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Cristaldi Scores

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Wine

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Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2024

Weis Vineyards

Dry Riesling

Weis prefers sourcing grapes from the southern portions of the lakes, where shale soils are more prevalent—reminding him of the vineyards near his hometown in the Mosel. The 2024 vintage was long and generous, what he calls a “dream vintage,” with the luxury of picking at ideal ripeness. This wine shows a plump, generous palate—especially when compared to the Estate 2023 Riesling, which I had just tasted. I highly recommend tasting them back-to-back. You’ll notice shared characteristics: orchard fruit, crunchy lime, and that bright, mouthwatering acidity that defines both wines, though this one delivers with a bit more roundness and breadth.

2024

Weis Vineyards

Grüner Veltliner

This Grüner Veltliner shows impressive mid-palate width—think of it like a frisbee, in contrast to the more pointed, football-shaped profile of Peter’s Rieslings. The aromatics are citrus-bright with notes of white flowers, almond skin, and a beautiful squeeze of lime over Melon de Bourgogne-like fruit. The finish is long, steely, and mineral-driven.

2024

Weis Vineyards

Heart of the Lake

This is Aravelle (Hybrid “NY 81.0315.17”), a cross between Riesling and Cayuga White. Bright and expressive, it opens with aromas of white flowers and lime blossom, building into a palate driven by zesty, crunchy acidity and apple skin notes. A subtle hint of melon and honeydew lingers on the finish. Light, bright, and clean throughout.

2024

Weis Vineyards

Riesling Ice Wine

Very pretty, with orchard fruit notes and a more linear palate expression. Think poached pear with a drizzle of honey. There’s a chalky minerality that gives it lift, and it almost drinks like a dry wine—especially when tasted after their ultra-rich Noble Select.

2024

Weis Vineyards

Seyval Blanc

Their first vintage of this hybrid variety, fermented in stainless steel after being crushed and directly pressed. The wine remained on gross lees for up to seven months before being racked and bottled. It’s a laser-focused, zesty white with lemon-lime brightness and white floral aromatics. Light- to medium-bodied, with a burst of orchard fruit on the mid-palate, it finishes vivid and intense, driven by saline-acid tension. Super bright and well layered.

2024

Whitecliff

Traminette

An extremely bold and aromatic semi-dry white wine, with residual sugar impressively balanced by vibrant acidity. It opens with poached pear and fleshy McIntosh apple, layered with hints of rose stem and lychee. A panoply of baking spice—coriander, cumin, and subtle warmth—adds depth and intrigue. A natural pairing for Indian or Asian cuisine.

2024

Whitecliff

Vidal Blanc

A blend of estate-grown fruit and grapes sourced from grower partner Fino Farms, where vineyards are interplanted with apples and other orchard crops. One of my favorite hybrid whites from this producer, it’s fermented in stainless steel and offers vibrant orchard fruit and apricot notes, with a subtle flinty minerality and a touch of baking spice. The medium-bodied palate has a hint of silkiness at the core, finishing with underripe pineapple and apricot, lifted by a spritz of lime-bright acidity. Balanced, clean, and zesty.

2024

William Chris Vineyards

Alta Loma Vineyard, Picpoul Blanc

The Picpoul Blanc from Alta Loma Vineyard—situated at over 3,000 feet elevation and owned and farmed by the Burran and Floyd families—in the Texas High Plains was my favorite white in the William Chris lineup from the 2024 releases. It shows loads of aromatic and flavor intensity with a plush, silky character that’s incredibly enticing. Fleshy pear is nuanced by white floral notes, while crushed almonds and river stone minerality add texture on the palate. The long finish brings richer lemon oil tones with building intensity and complexity. Quite a white wine. Aged for 6 months in stainless steel tanks. William Chris Vineyards was founded in 2008 by William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett. Tony Offill leads the cellar as Head Winemaker, and Jean Hoefliger is the consulting winemaker.

2024

William Chris Vineyards

Dell Valley Vineyard, Chenin Blanc

William Chris’ Chenin Blanc from Dell Valley Vineyard (at 3,750 feet elevation) in Hudspeth County clocks in at a modest 11.4% alcohol yet delivers a wealth of citrus and orchard fruit character alongside cool slate minerality and subtle pressed wildflower notes, all framed by crisp, cooling acidity. If you’re enjoying oysters in Texas, this is the wine to sip—or if it’s a hot, humid day, a well-chilled bottle will cut beautifully through anything from barbecue fare to salads and cheese plates. Fermented in stainless steel and oak barriques for an average of 24 days with partial malolactic conversion to retain acidity, then aged for 7 months in large oak fermenters. William Chris Vineyards was founded in 2008 by William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett. Tony Offill leads the cellar as Head Winemaker, and Jean Hoefliger is the consulting winemaker.

