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Fermented and aged for 10 months in 100% neutral oak, this wine is super bright and energetic, showing excellent layers of citrus, orchard, and subtle tropical fruit. A gentle honeyed richness lingers on the finish, giving it both freshness and depth. Easy to drink and beautifully balanced, with a fantastic finish.
Like the 2023, this was fermented in stainless steel, with aging split between partial acacia wood puncheons—used to build mid-palate weight and aromatic intensity—and stainless steel for five months. Fragrant honeydew melon, white peach, and jasmine aromas lift from the glass, all making appearances on the light- to medium-bodied palate. A silky, satiny fruit profile builds with added complexity, ranging from crunchy green apple to pear and more white peach, finishing with a long, chalky mineral note.
Fermented and aged in stainless steel for five months, this is a blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Nebbiolo. Bright strawberry and watermelon notes lead, with bracing, crunchy acid tension and a long, mineral-driven finish. Ideal with salmon, thinly sliced tuna, or tuna tartare.
Harvested from Clone 5 Cabernet Franc at Cresta Blanca Vineyard on the west side of the Livermore Valley AVA, this 2024 release saw just under 400 cases produced. My first taste of Cabernet Franc Blanc came from Steven Kent Winery—either the 2022 or 2023 vintage—and this 2024 bottling hits all the same high notes, while adding new depth. It’s a dynamic expression of a red grape reimagined as a white wine, and it delivers. You might be surprised when you see the label, but give this wine a chance—and here’s what happens: subtle stone and tropical fruit notes build across the medium-bodied palate, nuanced by white flowers. There’s grippy, citrusy acid tension and mineral drive, all layered with apricot pit, white peach, and sea salt. The 2024 version leans a touch more plush and soft than previous vintages, but it remains just as compelling. Stockpile this by the caseload—this is one to watch.
Flat-out stunning. The wine boasts beautifully silky textures balanced by brisk acidity. Vibrant black fruit builds alongside crunchy red plums, candied violets, rich earth, and rose dusted with white pepper, nuanced by pastille candies. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s gracious yet structured, with palate-etching tannins that are nicely integrated even at this young stage. Youthfully exuberant and impeccably built.

A blend of 70% Gamay and 30% Trousseau, fermented with whole bunches and whole berries to create an expressive, slightly oxidative mid-palate. It’s tactile and vibrant, with rich watermelon and watermelon candy notes, balanced by tart Granny Smith apple and a splash of Jolly Rancher on the long, fruity finish.

A combination of grapes sourced from Los Olivos and the Santa Barbara Highlands within the Cuyama Valley in the northeastern part of the county at higher elevations, around 3,200 feet. Carbonic fermentation. It leads with bright strawberry and watermelon notes, unfolding on a soft, silky palate. The finish is long and elegant, with chalky minerality, balanced tension, and lingering flavors of cherry and white peach.
Direct-pressed into stainless steel and aged for 3–4 months before bottling, this Sauvignon Blanc is bright and crisp, showcasing ripe orchard fruit flavors, white flower aromas, and a zesty, lemon-lime minerality.
A focused, zippy, and zesty white with fragrant notes of sea grass, sea spray, grapefruit zest, and pithy lime carried across a light- to medium-bodied palate. The finish is long and driven by saline-laced acidity. Grapes are sourced from Swedish Hill Winery’s Blue Water Vineyards, a second-generation family-owned estate along the western shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes AVA.
Sourced from Swedish Hill Winery’s Blue Water Vineyards, a second-generation family-owned estate along the western shore of Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes AVA, this white shows alluring notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and green candied melon that lift from the glass. On the palate, a supple mid-palate sweetness evokes a perfectly ripe peach at its peak, followed by accents of grapefruit zest, lime blossom, and wet slate minerality on the lengthy, expressive finish.
This feels like a familiar friend, showing approchable and lifted honeysuckle and grapefruit character alongside hints of white peach and a creamy, rich, layered mousse that resolves with balanced sweetness. Made from 100% estate-grown Valvin Muscat, the fruit was destemmed directly to press and cold settled before racking. Fermentation was cool and arrested at the desired levels of residual sugar and alcohol. The wine was then racked, filtered, and sent to Lakewood Vineyards for force carbonation and bottling.
This is exactly the kind of wine you crave on a hot, humid summer day—equally perfect at the end of a meal, poolside, or lounging beachside. It’s a bright, cherry-scented and expressive sparkler, bursting with honeysuckle and jasmine florals, unmistakable notes of white peach and candied peach rings, and a creamy, sweet mousse that finishes off-dry. You can never be too much of a wine snob to enjoy this—and if you say you don’t, you’re just lying to yourself. Made from 90% Valvin Muscat and 10% Barbera, all estate-grown, the fruit was machine-picked, crushed, and destemmed directly to press. After a standard press cycle, the juice was cold settled before racking and inoculated with Epernay II yeast. Fermentation lasted 20 days at an average temperature of 55°F before it was arrested; the wine was then racked, blended, filtered, and sent to Lakewood Vineyards for force carbonation and bottling.
TASTING NOTE: Lot #42. Barrel Sample: Justin Hirigoyen worked at Domaine Faiveley and Spring Mountain Vineyard. Need to know anything else? No! Just bid—and love this wine. A blend of heritage clones, it offers beautifully lifted red berry fruit and warming spice that evokes cardamom and flamed blood orange peel. Medium-bodied with salty minerality, notes of Santa Rosa plum, and fine, satiny tannins. The finish is fragrant with rose petal and finesse to spare. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: This unique auction lot is crafted with selections from the Twomey Last Stop estate vineyard through the lens of collaboration. After half a decade farming this specific site together, winemaker Justin Hirigoyen and grape growers Nick Filice and Jim Pratt sat down together to encapsulate site and vintage into this exclusive wine made from heritage clones planted at the site. The Last Stop Vineyard gets its name from being the last stop on a former rail line that ran from San Francisco to Forestville in the early 1900s. Today, Twomey is the proud steward of the site’s rolling hills covered in Goldridge soils. Founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family of Silver Oak, Twomey combines experience and a sense of curiosity with the exploration of expressive vineyards for its wines — made to be savored with family and friends. This wine showcases the complex and refined flavor profile typical of the Russian River Valley. A delicate balance of power and elegance are on full display with a refined tannic structure complimented by fresh energy and life. Bright floral and spice notes frame a detailed bouquet of dark cherry, bergamot and Santa Rosa plum. A broad attack gives way to a bright, creamy core of fruit and tannins that linger on the palate. WINEMAKER(S): Justin Hirigoyen ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: December 2025 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: April 2026 National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

