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Cristaldi Scores

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2023

Croix Estate

Narrow Gauge Chardonnay

Such a bright, saline-driven wine, showing citrus fruit, brown baking spices, chalky minerality, and exotic stone-fruit tones, with lemon meringue and apricot on the rich, succulent palate. It finishes with medium-bodied richness and laser-focused acidity. A fantastic entry-level wine for Croix Estate. Mostly sourced from cool sites in the Russian River Valley, including parcels in Green Valley, Sebastopol Hills, and pockets of the Petaluma Gap. All night-picked, whole-cluster pressed, given a two-day settle, then treated with a small sulfur adjustment before native-yeast fermentation. Some lots underwent native malolactic fermentation. Bâtonnage begins with more frequent stirring and tapers off as the wines age in roughly 30% new French oak for 15 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

2023

Croix Estate

Old Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noir

From Manzana Vineyard, planted to Clones 777 and 828 and blended together. The site sits off Occidental Road, a hillside parcel close to Kanzler. This is a very classy, bright, crunchy, red-fruited Pinot with grapefruit zest and orange-peel essence on the fleshier mid-palate, yet it remains focused and precise throughout. There’s a lovely undercurrent of loamy earth and apple-skin tannins that tighten into a laser-focused finish. All night-picked with native-yeast fermentation. Bâtonnage begins with more frequent stirring and gradually tapers off, after which the wine is racked into roughly 35–45% new French oak for 15 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

2023

Croix Estate

Starlings Roost Morelli Vineyard Chardonnay

From Morelli Vineyard in the Green Valley of Occidental. Kirk Venge says they often use this wine as a back-blender for acidity because it naturally carries such high acid — and it shows. This is a high-acid, bright, crunchy wine with lemon-bright lift, super fragrant with a crushed–sea-salt character, honeycomb, and pressed white flowers. Orchard and stone fruit come through ripe and juicy, with crunchy candied ginger on the lifted, bright finish. Super electric. That salted lemon-peel note brings an umami richness that never turns cloying. All night-picked, whole-cluster pressed, given a two-day settle, then treated with a small sulfur adjustment before native-yeast fermentation. Some lots underwent native malolactic fermentation. Bâtonnage starts with more frequent stirring and tapers off as the wines age in roughly 30% new French oak for 15 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

2023

Croix Estate

West Pyramid Block Pinot Noir

Sourced from Bucher Vineyard, planted on river-valley gravels with pockets of volcanic material and shale — not classic coastal Goldridge. The site spans 38 acres just outside Healdsburg on what was once a cattle ranch, near Rochioli and behind MacRostie. The wine is super perfumed, with rose petals, blackberry, and black cherry, and it carries a wonderfully rich, creamy profile of spiced plums, raspberry fruit, and fruit leather. Tobacco and tangerine-oil notes weave through the palate. It’s quite unctuous given the warmer site, yet still bright, lifted, and edged with excellent saline-driven acidity. All night-picked with 5–20% whole cluster, given a two-day settle, then treated with a small sulfur adjustment before native-yeast fermentation. Bâtonnage begins with more frequent stirring and gradually tapers off, after which the wine is racked into roughly 35–45% new French oak for 15 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

2023

Davis Bynum

River West Vineyard Chardonnay

Sourced from a vineyard on a low riverside bench, this white is big, but also refreshingly lemony. Everything feels wonderfully dialed up in this big-fruited Chardonnay. So it’s all on balance, from its warm and spicy aromatics to its rich peach flavors. – J.R.

2023

Domaine Della

Earl Stephens Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sourced from the Earl Stephens Vineyard in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley, this is a pretty, savory-driven Pinot Noir offering a mix of red cherry fruit, pine forest, crushed cocoa nibs, and elegant cedarwood. Medium-bodied, it’s balanced and finely textured, finishing with a tart cherry brightness. Founded in 2010 by David Warren Hejl, former CEO of Kosta Browne and Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, Domaine Della crafts limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from select Sonoma County vineyards.

