Sonoma County – Cristaldi & Co

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This 2021 Monroy Wines Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Kick Ranch, a 40-acre vineyard on the western slope of Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas Mountains, within the Fountaingrove District of Sonoma, where vines thrive in iron-rich soils—and that mineral quality is immediately evident on the nose. It’s highly expressive, with notes of iron and crushed stone alongside dark, earthy minerality, forest underbrush, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, and blackcurrant and cassis fruit. On the palate, it’s beautifully polished and expressive, with cocoa-powder tannins and a wonderfully seamless finish that echoes the character and depth of the bouquet. A splendid wine from Adolfo Hernandez, who explained his background and winemaking style to me as follows: “I was the enologist and then assistant winemaker at Eisele Vineyard, splitting my time—two years each—between the Araujos and Château Latour. From there, I spent a year with Martha McClellan at Checkerboard, where we also made her gorgeous Levy & McClellan wines. In 2017, I started as associate winemaker at Benovia in the Russian River Valley with Mike Sullivan, where I’m happily still working today. I now make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Benovia while also producing wines under my own Monroy label. I focus on crafting cooler-climate style Cabernet Sauvignon that emphasizes floral and savory notes. All fermentations are done in barrel via closed-head rolling macerations, which I cooper myself. Barrel fermentation gives richness and density to the wines without the need to blend or harvest riper, more bombastic components, and naturally keeps the alcohol levels at or below 14%. I use only French oak, typically around 40% new.”

Red

2022

Producer

Name

The Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir is a Sonoma County appellation blend, divined from exceptional fruit sources, and for winemaker Justin Harmon he wants it to explode out of the glass. As Harmon puts it, “Every single one of our Pinots has a shot at becoming this cuvée.” The final blend is often anchored by Swan selection, followed by Calera and Clone 115. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak, the wine delivers on its promise—it practically explodes from the glass with expressive dark berry fruit, floral intensity, and spice. The palate is creamy and decadent, medium- to full-bodied, with lavish notes of clove, cardamom, and baking spice layered over crushed cacao nibs and violets. A hint of rose petal and crushed river stones adds further complexity. The finish is long, fruit-driven, and spiced-up, framed by juicy acidity that lifts the wine’s richness and keeps it fresh and vibrant.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

This 2022 Monroy Wines Cabernet Sauvignon hails from Kick Ranch, a 40-acre vineyard on the western slope of Spring Mountain in the Mayacamas Mountains, within the Fountaingrove District of Sonoma, where vines grow in iron-rich soils—and that mineral quality remains evident, even with the riper fruit character brought on by the warmer vintage. The oak is a bit more pronounced in 2022, yet the palate is utterly charming, leaning into dark fruit tones of black raspberry, balsamic strawberry, dark chocolate, and cherry. It’s more fruit-driven and less earthy than the 2021, but equally joyful to drink, with fine, powdery tannins that build a bit with some grip but land softly through a graceful finish. A very nice wine from the challenging 2022 vintage from Adolfo Hernandez who explained his background and winemaking style to me as follows: “I was the enologist and then assistant winemaker at Eisele Vineyard, splitting my time—two years each—between the Araujos and Château Latour. From there, I spent a year with Martha McClellan at Checkerboard, where we also made her gorgeous Levy & McClellan wines. In 2017, I started as associate winemaker at Benovia in the Russian River Valley with Mike Sullivan, where I’m happily still working today. I now make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Benovia while also producing wines under my own Monroy label. I focus on crafting cooler-climate style Cabernet Sauvignon that emphasizes floral and savory notes. All fermentations are done in barrel via closed-head rolling macerations, which I cooper myself. Barrel fermentation gives richness and density to the wines without the need to blend or harvest riper, more bombastic components, and naturally keeps the alcohol levels at or below 14%. I use only French oak, typically around 40% new.”

Red

2023

Producer

Name

Spicy and mineral, with rhubarb, cherry, and raspberry aromas and flavors, topped off with an almost minty herbal spice. Nice balance of roundness and acidity here! – J.R.