The Marsanne is a bright, buttery, lemon-scented, white-floral-driven wine that’s light to medium-bodied with a touch of sea salt minerality and a finish of vanilla and baking spices. In short, it’s enticing and delicious. Uplift farms 55 acres within the Hoover’s Valley, which runs through the Llano Uplift, one of the more impressive repositories of rare earth minerals found in the USA. Claire Richardson is the winemaker.
This might be one of my all-time favorite wines from Uplift. It has everything you want in American-grown Grenache—from tart red cherry fruit and elegant cherry woodsmoke and clove nuances to the blood orange acidity that drives the medium-bodied palate. Velvety tannins frame a cedarwood-spiced, wild-herb-kissed red with a wonderfully satiny texture, kept lively by that acid tension and perfectly in sync with the fruit and bold spice character. It’s complex, balanced, and deeply impressive. If I were an Uplift fan, I’d buy it by the case and stockpile it as fast as I could. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in 40% new French and Eastern European oak. Uplift farms 55 acres within the Hoover’s Valley, which runs through the Llano Uplift, one of the more impressive repositories of rare earth minerals found in the USA. Claire Richardson is the winemaker.

Having never tasted a Mourvèdre Blanc before, I was both surprised and delighted. It shows a lemon-gold color in the glass and boasts notes of lime zest, lemon, and vanilla, all of which build on the light to medium-bodied palate. Silky-textured citrus and orchard fruit are supported by chalky minerality on the bone-dry finish. Direct press. Fermented and aged for 8 months in neutral oak barrels. Uplift farms 55 acres within the Hoover’s Valley, which runs through the Llano Uplift, one of the more impressive repositories of rare earth minerals found in the USA. Claire Richardson is the winemaker.
Texas Roussanne in the hands of Claire Richardson is a completely different and sensationally interesting white compared to what you might know of the grape from the Rhône Valley. It’s not the oily, rich style of France; instead, it’s more focused and mineral, with just a touch of that silky underbelly. The profile leans toward salted lemon peel, crushed Marcona almonds, and pressed white flowers with a hint of chamomile essence. It’s a fabulous wine, perfect to revel in alongside buttery pasta dishes and seafood. Fermented and aged for 8 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Uplift farms 55 acres within the Hoover’s Valley, which runs through the Llano Uplift, one of the more impressive repositories of rare earth minerals found in the USA.
The 2024 Viognier from Uplift is highly floral, layered with tangerine oil, vanilla, and crushed almonds, all lifted by cool lemon-lime acidity. Light to medium-bodied, it finishes with a chalky mineral edge. Fermented and aged for 8 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Uplift farms 55 acres within the Hoover’s Valley, which runs through the Llano Uplift, one of the more impressive repositories of rare earth minerals found in the USA. Claire Richardson is the winemaker.
No fining, no filtration, and spontaneous fermentation—this wine is a bit of savage creature. A heady mix of savory herbs, dried rose petals, and expressive black cherry and blackberry fruit leads the charge, accented by pomegranate seed crunch and a zippy, almost prickly acid tension. The finish is perfumed and exotic, with notes of blood orange, lavender, and rose water. Sourced from Ria’s Wines on the east side of Seneca Lake, the blend includes Baco Noir (fermented whole cluster) and a co-fermentation of Chelois and Traminette (also whole cluster), managed with a gentle hand during cap work and aged 60% in stainless steel and 40% in neutral oak.