2023

Domaine Della

Pinot Noir

This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is straightforward and juicy, offering a lively mix of red cherry and currant fruit layered with notes of spicy paprika and cedarwood. A subtle thread of saline minerality runs through the wine, balanced by blood-orange acidity and crisp, refreshing tannins. Founded in 2010 by David Warren Hejl, former CEO of Kosta Browne and Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, Domaine Della crafts limited-production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from select Sonoma County vineyards.

2023

DuMOL

Chloe Chardonnay

If Wester Reach is DuMOL’s Montrachet, then The Chloe is its Chablis counterpart—subtler, more elegantly framed, and refined in its restraint. While the fruit spectrum still spans citrus to tropical, the acidity is softer, lending the wine a gentler, more graceful finish. This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from 54% Flora Marie and 46% DuMOL Bressay Estate vineyards. It was aged 11 months in 26% new French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Damy, followed by 6 months of settling in tank. Founded in 1996, DuMOL is led by Chief Winemaker & Proprietor Andy Smith, crafting Russian River Valley releases from both estate and nearby grower-partner vineyards.

2023

DuMOL

Ryan Pinot Noir

Zippy, zesty, and zingy—this is an electrified Pinot Noir that crackles with energy. In total contrast to the richer Wester Reach bottling, it shows crunchy red fruits, bright red florals, and delicate Asian spice notes. Long, lean, and focused, it’s a natural partner for oysters Rockefeller or grilled branzino. This 100% Pinot Noir is sourced from Dutton Ranch and was aged 15 months in 32% new French oak barrels from Tonnellerie Remond. Founded in 1996, DuMOL is led by Chief Winemaker & Proprietor Andy Smith, crafting Russian River Valley releases from both estate and nearby grower-partner vineyards.

2023

DuMOL

Wester Reach Chardonnay

This Chardonnay bursts from the glass with a dazzling mix of citrus, orchard, and tropical fruit, accented by fine cedarwood and subtle vanilla. The medium-bodied palate is layered with flavors of lemon curd, lime zest, apricot, and pineapple, framed by delicate notes of pressed wildflowers. A firm spine of racy acidity provides balance and tension, supporting the wine’s generous fruit core. Sourced from 38% Flax Estate, 22% El Diablo, 16% Winners Circle, 12% Cornerstone, and 12% Charles Heintz, it was aged 11 months in 20% new French oak from Tonnelleries Remond, Chassin, and ACF, followed by 4 months of settling in tank before bottling. Founded in 1996, DuMOL is led by Chief Winemaker and Proprietor Andy Smith, crafting Russian River Valley releases from both estate and nearby grower-partner vineyards.

2023

DuMOL

Wester Reach Pinot Noir

The DuMOL style demands attention—structured, firmly tannic, and crisp, these wines are built for long-term cellaring. But give them air—open in the morning and revisit in the evening—and their purity of fruit and quiet elegance reveal themselves, a reminder that these are not wines to simply pop and pour. After four hours open, this 100% Pinot Noir showed layers of dark fruit, forest pine, and black truffle charcuterie, nuanced by wet slate and robust, smoky sea-salt–dusted tannins. Smoked paprika carries through the lengthy, dynamic finish. Sourced from 28% Occidental Road, 26% Dutton Ranch, 16% Flax Estate, 16% DuMOL Estate, and 14% Placida, it was aged 15 months in 28% new French oak from Tonnelleries Ermitage and Remond. Founded in 1996, DuMOL is led by Chief Winemaker & Proprietor Andy Smith, crafting Russian River Valley releases from both estate and nearby grower-partner vineyards.

2023

Dutcher Crossing

Chenoweth Vineyard Chardonnay

A light, zesty, and tropical Chardonnay offering notes of quince, salted lemon peel, and candied pineapple. The creamy mid-palate adds texture and depth, leading to a stony, sea-salt–tinged finish. This 100% Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley was barrel-fermented with native yeast, underwent full malolactic fermentation, and aged 11 months in one one-year-old French oak barrel and one used French oak barrel. Debra Mathay purchased Dutcher Crossing in 2007, and it now produces more than thirty wines from Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties, farming 75 acres of estate vineyards.

