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This 100% Pinot Noir from Pinot Hill Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills on the Sonoma Coast blends six clones—115, Hyde, Cruz, 667, Elite, and Pommard. Aged eleven months in 41% new French oak, it is bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine is bold, tart, and structured, bursting with cherry fruit, cherry wood, incense, tangerine zest, and grapefruit pith. While the bouquet is generous and expressive, the palate is more lively and zesty, focused, and linear—a vibrant, food-friendly Pinot Noir. Founded by Brice Cutrer Jones in 1999, Emeritus Vineyards is a Pinot-focused producer utilizing dry-farmed vineyards (Hallberg Ranch in Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill on the Sonoma Coast).

Dark cherry fruit mingles with rose-petal florals in this broad-shouldered yet graceful Pinot Noir. As it opens, red fruit shades toward blue on the palate, enlivened by zesty blood-orange acidity and nuanced with incense, dusty rose, sagebrush, and thyme. The finish is long and crisp, marked by both freshness and depth. This 100% Pinot Noir, a blend of clones 667 and 115 from the Hallberg Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, was aged eleven months in 38% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Founded by Brice Cutrer Jones in 1999, Emeritus Vineyards is a Pinot-focused producer utilizing dry-farmed vineyards (Hallberg Ranch in Russian River Valley and Pinot Hill on the Sonoma Coast).

Total elegance—this Pinot Noir weaves conifer notes around bright red berry, cherry, and pomegranate fruit, accented by flinty minerality and gorgeous cedarwood. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers cherry, blood orange, and cranberry, all lifted by crunchy cranberry acidity. The tannins are fine, firm, and taut—beautifully elongated and persistent through the long, spicy finish. A superbly built and absolutely delicious Pinot Noir. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Planted in 1998 and nestled in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the Fiddlestix Vineyard benefits from a northwest-facing slope that’s blanketed in cool morning fog and refreshed by afternoon Pacific breezes. In 2022, it delivered a deeply flavorful and expressive Pinot Noir. Aromas of spearmint, pine forest, and black cherry lead into a palate that shifts toward pomegranate, revealing a deep mid-palate of saline-laced acid tension. The tannins are exceptionally fine-grained, providing structure without weight, while the finish unfurls with notes of spiced plum, coriander, and cumin, accented by the faintest whisper of crème brûlée.

Perched on the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Rancho La Viña Vineyard is relentlessly exposed to Pacific Ocean winds—a defining element that leaves its mark on this robust and expressive Pinot Noir. The wine channels that coastal intensity with a deep core of dark cherry fruit, sea-spray salinity, and aromatic layers of cedarwood, dried rose petals, and crushed sage. Full-bodied and commanding, the tannins are bold and structured, building momentum through a long, mouth-coating finish. Pair this with well-salted red meat or herb-roasted chicken crowned with a rich Béarnaise sauce.

Sourced from the sustainably farmed Zotovich Vineyard, this Pinot Noir was aged for 16 months in 30% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The wine opens with rich black cherry and blackberry fruit layered with expressive cedarwood, wild sage, and pine forest aromatics. On the palate, dark chocolate notes unfold across a medium- to full-bodied frame, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins. The finish is long and mineral-driven, marked by wet slate and river stone character.

Harvested from a truly landmark vineyard on coveted Westside Road in the Russian River Valley, characterized by three distinct soil types. Fermented 100% destemmed in one-ton fermenters and punched down twice daily, then aged for 10 months in French oak (40% new). This is the most polished, expressive and composed wine in the Landmark portfolio—a great wine, worthy of a collector’s cellar, and an equally impressive bottle to pull for friends and family. Juicy upfront dark-berry fruit, clove and allspice lead the charge, while polished tannins lend a supple feel to this dynamic Pinot Noir. Layers of white pepper, tangerine and grapefruit zest, blood-orange acidity and flashy Asian spices energize the beautifully creamy yet bright, refreshing finish.

Sourced from three distinct growing areas—the Escolle Vineyard in the northern Santa Lucia Highlands, the Paraiso Springs Vineyard at the southern end of the Highlands, and Danny’s Vineyard in the cooler western Chualar Canyon—this Pinot Noir was destemmed into small fermenters and punched down twice daily, then aged for 10 months in French oak (25% new). It’s a delicious wine, markedly mineral-rich with an iron-like, red-rock volcanic character and dusty mineral tones layered beneath juicy cherry fruit. Sweet cedar spices are nicely integrated, leading to a finish colored by clove, blood orange and a smoky mineral thread. I really like this wine; it was among my favorites from the Landmark lineup I tasted for this report.