100% Steuben—a hybrid developed in the early 20th century—biodynamically farmed by Corey Christie on his family’s farm outside of Naples, NY. Hand-harvested, de-stemmed, and left on skins overnight before being pressed to stainless for spontaneous fermentation, then aged five months in neutral barrel before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfur. This is exactly the sort of wine that deserves to be on every natural wine bar list in NYC: wildly original and refreshingly alive. It drinks like a cross between fresh-pressed juice and kombucha—brightly red-fruited, layered with herbal lift and a musky, mineral edge. Think muddled white peach, dried herbs, and a trace of incense on the finish. Medium-bodied, fascinating, and endlessly drinkable.
Quite the expressive white, revealing a fragrant bouquet of white flowers, honeysuckle, white peach, and ripe nectarine. The palate is lush and layered, where orchard and tropical fruits merge seamlessly, framed by super zesty lemon-lime acidity. Mouthwatering, vibrant, and delicious.
This is one laser-focused, mineral-driven, tension-filled rosé of Cabernet Franc. Subtle red berry fruit mingles with spicy herbal notes—like biting into a gently spicy shishito or padron pepper. Beautifully expressive and precise, it finishes with electric acid brightness that can carry it effortlessly from aperitivo through to the end of a meal. Sourced from estate-grown, 100% certified sustainable vines, the Cabernet Franc grapes were harvested at midnight, followed by a 12-hour cold soak and fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
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.
A blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (30%), and Blaufränkisch (25%), with a brief six-hour maceration on the skins. The Merlot lends mid-palate richness and a decadent strawberry–watermelon core, while the Cabernet Franc provides linear acidity that lifts the aromatics—especially those floral and spicy notes brought in by the Blaufränkisch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Made from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir in Arroyo Seco, this rosé underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel and did not go through malolactic fermentation. It was aged for two months in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy. Floral, perky, and fresh, this is a perfect springtime sipper. Aromas of passionfruit, mango skin, and wild strawberry lead into a medium-bodied palate featuring bright red berry flavors and a subtle hint of watermelon on the finish. -JR
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.
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Dark blackcurrant fruit, savory spices, and a plush, seductive mouthfeel mark this concentrated crowd-pleaser of a Cabernet from Knights Valley. Dark plum flavors make it a fantastic choice for short ribs or hearty burgers. – J.R.

Grown by Friesen Vineyards and aged for 22 months in 40% new French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, rich, and unmistakably Texan in style. “Everyone wants a Cab and a slab here in the Hill Country,” Ron Yates tells me. In the glass, it unfolds with aromas of blackberry, red currant, cassis, and cedarwood, accented by mild Indian spice. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers supple, satiny tannins and a dark-fruited, mineral-rich finish.

Grown by Friesen Vineyards and aged for 22 months in 45% new French oak, this full-bodied, robust red is deeply fruited and richly textured. Aromas of cedarwood, sage, and tobacco lead into a palate of dark cherry and strawberry layered with leather and loamy earth. The finish shows dried cherry and a lingering dusting of cocoa nib.

This Viognier from Ron Yates, sourced from the Nogalero Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, is aged for nine months in a combination of 15% new French oak and stainless steel. The result is a wine with a soft, medium-bodied richness, showcasing subtle orchard and stone fruit notes, complemented by a hint of pressed wildflowers.A lively thread of saline minerality runs through the palate, adding vibrancy and balance. The finish is long and gently spiced, making this Viognier refined and engaging.
Ron Yates’ 2022 Sangiovese from Phillips Vineyard in the Texas High Plains offers vibrant, crunchy red currant fruits, complemented by notes of sagebrush and aromatic lime zest. Light- to medium-bodied, the wine is framed by super intense tannins that grip the palate, leading to a finish marked by a powerful limestone minerality.