2023

Elaine Wines

Calypte Vineyard Chardonnay

Tasting the two Elaine Chardonnays from Calypte Vineyard provides a visual lesson in vintages—2022 was hot, 2023 was cool. The 2022 shows a deep golden hue, while the 2023 glows lemon-gold with hints of emerald shimmer. The 2023 vintage is leaner and brighter, driven by high-toned acidity that initially commands attention but soon reveals layers of lemon, lime, white florals, and tangerine oil beneath. Sourced from the winemaker’s estate vineyard, the Chardonnay was hand-harvested, barrel-fermented with indigenous yeast, and aged 17 months sur lie in 40% new French oak with bâtonnage before being bottled unfiltered. Established in 2017 by Elaine and Mark Sale, Elaine Wines produces fewer than 200 cases annually.

2023

En Garde

Passion de la Reine Pinot Noir

A barrel selection with 40% whole cluster. Aged for 14 months in 20% new French oak. An intriguing and exotic bouquet evokes tropical passion fruit, pomegranate, cranberry, and a touch of brown spice, all of which carry through to the light- to medium-bodied palate. More cherry and raspberry fruit emerge mid-palate, framed by sinewy tannins and a floral-driven finish.

2023

En Garde

Vines and Roses Pinot Noir

Vines and Roses comes from older vines along Olivet Road in Santa Rosa. Fermented with 33% whole clusters and aged for 14 months in 20% new Damy French oak barrels. It captures the generosity of the Russian River Valley with a lighter-toned red fruit profile and a fine dusting of pink Himalayan sea salt atop firm tannins that resolve with juicy richness and taut acid tension.

2023

Ferrari-Carano

Tré Terre Chardonnay

From sites along the banks of the Russian River in the Russian River Valley, this Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented with a mix of native and cultured yeasts. It undergoes 95% malolactic fermentation and is aged sur lie with stirring for nearly five months before continuing its élevage in Burgundian French oak for a total of 14 months. All that barrel work brings a gorgeous confectionary spice character—graham-cracker crust, blondie richness, and vanilla—mingling with delicate white-rose floral notes. The palate is full-bodied and richly fruited, loaded with ripe apple, poached pear, and vanilla-laced toasty oak. Quite delicious, distinctly fragrant for a Chardonnay, and impressively elegant for a wine with this level of richness.

2023

Gary Farrell Winery

Chardonnay

This 100% Chardonnay is blended from several vineyard sources that highlight the diversity and depth of the Russian River Valley. Aged for 10 months on primary lees in 30% new French oak. It isn’t shy with its oak use, but it’s beautifully integrated. The wine opens with aromas that transport you to a French bakery—lavish butter croissant and toasty brioche notes abound. Beneath that lies a wealth of citrus, lemon oil, lemon curd, and crème brûlée, all adding a sense of sweetness before finishing crisp, bone-dry, and marked by a welcome saline acid tension. Gary Farrell Winery has been a pioneer of the Russian River Valley wine scene for over 40 years.

2023

Kobler Estate Winery

Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir

A half-and-half blend of Pommard and Clone 777 from Bacigalupi Vineyard. The nose leans fairly savory, with a heady dose of cedarwood spice and white pepper. There’s plenty of tannin grip and texture, with juicy fruit on the palate that — for me — could be a touch riper, but for those who prefer a leaner, more focused Pinot with cool wet–river–rock character, this will hit the spot.

2023

Kosta Browne

Bootlegger’s Hill Chardonnay

Sourced entirely from Hyde clone at the Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard, whole-cluster pressed and 100% barrel-fermented, then aged 11 months in 33% new French oak followed by 7 months in stainless steel before bottling. The nose is super rich, showing lemon curd, apple, lemon peel, candied ginger and sea-spray minerality, with a kiss of vanilla and an ultra-salty wet-slate character. Ginger spice and candied lemon peel carry onto the palate, which has excellent mid-weight richness and a long, spice-driven finish. Totally captivating and delicious—beautifully balanced.

