It’s the week of July 6, 2026.  

America turned 250. Cristaldi is in Santa Barbara County, making the rounds, tasting the wines, and seeing what’s new and exciting. 

A couple of weeks ago, Cristaldi was in Bordeaux when the temperature hit 113°F. It was okay, because at Chateau Cheval Blanc where it was 55°F all day in the cellar.

A few weeks ago: “Tasting New York State wines in New York City two weeks ago was a thrilling journey through a host of 2022s, 2023s, and 2024s, with a smattering of 2025 whites,” Cristaldi told Cristaldi & Co. “Quality is again skyrocketing. Stay tuned for the report.”

This was Cristaldi’s second visit to taste through the regional wines of New York State. Last year, he visited Long Island, Hudson Valley, and the Finger Lakes regions, and this year, producers visited him in NYC. 

In other news, Cristaldi’s 2023 Napa Cabernet report is now published on Decanter.com. Over 600 wines, with nearly 200 more uploading over the next month. It is a comprehensive overview of one of the best vintages for Napa in the last 100 years. 

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And, ICYMI: I rated and reviewed the 2026 Willamette Valley Wine Auction wines from the 2024 vintage for Decanter. 

BIG NEWS: Jonathan Cristaldi takes on the elevated role of Chief Wine Critic for The Tasting Panel Magazine and Somm Journal, moving up the masthead from Editor-at-Large, a role he served in for over a decade.

Some changes are coming to C&Co. as we begin publishing reviews in Tasting Panel print and online, and transition this site into the realm of Video Podcasting. Great things are coming for subscribers. TBA in the coming weeks.