Is it the label, or does this wine truly radiate gorgeous rose petal florals? Yes—it absolutely does. Those perfumed aromatics are joined by red berry fruit and French pastry notes, with a hint of pistachio cream and coriander unfolding on the long, enveloping finish. Native yeast fermented, it’s a beautifully balanced and complex wine.
A gentle giant of a Tempranillo. Red-toned fruit, cedarwood, and crushed cacao nibs rise on the nose and carry through the medium-bodied palate, where powerful, burly tannins build toward a towering finish. Give this a good decant and pair it with well-salted ribeyes. From Folin Vineyard, which has been ripped out. Fermented in bins, with twice daily punchdowns and pumpovers, and aged 24 months in 50% new French oak.

This blend of 55% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 9% Mourvèdre was 85% whole cluster pressed, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in entirely neutral oak. Exceptionally approachable and medium-bodied, it delivers a vibrant burst of crunchy red berry fruit, supported by a fragrant underbrush undertone and a touch of crushed cocoa nib. Ground espresso and dried blood orange rind bring added complexity, while paprika and white pepper lend aromatic intrigue. The finish is nicely chalky, leaving a savoury and textural impression.

The 2022 Samsara Chardonnay hails from Francesca Vineyard, a windswept, seven-acre site on the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills, where sandy-loam soils and full Pacific exposure yield intensely concentrated fruit. Aromatically, it lifts from the glass like a perfectly buttered bowl of popcorn—rich with caramel, smoky toasted oak, and butter croissant notes. Despite the decadent nose, the palate is more focused and linear, with plenty of mid-palate richness layered with baking spices. Bright lemony acidity keeps it taut, balanced by citrus oil richness—think lemon and tangerine—finishing with salted, toasted almonds. A bold, generous expression of Chardonnay from this extreme coastal site.
This Syrah hails from John Sebastiano Vineyard—one of the crown jewels of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Windswept and wild, it’s an exceptional site for Syrah, and this 2022 rendition from Samsara is a case in point. High-toned and aromatic, it opens with violet, rose petal, dried lavender, bay laurel and black truffle charcuterie, all laced with a dusting of sweetly smoked paprika. The palate is beautifully supple, medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins that carry an intriguing mineral edge—think crushed red rock or iron. It finishes with slate-like texture and tension, leaving a vivid, dynamic impression. A knockout effort from winemaker Matt Brady and the cellar team. Joan and Dave Szkutak, owners of Samsara, continue to assemble an impressive portfolio of utterly riveting wines.

This Santa Barbara County Grenache comes from Sans Liege, a Tin City–based producer in Paso Robles, with fruit sourced from Alta Mesa Vineyard in the Cuyama Valley. The label is incredibly cool—and the wine delivers, too. It’s zesty and zippy, driven by vibrant acid tension that resolves into a chalky mineral texture. Medium-bodied and expressive, it’s rife with dark cherry, raspberry, and strawberry fruit, layered with notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and dusty dried rose petal.

A very pretty and elegant red-fruited Pinot Noir, this wine opens with fragrant aromas of baking spices, espresso bean, clove, and a delicate touch of coriander. Juicy blood orange acidity brings lift and vibrancy, framing a lengthy, nuanced finish marked by pink sea salt and gentle, well-integrated tannins.

From Lahey Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this is 100% Cabernet Franc aged in 30% new French oak. Just 250 cases made. Candied red-berry fruit and brown baking-spice notes lead, joined by hints of coriander and cumin that build across the medium-bodied palate. Smoky clove and a streak of blood-orange acidity (with just a touch of grapefruit pith) add lift and detail. Taut, firm tannins resolve nicely on the finish.

Aged for 31 months in 34% new French oak and 66% neutral oak, this medium-bodied red is full-flavored, showing dark brambly berry fruit and subtle medium-toast oak nuances. Rich loamy earth and currant notes add depth, leading to a lasting finish marked by crushed stone minerality.

This wine received longer aging than is typical for the winery—31 months in 57% new French oak and 43% neutral oak. It opens with alluring notes of sagebrush, thyme, and rosemary layered over dark loamy earth, violets, and charcuterie. Currant fruit and dark chocolate–covered cherries add richness to the medium-bodied palate, which finishes with a lingering, earthy depth. The Jones family purchased Torre di Pietra Winery in 2018 and invested in 1851 Vineyards the following year, rebranding the operation as Slate Mill Wine Collective and expanding into a custom crush facility. The first official release under the Slate Theory label was a 2017 Malbec, and the Slate Theory winery and cave opened in 2021.

Aged for 20 months in 87% new French oak. Shows classic Cabernet Franc character, with high-toned dried herb and tart red berry fruit aromatics. Firm tannins frame the palate, leading to a focused, mineral-driven finish.

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