2023

Kosta Browne

Bootlegger’s Hill Pinot Noir

A captivating nose of ripe cherry fruit, sagebrush, rosemary, thyme and lifted rosemary florals, with a touch of cocoa powder for added depth. The palate delivers excellent mid-palate concentration, with powdery, supple tannins—like the jelly of a doughnut, no holes here—sumptuous and fully filled out. Fermented in a mix of stainless steel, concrete and neutral oak with 6% whole cluster, then aged 16 months in 37% new French oak.

2023

Kosta Browne

El Diablo Chardonnay

Whole clusters were pressed directly and the wine was 100% barrel-fermented, then aged for 12 months in 32% new French oak and a further 6 months in stainless steel before bottling. Sourced from the El Diablo Vineyard along the eastern rim of the Russian River Valley, this is a wonderfully precise white wine with tangerine oil, white peach, yellow apple and poached pear. The mid-palate is luscious, creamy and silky, revealing decadent French-pastry and buttered-croissant notes, followed by a fabulous sea-salt finish. There is more richness here than in past years—and it’s a welcome evolution. These wines are beautifully balanced; Julian Hausseppian is doing excellent work.

2023

Kosta Browne

Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir

One of the bolder, more concentrated wines in the 2023 lineup I tasted with Julian Hausseppian in December 2025. It shows multidimensional acid tension that gives the wine excellent grip. Generous brown baking spices and darker fruit lend a muscular profile, while notes of dried rose petals and rosemary essence add aromatic lift. The tannins are polished and persistent on the finish.

2023

Kosta Browne

Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir

Fermented in a mix of stainless steel, concrete and oak, then aged 17 months in 40% new French oak, a combination of wood cask, foudre and stainless steel, and blended just before bottling. This is a beautifully elegant wine with subtle brown spices and violets, showing pure cherry and strawberry fruit. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins, it supports all that ripe fruit, which turns darker-toned with an understated youthful poise. The length is tremendous, carrying brown baking-spice character along with candied ginger, smoked paprika and cocoa nibs on the finish.

2023

Kosta Browne

One-Sixteen Chardonnay

Fermented entirely in barrel with no whole cluster and aged for 12 months in 34% new French oak. Vineyard sources include Zio Tony, Lone Oak, Ritchie, Keefer Ranch, Bootlegger’s Hill, El Diablo, Charles Ranch, and Bob’s Ranch. The wine is incredibly rich and layered, with lemon peel, fresh lemon and ripe apple mingling with toasty oak spices, candied ginger and crushed almonds. A lovely saline minerality accents the palate. Medium to full-bodied with excellent mid-palate weight, it finishes quite crisp. Subtle notes of French pastry and oyster-shell minerality weave throughout. Truly captivating.

2023

Kosta Browne

Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

An absolutely gorgeous, perfumed nose of rose petals and cranberry fruit lifted by warm brown baking spices. The aromatics are bold and expressive yet remain pure and incredibly fresh. The palate bursts with bright, layered, beautifully ripe fruit—cherry, raspberry and cranberry—accented by a touch of grapefruit zest, clove and allspice. A long, stony mineral note reminiscent of wet river stones carries the everlasting finish. This is totally lights-out fantastic. Sourced from exceptional vineyards including Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Treehouse, Winner’s Circle, Zio Tony, Moonshine, Jenkins, Sundawg Ridge and Barron Ranch. Fermented in 55% stainless steel, 25% concrete and 20% oak, with 5% whole cluster. Aged 16 months in 40% new French oak, with some foudre and some stainless steel.

2023

Kosta Browne

Treehouse Vineyard Pinot Noir

This is your Saturday-night wine—the power broker, the one that will impress you and your guests. Bold, aromatic and richly flavored, it shows incredibly velvety tannins and a cocoa-powder softness, with dark cherry fruit, raspberry spice and pomegranate nuances. A hefty framework of apple-skin tannin adds crisp yet fluffy texture, while a firm pinch of acidity brings crunchy tension. The fruit is dark, ripe, supple and beautifully layered, balancing everything out and making for a wonderfully expressive, impeccably balanced Pinot Noir. Fermented in a mix of concrete, stainless steel, oak and whole cluster, then aged 17 months in 38% new French oak.

