Cristaldi Scores

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The 2021 RJM is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Sangiovese, and 5% Primitivo, aged for 20 months in 20% new European oak. This commemorative bottling honors founder Robert Joseph Molinaro, who passed away in 2023. Ripe currant and cassis lead the aromatics, joined by violets, rose petals, fig jam, and a subtle meatiness that builds across the medium-bodied palate. The wine is framed by granular tannins and finishes with lengthy notes of black licorice and olive tapenade. The Dell Valle wines are made at Garré by winemaker Aaron Luna.

Lost Draw’s Texas Hill Country Sangiovese is sourced from the Uplift Vineyard in the northern part of the Texas Hill Country AVA, which sits atop the Granite Dome—one of the oldest soil series in the U.S. This red is impressively layered, with crunchy red-toned fruit and currant, complemented by vibrant limestone minerality. That minerality is so intense that it practically coats the tannins, giving the wine a dusty texture with subtle crushed rock and white pepper notes. Focused and linear, it has a strong foundation of spicy acidity that gives it both freshness and depth. This is a truly age-worthy Sangiovese, one that I highly recommend considering for collection and cellaring as it will evolve beautifully over time.

A combination of Petit Verdot from Washington State’s Columbia Valley and California’s Lodi and Paso Robles regions. Lush dark berry fruit leads, lifted by blood orange acid tension and firm, grippy tannins. Dark berry fruit emerges again on the palate, carried by a lengthy mineral-driven finish.

This field blend—75% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane, and 5% Mataro—is expressive and muscular, bursting with dark fruit aromatics, dried fig, and black truffle charcuterie layered with nuances of black pepper. The palate builds with bold blue fruits and violets, showing richness and power throughout. Full-bodied and hearty, it’s a downright delicious Zinfandel that’s hard to resist. Aged 15 months in 34% new French oak barrels. 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.

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.

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$

The 2021 RJM is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Sangiovese, and 5% Primitivo, aged for 20 months in 20% new European oak. This commemorative bottling honors founder Robert Joseph Molinaro, who passed away in 2023. Ripe currant and cassis lead the aromatics, joined by violets, rose petals, fig jam, and a subtle meatiness that builds across the medium-bodied palate. The wine is framed by granular tannins and finishes with lengthy notes of black licorice and olive tapenade. The Dell Valle wines are made at Garré by winemaker Aaron Luna.

Lost Draw’s Texas Hill Country Sangiovese is sourced from the Uplift Vineyard in the northern part of the Texas Hill Country AVA, which sits atop the Granite Dome—one of the oldest soil series in the U.S. This red is impressively layered, with crunchy red-toned fruit and currant, complemented by vibrant limestone minerality. That minerality is so intense that it practically coats the tannins, giving the wine a dusty texture with subtle crushed rock and white pepper notes. Focused and linear, it has a strong foundation of spicy acidity that gives it both freshness and depth. This is a truly age-worthy Sangiovese, one that I highly recommend considering for collection and cellaring as it will evolve beautifully over time.

A combination of Petit Verdot from Washington State’s Columbia Valley and California’s Lodi and Paso Robles regions. Lush dark berry fruit leads, lifted by blood orange acid tension and firm, grippy tannins. Dark berry fruit emerges again on the palate, carried by a lengthy mineral-driven finish.

This field blend—75% Zinfandel, 10% Petite Sirah, 10% Carignane, and 5% Mataro—is expressive and muscular, bursting with dark fruit aromatics, dried fig, and black truffle charcuterie layered with nuances of black pepper. The palate builds with bold blue fruits and violets, showing richness and power throughout. Full-bodied and hearty, it’s a downright delicious Zinfandel that’s hard to resist. Aged 15 months in 34% new French oak barrels. 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.

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.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

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