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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

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2023

Wood Family Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

The Wood Family Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 28% new French oak barrels. A touch more refined than the 2022 vintage, it shows focused purity of black currant and black cherry fruit, with fine tobacco nuances and elegant cedarwood accents, complemented by rose petal aromatics. The tannins are soft, velvety, and supple, framing a juicy core with seductive black currant jelly, cigar box notes, white pepper, a hint of cardamom, and a touch of crushed clove. A truly marvelous Cabernet Franc from the Livermore Valley.

2023

Wood Family Vineyards

Malbec

Sourced entirely from the winery’s One Oak estate property, which surrounds the Wood family home, this wine is crafted from vines planted in 2019. Fermentations take place in open-top bins, followed by 18 months of aging in 25% new French oak. The wine opens with alluring aromatics of bright red berry fruit, savory mineral notes, and dusty wild herbs. On the palate, juicy berry fruit is framed by pronounced, broad-shouldered tannins with a rounded, velvety texture that’s beautifully integrated. Layers of baking spice and rose petal florals add further dimension. A compelling and structured young wine—definitely one to watch.

2023

Wood Family Vineyards

Para Mas Amigas Chardonnay

This 100% Chardonnay was barrel fermented in 32% new French oak and aged for 9 months with biweekly lees stirring. Bold and expressive, it offers layers of pineapple, lemon oil, tangerine zest, and honeycomb. Full-bodied on the palate, with mouthwatering grip and tension, it builds to a long, spice-laced finish accented by baking spice and vibrant acidity.

2023

Yatir

Darom Cabernet Sauvignon

Made by Eran Goldwasser (who was trained in Australia) from grapes sourced in the south Judea region at 2,500 feet, this red is long, minty, and mineral. It has deep, focused black fruit action throughout. A serious—and seriously good—effort. – J.R.

2024

Benmar

Springbok

The 2024 Springbok opens with an expressive bouquet of cherry fruit, saddle leather, dried herbs, floral notes and fresh cedar. Crisp, crunchy apple-skin tannins burst onto the palate at first sip, resolving into a taut, saline-acid tension that clears the way for tart red berry fruit, gentle Indian spices and an earthy mineral thread to carry through the medium-bodied finish. From upstart winemaker Greg Bybee, the wine is named after his children, Bennett and Marecca, with the front-label image captured by his wife, Jen.

2024

Busy Signal

Busy Signal Pinot Noir

A nervy, energetic Pinot in all of the best ways. The nose is bright with dark red cherry fruit, bramble, licorice, and anise. The palate is almost paradoxically rich, extending the cherry and raspberry fruitiness into a lovely, complex, and spicy mouthfeel. It could age for a few more years, but tastes so good now that you’ll likely just want to answer its call and get busy drinking it now. 10% new French oak, 15% whole cluster, and sourced from Peake Ranch and John Sebastiano. – J.R.

2024

Buttonwood Grove Winery

Cabernet Franc

The 2024 Cabernet Franc was fermented in a mix of stainless steel and open-top fermenters, then aged in neutral barrique before finishing its maturation in a large 900-gallon oak cask for approximately 30 months. From a warm vintage, the wine shows deep mulberry and dark cherry fruit, laced with delicate rose petal and violet florals. Fine, velvety tannins frame the palate, leading to a long, spice-laden finish.

2024

Cirq

Lot # 1: 'The Ringmaster' Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTE: Lot #1. Barrel Sample: Damn screamingly good, like Michael Browne leading the circus. Cabell Coursey cruising in for the ride, and together these rocketmen are blasting off with a spectacularly perfumed red wine with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruit, showing lifted elegance from nose to mid-palate through to the long, saline-acid finish. Bright, spicy, and super fresh, with blood orange and dark cherry notes carrying the core. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: A blend of Koplen and Graham Vineyards, the 2024 CIRQ “The Ringmaster” showcases Michael Browne’s 20 years of experience working with both world-class Russian River Valley sites. Koplen Vineyard, located in western Santa Rosa, was planted 25 years ago and is meticulously farmed by Dennis and Linda Koplen. Graham Vineyard, situated in a cool and foggy spot in Forestville, California, was planted and is farmed by Charlie Chenoweth. The commitment to consistency and continuous improvement at both vineyards has made them the core of CIRQ wine. “The Ringmaster” presents a dark hue in the glass, with aromas of black cherries and berries, complemented by hints of oak, cedar, and spice. On the palate, an intense explosion of pomegranate, Olallie blackberry and black cherry unfolds, while herbal accents lend a savory quality. The wine is lush, with a palate-staining finish, well framed by ripe tannins and bright acidity. With its depth, complexity, and striking balance, this one-of-a-kind blend, crafted exclusively for this lot, commands attention and promises to evolve beautifully with time. WINEMAKER(S): Michael Browne, Cabell Coursey ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: February 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: October 2026 National Distribution: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KS, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, VA