2023

Landmark Vineyards and Marchelle

Lot #31. 'A Lorenzo Legacy' Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay

Poured by Greg Stach and Greg La Follette themselves at the 2025 Sonoma County Barrel Auction, this one-off Chardonnay is pure Sonoma history in the making. Bright and zesty, it shows citrus, brown spice, honeyed lemon and fresh ginger, with a medium-bodied frame, lovely mid-palate density and a long, slate-driven mineral finish. A singular, never-to-be-repeated collaboration that captures the soul of Lorenzo Vineyard with clarity, energy and depth.

2023

Landmark Vineyards

Starr Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay

Banana, white peach, pear, white flowers, and fragrant cedar wood lead the way in this balanced, medium-bodied Chardonnay, with the same fruit and cedar spice carrying through on the palate. It’s a pleasantly coaxing wine with a graceful mix of richness and lift. The Starr Ridge Vineyard is planted to the Montrachet selection (clone) of Chardonnay, prized for producing high-quality wines from its low-yielding grapes. The wine was whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented with native yeast, then aged for 13 months in French oak (30% new).

2023

Lombardi

Baer Vineyard Chardonnay

The Baer Vineyard Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley is fermented and aged entirely in terracotta amphora for ten months. Crafted by winemaker Cabell Coursey, it shows wonderfully crisp aromatics—apple skin, a touch of beeswax, Marcona almond, and a hint of sea spray. The texture is velvety with a subtle, almost tannic grip. The palate delivers a deep, flavorful expression of apple, pear, and dried apricot, with a firm hold through the mid-palate and plenty of length on the finish.

2023

Lombardi

Baer Vineyard Pinot Noir

The Baer Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from clones 2A, 115, 667, and Pommard. It’s fermented in stainless steel and tank, then aged for ten months in neutral Atelier Centre Medium Toast and François Frères barrels. The wine shows a ripe, rich-fruited intensity with real muscularity—a savory streak of charcuterie and olive tapenade running beneath the ripe cherry and candied-cherry fruit. Fragrant cedarwood spice lifts the aromatics, and the palate finishes long with a mineral edge. A deeply savory expression in 2023.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2022

Producer

Name

Limerick Lane’s 2022 Russian River Zinfandel—their flagship wine—is a blend of Limerick Lane Estate fruit (74%), Maffei (12%), Banfield (12%), and Monte Rosso (2%). Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak, it delivers a wonderfully fresh and captivating expression of Zinfandel in the challenging, warm 2022 growing season. Medium- to full-bodied, it exudes crunchy red fruit and a pretty floral bouquet of dusty rose, accented by fine cedarwood and supple tannins that create a velvety texture. The finish is zesty and acid-driven, leaving a lively impression. Limerick Lane Cellars is a family-owned winery on a 53-acre Russian River Valley estate, with vineyards dating back to 1910.

2022

Producer

Name

This is a meaty, savory-driven Pinot Noir with brawny tannins and crisp, apple-like acidity. Intriguing walnut husk notes, leather, and tobacco underscore a core of cherry and blackberry fruit, while hints of Earl Grey tea, dried flowers, and a touch of black truffle–charcuterie complexity add depth. The finish is taut and tangy.

2022

Producer

Name

Marchelle’s Estate Pinot Noir is a barrel selection from their Harmony Lane Vineyard, located about 3 kilometers east of Occidental near Harrison Grade Road. Planted to Dijon 777, 115, and 667 clones, the wine was aged for 30 months in 75% new French oak barrels, resulting in a bold, robust expression of Pinot Noir. Red cherry and plum fruit are laced with cedarwood spice and lifted by a high-toned slate-stone minerality. The mid-palate brings darker cherry notes and firm, structured tannins, while a touch of volatile acidity adds a glossy lift and tart edge to the finish. Future vintages might benefit from less time in oak to preserve freshness, but as it stands, this is a juicy, richly textured, and enticing wine. Founded in 2021, Marchelle is a collaboration between winemaker Greg La Follette and co-founder Kevin Lee (a Silicon Valley brand builder turned vintner), named in honor of their wives (Mara and Michelle).