2024

William Chris Vineyards

Dell Valley Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc

The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc from William Chris Vineyards hails from Dell Valley Vineyard in Hudspeth County. It’s an easy-drinking, bright, citrusy white with notes of cut prairie grass. Subtle in both aroma and flavor intensity, it nonetheless offers a lovely mid-palate richness of orchard fruit and finishes with crunchy minerality. Ideal for sipping on a hot, humid summer day, it’s equally charming as a dinner prep wine in the dead of winter. Fermented for an average of 28 days in large oak fermenters, large concrete fermenters, and oak barriques, then aged for 7 months in a combination of large oak and concrete vessels. William Chris Vineyards was founded in 2008 by William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett. Punchdowns are done by hand, with Tony Offill leading the cellar as Head Winemaker.

2024

William Chris Vineyards

La Pradera Vineyard, Roussanne

This Roussanne from La Pradera Vineyard in the Texas High Plains is undeniably delicious, showcasing crisp orchard fruit, unctuous lemon and tangerine oil, white flowers, and supple textures framed by savory, saline-driven acidity that’s mouthwatering and glides to a wet river stone mineral finish. The vineyard was established in 2010 by Mike and Barbara Paddack with the help of Texas grape growers Andy and Lauren Timmons. Aged for 7 months in 30% new French oak and 70% neutral oak barrels. William Chris Vineyards was founded in 2008 by William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett. Tony Offill leads the cellar as Head Winemaker, and Jean Hoefliger is the consulting winemaker.

2024

Wölffer Estate Vineyards

Cellar Series Chenin Blanc

What a wine. Sourced from small, hand-picked blocks within the Harbes and Soloviev vineyards on Long Island’s North Fork, and aged on fine lees for two months, this is a fantastic and weighty expression of Chenin Blanc. Vibrant citrus and apricot notes lead the way, followed by a subtle honeyed richness that emerges at the core. A firm spine of lime-bright acidity drives the wine, finishing with vivid saline-mineral tension and a building, mouthwatering spice. Clean, crisp, energetic, and laser-focused.

2024

Wölffer Estate Vineyards

Cellar Series Trebbiano

This is a bright, zesty white driven by tropical fruit, with notes of papaya and mango building toward a fleshy mid-palate. But just as it settles into richness, laser-focused acidity kicks in—crisp, crunchy, and cleansing—making this the ideal food wine. It’s your go-to with oysters or roast chicken and potatoes, cutting through fat with razor-sharp tension. This is 100% Trebbiano, a variety well suited to the growing conditions of Long Island’s East End, aged on fine lees for three months, with malolactic fermentation entirely avoided. Just 442 cases produced.

2024

Wood Family Vineyards

Culmination Sauvignon Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented and aged for seven months in 33% once-used Acacia wood. It opens with a fragrant, expressive nose of Acacia, honeysuckle, and tangerine oil. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shows energy, poise, and tension. The texture grips initially, then releases to reveal layers of prairie grass, a squeeze of Meyer lemon, flamed grapefruit zest, and grapefruit oil. A complex white that’s more than deserving of a rotisserie chicken—or even a salted cut of beef.

2024

Wood Family Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Louis Mel Ranch Vineyard, was aged for four months in stainless steel. Focused and precise, it shows linear acid tension with bright grapefruit zest, tangerine oil, and a crunchy kumquat skin character on the medium-bodied palate. The finish is lengthy and lifted, marked by honeysuckle and jasmine blossom hints.

N/A

Champagne Fluteau

Coeur de Cuvée Extra Brut

Established in 1935, a pioneer of the Côte des Bars. Vivid and alluring. Brioche and lemon pastry aromas. A gentle mousse builds with expressive minerality, tart orchard fruit, and taut acid tension. From estate-grown Pinot Noir vines on slopes of the Seine River Valley.

N/A

Champagne Fluteau

Retrospective Extra Brut

70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, disgorged in June of 2023. At 4g/L, it’s a taut, racy, electric with oyster shell minerality and a touch of pastry cream, bruised yellow apples, underripe pears, and a bone-dry finish.