2024

Clarice Wine Company

Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir

Sourced 100% from Garys’ Vineyard, just over 75% whole clusters were used and it was aged in just over 81% new 3-year air dried French barrels, with no additions other than sulfur. The nose is assertive and intense in its ample floral and spice components, with violets, crushed rose petals, and fascinating and pure aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, fennel, cloves, and pepper. Under it all, a lovely black cherry provides the backbone. In the mouth, that black cherry is sharing time with plush blue plum, cassis, and Indian spice flavors on a palate that is generous without being overbearing. There is just enough energetic lift to make the long finish feel buoyant. This is a powerful Pinot, but a pretty one, and one packed with enough stuffing to age well for years to come. – J.R.

2024

Clarice Wine Company

Pinot Noir

This red pulls fruit from Garys’ Vineyard (66.6%) and Rosella’s Vineyard (33.4%), utilizing predominantly whole clusters and aged in mostly new 3-year air dried French barrels. Rhubarb, black cherry, brambly raspberry, black tea, blood orange, and savory herbs announce the aromatic entrance on this rich Pinot. Things get even richer on the palate, where it becomes one of the more overtly hedonistic of the Clarice SLH offerings (that I’ve tasted, anyway). It’s resplendent with sweet baking spices, ripe plums, and dense black cherry flavor. Pair it up with any white meat dish that involves berry compote, and you’ll be in great shape. – J.R.

2024

Clarice Wine Company

Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir

There’s a lot of floral finesse going on here aromatically, and it will be much to the delight of New World Pinot Noir lovers. Lavender, crushed violets, tea leaves, mint, and even some Provence herbs all make themselves known as the aromas waft from the glass, underpinned with rhubarb, pomegranate, raspberry, and savory nuances. The mouthfeel is plush and round but still elegant, with concentrated black cherry fruit and plum flavors that are simultaneously wide and deep. This is a Pinot to both contemplate and imbibe (with gusto). Aged in 77.7% new 3-year air-dried French barrels, with no additions other than sulfur. – J.R.

2024

Convene by Dan Kosta

Lot #9: 'Above the Clouds' Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTE: Lot #9. Barrel Sample: Showstopper. Has Dan Kosta Swagger and Shane Finley charisma. Super dark berry fruit and brown spices lead, with a lovely dark rose petal fragrance and a rich, grippy texture. Medium-bodied with impressive intensity and sinewy tannins. A powerful wine with remarkable depth and tension. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE Sourced above the fog line at 1,000 feet of elevation in West Sonoma Coast, this exclusive bottling of Pinot Noir by Dan Kosta demonstrates the elusive reward of the grape grown under extreme conditions. Dan loves the tension he tastes in this wine. Crafted from a blend of his preferred clones, 777 and 115, “Above the Clouds” impresses with the elegant red fruit profile, poised tannin structure, and alluring depth of Sonoma County’s rugged coastal terroir. Aged for 15 months in exquisite French oak barrels from renowned Burgundian coopers Boutes, Sirugue & Rousseau, this medium-bodied, deep garnet-hued wine displays captivating red fruit aromas of strawberry and Bing cherry, complimented by delicate rose petals. Subtle yet firm tannins promise graceful aging, suggesting this wine is destined for a truly special occasion. Don’t miss this opportunity to acquire a piece of Sonoma County history with this exclusive Pinot Noir by Dan Kosta. WINEMAKER(S): Dan Kosta, Shane Finley ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: January 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: January 2026 National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