2022

Producer

Name

Rich, potent, and alluring. Dark spices and even hints of iron mix with tobacco, truffle, blackberry, blue plum, and incense on the nose. The palate is remarkably consistent, adding blood orange acidity to the wild berry and plum flavors. Packs a punch, but lands all of its hits elegantly. – J.R.

2022

Producer

Name

From the Leras Family Vineyard, where vines have been rooted since the 1980s, this Pinot Noir is a blend of Pommard, Beringer Heritage, 115, 667, and 777 clones, aged for 11 months in 50% new French oak. It’s a ripe, expressive wine, showing cherry compote, espresso, and toffee nuances alongside a touch of bay leaf. Tart acidity and firm tannins frame the palate, with a slightly drying finish that makes it a perfect match for food—spicy braised pork tacos would be ideal. Owned by Renae Perry and Ben and Yolanda Papapietro, and located in Healdsburg, Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small-lot wines, sourced via long-held relationships with a handful of top local growers.

2022

Producer

Name

The wines from Papapietro are deceptively light in appearance—almost tawny-orange in the glass—yet deeply flavorful and complex. This Pinot Noir is loaded with ripe red cherry fruit layered with notes of black tea, bay laurel, bay leaf, and underbrush, creating sumptuous depth and remarkable complexity for such a young wine. It’s thoroughly enjoyable to drink and begs to be paired with a long, indulgent meal. Sourced from Peters Vineyard west of Sebastopol, it’s made from Pommard, 115, and 777 clones and aged for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Owned by Renae Perry and Ben and Yolanda Papapietro, and located in Healdsburg, Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small-lot wines, sourced via long-held relationships with a handful of top local growers.

2022

Producer

Name

This single-clone Pinot Noir comes from the Leras, Bucher, and Peters vineyards in the Russian River Valley and was aged for 11 months in 80% new French oak. Light ruby with orange hues in the glass, it offers fragrant aromas of red cherry, Earl Grey tea, and a spicy, woody note that carries through on the medium-bodied palate. Tart cherry fruit, incense, and earth define the finish. It’s a beautifully structured wine that could almost be mistaken for a young Burgundy from Chambertin—*almost*—but its vibrant California character shines through. Owned by Renae Perry and Ben and Yolanda Papapietro, and located in Healdsburg, Papapietro Perry Winery specializes in small-lot wines, sourced via long-held relationships with a handful of top local growers.

2022

Producer

Name

A generous Zinfandel with bright red berry fruit, dusty rose petal, and vanilla notes wrapped in creamy oak spice. The palate is soft and inviting, with fine-grained tannins that build gracefully into a brown-spiced finish. The historic eight-acre Giovanetti Vineyard, planted to Zinfandel and mixed blacks in 1910, produces one of the winery’s most distinctive small-production wines—an expressive nod to Sonoma County’s old-vine heritage and its enduring grower relationships. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been in operation for more than five decades, now farming over 400 acres of estate vineyards.

2022

Producer

Name

Dustin Valette has known Michael Browne since his days at John Ash & Co., and when they launched this project it became a genuinely special collaboration for the two of them. This is the first wine they’ve made together. The Pinot Noir is supple, round, and sumptuous, with wonderfully plump tannins and smooth, silky mixed berry fruit, layered with fragrant cocoa powder, dried violets, and rose petals. A rich saline minerality emerges on the medium-bodied finish and seems to linger effortlessly. The intensity of the wine is very much Michael Browne in character, yet it retains admirable energy and drive.

2022

Producer

Name

Entirely from Bush Crispo, crafted by Bob Cabral. Crushed cherry and cherry compote lead the way, followed by unsweetened chocolate and darker forest floor notes, with nuances of crushed cocoa nibs. The palate is intense, showing Rooibos tea notes and an almost meaty, iron-like mineral character, supported by integrated cedarwood and a spicy white pepper lift from some whole-cluster inclusion. Serve this with steak au poivre.