A ripe, fully expressive Pinot Noir brimming with cherry fruit, layered baking spices and rich plum notes, supported by cola spice and a vibrant core of juicy acidity. The mid-palate is satiny, the finish pleasantly measured and clean. The Rayhill Vineyard lies in the newly recognized Sebastopol Hills district within the highly sought-after Russian River Valley appellation. Fermented 100% destemmed in small fermenters and punched down twice daily, then aged for 10 months in French oak (40% new).

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.

Green apple and candied minerality leap from the glass, introducing this vibrant sparkler. Beneath the assertive, fine mousse lies a core of weighty orchard fruit, unfolding with layers of white plum and golden Rainier cherry on the light-bodied palate.
Sourced from sustainably farmed estate vineyards and aged 10 months sur lies in French oak barrels (31% new), this Pinot Noir is bold and expressive. Aromas of ripe raspberry and strawberry leap from the glass, accented by new wood cedar. The palate is framed by firm, structured tannins and layered with river stone minerality, pressed wildflowers, and a fragrant burst of blood orange that energizes the mid-palate.

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).

Like a delicate glass sculpture you’d bring home from Italy, this is a beautifully refined and graceful wine, offering red berry fruit nuanced by cherry wood smoke and incense. Medium-bodied, it’s framed by fine black tea tannins and lifted by blood orange acidity, while notes of underbrush and earth carry through the enticing finish. Composed of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier sourced from Van der Kamp Vineyard on Sonoma Mountain, the Pinot Meunier was crafted using 100% whole-cluster and carbonic maceration. The wine was aged for 11 months in 25% new French oak barrels. 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).

Just like the MAREN White, the label on this OCTO Pinot Noir states that it’s a medium-bodied wine bursting with cherry, blackberry, and cocoa notes—and I’m happy to confirm my tasting aligns with that. Of course, I’ll add a few flourishes: enticing cedarwood notes weave around and beneath the cherry and blackberry fruit, joined by darker forest berries framed by firm, tense tannins. The finish offers a cool, wet-slate minerality and a crunchy apple-skin aftertaste.

Bohemian Vineyard is a 7-acre Pinot Noir site in the Freestone sub-AVA of the Sonoma Coast, planted to a mix of Dijon clones in classic Goldridge soils and exposed to all the cool-climate conditions this area is known for. Yes, yes—terroir talk—but it matters, because it all leads to a dynamic wine layered with crunchy cherry fruit, exotic Indian spices, Earl Grey tea, and rich blood-orange acidity, accented by a touch of grapefruit zest. Super-fine black tea tannins frame the palate, with gorgeous hints of deep forest and underbrush adding dimension. Hand-picked at night, with 20% whole cluster. Cool native ferment, 16 days on the skins. Gravity-drained and lightly pressed, then aged 11 months in 25% new French oak.

This wine is positively destructive in its sway over you—bold and ripe, with dark-fruited intensity. Cherry and pomegranate meet rich Earl Grey tea notes, while a touch of ironstone minerality lifts from the glass. Blood orange and its zest cut through, joined by succulent, saline-dusted dark cherry fruit infused with cocoa nibs. The supple mid-palate concentration is hard to beat, leading to a long, cool, wet-slate finish. Just wow. Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard lies in the Green Valley sub-AVA of the Sonoma Coast. Perched on a steep hillside at around 600 feet in elevation, it is planted to both Swan and Calera clones.

From the winery’s six-acre Marine Layer Vineyard, planted in 2016 on a southwest-facing slope near Sebastopol, this wine is solid and full-bodied, with aromatic spice from toasty cedarwood (aged in 30% new French oak). Succulent and red-cherry fruited, it carries apple-skin notes and a touch of blondie brownie richness. Absolutely lip-smacking. The blend includes Calera, Mt. Eden, 667, 115, and, according to the winery’s tech sheet, “a few special suitcase selections.”

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.

A beautifully spicy, structured, earthy expression of a distinct place and time. Deftly balancing savory, dark cherry flavors with pepper and bramble notes, with a palate that is equal parts depth and nuance. This one should stand the test of time. – J.R.

