Reviewed by Joe Roberts – Page 2

2022

Dutton-Goldfield

Dutton-Ranch, Snow Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Leads with boysenberry, and quickly reveals dark tea, dark berries, dark spices, and a dark disposition. The palate is surprisingly structured, with a long finish of sweet, ripe wild blueberries (both fresh and dried). Delicious. – J.R.

Red

2022

La Regola

Costa Toscana Bianco

With abundant notes of apricot, peach, yellow apples, lemon blossom, and hay, it’s the Chardonnay that dominates the nose in this blend. Its palate is rich with broad peach and ripe citrus flavors, complemented by hints of piquant minerality on a medium+ finish. – J.R.

White

2022

Madrevite

C'osa

This flagship red’s grapes are manually selected, with about 20% whole cluster and agewd 6 months in cement tanks and 12 months in large oak barrels. Succulent red fruit kicks it off, all of it deep and savory. The palate shows the same, with spices acting as background to the pure, abundantly fruity mouthfeel. – J.R.

Red

2022

Merry Edwards

Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

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.

Red

2022

Nicolas-Jay

Momtazi Pinot Noir

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.

Red

2022

Obsidian Wine Co.

Half Mile

Red

2022

Poggio della Dogana

I Quattro Bastioni

An incredibly juicy red that’s dark and plummy and still a bit young. You can really sense the structure in the dryness of the mid-palate, amid the flavors of black cherry and hints of leather. Grab a burger to tame it and enjoy. – J.R.

Red

2022

Quinta do Vesuvio

Pombal do Vesuvio

Named for the terraced vineyards surrounding this often underrated estate’s ancient dovecote (“pombal” in Portuguese), this release hails from a hot and dry vintage (even by modern Douro standards). Exceptionally spicy on the nose, with green and dried herbs, pepper, violets, and wild blackberry notes. On the palate, this is ripe, plummy, dense, and full, with tannins that carry a dusty edge. Delicious now, this will be even better with 2-3 years of cellaring. – J.R.

Red

2022

Rodney Strong

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

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.

Red

2022

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Buco del Prete

This site, named “hole of the priest”, refers to land previously belonging to the church, with a vineyard planted at the base of two adjoining steep hillsiodes. It leaeds with very dark cherry and dried roses, then presents aromas of vibrant red fruits. The palate is earthy, funky, chewy, and structured, leading to a mineral-tinged finish. – J.R.

Red

2022

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco de Re

There’s a lot to like about this white, sourced from a steep, riverside vineyard. A perky nose is abundant with white flowers, ripe citrus, jasmine, underripe pineapple, pear, and yellow and green apples. 9 months in new and second-use French oak lend a hint of toast tro the racy palate, which shows flavors of ripe lemons and a chalky minerality, leading to a long citrus-peel finish. – J.R.

White

2022

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Sottovento

From 30+ year old, bush-trained vines comes this intriguing and mineral Sauvignon, aged 12 months in used French oak barrels. Peach blossom and tropical fruit notes mingle with ripe grapefruit and a touch of hay on the nose. In the mouth it starts quite rounded, with developed citrus, grilled orange peel, ripe yelow apple, and mandarin orange flavors. A saline hint adds complexity and nuance. – J.R.

White

2022

Tenuta Licinia

Sasso di Fata

Red

2022

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

Sourced entirely from Sangiovese (vines averaging 20 years old) grown in the Prenzano parcel and nearby estate vineyards, the fruit reflects a mix of sites clustered around the historic villa. Prenzano sits at the upper reaches of the property, where lighter, sand-influenced soils—similar in character to those found in Lamole—tend to yield more aromatic, finely structured wines. Juicy and delicious, with cedar, vanilla, and orange peel notes sitting atop ample and ripe cherry and red plum fruits. The black cherry flavor on the vibrant palate is immediately appealing, and the structure in the mid-palate is surprising, giving this red focus to balance out the fruitiness and acidity. The finish stays chewy and refreshing, inviting another (or several) sips. This one will add a touch of class to pasta night, for sure. Matured in a combination of oak, with roughly equal portions of new barrels, second-use barrels, and older, more neutral casks contributing to the final blend.

Red

2023

Beckstoffer Vineyards

Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This showcase red, sourced from Block 1B planted in 1999 to Clone 337, is meant only as a demonstration of the site’s potential and is not made available for general sale. It spends 17 months in 100% French oak, and it’s wonderful stuff. Cola, black cherry, pencil lead, dried and very savory herbs, sage, blackberry compote, and hints of mint all appear on the expressive and complex nose. On the palate, this EXPLODES with black cherry juiciness, later showing black plum, cassis, and notes of leather, licorice, and toast. Powerful and voluptuous in the mouth, it does a great job of balancing upfront fruit with its more structural elements, like its cherry skin tannins and ultra-bright acidity.