Red

2023

Producer

Name

TASTING NOTE: Lot #24. Barrel Sample: This Mountain Monopole makes you feel like you own Sonoma Mountain. Graphite and dark berry fruit lead the way, with gorgeous leather and tobacco nuances. The tannins are beautifully refined and perfumed with rose petals and subtle garrigue notes. The finish is bright, if slightly grippy for now—something that will mellow with time in bottle. A lovely wine with edginess. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: Fisher Vineyards started farming their Mountain Estate Vineyard on the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain in 1973. Over 50 years later, the vineyard remains secluded at 1,200 feet of elevation and with few neighboring vineyards for miles in any direction. This special “Mountain Monopole” lot is a five-case blend crafted exclusively for the Sonoma County Barrel Auction. Founded in 1973 by Fred and Juelle Fisher — and now led by three siblings of the second generation — Fisher Vineyards produces terroir driven, estate grown wines. Blessed by significant contributions over five decades from several of California’s great wine talents (including Paul Hobbs, Mia Klein, David Abreu, Aaron Pott and Adam Goodrich), Fisher Vineyards now releases nine estate grown, small-production bottlings each year. Hand harvested, de-stemmed and double sorted, this pristine fruit was whole-berry fermented in 225 Liter new French oak barrels. Expect classic Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics including savory aromatics and flavors of cassis, blackberry, cedar and dark cocoa nibs. WINEMAKER(S): Adam Goodrich ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: August 2025 (Available in bottle or keg format) ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY, Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Japan; please inquire for additional countries.

Red

2024

Producer

Name

This Sauvignon Blanc shows a richer profile, with toasty oak and vanilla mingling with yellow apple and lemon curd—almost more of a Chardonnay-like nose, which some people will love. On the palate, it’s laser-focused and racy, with a nice breadth of texture and juicy orchard fruit structure. Barrel aging included 12% new Saury oak, 16% used, and 72% stainless steel, along with seven months of lees stirring, all of which contribute to the wine’s flattering richness. Adolfo Hernandez explained his background and winemaking style to me as follows: “I was the enologist and then assistant winemaker at Eisele Vineyard, splitting my time—two years each—between the Araujos and Château Latour. From there, I spent a year with Martha McClellan at Checkerboard, where we also made her gorgeous Levy & McClellan wines. In 2017, I started as associate winemaker at Benovia in the Russian River Valley with Mike Sullivan, where I’m happily still working today.”

White

2024

Producer

Name

TASTING NOTE: Lot #40. Barrel Sample: When Williams Selyem and Benovia appear on the same label, you don’t even taste the wine—you just buy it. I told myself I wouldn’t taste it, knowing it would be too good to handle. Okay, that’s not true. I tasted it. Like five times. Just to be sure I liked it. I did and so will you. Super bright and zesty, with red earth minerality, vibrant red berry fruit, floral tones, and rich baking spice. Notes of grapefruit zest and blood orange add lift, while dark forest berry, underbrush, and saline mineral tension bring depth and structure. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: This is a first-time collaboration between two incredible winemakers, Jeff Mangahas and Mike Sullivan. This Pinot Noir comes from the Cohn Vineyard nestled in the hills and forest above Westside Road. It is one of the few heritage vineyards remaining in Sonoma County, initially planted in 1970. Cohn Vineyard was first produced as a single vineyard designate Pinot Noir back in 1987 by Burt Williams at Williams Selyem. With sweeping views of the Russian River Valley, Cohn Vineyard is notable for its ruddy, iron-rich soil, sometimes called “Terra Rossa.” Farmed sustainably and with minimal irrigation, these gnarled vines produce small and compact clusters with yields of just over 1 ton per acre. Benovia Winery is a small production family-owned winery in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Burt Williams and Ed Selyem started their winery, in the Russian River Valley with two lofty goals: to craft wines that set the standard for excellence, and to come to know and serve their customers personally. The depth of knowledge that both wineries bring to making exceptional Pinot Noir in this part of the world is a real treat for the winning bidder of this lot. “Terra Rossa” is a wine of depth and complexity. Brooding and dark, notes of black cherry combine with blood orange and hints of sous bois. Wood spices perfectly complement the dark fruit character. With great acidity and structure, the wine is buffered with terrific extract that provides balance. Dark fruits, citrus, and notes of cedar wrap up with flavors of black tea. WINEMAKER(S): Jeff Mangahas (Williams Selyem), Mike Sullivan (Benovia Winery) ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: March 2026 (Available in bottle or keg format) ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY, Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

Red

NV

Producer

Name

Vivacious, with lively and lovely green apple aromas and flavors, and impressive length for the asking price. With Méthode Traditionnelle production and 7% aged reserve added, this sparkler is an easy and affordable way to upscale your weekday sipping. – J.R.