N/A

Champagne Goulin-Roulet

Cuvée d’Or Brut Premier Cru

Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Round and rich with a creaminess balanced by bracing acidity. Baked apple and buttery brioche notes. Intense mineral underpinnings. Voluptuous, succulent, and beckoning.

N/A

Champagne Monmarthe

Blanc de Noirs Les Grimpants Brut Premier Cru

Bright nectarine, pithy lime, and orange blossoms. Frothy, with saline minerals, expressive orchard fruit, pastry crust, cherry pit, and fragrant wildflowers framed by laser-like acidity. 100% Pinot Noir.

N/A

Champagne Odyssée

Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru

100% Chardonnay from Avize Grand Cru. Flinty minerals, lime blossoms, and sea spray. Round, rich, and creamy with a persistent mousse. Kiwi, key lime, and candied ginger emerge with sous bois notes. Dried apricots laced with vanilla cream add intrigue.

N/A

Champagne Paul Déthune

Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Grand Cru

Fragrant oyster shell notes mingle with white strawberry and flinty minerals. Exuberant and creamy, with muddled red berry fruits wrapped in flaky French pastry. Energetic and racy.

N/A

Champagne Paul Déthune

Brut Grand Cru

Full-flavored, nuanced, complex, and deliciously expressive Ambonnay Grand Cru with terrific intensity balanced by fine-boned acidity. Lemon pastry, toasted almonds, and river stones meld together seamlessly.

N/A

Champagne Paul Launois

Blanc de Blancs Monochrome #5 Extra Brut Grand Cru

100% Chardonnay from a 16-acre parcel in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, adjacent to ‘Clos de Mesnil’ (a source for Krug and Salon). Zesty, energetic, leading with lemon and lime peel, dried apricots, and a beautiful earthy intensity. Voluminous with persistent bubbles, white florals, chalky minerality, and a spicy, candied ginger finish. Utterly irresistible

N/A

Champagne Paul Launois

Illustration #3 Brut Nature

100% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Half 2019 harvest, half Launois reserves. Lively and elegant. Rich lemon-pastry notes, traces of vanilla and caramel, underpinnings of savory earth and spices. Fresh, forward, and inviting with remarkable depth and a bone-dry, zesty, mineral-rich finish.

N/A

Champagne Piaff

Blanc de Blanc NV

This fifth-generation producer from Épernay crafts Champagnes that undergo full malolactic fermentation. Grapes are sourced from Vitryat, and the wine spends 28 months en tirage with a dosage of 7 g/L. The nose reveals gorgeous chalky mineral notes alongside white truffle and French pastry aromas. The palate delivers a luscious, creamy mousse with rich earthy undertones, pure apricot, and white peach character, complemented by nougat and Marcona almonds. The long, satisfying finish is elevated by a pop of hazelnut. This Champagne’s style is captivating and sure to delight.

N/A

Champagne Piaff

Brut NV

This bottling is exclusively from the Vallée de la Marne, composed of 35% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 35% Chardonnay. Aged 24 months en tirage with a dosage of 7 g/L, the wine is part of the Foley Family Wines & Spirits portfolio, distributed in the U.S. The dosage contributes to a rich, creamy mousse, while the wine itself is supremely elegant, offering delicate notes of white flowers, white truffle, and nougat. Medium- to full-bodied, it boasts a wet stone minerality and rich stone fruit flavors on the palate, complemented by fine baking spices and a hint of oyster shell minerality on the clean and bright finish. This fifth-generation producer from Épernay crafts Champagnes that undergo full malolactic fermentation. Grapes are sourced primarily from two regions: the Vallée de la Marne and the Vitryat.

N/A

Champagne Rémy Massin

Blanc de Noirs Tradition Brut

Alluring flinty minerals, zesty lemon, vanilla bean, and pastry puff. A beautifully rich and creamy mousse leads to mouthwatering Red Delicious apple, plum, apricot cream, and brown baking spices. Persistent with a bracing mineral tension and cheese rind nuances on the long drawn-out finish.