2024

Damiani Wine Cellars

Cabernet Franc

I greatly admired the 2023, and this 2024 stands shoulder to shoulder with it. It offers bright red berry fruit layered with elegant earthy and tobacco spice, cedarwood accents and lifted violet florals. The tannins are softer than in the previous vintage, yet they quietly assert themselves, building through the earthy, floral-driven finish with gentle persistence and poise. The 2024 Cabernet Franc is sourced from vineyards on Seneca Lake. Each lot was vinified separately in one-ton bins, with 20% saignée prior to fermentation, 10% whole-cluster inclusion and native yeast ferments. Aged for 12 months in neutral French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

2024

Damiani Wine Cellars

MC²

Sumptuously earthy, with rich blackberry fruit interlaced with leather and dried violets. Medium-bodied, it is shaped by gentle tannins and a streak of zesty acidity that brings real juiciness and lift. The finish gathers intensity, marked by bright wild herbs reminiscent of dill and thyme. Refreshing and thoroughly appealing.

2024

DANCIN

Cambré Fiano

Fermented in a single stainless steel barrel and neutral French oak for up to six months before bottling, this wine is an absolute standout. It offers fragrant citrus, apricot, pear, and yellow apple, layered with aromatic wild herbs. The fruit is lush and silky, backed by a spine of racy acidity and a spicy ginger and saline mineral finish.

2024

DeLoach Vineyards

Lot #12: '50 Years of Heritage' Maffei Vineyard Zinfandel

TASTING NOTE: Lot #12. Barrel Sample: As velvety as DeLoach owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s jacket and as suave as his quick wit. Super fragrant red berry fruit and vanilla spice aromas lead into a palate marked by juicy acid tension, pure fruit expression, and velvety-textured tannins. Hints of dark cocoa nibs emerge on the long finish. Brimming with the freshness and verve of the Russian River Valley! From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: The 2024 vintage celebrates “50 Years of Heritage” at DeLoach Vineyards, a milestone that honors the winery’s deep-rooted legacy. When DeLoach first began, its estate was planted with Old Vine Zinfandel—a tradition that continues today with this exceptional Old Vine Zinfandel from the historic Maffei Vineyard, just a stone’s throw from the estate. In 1970, founders Cecil and Christine DeLoach purchased 24 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel on what is now the DeLoach estate, nestled on the renowned Olivet Bench. Nearby, the Maffei Vineyard—registered by the Historic Vineyard Society—shares a rich lineage of old-vine cultivation. Planted in 1928 by Umberto and Maria Maffei, these gnarly, head-trained vines are now stewarded by their granddaughter, Joanne Maffei, ensuring their continued legacy of producing world-class fruit. This Old Vine Zinfandel opens with captivating aromas of black cherry, elderberry, and warm baking spices. The palate unfolds with layers of blackberry, raspberry, and baked fruit, accented by a whisper of tobacco. Robust tannins, balanced acidity, and seamless integration create a rich, lingering finish—paying homage to the time-honored heritage of DeLoach Vineyards. WINEMAKER(S): Brian Maloney ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: March 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: June 2026 National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC International Distribution: Please inquire for more information.

2024

Dial Tone

Dial Tone Pinot Noir

Bright cherry, tangy and savory cranberry, dark plum, and brown baking spices announce themselves on the nose of this affable and immediately tasty Pinot. The mouthfeel is rich yet easygoing, bringing darker cherry fruit and further hints of those warm and welcoming baking spices. Certainly worth picking up the call for, this is a crowd-pleaser through and through. Sourced from John Sebastiano and Peake Ranch, and aged in all older French oak. – J.R.

2024

Ducks Unlimited

Reserve Red Blend

The 2024 Ducks Unlimited Red Blend is simply fantastic. It’s a powerhouse, and one of the best red wines I’ve tasted from Texas. The aromatics just soar out of the glass with blackberry and boysenberry fruit framed by elegant cedarwood spice, lifted by violets and a bright pop of blue fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it shows a framework of fine-grained, firm tannins with a long finish marked by wet slate and crushed rock minerality, underscored by crisp, focused acidity. Serve it cool, at a cellar temperature of about 57°F, and you’d be crazy not to pair it with brisket or seared duck breast over a balsamic reduction. The blend is 62% Tannat from Vintage Press Vineyard and Hye Estate, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot from Dell Valley Vineyard.

