Cristaldi Scores

Producer
Producer
More
Country
Country
More
Vintage
Vintage
More

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

Sources include vineyards in Freestone-Occidental and the Petaluma Gap, along with the Marine Layer Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills and fruit from Green Valley. Fermentations are native, with partial malolactic fermentation, followed by gentle lees stirring once per month. The wine is aged for 11 months in 500-litre puncheons from Stockinger, Damy, and Atelier, bottled unfined and lightly filtered. The wine builds beautifully in the glass, opening with bright aromatics of apple and white flowers, accented by a pop of tarragon or fennel. On the palate, a lovely creamy core from Wente Clone and Calera clones is framed by subtle apple-skin tannin grip, with hints of brioche and beeswax adding depth. It finishes with a wet-stone mineral character and crunchy sea-salt salinity, bringing lift, precision, and a sense of controlled unctuousness through the close. The 2024 vintage was a little warmer than 2023 but this is right in the same pocket qualitatively as the 2023. Snap it up!
Winemaker Mark Clarin proudly notes, “We grow everything we produce.” This Grenache Blanc—planted in the Lucky 8 Vineyard—is what he calls his “pet project,” a variety he personally championed for its strong performance in Livermore Valley. Sourced from cuttings out of Beeswax Vineyard in Monterey County, the wine is fermented in stainless steel. It opens with lovely aromatics of citrus oil, honeysuckle, and a hint of licorice, with dried fennel adding complexity. On the palate, it shows impressive weight and density, with terrific phenolic grip and vibrant apricot and white peach intensity. Long, textural, and compelling—a rare and exciting white from the region.
The Kylie Ryan Rosé from Lucky 8 Vineyard is picked on the early side and pressed directly into stainless steel. It’s super fragrant, with red berry fruit, strawberry, and watermelon rind, layered with apricot and sea spray minerality. A kiss of baking spice rounds out the nose. Medium-bodied, with a fleshy mid-palate and crisp, crunchy acid tension that drives a long, refreshing finish.
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Lucky 8 Vineyard comes from the southeastern portion of the Livermore Valley and is entirely Musqué Clone, aged primarily in stainless steel with 10% in neutral oak. Named in honor of the two eldest granddaughters, Peton Taylor and Ashton Paige, this Sauvignon Blanc pays homage to the variety’s legacy in Livermore Valley. It’s a vibrant expression, bursting with tropical melon and guava notes that build across the medium-bodied palate, layered with juicy white peach and underscored by zesty, citrus-driven acidity. Long and focused on the finish.
TASTING NOTE: Lot #47. Barrel Sample: Winemaker Abby Watt works with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, who’s on speed dial for some of Napa’s most elite estates. He also happens to be one of the tallest winemakers around—and his tannins are often just as tall, or at least elegantly elongated. Here, Watt and Hoefliger deliver a full-bodied, bold red blend with an expressive nose of brambly dark berry fruit, graphite, and fragrant violets. Layers of graham cracker and cinnamon add warmth and intrigue. The palate is super fresh, with bold yet supple tannins and impressive depth and concentration—all while remaining remarkably light on its feet. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Convergence” captures the rare moment when Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon ferment together in perfect harmony. For the first time, these two varietals ripened at the same time at Bell Mountain Ranch, a rare alignment that allowed for an experimental co-fermentation. Normally, these two varietals never reach peak ripeness simultaneously, making this unique harvest a fleeting moment in time. This exceptional vintage captures a singular, never-to-be-repeated experience in winemaking, where the perfect conditions allowed for a collaboration between two varietals that rarely share the same stage. Located at the southernmost tip of Alexander Valley, Bell Mountain Ranch sits in one of the cooler spots in the region, benefiting from the lower night temperatures that preserve freshness in the grapes. This vineyard is truly unique, with steep hillsides and growing conditions that closely mirror those of Bordeaux. Preserving the land is at the heart of the Medlock Ames philosophy. The vineyard is certified organic and regenerative organic, ensuring that their practices nourish the soils, plants, and workers. The bold fruitiness of Malbec in “Convergence” softens the gentle tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a seamless fusion that enhances both varietals with layers of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle earthy notes. The wine has a perfect balance of fruitiness, smooth tannins, and freshness, with a lingering finish that showcases the best of both varietals. It’s bold yet refined, with a complexity that evolves with every sip. WINEMAKER(S): Abby Watt ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: January 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: CA International Distribution: None