A ripe-fruited Pinot Noir showing bold charred oak notes, hints of underbrush, and high-toned acidity. The palate is supple and juicy, with dark berry fruit and spice on a medium- to full-bodied frame. This 100% Pinot Noir is made from Certified Organic grapes (115 and Calera clones) farmed biodynamically, fermented with natural yeasts, and aged for 17 months in 20% new French oak before being bottled unfiltered. Panther Ridge Vineyard sits on a seven-acre ridge on the western slope of Sonoma Mountain in the Petaluma Gap. Most of their fruit is sold to boutique wineries, with a small quantity of wine made under their own Panther Ridge label in collaboration with winemaker Adrian Manspeaker (of Joseph Jewell Wines).

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.

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.

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.

You could almost guess Gap’s Crown just by looking at it—the deep ruby hue with regal crimson tones gives it away. Wines from this site tend to show that noble color, and this medium- to full-bodied Pinot Noir follows suit with deeply concentrated mulberry and cherry fruit, creamy soft texture, and bold aromatics of Asian spice. Subtle notes of dried fig and elegant cedarwood frame the finish. Aged in 46% new French oak with the remainder in neutral barrels, it’s a powerful yet supple Pinot Noir—richly flavored, beautifully balanced, and one 2022 Gap’s Crown bottling you’ll definitely want to stockpile. James Hall of Patz & Hall has over 35 years of experience working with some of California’s most acclaimed grape growers, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

A beautifully crafted and refined Pinot Noir from this iconic producer, the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was aged in 100% Burgundian French oak barrels (28% new, 72% used). It’s pure California Pinot at its best, showcasing perfectly ripe cherry and raspberry fruit accented by smoky cherrywood and clove. The tannins are soft, round, and supple, balanced by tangy blood orange acidity, and the finish lingers gracefully with notes of dusty rose and warm brown spice that’s utterly enticing. James Hall of Patz & Hall has over 35 years of experience working with some of California’s most acclaimed grape growers, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

From the Presqu’ile Vineyard comes this elegant, light- to medium-bodied Pinot Noir with supple, velvet-textured tannins and graceful, lifted acidity. Layers of strawberry-rhubarb interlace with bright baking spice notes, while a subtle pink Himalayan sea salt nuance adds intrigue on the medium-length finish.

The Runaway Vineyard Pinot Noir is a supple, juicy expression of the grape, offering generous dark berry fruit layered with fine cedarwood spice, a hint of agave nectar, and espresso bean. Gentle tannins and medium-bright acidity frame the wine, making for an easy-going, approachable, and thoroughly satisfying sip.

The winery sits on an original Mexican land grant once owned by the James Flood family of San Francisco, located along the Sisquoc River in northern Santa Barbara County, east of Santa Maria. This Pinot Noir is lush, layered, and expressive, offering ripe raspberry and cherry fruit bracketed by firm, mineral-scented tannins. Notes of blood orange and crushed cacao nibs underscore the wine’s saline-acid finish, which brings excellent tension and length.

The Pommard-named Pinot Noir from Riverbench is a soft, supple, and satiny red that delivers immediate charm. Cherry and raspberry fruit take center stage, layered with sweet baking spices, a hint of vanilla, and new cedar wood nuances. Subtle notes of flamed grapefruit peel and tangy blood orange acidity add lift and energy. Featherweight tannins gently frame the juicy core, offering just enough grip to carry the wine through a long, polished finish.

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The Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from vines planted in 1998, situated at 800 feet above sea level within both the Sonoma Coast and Carneros AVAs. Composed entirely of Clone 115, it was aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak. Aromas of wood smoke and redwood forest floor mingle with dark cherry and warm brown baking spices, growing more savory as the wine opens. The palate is framed by rich, round, and supple tannins with subtle notes of vanilla, clove, and cedarwood. There’s a notable influence of barrel spice for those who enjoy a toasty style, while the elevated vineyard—bathed in abundant sunlight—ensures beautifully ripe, juicy fruit that imparts a supple, almost sweet impression.Founded in 2006 by proprietor John Sweazey, and guided by winemaker Katy Wilson since 2014, Anaba produces limited-production Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Rhône-style wines, many from exclusive vineyard partnerships.

The Bastard Tongue Pinot Noir is a Sonoma County appellation blend, divined from exceptional fruit sources, and for winemaker Justin Harmon he wants it to explode out of the glass. As Harmon puts it, “Every single one of our Pinots has a shot at becoming this cuvée.” The final blend is often anchored by Swan selection, followed by Calera and Clone 115. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak, the wine delivers on its promise—it practically explodes from the glass with expressive dark berry fruit, floral intensity, and spice. The palate is creamy and decadent, medium- to full-bodied, with lavish notes of clove, cardamom, and baking spice layered over crushed cacao nibs and violets. A hint of rose petal and crushed river stones adds further complexity. The finish is long, fruit-driven, and spiced-up, framed by juicy acidity that lifts the wine’s richness and keeps it fresh and vibrant.

