San Francisco Bay (Livermore Valley)

2018

Omega Road Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sourced from the Ziganti Vineyard and aged in neutral oak, this is a savory, plum-driven expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose offers dried herbs alongside juicy red and black currants, while the palate delivers lifted notes of red plum and loganberry. A toasty, well-integrated finish rounds out this vibrant and approachable wine. -JR

Red

2018

Retzlaff Vineyards

Merlot

Structured and savory, this Merlot opens with aromas of black olive, dark plum, and a deep, brooding complexity. The broad, full-bodied palate begins with rich plum fruit and reveals impressive tannic grip. The finish is long, earthy. -JR

Red

2019

Cuda Ridge Wines

Malbec

After fermentation in open-top bins with daily punchdowns, this Malbec was aged for 19 months in American oak (21% new). Winemaker Larry Dino favors Pennsylvania oak for this wine, noting its signature bacon-like, meaty character—which is unmistakably present here. That savory quality mingles seamlessly with dark berry and blueberry fruit, supported by a streak of savory spice. The tannins are gritty and granular, adding texture and structure, yet the wine remains fresh and vibrant. A robust, distinctive Malbec that will soften with time in bottle.

Red

2019

Retzlaff Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot

Aged for up to two years in a combination of American and French oak, this Bordeaux-inspired blend is limited to just 350 cases. Dense, dark, and savory, the nose is rich with black olive and concentrated black fruit. The palate follows through with deep, almost syrupy layers of silky black fruit, delivering impressive concentration and power despite being under 14% abv. For fans of bold reds, this is a powerhouse pick. -JR

Red

2019

Rodrigue Molyneaux

Merlot

This may be Rodrigue Molyneaux’s final vintage of this particular red as a standalone varietal bottling from Thatcher Bay Vineyard—a real pity, because there’s so much to like. Juicy, spicy, and savory, this Merlot offers hints of violets, wood spice, and licorice on the nose. The full-bodied palate is plush with plummy fruit, yet maintains terrific tension thanks to its vibrant spice, bright lift, and a surprising amount of structure. A compelling farewell, if indeed it is the last. -JR

Red

2020

3 Steves Winery

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

A bold and decadent nose of baked cherry pie, mulled plums, and toffee spices, with earthy underbrush undertones. Medium-bodied on the palate, with well-knit tannins supporting ripe currant fruit and fig paste, leading to a lengthy, slightly chocolatey finish.

Red

2020

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Venture Red Wine - Iberian Blend

Made primarily from estate-grown Iberian varieties, this blend includes Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with a bright mix of red and black fruit on the nose, accented by orange zest and walnut husk, lending a high-toned, refreshing aromatic lift. On the palate, it’s soft and supple, framed by gentle tannins with an Earl Grey tea quality. Blackberry and black cherry fruit layer in beautifully, finishing with loamy earth and wet river stone minerality. A very intriguing and distinctive red.

Red

2020

Concannon Vineyard

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc

A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon from Estate Block 7 and 24% Cabernet Franc from Estate Block 15, aged for 19 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral barrels. This seductive red opens with a meaty, juicy, and spicy nose, accented by a hint of earthy funk. The rich mouthfeel is unapologetically bold, delivering sultry, tangy black and blue plum flavors. A perfect match for roast turkey or any richly flavored dish that welcomes a little attitude in the glass. -JR

Red

2020

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Petite Sirah, Nina's Cuvée

Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 19 months in puncheons, including 20% new French oak, this is a strikingly complex, mineral-driven red. Fragrant aromas of black fruit and violets are layered with black olive, leather, and a touch of incense. The palate is dense and structured, with powerful, fine-grained tannins and succulent, juicy blue fruit. A thread of wet slate minerality runs through the wine, lending tension and lift to its generous, deeply concentrated core.

Red

2020

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Zinfandel

Sourced from estate fruit and aged for 20 months in 60% neutral oak, this is a vibrant take on classic California Zinfandel. It delivers all the hallmarks—juicy, meaty, jammy, and peppery—while also offering a refreshing line of acidity that keeps it lifted. The medium- to fullbodied palate shines with bright red fruit. -JR

Red

2020

Darcie Kent Estate Winery

Choreography Red Wine

The 2020 vintage of this red is a refined and juicy wine, offering dark berry fruit layered with soft, plump tannins that give it a sense of roundness and fullness. Delicate floral notes and hints of bay laurel add aromatic lift on the medium- to full-bodied on the palate.