This wine was fermented in stainless steel using grapes sourced from the West Side Vineyard, where naturally low pH levels contribute to soaring, ripping acidity. It’s cold-pressed, cold-fermented, and cold-aged—every step designed to preserve freshness and minerality. There’s no oak influence and no lees stirring. Once fermentation finishes—after about three weeks—the wine is racked to stainless steel for an additional four months before bottling. The result is a bracing, delicious wine with lemon-lime brightness, white flowers, jasmine, and honeysuckle. The acidity is like a beam of light—laser-focused, bright, and crunchy—building toward a long, saline-mineral finish that’s practically perfectly made for seafood.
Just before harvest, the Grenache vines are lightened of their load and those grapes are used to make this rosé The grapes are foot-stomped with 48 hours of skin contact before being pressed to neutral barrels for fermentation. The wine is then aged for six months prior to bottling. Only about 300 cases are produced each year. This vintage is exceptionally fresh and focused, with bright, crunchy red berry fruit, layers of grapefruit zest, cherry, and cherry pit, and a hint of tangerine peel. A lovely saline-acid mineral tension carries through the long, drawn-out finish. Utterly refreshing, bright, and beautifully balanced.
This Sauvignon Blanc shows a richer profile, with toasty oak and vanilla mingling with yellow apple and lemon curd—almost more of a Chardonnay-like nose, which some people will love. On the palate, it’s laser-focused and racy, with a nice breadth of texture and juicy orchard fruit structure. Barrel aging included 12% new Saury oak, 16% used, and 72% stainless steel, along with seven months of lees stirring, all of which contribute to the wine’s flattering richness. Adolfo Hernandez explained his background and winemaking style to me as follows: “I was the enologist and then assistant winemaker at Eisele Vineyard, splitting my time—two years each—between the Araujos and Château Latour. From there, I spent a year with Martha McClellan at Checkerboard, where we also made her gorgeous Levy & McClellan wines. In 2017, I started as associate winemaker at Benovia in the Russian River Valley with Mike Sullivan, where I’m happily still working today.”
From vintner Weston Edison, best known for Silver Ghost, this Pinot Noir is sourced from the iconic Charles Heintz Vineyard near the town of Occidental, just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. It’s a dark-fruited, powerful expression of Pinot Noir, layered with rich espresso bean and caramel spice. Medium-bodied yet concentrated, the palate is lifted by blood orange and pithy grapefruit notes that bring freshness and energy, finishing with excellent length and a deep forest, redwood-driven character.

This is a lemon-bright white with seaspray minerality and a kiss of vanilla and baking spice that carries through on the medium-bodied palate. The flavors build with intensity, finishing with notes of toasty, flaky croissant and chalky minerality. An inviting and delicious Chardonnay. Sourced from own-rooted vines in two blocks of Fiddlestix Vineyard—Block 2A (massal) and Block 2B (Clone 76)—the wine was barrel-fermented with no stirring and aged on the lees for 10 months in 40% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered under DIAM 30 closure. Founded in 2024 by winemaker Adam Edelman, Nisi Wines is dedicated to crafting minimal-intervention Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from top sites across the Sta. Rita Hills.
Bright, candied red fruit defines the character of this site and appellation, accented by cedarwood nuances and sweet brown baking spices. Medium-bodied, it shows crunchy apple-skin tannins that frame supple, plump red fruit. This is a strong effort from the site, carrying a saline, wet-stone minerality that clearly reflects the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard, owned by Dave Phinney. The vineyard sits on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This 100% Pinot Noir is a co-fermentation of two blocks (50% Clone 828 and 50% Pommard Clone), using a mix of punchdowns and pumpovers. The wine was barrel-aged for 10 months in neutral French oak (once-used Chardonnay barrels) and bottled unfined and unfiltered under DIAM 30 closure. Founded in 2024 by winemaker Adam Edelman—whose experience includes Realm Cellars, Fait-Main, and Teeter-Totter—Nisi Wines focuses on minimal-intervention Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from top sites across the Sta. Rita Hills.