Red

2023

Cattleya

Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir

Spicy and mineral, with rhubarb, cherry, and raspberry aromas and flavors, topped off with an almost minty herbal spice. Nice balance of roundness and acidity here! – J.R.

Red

2023

Cattleya

Pinot Noir

A dark and brooding Pinot with intense boysenberry, plum, and black raspberry fruits. Hints of leather, turned earth, and tobacco and tea leaves join the fray on the wonderful nose. It’s silky and substantial, but clearly has a mineral edge (and great structure) under all of that ripe palate fruitiness. – J.R.

Red

2022

Crimson Veil

Beckstoffer Crimson Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Whoa. A black-fruited cornucopia is going on here, with intense, dark graphite notes among red and black currants. There are also warm baking spices, toast, grilled and dried herbs, and just a ton of hedonistic, opulent complexity happening up front on the nose. The palate is delightful, chewy, delicious, and BIG on everything: red and black plum juiciness, structure, acidity, and power. It feels like a picture-perfect match for grilled flank steak and potatoes. Aged in 50% new French Oak barrels.

Red

2023

Davis Bynum

River West Vineyard Chardonnay

Sourced from a vineyard on a low riverside bench, this white is big, but also refreshingly lemony. Everything feels wonderfully dialed up in this big-fruited Chardonnay. So it’s all on balance, from its warm and spicy aromatics to its rich peach flavors. – J.R.

White

2023

Domaine Bousquet

Reserve Organic Chardonnay

There’s a LOT of bang for the buck in this organic, hand-harvested Chardonnay from one of Argentina’s most consistent producers. Peach, pear, apples, and light spice abound, with a balanced mouthfeel. Talk about a major value. – J.R.

White

2023

Domaine Bousquet

Unoaked Chardonnay

Sourced from high elevation vineyards, this shows excellent balance and quality for the price. Bright citrus, rich tropical fruits, and a hint of honeysuckle all make for an easy and enjoyable quaffer. – J.R.

White

2023

Duchman Family Winery

Vermentino

A mineral, stony edge, and a hint of bitter almond drive this white’s fine, ripe citrus aromas and flavors. The zestiness lasts long into the finish, making this a great match for summer salads. – J.R.

White

2023

Madrevite

C'osa

This flagship red’s grapes are manually selected, with about 20% whole cluster and agewd 6 months in cement tanks and 12 months in large oak barrels. Incense spices, red fruits, and greener herb notes with licorice hints lead the nose. The palate is chewy with black fruit, abundant spices, and more structure than in previous vintages. Great stuff. – J.R.

Red

2023

Poggio della Dogana

Arlesiana

Sourced from Brisighella, this is a take-no-prisoners Sangiovese that offers lots of dark currant and cherry fruit aromas, along with prominent dried herb spice notes. Fleshy, fruity, and full of body, it’s a mouthful that has impressive structure throughout, and needs some time (or lots of protein). – J.R.

Red

2023

Poggio della Dogana

Belladama

What a lovely nose: blossoms, quince, ripe lemons… A delight to sniff. Good minerality balances an ample body that carries a good bit of structure to it, augmented by notes of honey and herbs, and ripe citrus flavors. – J.R.

White

2023

Tenuta Licinia

L'Isolato

Red

2023

Tenuta Licinia

Montepolli

Red

2023

Tenuta Licinia

Onda

Sourced from a single vineyard with extrmely thin, slate subsoils, this Cab Franc sees 11 months aging in large format oak and 6 months in concrete. Tons of herbal spice notes kick it off, with citrus peel, lavender, and a fantastic purity of dark plummy fruit. The palate is gorgeous—spice, tension, dusty but elegant tannins, black fruit depth, and blood orange acidity. Irresistibly pretty, mineral, energetic, rich, and delicious. – J.R.

Red

2023

Tenuta Licinia

Sasso di Fata

Dried herbs, rose petal, and savory black olive notes offer support to a nose of black plums, red currants, and wild raspberries. Sultry on entry, the mouthfeel then becomes grippy and at turns energetic and then powerful in this exceptional young red that is just finding its footing. It’s very young, very finely textured, very elegant, and very, very good! – J.R.

Red

2023

William Fevre

Chablis Champs Royaux

From a Chablis producer who can do no wrong when it comes to crafting beguiling whites. Lemons, white blossoms, and minerals abound on the nose and palate for what feel like days. Almost effortlessly drinkable. – J.R.