From the renowned Kanzler Vineyard, this Pinot Noir is strikingly floral and high-toned, with lifted aromatics of white pepper, blood orange, and rose petals. Medium-bodied with wonderful depth and concentration, the palate reveals ripe dark berry fruit framed by sinewy, velvety tannins. Layers of baking spice—clove in particular—interweave with crushed slate and a full-bodied richness. The finish is long, salty, and perfumed, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and power in equal measure.

Named after the late Jim Clendenen’s daughter, Isabelle, this wine is a blend of the best barrels from Au Bon Climat’s top vineyard sites. It’s a beautifully fragrant Pinot Noir, with bright pine forest aromatics and deep forest berry character layered with nuances of espresso and pomegranate seed. A tapestry of velvety-textured tannins envelops the palate, carrying juicy cherry, blood orange, and fragrant Indian spices through an extended, graceful finish. Sources for the 2022 include: Bien Nacido (Santa Maria Valley AVA), Rancho La Cuna, Los Alamos Vineyard, Kick on Vineyard (Los Alamos Valley – Santa Barbara County), Talley Vineyard (Arroyo Grande AVA), and Lala Panzi Vineyard (Russian River Valley AVA). These small lots are kept separate throughout fermentation and aging and the final blend is a lot selection of the best barrels.

This small, organically farmed vineyard sits near Occidental, enjoying morning fog and the area’s famous Goldridge soils. Aged 13 months in 35% new French oak, it’s crafted from Calera and Romanee clones and exhibits some distinctly Burgundian flair. Mint, rhubarb, ripe cherries, cinnamon, and black tea leaf aromas lead the charge. The palate starts silky but has grip, texture, and structure to match its perky acidity. Carefully well-made, it’s classy, excellent, and will get even better with some cellaring. – J.R.

Sourced from Our Lady of Guadalupe, a vineyard owned by Dave Phinney and farmed by Amy Whiteford, this is a ripe, full-bodied, and attractively lush wine. Gobs of perfectly ripe dark berry fruit lead the way, layered with savory wild herbs—redolent of sage and thyme—mingling with espresso bean, crushed cacao nibs, and a splash of blood orange acidity. A bold finish reveals building saline-mineral tension that balances the wine’s richness beautifully. Babcock’s approach here mirrors his method with Pinot Noir: fermentation occurs in small open-top bins with no significant stem inclusion. Ferments are allowed to rise into the upper 80s or low 90s °F, inoculated on day two, and undergo 4–5 punchdowns daily by day four. The wine is pressed off between days 10 and 14 with a touch of residual sugar to complete fermentation in barrel. Malolactic is inoculated, and the wine spends 18 months in barrel, with up to 50% new French oak, depending on the wine’s character.

Perhaps the boldest, most expressive, and structured of the five Balletto wines tasted during my visit to the Sonoma County Vintners offices, this was a clear standout in the lineup. The BCD Vineyard lies on rolling hills that rise toward the coastal mountain range, a site that imparts both freshness and depth. Fermented with indigenous yeast in small six-ton open-top tanks and aged in French oak barrels, the wine opens with sumptuous cedarwood aromas intertwined with cherry and clove, creating an alluring impression of cherry-scented wood smoke. Medium-bodied on the palate, it delivers supple tannins and concentrated mixed berry fruit, finishing with notes of clove, incense, and wet slate minerality. A wine of impressive length, tension, and energy.

Sexton Hill Vineyard is a steep, north-facing site located about 10 miles from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. The vines are planted in Goldridge sandy loam soils, and the wine was aged 10 months in 35% new French oak. This is an easy-drinking, focused red with mixed berry fruit, appealing aromatics of clove, anise, and gentle wood smoke. The palate is supple and balanced, finishing with a smooth, velvety texture that makes it effortlessly enjoyable.

Cherry fruit, grilled herbs, leather and cocoa powder notes carry this medium-bodied, ‘no nonsense’ wine. Just as the label says, Sip, Savor, and chill and in fact, I’d serve this with a little chill on it while you serve up your favorite pizza or tacos. Great weeknight wine.