2024

Elisa Christopher Wines

Narra Vineyards, Petite Sirah

Blue fruits and violets, hints of jasmine or honeysuckle, building with apricot, plum, and grippy Roobios tea tannins, building to a full-bodied sweet-spiced finish. Totally crushable. Grapes are grown at Narra Vineyards in the Texas High Plains. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak.

2024

Folded Hills

Estate Grenache 'Cluster'

Talk about an aromatic and spicy wine—no surprise given the name Cluster. This Grenache is fermented with whole clusters and undergoes carbonic maceration, a process where the juice ferments inside the intact berries. The result? A vividly expressive wine bursting with bright, juicy fruit. It’s succulent and energetic, with textured, grippy tannins that resolve beautifully into juicy acidity. Layers of purple violets and the fresh-cut stem of a rose weave through the mid-palate, while the super long and expressive finish is lifted by granular tannins and a flourish of rose petal.

2024

Fox Run Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

This is a bit of a chameleon—beginning with ripe red and black-toned fruit, elegant cedarwood spice, and rose petal nuances. The medium-bodied palate quickly shifts toward the savory spectrum, revealing layers of strawberry-rhubarb, baked cherry, leather, tobacco, and crunchy wild herbs. The finish is bright and lifted by crunchy acidity. Sourced from estate-certified sustainable vineyards and aged in neutral oak for 12 months.

2024

Innumero

Barrel Select 'Family Reserve' Pinot Noir

This is 100% Pommard from Bootlegger’s Hill — a robust, rich, and powerful Pinot Noir with classic Pommard character. Darker blue and black fruits lead the way, supported by elegant cedarwood notes and a full-bodied richness that builds across the velvety palate. There’s excellent energy and tension here, balancing the inherently richer nature of the Pommard clone, with a broad-shouldered tannin profile that signals real aging potential. Definitely one for the cellar.

2024

Innumero

Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

This is 100% Pommard from Bootlegger’s Hill—a robust, rich and powerful red wine with classic Pommard character. Dark blue and black fruits lead, layered with elegant cedarwood notes and a full-bodied richness that builds across a velvety palate. There’s good energy and tension supporting the clone’s naturally richer profile, framed by a broad-shouldered tannin structure. Definitely one for the cellar.

2024

Koehler Wine Estate

Portico Hills Gamay Noir

From Portico Hills Vineyard and aged for 6 months in neutral oak, this is a bright, zingy, and zesty red that crackles with energy. Tangy blood orange acidity drives the palate, while grippy tannins add structure to the medium-bodied frame. Notes of brown baking spices and a hint of incense lend complexity to the finish. Serve this slightly chilled alongside BBQ or pizza.

2024

Kosta Browne

Lot #46. 'Terra & Tempus' Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTE: Lot #46. Barrel Sample: Although neither Dan Kosta nor Michael Browne has anything to do with this wine anymore, you can keep telling yourself they do—if that helps justify drinking this entire auction lot yourself (which I highly recommend). The winemaker today is Julien Howsepian, who may hate describing wines in tasting note videos, but makes damn good wine you will want to describe to your Friday night poker buddies—or whatever club you belong to on Friday nights. Sourced from 5 Wells Vineyard (Clone 943), Gap’s Crown (Swan clone, all concrete), and Thorn Ridge (Clone 115, submerged cap ferment in concrete). Aged in two-thirds light-toast new French oak. Aromatics are all early summer berries, rose petals, and brown baking spice, with firm, mineral-rich tannins and impressive length. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Terra & Tempus” pays homage to the land and the passage of time, capturing the essence of a singular harvest. A bespoke Pinot Noir, it unites the elegance of the Russian River Valley and the coastal influence of the Sonoma Coast, offering a seamless interplay of fruit, earth, and structure. It is a true reflection of its origins. At its heart, this singular Pinot Noir celebrates the balance of strength and finesse, a testament to both its vineyard sources and Kosta Browne’s winemaking artistry. Crafted in limited quantities and available exclusively through the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, “Terra & Tempus” is a one-of-a-kind expression-never to be replicated. Winemaker Julien Howsepian set out to craft a wine that tells the story of the 2024 vintage, a year defined by a dynamic growing season, where warmth and cool coastal breezes worked in harmony to shape expressive, layered fruit. Notes of wild berries, forest floor, and delicate spice emerge, framed by refined acidity and silky tannins, ensuring a wine that captivates now and will evolve beautifully over time. WINEMAKER(S): Julien Howsepian ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: February 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: May 2026 National Distribution: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan; please inquire for additional countries.