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 Woodenhead Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is unfined and unfiltered, revealing a savory, spice-driven expression of Pinot Noir redolent of cherry fruit wrapped in eucalyptus leaves, with Earl Grey tea nuances framing the medium-bodied palate. Black tea–like tannins add structure, leading to a punctuated, lingering finish. Those savory elements are beautifully integrated and make this an ideal pairing for herb-dusted pork loin, spare ribs, or grilled branzino. Enjoy now through 2029.

2023

Producer

Name

This is a co-fermented field blend of 11 different varieties from the two 1921 blocks planted at Aperture Estate — small blocks totaling under 8 acres. It’s treated like a Burgundian variety, picked early to accentuate ripeness and given a large saignée (30%) to concentrate the tannins. Aged 16 months in 30% new French oak, all in large 70-gallon barrels. There’s something wonderfully savory happening here. There’s Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, Carignan, some mixed whites, and cross-bred Petite Sirah selections (Pellier/Syrah), all coming together to build a meaty richness in the glass. Dark berry fruit, rich herbal-spice notes, violets, saddle leather, and black olive drive the aromatics. The tannins are firm yet velvety, supporting a full-bodied richness that finishes with creamy caramel accents and a stony mineral edge.

2023

Producer

Name

From the renowned Kanzler Vineyard, the 2023 Pinot Noir bursts with vivid freshness and tension, offering bright notes of ruby red grapefruit, blood orange, and savory sage. Aromatics of anise, mint, rose petal, and rose stem lend complexity and lift, while crisp, woody tannins provide structure. Juicy, spicy acidity laced with saline and pine forest character underscores the wine’s impeccable grip and precision. Compared to the softer, more supple 2022 vintage, the 2023 is taut and energetic, built for longevity. Enjoy the generosity of the 2022s now—by the boatload—while the 2023s continue to evolve toward their full potential.

2023

Producer

Name

A wild yeast, low production (249 cases), Old Wente Clone Chardonnay from one of Sonoma’s most celebrated vineyards, this white sees no malolactic fermentation. Lifted aromas of golden apples, toast, honeysuckle, white tea leaves, and ripe citrus lead into fantastic flavors of lemon, white peaches, and hazelnuts. Packed with elegance and verve, this is excellent from start to finish. – J.R.

2023

Producer

Name

From Manzana Vineyard, planted to Clones 777 and 828, and blended together. The site sits off Occidental Road, a hillside parcel close to Kanzler. The nose is elegant and expressive — cherry fruit, sagebrush, bay laurel — like walking in a cool Redwood grove — all building into medium richness with sweet baking spices woven around dark cherry and raspberry. Medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a touch of cola root, plus lovely ironstone and earthy minerality and a hint of black-truffle charcuterie on the finish. Bâtonnage begins with more frequent stirring and gradually tapers off, after which the wine is racked into roughly 35–45% new French oak for 15 months. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

2023

Producer

Name

From the Sexton Valley Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills, this Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, undergoes partial malolactic fermentation, and is aged entirely in stainless steel. The result is a bright, energetic wine that’s light on its feet yet full of character. Aromas of lemon oil, lemon zest, and white flowers lead to a palate brimming with tangerine peel, crunchy kumquat skin, and vibrant acidity. The finish lingers with stony, wet minerality and subtle notes of lemon curd.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2022

2022 Limerick Lane Cellars Zinfandel

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Longboard Vineyards Meant to Bee Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Marchelle Wines Harmony Lane Estate Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Papapietro Perry Leras Family Vineyards Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Papapietro Perry Pommard Clones Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 St. Francis Winery & Vineyards Old Vine Zinfandel Giovanetti Vineyard

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Valette Browne Pinot Noir by Michael Browne

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Valette Bush Crispo Vineyard Pinot Noir by Bob Cabral

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Woodenhead Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Aperture Estate 1912 Red Wine

Still Wine

$$

2023

2023 Argot Kanzler Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2023

2023 AUTEUR Bacigalupi Chardonnay

Still Wine

$$

2023

2023 B Cellars Manzana Vineyard Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2023

2023 Balletto Vineyards Teresa’s Chardonnay

Still Wine

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