Sonoma County (Chalk Hill)

2022

Calluna Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

In 2022, the Calluna Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted as a selection of the best lots from the winery’s hillside vineyards. Each of the 12 blocks was fermented separately and evaluated through blending trials after five months in barrel. The final blend comprises 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. This is a structured, energetic, and finely focused red—nothing soft or loose here. It offers expressive blackberry and violet notes alongside hints of blue fruit and cedarwood spice. A dusting of cocoa powder frames the pure, vibrant fruit, giving the wine both texture and polish. The finish shows excellent length and tension, with subtle graphite and wood smoke. Founder and winemaker David Jeffrey established Calluna Vineyards in 2005, planting 12 acres of estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s Chalk Hill AVA, followed by an additional 5 acres in 2014. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State, Jeffrey apprenticed under Alain Raynaud at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion.

Red

2022

Calluna Vineyards

Calluna Vineyards Cuvée CVC

This Bordeaux blend is composed of 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Aged 21 months in French oak barrels, 20% of which were new, it’s a bold, full-bodied, and generously structured red. The nose and palate are layered with dark berry fruit and warm cedar spice, offering both richness and comfort. Notes of dark chocolate complement juicy, spiced plum and a hint of tart raspberry, all framed by firm yet polished tannins. The finish lingers with a touch of dried fig, adding depth and a satisfying sense of warmth. Founder and winemaker David Jeffrey established Calluna Vineyards in 2005, planting 12 acres of estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s Chalk Hill AVA, followed by an additional 5 acres in 2014. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State, Jeffrey apprenticed under Alain Raynaud at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion.

Red

2022

Calluna Vineyards

The Colonel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is barrel-fermented in French oak, a technique that helps soften the tannins and integrate the oak seamlessly—and in this case, to great effect. The wine is medium-bodied and fruit-driven, offering aromas of crunchy red berries accented by hints of pine and mint. On the palate, notes of candied berry fruit emerge, while firm tannins gradually build toward a structured finish. The Colonel’s Vineyard is a small 1¼-acre block planted to Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon in 2005. Fermentation takes place in 100% new French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Baron for three weeks, followed by 20 months of aging in French oak, 50% of it new. Founder and winemaker David Jeffrey established Calluna Vineyards in 2005, planting 12 acres of estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s Chalk Hill AVA, followed by an additional 5 acres in 2014. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State, Jeffrey apprenticed under Alain Raynaud at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion.

Red

2022

Hook & Ladder

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged 18 months in 18% new and used Hungarian oak, this 2022 estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Los Amigos Ranch in the Chalk Hill AVA is wonderfully fragrant, offering mulberry fruit with high-toned violet and rose petal notes. Blackcurrant, cassis, and muddled blackberry and cherry compote follow, creating a fruit-forward character supported by soft tannins and a smooth, medium-bodied finish. Incredibly approachable and delicious, this value-driven Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent weeknight wine.

Red

2023

Calluna Vineyards

Aux Raynauds Merlot

This Merlot comes from a special block dedicated to Alain Raynaud and his family of Bordeaux and is blended with 11% Cabernet Franc. Aged 21 months in 20% new French oak barrels, it’s crafted in a focused, distinctly Bordelais style—restrained, balanced, and elegant rather than opulent. Subtle aromas of cherry and red currant mingle with cedarwood, sage, and bay laurel. The palate reveals plummy and raspberry fruit framed by firm, fine-grained tannins that build toward a dry, structured finish. This wine would benefit from another year of cellaring to soften its edges and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 3–7 years. Founder and winemaker David Jeffrey established Calluna Vineyards in 2005, planting 12 acres of estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s Chalk Hill AVA, followed by an additional 5 acres in 2014. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State, Jeffrey apprenticed under Alain Raynaud at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion.

Red

2023

Chalk Hill

Estate Red

This red comes from the Chalk Hill Estate, a 1,300-acre property with 300 acres under vine. “The site is pretty cold for Bordeaux varieties within Sonoma County,” notes Mari Wells Coyle, VP of winemaking. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged 20 months in 52% new French oak. The 2023 is exceptionally elegant, with ultra-fine tannins that coat the palate like cashmere. There’s excellent fruit depth, delivering rich, ripe black-fruit flavors that remain crisp and bright, layered with tobacco and pops of blue fruit on the vivid finish. Full-bodied, full-flavored, and beautifully layered—a gorgeous expression of the estate.

Red

2024

Calluna Vineyards

Estate Blanc

A blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon, this wine was barrel-fermented and aged in mostly neutral French oak, with about 10% new oak. It underwent no malolactic fermentation, preserving its brightness and lift. The result is a lavishly aromatic white—one that immediately commands attention. Lifted notes of citrus and orchard fruit are layered with subtle hints of vanilla and cedarwood, creating an enticing and sumptuous bouquet. On the palate, the wine becomes leaner and more focused, revealing flavors of yellow apple drizzled with lemon juice, crushed almonds, white flowers, and apple skin. Quite an aromatic and focused white. Founder and winemaker David Jeffrey established Calluna Vineyards in 2005, planting 12 acres of estate vineyards in Sonoma County’s Chalk Hill AVA, followed by an additional 5 acres in 2014. After earning his degree in viticulture and enology at Fresno State, Jeffrey apprenticed under Alain Raynaud at Château Quinault in Saint-Émilion.

White

2024

Chalk Hill

Estate Sauvignon Blanc

There’s a lot going on with this Sauvignon Blanc. It’s fermented in barrel with biweekly bâtonnage for the first two months, then monthly afterward, and aged five months in French oak (12% new). The blend also includes 18% Sauvignon Gris. It’s absolutely delicious—heady and contemplative—with impressive midweight texture and tension. Layers of citrus and orchard fruit mingle with a salty, briny mineral character, accented by white flowers, almonds, and plenty of crushed sea salt on the lengthy, fruit- and mineral-rich finish. A cedarwood spice note is beautifully woven into the fabric of the wine, adding both texture and tension. I love the generosity here; it’s a wine you can pair with food, but it’s equally pleasurable as a solo sipper before or after a meal. Fantastic at this price.

Cristaldi Scores

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Calluna Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon

Calluna Vineyards

Calluna Vineyards Cuvée CVC

Calluna Vineyards

The Colonel's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Hook & Ladder

Cabernet Sauvignon

Calluna Vineyards

Aux Raynauds Merlot

Chalk Hill

Estate Red

Calluna Vineyards

Estate Blanc

Chalk Hill

Estate Sauvignon Blanc

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