N/A

Champagne Victor Charlot

Instinct Premier 75/25 Brut

Intensely savory, with a briny richness balanced by honeydew melon. Expansive with a voluminous, creamy mousse. Intriguingly bright earthen notes, smoky minerals, and bracing acid tension

N/A

Champagne Victor Charlot

Les Terres de la Grève Brut

Leads with oyster shells, brine, apricot, and melon. A richness envelops the palate, layering briny salt crystals with cascading notes of pithy lime, cherry pit, and savory spices. Layered, long, and absolutely intriguing

N/A

McGrail Vineyards

Gracie Brut Sparkling Wine

This sparkling Chardonnay from Lucky 8 Vineyard was harvested in late August at approximately 17 Brix with a pH of 3.0. Fermented in stainless steel, it was then racked to neutral oak for about three months before returning to stainless for heat and cold stabilization. The wine was bottled, tirage-aged, riddled, and finished with a dosage of just 2 g/L. It boasts bright lemon citrus and apricot notes, accented by fragrant white flowers and hints of nougat. The mousse is rich and creamy yet assertive, framed by soaring acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, clean, and beautifully structured.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2023

Producer

Name

This is the Reserve bottling from the second pick of Verdelho grapes in 2023, crafted decisively in a Chardonnay style. Fermented in 100% new French oak with full malolactic conversion, it was aged for just a few months in barrel prior to bottling. Texturally, it’s broader and rounder than the Estate Reserve Verdelho—which is more bracing—yet this version remains vibrant and dynamic. Orchard fruit mingles with umami-rich notes of Parmesan rind and expressive baking spices. While richer, it’s by no means flabby; bright, focused acid tension keeps the wine fresh and balanced.

2023

Producer

Name

This second pick Verdelho was aged entirely in stainless steel and bottled just a few months later. Stylistically in line with the first-pick White Label, this bottling offers a touch more generosity on the palate. The mouthfeel is plumper and more supple, with silky orchard fruit layered with nuances of almonds and dried florals. A slightly rounder, more textural expression—while still retaining freshness and focus.

2023

Producer

Name

Assistant winemaker Aaron Andrews explains that in 2023, they approached Verdelho with a series of staggered picks and multiple fermentations using different yeasts. From just one block, they might run up to eight separate fermentations—later blending them to bottle. But in 2023, winemaker Brent Amos says each lot stood out so distinctly that they decided to bottle four different Verdelhos—a rare move for the portfolio. This bottling represents the Reserve expression of the first pick from the estate. Fermented in neutral barrels with no malolactic fermentation, it opens with notes of quince and white peach, alongside wild herb aromatics. On the palate, crisp, crunchy acid tension embraces a succulent, weighty mid-palate with silky textures. The wine shows excellent length and precision, with striking tension throughout.

2023

Producer

Name

A wine “Best in Show White” winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, this Verdelho is sourced from the first pick, fermented in stainless steel, and aged just a few months before bottling. Bright and laser-focused, it delivers citrus and orchard fruit layered with white flowers, and warmer undertones of straw and prairie grass. On the palate, it’s bracing and tightly wound, with nervy, electric acidity and a chalky mineral finish.

2023

Producer

Name

Aged entirely in stainless steel, this is a crisp, lemon-driven white with aromas of yellow apple and white flowers. On the palate, it’s bright, zippy, and zesty, with lemon oil and a steely mineral intensity that lingers through the finish. A subtle kiss of vivid dried wild herbs—so emblematic of the area during peak growing season—adds regional character and complexity.

2023

Producer

Name

The Golden Slope Chardonnay—sourced from Rita’s Crown, Hilltop, Clos Pepe, Spear, and Kessler-Haak—is native fermented and aged up to 16 months in mostly puncheons, with about 15% new French oak. Founder Jeff Nelson notes that the barrel program plays a vital role in leveraging the muscularity of their whites, particularly in this bottling. The 2023 vintage is among the most focused expressions of Golden Slope in recent memory. It’s as gorgeously layered and fragrant as ever, bursting with lemon and lime zest, apricot, and tangerine oil, framed by supple, juicy fruit and laser-focused saline-acid tension. The finish is long, detailed, and expressive, with crushed Marcona almonds and a hint of honeycomb richness.

2023

Producer

Name

The 2023 White Hill Chardonnay—named in homage to Chablis and the diatomaceous soils of the Sta. Rita Hills—is native fermented and aged for 11 months in a mix of neutral barrels and large-format French barriques (with zero new oak). It showcases exceptional depth and drive thanks to the long, cool growing season. Fruit is sourced from some of the AVA’s most iconic sites: Hilltop, Kessler-Haak, Clos Pepe, Spear, and Rita’s Crown. Lemon peel, white apricot, and honeycomb lead the aromatic charge, while the palate is etched with crackling saline-mineral tension. There’s serious mid-palate density, but also thrilling lift—bright lemon-lime acidity, layered white floral notes, and a mouthwatering brininess that lingers through the long, linear finish. It’s one of the most complete and textural White Hill releases to date.