Red

2020

Omega Road Winery

Rumored Red Blend

With 10% of proceeds from each bottle benefiting the Celebration Nation Organization in support of farmworkers and their families, this red blend carries purpose along with personality. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carignan, 3% Tempranillo, 3% Zinfandel, and 3% Semillon, it offers intriguing spice notes alongside jaunty plum fruit aromas. The palate evolves from tangy to chewy to silky, delivering friendly red fruit flavors with excellent lift and impressive length. -JR

Red

2020

Rodrigue Molyneaux

Nebbiolo

A blend of 94% Nebbiolo, 3% Barbera, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, all sourced from the Tabby Cat Vineyard. The nose is a striking homage to Piedmont, with classic notes of sour cherry, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and dried blood orange. That vibrant sour cherry character carries through to the full-bodied palate, where it meets lively acidity, a meaty texture, wood spice, and a delicate flourish of dried rose petals. -JR

Red

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Limited Release Meritage

A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, with each variety fermented separately in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily. The lots were aged individually for six months, then blended and aged for an additional eight months—spending time in 75% new French oak and 25% second- and third-use barrels. The nose is rich and layered, with dark fruits like cassis, black cherry, and black plum mingling with black licorice, savory black olive, and warm baking spices. Full-bodied with a super-smooth entry, the wine offers a robust, spicy mouthfeel that warms the palate while firm, well-integrated tannins promise excellent aging potential. 672 cases were produced. -JR

Red

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Fermented in small stainless steel tanks with pumpovers performed three times daily to maximize color and flavor extraction, this Cabernet Sauvignon was then aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels. Sourced from just two select vineyards, this represents Wente’s top-tier Cabernet offering in this vintage. The nose is intensely spicy and complex, with layered aromas of cinnamon, basil, cedar, tobacco leaf, and rich cassis. A silky entry gives way to a deeply expressive palate featuring black plums, black cherries, and a continuation of the tobacco note, all supported by a fine line of minerality. Hints of dried herbs add intrigue to the long, resonant finish. -JR

Red

2020

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Syrah

It’s hard not to love a wine like Wente’s upper-tier Syrah. The nose unfolds in waves—black pepper, black raspberry, fig, smoke, and game—all seamlessly layered. On the palate, this full-bodied red delivers generous richness, with flavors of dried blueberry, ripe plum, and wild raspberry. Yet amid all the meaty depth and dark fruit, a surprising streak of minerality provides lift and balance, adding refinement to the wine’s bold, expressive character. -JR

Red

2021

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon

A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Front Vineyard, this red is made from hand-selected fruit and aged for 34 months in new French oak. Absolutely polished and classic, it offers blackberry and blue fruit aromatics alongside graphite and new wood cedar. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with a minty freshness that emerges through firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins and subtle white pepper on the long, satisfying finish.

Red

2021

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Peitite Sirah

This Petite Sirah was aged for 22 months in French oak, and opens with black currant fruit layered with sage, wild fennel, and blue fruit aromatics, all building on a medium-bodied palate. Notes of kirsch and apricot pit emerge, adding complexity. The wine zigzags between fruit and savory intensity before leveling out on a fine bed of woodsy tannins and tobacco leaf on the finish. A great pairing for richly spiced Indian dishes, especially those made with lentils.

Red

2021

Cellar 13 Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 100% Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 50% new Hungarian and French oak. Sourced entirely from Clone 1 vines at White Cat Vineyard in the Livermore Valley AVA. A pretty and elegant expression of Cabernet Franc, offering a refined nose of currant fruit, tobacco, turned earth, and dried wildflowers. Medium-bodied on entry, with a wealth of juicy currant and spiced plum fruit, layered with fine tobacco, hints of vanilla, and pops of new cedarwood, all framed by expressive acidity on the refreshing finish.

Red

2021

Concannon Vineyard

Captain Joe's Petite Sirah

Captain Joe’s Petite Sirah was harvested from Concannon’s estate Block 11 and Block 12, located on the north side of South Livermore Avenue where it intersects with Concannon Boulevard. These blocks feature austere, gravelly, and rocky topsoil that allows for excellent drainage and low water retention, encouraging vine roots to dive deep into nutrient-rich subsoils. The wine is bold, focused, and expressive, with fireworks on the nose—red berries and black cherry interlaced with mahogany wood accents. The palate is more subdued and elegant, showcasing Concannon’s long history with this variety in its suave tannins, and chalky mineral intensity. Crushed cocoa nib marks the finish, alongside cherry pit nuances. It has great length and the energy to carry a hearty meal.

Red

2021

Concannon Vineyard

Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon

This 100% Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Concannon’s historic estate Block 7 vineyard. As of 2018, 80% of California Cabernet Sauvignon is derived from Concannon Clones 7, 8, and 11—making this both a classic producer and a benchmark expression of the variety. This wine leans into the more savory side of Cabernet, showing refined black currant and spiced plum notes rather than ultra-ripe blackberry. Cigar box nuances build alongside dark chocolate tones on the medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with soaring tannins that have a superfine, pixelated texture. The dark berry fruit is deeply savory, intermixed with pressed flowers and loamy earth. There’s gravitas, tension, and energy driving this richly expressive Cabernet Sauvignon.

Red

2021

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Mother Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Polished, poised, and deeply expressive, this red delivers layers of blackberry and black cherry fruit, underscored by graphite, tobacco leaf, and sagebrush nuances. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 18 months in 26% new American oak, 16% new French oak, and the remainder neutral, it builds beautifully on the medium-bodied palate. Broad-shouldered, muscular tannins frame a deep core of dark fruit and savory spice that carries through the finish.