White

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2021

Producer

Name

This flagship red’s grapes are manually selected, with about 20% whole cluster and agewd 6 months in cement tanks and 12 months in large oak barrels. The 2021 offering is a savory, complex sipper with dried violets, blackberry, currants, and raspberry on the nose. The palate has a soft entry, then bursts with vibrant red fruits, a hit of herbs and black pepper spice, and shows power on an impressive finish. – J.R.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Boy oh boy, is this concentrated! Tangy red cherries, red currants, dried cranberries, baking and wood spices, orange peel, and earthy tobacco waft from the glass. The palate delivers a flash of the same, upping the ante on the tanginess. Aged 18 months in French oak (both 500 and 700 lt), with 12 more months refining in the bottle. – J.R.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

From the Symingtons’ first project outside of the Douro, this red blend is aged 75% for six months in third and fourth-year 400L French oak. Aromas of toast, ripe blue and black plums, dried violets, black pepper, and green herbs kick things off. In the mouth, youthful fruit and approachable freshness make this instantly appealing, and hints of leather add a nice touch of complexity. – J.R.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

A full-bore, leathery, and brambly expression, with plenty of dark cherry, baking spices, green herbs, and dried orange peel to keep you interested. The palate shows plenty of power, with rich berry fruit tinged with salted dark chocolate. But it is not without poise in its excellent length. – J.R.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Sourced from hillside vines near the river Arbia, this is a decidedly tangy, earthy Riserva with lots of depth to its bright cherry and red plum fruitiness. Hints of dried orange peel, tobacco, and complexity. Very food-friendly. – J.R.

Red

2021

Producer

Name

Sourced from the Prenzano-Petriolo and Orto-Poggio Asciutto vineyards, this shows nice and vibrant cherry fruit and earthy undertones. The richness of the mouthfeel is a wonderful contrast to its Old School Chianti structure and texture. – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Keith Emerson (of Vineyard 29 and AtLarge) notes that “we’ve been working with these vineyards since 2016. I just love it, everytime we get there you just are in awe of how different it is to St. Helena. The soil is just… rocks. I love working with the fruit.” The plantings for this Cabernet are situated at up to 2,300 feet, from the Block 3D Crimson Ridge, and Amber Knolls west block 1C. The fruits are bright, red and blue on the nose, accentuated by ample laurel, rosepetal, and baking spice notes. Similar to other Amber Knolls reds, there’s an herbal and savory component that is prominent while also being well-integrated. The palate is a total crowd-pleaser, balancing buoyant, plummy fruits with bright acidity. It’s a bit of a masterclass in mountain Cab tannin management, too. Delicious, it’s a near-perfect introduction to the AVA’s luxury tier. Aged 20 months in 60% new and 40% once-used French oak.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

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.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

What a gorgeous aroma: black pepper, wild blackberries, garrigue, lavender, smoked game, and iron. There is a fantastic mouthfeel to go with it, too, one that’s chock-full of red, black, and blue fruit, but also tons of minerals and surprising structure. A stunner, sourced from Côte Rôtie clones planted in the Soberanes Vineyard. – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Very dark cassis fruit, camphor, and dried and green herbs are present in this friendly, hearty Cab. This is a real mouthful, and a no-brainer with grilled burgers. – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Fruity, floral, and packed full of fun, this red sports an elegant streak to match its palate brawn. Aged in French oak between 8 and 10 months, it represents an excellent value. Pair it up with burgers right off the grill. – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Hand-harvested and French oak-aged, this red is a superb value pick. Bold red and black fruits combine with dried violets, baking spices, hints of graphite, and a welcome tension between perky minerality and grippy structure. Well done! – J.R.

Red

2022

Producer

Name

Docker Hill owners Karson and Bill Aubuchon planted their vineyard in 2010 (to Heritage and Dijon clones), and several spots sit above the fog line and are cooler and longer ripening as a result. After aging 17 months in 45% new French oak, this Pinot Noir shows fantastic notes of rhubarb, boysenberry, brambly herbs, violets, and sandalwood. In the mouth, it takes a somewhat darker tone, showing ripe blackberry fruit flavors in intense waves, each topped with earthy truffle notes. It will age very, very well, though it is awfully difficult to refuse now. – J.R.

Cristaldi Scores

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Dutton-Goldfield

Dutton-Ranch, Snow Vineyard, Pinot Noir

La Regola

Costa Toscana Bianco

Madrevite

C'osa

Merry Edwards

Meredith Estate Pinot Noir

Nicolas-Jay

Momtazi Pinot Noir

Obsidian Wine Co.

Half Mile

Poggio della Dogana

I Quattro Bastioni

Quinta do Vesuvio

Pombal do Vesuvio

Rodney Strong

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Buco del Prete

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Ronco de Re

Ronchi di Castelluccio

Sottovento

Tenuta Licinia

Sasso di Fata

Vignamaggio

Terre di Prenzano

Beckstoffer Vineyards

Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Cattleya

Alma de Cattleya Pinot Noir

Cattleya

Pinot Noir

Crimson Veil

Beckstoffer Crimson Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Davis Bynum

River West Vineyard Chardonnay

Domaine Bousquet

Reserve Organic Chardonnay

Domaine Bousquet

Unoaked Chardonnay

Duchman Family Winery

Vermentino

Madrevite

C'osa

Poggio della Dogana

Arlesiana

Poggio della Dogana

Belladama

Tenuta Licinia

L'Isolato

Tenuta Licinia

Montepolli

Tenuta Licinia

Onda