2023

Producer

Name

The Llano Estacado Fumé Blanc, a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc from the Texas High Plains, strikes a balance between richness and precision. Barrel aging imparts a touch of depth, while the wine remains focused and linear. Pressed white floral notes, subtle baking spice character, and hints of Texas prairie grass define the profile. The bone-dry finish underscores its elegance.

2023

Producer

Name

A perfect snapshot of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, this bottling from Longoria opens with a Meyer lemon–infused bouquet that sets the tone for what follows. On the medium- to full-bodied palate, fragrant notes of candied ginger and quince unfold with round, rich texture and silky phenolics. The finish is long and mouthwatering, laced with salted candied lemon peel and a gentle dusting of fragrant baking spices. Just dazzling.

2023

Producer

Name

This Picpoul Blanc from Lost Draw, crafted by Brad Buckelew with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, is a clean, bright, and fresh expression of the variety. It opens with lively citrus and delicate white tea notes, complemented by a subtle touch of honeyed almonds. The medium-bodied palate offers a refined texture that builds into a salty mineral richness on the finish, making it an exceptionally food-friendly white.

2023

Producer

Name

This 100% Viognier was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, resulting in a wine with rich floral aromatics and subtle honeyed undertones. Creamy orchard fruit flavors come together beautifully on the light- to medium-bodied palate, framed by zesty acidity and an unctuous, fruit-driven finish. In other words, it’s effortlessly crushable. Sourced from Diamonte Doble and Bingham Family Vineyards.

2023

Producer

Name

Fermented and aged in stainless steel, this medium- to full-bodied white is bursting with character. Expressive notes of hibiscus, honeysuckle, poached pear, and yellow peach mingle with crushed salted almonds. A vein of crunchy, zesty acidity adds tension and brightness, while subtle layers of orange oil carry through to the long, satisfyingly delicious finish. It absolutely beckons for another sip.

2023

Producer

Name

Sourced from Wente clone Chardonnay, this small-production wine (just 125 cases) was fermented in stainless steel and aged for six months in neutral oak. Exotic aromas of mango, papaya, and white peach mingle with lemon zest and zesty ginger. Medium-bodied and supple, the palate is energized by racy acidity, allowing the vivid tropical and stone fruits to gain depth and complexity. The finish is long and textural, framed by chalky minerality and a flourish of pressed white flowers.

2023

Producer

Name

The fruit for this wine was destemmed and left on skins for six hours before a gentle press and long, cool fermentation finished in bottle. Bottled undisgorged on December 11, 2023. Wildly juicy and fruit-forward, this pét-nat bursts with red berries and grapefruit zest. The mousse is crisp and zippy, giving way to a bone-dry finish that delivers mouthwatering freshness and all the bright, vibrant fruit you could hope for.

2023

Producer

Name

No malolactic fermentation here—this wine is bright, juicy, and citrus-driven, with creamy apricot unfolding on the mid-palate. Subtle notes of Marcona almond add nuance to the steely finish.

2023

Producer

Name

From the Spear Vineyard, this Chardonnay is layered with signature traits of the site: rich honeycomb, overripe lemon, and crushed Marcona almonds. On the palate, it’s textured and expressive, with subtle apple skin tannins framing flavors of yellow apple, ripe pear, and warm baking spices. The wine carries through to a lengthy, beautifully bright finish.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2023

2023 Las Positas Vineyards Estate Moonlight Reserve Verdelho (Black Label)

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Las Positas Vineyards Estate Moonlight Verdelho (White Label)

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Las Positas Vineyards Estate Reserve Verdelho (Black Label)

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Las Positas Vineyards Estate Verdelho (White Label)

Still Wine

$

2023

2023 Lincourt Rancho Santa Rosa Chardonnay Steel

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Liquid Farm Golden Slope Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Liquid Farm White Hill Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Llano Estacado Fume Blanc

Still

$

2023

2023 Longoria Wines Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Lost Draw Wines Picpoul Blanc

Still

$

2023

2023 Lost Oak Winery Viognier

-

$

2023

2023 Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Estate Viognier

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Lumen Goodchild Vineyard Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Macari Vineyards “HORSES” Petit Verdot

Sparkling Wine

$

2023

2023 Macari Vineyards Breakwater Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

2023

2023 Marbeso Spear Vineyard Chardonnay

Still Wine

N/A

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