2024

Madrevite

Opra

Still clearly a young pup, this Grenache (locally called Gamay del Trasimeno) offers a nose of violets, ocean spray, raspberries, pepper, and currants.The palate deep with plummy fruitiness, but manages to stay light on its feet with perky acidity through a spicy, earthy finish. – J.R.

2024

Medlock Ames

Lot #47. 'Convergence' Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon

TASTING NOTE: Lot #47. Barrel Sample: Winemaker Abby Watt works with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, who’s on speed dial for some of Napa’s most elite estates. He also happens to be one of the tallest winemakers around—and his tannins are often just as tall, or at least elegantly elongated. Here, Watt and Hoefliger deliver a full-bodied, bold red blend with an expressive nose of brambly dark berry fruit, graphite, and fragrant violets. Layers of graham cracker and cinnamon add warmth and intrigue. The palate is super fresh, with bold yet supple tannins and impressive depth and concentration—all while remaining remarkably light on its feet. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Convergence” captures the rare moment when Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon ferment together in perfect harmony. For the first time, these two varietals ripened at the same time at Bell Mountain Ranch, a rare alignment that allowed for an experimental co-fermentation. Normally, these two varietals never reach peak ripeness simultaneously, making this unique harvest a fleeting moment in time. This exceptional vintage captures a singular, never-to-be-repeated experience in winemaking, where the perfect conditions allowed for a collaboration between two varietals that rarely share the same stage. Located at the southernmost tip of Alexander Valley, Bell Mountain Ranch sits in one of the cooler spots in the region, benefiting from the lower night temperatures that preserve freshness in the grapes. This vineyard is truly unique, with steep hillsides and growing conditions that closely mirror those of Bordeaux. Preserving the land is at the heart of the Medlock Ames philosophy. The vineyard is certified organic and regenerative organic, ensuring that their practices nourish the soils, plants, and workers. The bold fruitiness of Malbec in “Convergence” softens the gentle tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a seamless fusion that enhances both varietals with layers of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle earthy notes. The wine has a perfect balance of fruitiness, smooth tannins, and freshness, with a lingering finish that showcases the best of both varietals. It’s bold yet refined, with a complexity that evolves with every sip. WINEMAKER(S): Abby Watt ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: January 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: CA International Distribution: None

2024

Milea Estate Vineyard

Hudson Heritage Chambourcin

Though there’s no carbonic maceration, this wine carries a Gamay-like charm, with mulberry and candied berry fruit layered over rich earthy aromatics and a subtle jalapeño note. Supple and full-bodied on the palate, it delivers ripe red fruit that shifts into cranberry, grapefruit zest, raspberry, and a touch of cocoa powder on the finish. Easygoing, joyful, refreshing, and downright delicious.

2024

Millbrook Winery

Cabernet Franc Clone 623

Set to be bottled in the spring of 2026, this is a richer, bolder expression with suave, sinewy tannins and deep dark berry fruit. Elegant violet and rose petal notes weave through layers of cranberry and cherry coulis. Medium- to full-bodied, with ripe, robust tannins and loads of wet slate minerality, it also shows hints of vanilla, brown spice, and dark salted chocolate. This is clearly a bold, ripe style—thanks to the introduction of new oak by winemaker Ian Bearup—and it feels like a confident step forward. I’m excited to see where this goes.