A classic, vivid, and multilayered expression of Pinot Noir from the legendary Bien Nacido Estate and its equally iconic vineyard. Gorgeous red berry fruit mingles with brown baking spice, unfolding across a lush, satiny palate with velvety tannins. Notes of espresso bean, blood orange, cocoa powder, and smoked paprika add depth and intrigue. Round, rich, and inviting, the wine is framed by mouthwatering, crunchy acidity that brings energy and lift to the long finish.
Alluring aromatics of ripe Bing cherry, coriander, and cumin mingle with elegant cedarwood accents. These notes carry onto the medium-bodied palate, layered with fragrant baking spice, coffee bean, and lovely fine-grained tannins that evoke the texture and perfume of Bergamot tea. The finish is long, spicy, and mouthwatering, driven by excellent tension and vibrant energy.

Sourced from Triska Vineyard, the Pinot Noir for this sparkling wine grows on north-facing slopes under shade cloth, and was picked early—around August 9. Winemaker Julian Halasz partners with a sparkling house in Lodi for aging. The wine spent 19 months on the lees and was finished with a dosage of 8 g/L. It opens with a lovely biscuity nose of lemony brioche and fresh pastry. The mousse is rich and creamy, with a finish marked by crushed Marcona almonds and a hint of vanilla bean. Baked orchard fruit fills in the mid-palate, making this a thoroughly delicious sparkler.
Sourced entirely from the Triska Vineyard, this wine is crafted from multiple picks, each fermented separately in open-top bins with frequent punchdowns to maximize tannin extraction. The lots are gently pressed just before dryness and then aged for 8 months in 40% new French oak. This is a bold, ripe expression, brimming with dark cherry, fig, and mocha notes. Rich toffee and high-toned floral aromatics add lift, while the medium-bodied palate is framed by fine-grained tannins that offer grip and texture. The savory finish lingers with a melange of dried herbs—sage, straw grass, and more—adding complexity.

This wine is a conversation piece. It hums with energy and tension, and there’s a real savory component—redolent of walking through a redwood forest—that expands into medium- to full-bodied richness on the palate. Exotic spices, white pepper, clove, deep pine-forest notes, and even a touch of charcuterie weave through the aromatics. There’s more power and intensity here than in the broader Sonoma Coast bottling, as you’d expect from these single-vineyard selections. A wonderful minty freshness mingles with crushed river stones, white pepper, and intriguing umami tones. The wine is medium to full-bodied, with substantial tannins—beam-like in structure, a bit sappy, and balanced by subtle mocha. It feels broad across the palate, building with spicy, textural richness. Dense black cherry, pomegranate, spiced plums, and blood orange deliver real staying power, while the long finish brings warming brown-sugar spice, toffee, and espresso bean. Plenty of heft, balanced by excellent tension. 503 cases made. Dan Kosta’s Convene wines are aged in 30% new oak, while his elevated DK label sees closer to 50% new oak for 15 months and represents specific blocks or barrel selections from single vineyards. Campbell Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley is the winery’s largest holding, planted to clones 777 and 115.

Garys’ Vineyard—Dan Kosta and winemaker Shane Finley’s second source in the Santa Lucia Highlands—is also planted to the Pisoni Clone of Pinot Noir. The site typically ripens about 10 days earlier than Rosella’s, producing wines with less tannin, more finesse, and delicate blue floral character. Dan Kosta has sourced fruit from Garys’ Vineyard since 2005, when it was part of his former Kosta Browne label. The 2022 vintage is a dark-fruited, sumptuous, and savory expression, showing a bit more power and richness on the nose and a broader profile than Rosella’s. The wine opens with super savory aromatics of dried sage, rosemary, and thyme, joined by intriguing notes of yellow curry and red berry fruit that become more defined on the palate. A luxurious mocha richness envelops the senses, balanced by elegant conifer spice, while the long, refreshing finish shows crunchy red apple-skin acidity. It’s simply a delicious wine to drink.

This wine opens with a nostalgic burst of Red Hots hard candy—spicy and cinnamon-driven—alongside hints of blue and black fruit and warm brown baking spices. The palate is vibrant and consistent, offering juicy, plump fruit and velvety tannins supported by crunchy pomegranate seed, ripe black raspberry, and a lively blood-orange acidity that brings tension and lift. A blast of cocoa powder richness builds toward the finish, accented by lingering notes of clove. Sourced from Rosella’s Vineyard, located at the northernmost edge of the Santa Lucia Highlands and planted to the Pisoni Clone of Pinot Noir, this late-ripening, cool site produces thick-skinned berries that yield a more muscular tannin structure. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak.

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