Red

2021

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Stampmaker's GSM

Named in honor of James Concannon, a first-generation family member and former stampmaker, The Stampmaker is a bold, expressive red blend. Each of the three grape varieties is fermented separately in stainless steel and open-top fermenters, with punchdowns and pumpovers for optimal extraction. The wine is then aged for 16 months in a mix of 44% new French oak and neutral barrels. Extremely fruit-driven, it opens with ripe red and dark berry fruit layered with baking spices, graham cracker, and cocoa nibs. Medium-bodied on the palate, it features plump, satiny tannins and a generous, lingering finish.

Red

2021

Cuda Ridge Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon (Purple Label)

Aged for 30 months in 62% new French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend showcases fruit from three standout sites: Cabernet Sauvignon from Galles Vineyard (elevation about 1,100 ft), Cabernet Franc from White Cat Vineyard, and Petit Verdot from Smith Ranch. The result is a deeply expressive wine with alluring aromatics of bay laurel, sage, and tobacco leaf, layered with black and red currant fruit. Medium-bodied on the palate, it reveals firm structure and a rich, black truffle charcuterie quality, with a subtle thread of incense on the long, savory finish. Zesty, layered acidity lends freshness and lift, making this an super food-friendly red.

Red

2021

Cuda Ridge Wines

Casa de Viñas Vineyard Carménère

Sourced from the Casa de Viñas Vineyard in central Livermore, this Clone 3 Carménère is planted on 5BB rootstock and trained on a VSP trellis system (planted in 2015 on clay loam soils). The site delivers a deeply expressive, spice-laced red. The variety’s inherent savory character is beautifully integrated, weaving seamlessly with the high-quality French oak used for aging. Red and black currant fruit lead the aromatics, joined by bay leaf, tobacco, and leather. The palate shows leathery tannins and a meaty mid-palate richness, finishing with iron-scented mineral tension and a grippy, satisfying close.

Red

2021

Cuda Ridge Wines

Estate Petit Verdot

Aged for 30 months in French and American oak, this estate-grown Petit Verdot is a polished, poised, and seductive red, offering refined mulberry and black currant fruit, hints of fig paste, and dried violet aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with silky fruit and satiny, elongated tannins, this is a stylish and delicious wine—well worth savoring over a long meal of braised meats and roasted vegetables.

Red

2021

Cuda Ridge Wines

Insel Carménère

This is one of Larry Dino’s more fruit-forward expressions of Carménère, sourced from the Insel Vineyard in Pleasanton, where vines are rooted in sandy loam soils. Aged for 18 months in French oak, the wine opens with aromas of spiced plum and dried currant. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers supple, juicy tannins and generous fruit character—plum, espresso, dark chocolate, and a touch of crushed clove.

Red

2021

Cuda Ridge Wines

Little Dog Vineyard Carménère

Medium- to full-bodied, this red delivers juicy plum, brambly black cherry, and currant fruit layered over wet slate minerality. Intense, robust tannins provide a solid foundation for the vibrant fruit and savory spice notes to shine—think black licorice, cocoa nibs, crushed clove, and a hint of smoked paprika. The finish is long, structured, and full of tension.

Red

2021

Del Valle Winery

Cabernet Franc

Aged for 20 months in 30% new European oak, this Cabernet Franc from Garre Vineyard is savory, meaty, and zesty. It opens with crunchy currant fruit, tobacco, loamy earth, and crushed violets. Medium-bodied on the palate, with more juicy, ripe currant, smoked paprika, and black sea salt, all framed by superfine tannins and a succulent black truffle and charcuterie finish.

Red

2021

Garre Vineyard & Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 2021 Cabernet Franc from Garré was aged for 20 months in 33% new Eastern European oak. It’s a very pretty wine—soft, approachable, and full of charm—with black currant fruit, cola notes, and hints of underbrush building across the medium-bodied palate. Gentle tannins glide into a long finish marked by black sea salt, Earl Grey tea, and pressed violets. A gentle giant, and all too easy to drink.

Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Omega Road Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon

Retzlaff Vineyards

Merlot

Cuda Ridge Wines

Malbec

Retzlaff Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot

Rodrigue Molyneaux

Merlot

3 Steves Winery

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Venture Red Wine - Iberian Blend

Concannon Vineyard

Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Cabernet Franc

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Petite Sirah, Nina's Cuvée

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Zinfandel

Darcie Kent Estate Winery

Choreography Red Wine

Omega Road Winery

Rumored Red Blend

Rodrigue Molyneaux

Nebbiolo

Wente Family Vineyards

Limited Release Meritage

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Cabernet Sauvignon

Wente Family Vineyards

Nth Degree Syrah

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Cabernet Sauvignon

BoaVentura Winery de Caires Winery

Peitite Sirah

Cellar 13 Winery

Cabernet Franc

Concannon Vineyard

Captain Joe's Petite Sirah

Concannon Vineyard

Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Mother Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Concannon Vineyard

Reserve Stampmaker's GSM

Cuda Ridge Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon (Purple Label)

Cuda Ridge Wines

Casa de Viñas Vineyard Carménère

Cuda Ridge Wines

Estate Petit Verdot

Cuda Ridge Wines

Insel Carménère

Cuda Ridge Wines

Little Dog Vineyard Carménère