2024

Millbrook Winery

Gamay Noir

Open-top fermented and drained to four- to five-year-old François Frères barrels. Bottled after 7–8 months, this wine shows gorgeous dark berry depth framed by rose petal florals and earthy undertones. The mid-palate is generous and fruit-driven, with a Pinot-like elegance: red cherry, cedarwood spice, and a whisper of conifer forest. It all leads to a long, stony, mineral finish.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon A Jó Élet comes entirely from the Estate Vineyard. It’s bold and spicy, with a molasses-like richness, dark baking spice, clove, blue fruit, and violets all coming together on the palate, delivering a hard-to-beat “yummy factor.” The tannins are soaring and expressive—firm at first, then resolving into juicy, dark, brooding fruit. The wine was aged for 30 months in brand-new Hungarian oak barrels. Winemaker Mark Clarin cherry-picks his favorite barrels for this blend, producing about 400 cases.

2022

Producer

Name

This wine is made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 30 (the Silverado “Disney” clone) sourced from the Lucky 8 Vineyard, a 12-acre site planted in 2016. Located just off Tesla Road, the vineyard sits on a gentle slope. The wine was aged for 30 months in French and American oak barrels (50% new). It’s driven by cassis and currant fruit, with accents of currant leaf and red tobacco. The tannins are rich, robust, and chocolaty, with dried violets and charcuterie notes that carry through the medium-bodied, spicy finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Named in honor of the late James Vincent, who founded the winery with his wife, Ginger, this Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the 12-acre McGrail Vineyard. It was fermented in stainless steel with a cold soak to amplify color and fruit intensity, then kept on the skins for up to 20 days post-fermentation before being pressed, settled, and racked to barrel. The wine was aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak. It’s a blend of two Cabernet clones: Clone 15, which tends to be fruitier, and Clone 8, which leans more savory. Together, they express dark berry fruit layered with sagebrush, tobacco, and a pop of juniper, followed by ripe, juicy mulberry on the full-bodied palate. The tannins are chewy, bold, and palate-arresting, with a gravelly mineral edge. Long, spicy, and resonant.

2022

Producer

Name

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Patriot comes from the Estate Vineyard and was aged for 30 months in 100% new American oak barrels. This is a bold, ripe, richly fruited wine, bursting with blueberry and blackberry, cola nut, sweet Asian spices, and luscious, supple tannins that carry a meaty quality. Fig paste and charcuterie notes mingle with loamy earth, leading into big, chewy tannins on the resounding finish. The moniker is a tribute to the winery’s support of the Fallen Heroes Fund and also honors founder James Vincent, a former Alameda County Sheriff. Tasted with Mark Clarin in December of 2025, this has the same power and intensity of the 2021, but much more fruit-driven.

2022

Producer

Name

Winemaker Mark Clarin says Cabernet Sauvignon should be “big, bold, and badass”—and this wine delivers. Sourced from the 12-acre McGrail Vineyard, the grapes were cold-soaked in stainless steel to amplify color and fruit intensity, followed by fermentation and up to 20 days of extended maceration on the skins. After pressing and settling, the wine was racked to barrel and aged for 30 months in approximately 65% new oak—a mix of French, Hungarian, and American. Like the previous vintage, this bottling bursts out of the glass with mixed berry fruit—raspberry, black cherry, mulberry—and warm baking spice notes. Sweet mulling spices join cocoa-powder tannins that bring real intensity, finishing with brighter blue-fruit aromas, loamy earth, and a pop of toffee spice.

2022

Producer

Name

This 100% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, comes from Clone 11 (French 214) grown at Lucky 8 Vineyard in the southeastern portion of the Livermore Valley. The wine explodes from the glass with bold oak overtones framing blackberry and spiced plum fruit. It’s a meaty, heady wine layered with loamy earth, pressed violets, soft, supple tannins, and loads of juicy character. This is your burger Cabernet Franc—some for the meat on the grill, the rest for the glass.

2022

Producer

Name

Aged for 14 months in 20% new French oak. Sourced from S & C Newsome Vineyards in the Texas High Plains, this Montepulciano exemplifies McPherson’s hallmark consistency of quality and style from vintage to vintage. It offers tart cherry fruit, cedarwood, and a subtle meaty nuance, all unfolding across a medium-bodied palate with velvety tannins and lingering black tea notes on the finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Syrah fruit for this wine comes from both the East Side and West Side estate properties. It was fermented with 65% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, then pressed to barrel and aged for 11 months prior to bottling. This is a far more approachable Syrah than Donna’s Block—juicier and more supple, with blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry fruit leading the way. The tannins are gentler, yet still carry a crisp, crunchy edge, balanced by expressive, juicy acidity with a blood orange character. Aromatically complex, the wine offers layers of perfumed rose petals, clove, and incense, with dried sage and spearmint adding nuance. Super fresh, inviting, and wonderfully complete.

