best US Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits Magazine

James Suckling 94 Points | Grilled pineapple, apricot, hawthorn, burnt lime and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a sleek, creamy texture. Balanced, fresh and long. Beautiful expression. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. 

The 2019 'Dundee Hills Chardonnay' is a regional blend showcasing the best of the Dundee Hills AVA. Refined aromas of nectarines, honeysuckle, and bee pollen ascend from the glass, coalescing with notes of citrus peel. Layers upon layers of richness extend across the palate and crescendo to a seamless, persistent finish with lingering notes of lemon drop candy. 

This wine has the energy and drive to drink young or over the next decade. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

Antonio Galloni writes: The 2019 Chardonnay Myrna shows just how compelling the vintage is for white wines. Lemon oil, white flowers, chalk and mint give the 2019 a brilliant upper register that almost comes as a surprise once the wine shows its superb depth and persistence. This highly expressive, nuanced Chardonnay has a lot going on and plenty to offer. - Vinous 94

James Suckling writes: A polished, minerally chardonnay with sliced apple, lemon rind and some stone and flint. Laurel and other herbs, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture and balance. Phenolic texture. Lively and stony. From mountain vineyards in Sonoma and Mount Veeder. Nice debut wine. Drink or hold. - James Suckling 94

Jeb Dunnuck writes: Ripe melon, honeyed stone fruits, and spicy oak notes emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley, a classic, medium to full-bodied, layered, rounded Chardonnay that stays pure, balanced, and lenghthy. Another impressive wine from this estate, it should evolve for 3-5 years, probably longer. - Jeb Dunnuck 94

Jancis Robinson writes: Deep straw colour. Zesty, mandarin fruit with some pear-juice sweetness. Finishes a little suddenly. Well made but arguably it could do with a little more grunt and character. But I am probably being far too picky. Jancis Robinson 16

Full bottle all of 1,450 g. Fruit from two sources: Bald Mountain vineyard high on Mayacamas planted in 1972 and Thornton vineyard west of the town of Sonoma. Fermented and aged in barrel (18% new) with 30% going through malo and prolonged lees contact.

93 Points Tasting Panel |  Nice complexity from barrel fermentation and aging. Expressive and layered with lemon, pear, apricot, ginger cream, and a hint of licorice. Quite rich and lovely, not to mention a steal for the price.

Zekun Shuai writes  | A very flinty chardonnay with pure limey fruit and a hint of green apples and fine lees. Oyster shells and subtle cream. Quite a different wine from the past. This is salty and zingy with a textured, medium-bodied palate with a pungent, saline-driven finish. Very mineral. Delicious. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling 93

Aaron Romano writes |  A clean version, with notes of mineral and vanilla mixed with star fruit and yellow apple flavors, picking up spice details on the finish. Drink now.