2022

Producer

Name

Donna’s Block is located on the east side of the estate, surrounding the winery. Fermented with 100% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, this wine requires foot-stomping in the early days to break things up enough for punchdowns. “The stems are perfectly ripe,” says assistant winegrower Garrett Adelman. After fermentation, the wine is pressed to all neutral oak and aged for 18 months. Typically picked in November, the grapes never become overripe—pH remains low, preserving freshness and balance. Let me tell you: this is one of the most expressive Syrahs you’ll taste from the Sta. Rita Hills. It’s a complex enigma of a wine—medium- to full-bodied, with firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins that carry a subtle meaty quality, reminiscent of the best black truffle charcuterie you’ve ever had. That profound structure frames juicy black cherry, early-season blueberry, and blackberry seed, layered with clove, allspice, incense, rose stem, perfumed violets, both fresh and dried. The finish? So very long. Just—wow.

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

This Dolcetto from the Michael Ros Vineyard in the Texas High Plains is a bright, high-toned, and spicy red wine with notes of agave and red licorice. Framed by gentle, well-integrated tannins, it’s lean yet packs power and intensity, carrying through to a savory, dried herb finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Aged for 25 months in 28% new French oak barrels, this wine marks the first red blend release under the Envisage label—the name symbolizing the bold leap that Michael and Rosanne took in founding their family-owned boutique winery in the Texas Hill Country. This medium-bodied blend is framed by red berry fruit and warm baking spice, layered with white pepper nuances and a touch of richness. Juicy and fresh on the palate, it shows firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins and finishes bone dry with lingering spice and energy.

2022

Producer

Name

Rich cassis and currant fruit are layered with earthy Hudson Valley forest tones and savory sage. The medium-bodied palate builds with notes of espresso bean and firm, burly tannins, all driven by coiled acidity that fuels a long, mouthwatering finish.

2022

Producer

Name

A blend of fruit from Long Island and the Hudson Valley, aged in 10% new French oak (confirm via tech sheet). This is a well-knit, expressive Cabernet Franc showing both red and black fruit, with cedarwood and graham cracker spice layered over sagebrush and tobacco leaf aromatics. The medium-bodied palate carries those same notes forward, supported by fine-grained, cohesive tannins and finishing with a lift of cocoa powder, blood orange, and raspberry fruit.

2022

Producer

Name

A very elegant Cabernet Franc with a muscular framework of robust, velvety tannins. Bright, pure red berry fruit leads the way, with crunchy cherry and apple-like nuance. Hints of dark salted chocolate thread from the nose through to the tannins, carrying into a mouthwatering, acid-driven finish.

2022

Producer

Name

Stylistically similar to the estate Vineyard Milea BDX Red Blend, this wine leans darker, with forest berry fruit, conifer, and cedarwood spice. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers supple, juicy dark fruit layered with a touch of salty dark chocolate and lifted by blood orange acidity. The finish is long, expressive, and remarkably fresh.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards and Winery A Jó Élet “The Good Life” Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards and Winery Clone 30, Lucky 8 Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards and Winery James Vincent Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards and Winery Patriot Cabernet, McGrail Vineyards

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards and Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 McGrail Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 McPherson Cellars S & C Newsome Vineyards, Home Block Montepulciano

-

$

2022

2022 Melville Estate Syrah

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Melville Estate Syrah, Donna’s Block

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Merry Edwards Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$$

2022

2022 Michael Ros Dolcetto

Still

N/A

2022

2022 Michael Ros Winery Texas High Plains, Envisage

-

$$

2022

2022 Milea Estate Vineyard BDX Red Blend (Farmhouse Collection)

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Milea Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Farmhouse Collection)

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Milea Estate Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2022

2022 Milea Estate Vineyard Vincenza Reserve BDX Blend

Still Wine

$

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