Sourced from Lodi’s Silva Spoons Vineyard, this white was fermented with native yeasts, saw a touch of skin contact, and was aged partially (30%) in neutral French oak. The nose opens with inviting notes of honey, citrus, and orange blossom. On the orange-flavored palate, it strikes a beautiful balance between linear acidity and a sultry, rounded texture. -JR
Sourced from the female-owned Crackerbox Vineyards, this 100% Sangiovese Rosé was aged sur lie for four months prior to bottling and release. It opens with brilliantly bright wild herb aromatics—dried lavender, thyme, and rosemary—accented by hints of prairie grass. The palate is nicely textured, with excellent grip and juicy cranberry and black raspberry fruit. Slightly underripe strawberry adds a crunchy edge, like biting into the white part near the stem. Firm acids give this wine great tension. Enjoy it with tacos.
60% whole cluster pressing gives this charming, bouyant Gamay a cheerful lift. It’s bright and fruity, packed with aromas and flavors of cranberries, cherry, berry compote, and lavender florals. While undeniably fun, there’s richness to the ripe fruit flavor, and elegance to the tightly wound acid core. Delightful. – J.R.

Blended from Arroyo Secco and Santa Lucia Highlands fruit, this blend provides a lovely, fruity take on Alsatian-inspired whites. Dominated by ripe citrus and tropical fruit flavors, this is a floral and inviting sipper with piquant acidity and a pleasant hint of astringent structure that wraps the palate up almost like a neat little decorative bow. – J.R.
Fermented and aged entirely in FCC Crystal stainless steel (austenitic-grade, named for the crystalline structure of the steel), this Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from Bob’s Vineyard and planted to Dijon clones. “We treated the pressing like a Sauvignon Blanc,” the winemaker says—blanketing it with CO₂ to keep the wine in a reductive state before fermenting and aging it entirely in stainless, with malolactic fermentation fully blocked. The aromatics are vibrant and layered, with notes of honeycomb, orange zest, and crushed almonds. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shows a rich vein of crystalline acid tension and sea salt minerality, with impressive length.
Poulet Sautant Unoaked Chardonnay is named for the “jumping chickens” on Bob Pruett’s property—specifically, his wife’s Polish Frizzles. During the growing season, the chickens leap up to knock berries off the vines to feed their young, which Bob has come to view as a charming (and accurate) indicator that the grapes are ripe and ready to harvest. This unoaked Chardonnay is super fresh and bright, with aromas of ripe pear, apple, and lemon citrus. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shows fleshy, creamy pear and apple fruit framed by zesty, electric acid tension. The finish is lifted by a touch of salinity and a pop of honeycomb.
The Tiradora white from Refugio Ranch is a dynamic, complex, and deeply layered wine with excellent fruit concentration. Aromas of apricot and charred pineapple lead the charge, nuanced by wildflower blossoms and grapefruit zest. The palate is bracketed by bracing lemon-lime acidity and framed with a taut saline-mineral tension that adds structure and drive. Subtle oak aging lends fragrant baking spice notes that weave seamlessly into the wine’s vibrant profile. A pleasure-packed white.
Aged 63% in 400L French oak barrels (85% new), 36% in stainless steel, and 1% in a ceramic egg, this white blends all the resulting textures in a fun way, upping the herbal tinge notes, fresh citrus aromas, and deliciously ripe tropical fruit flavors. – J.R.
This blend of 80% Pinot Blanc from Buttner Vineyards and Sunol Highlands Vineyard, with 20% Fiano from the Rodrigue Molyneaux estate, was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel. Fragrant lime blossoms intermingle with white peach notes, building across a light- to medium-bodied palate and finishing with salted and candied lime peel, and lemon zest. It’s the wine equivalent of your beachside margarita with salt on the rim—so after a shot of tequila and a squeeze of lime, don’t be afraid to sip this while staring off into the sunset, wherever you are.
The vineyard is in Pinole, and the grapes are whole-cluster pressed, fermented and aged in stainless steel, then bottled in January following the harvest. The wine is bright and crisp, with a rich umami baking-spice note reminiscent of Parmesan rind, encompassed by bright citrus and subtle tropical-fruit tones, finishing on a stony mineral edge. Jennifer Sahura says she named the wine after the Japanese word sakura, meaning ‘cherry blossoms’. The fleeting beauty of the sakura reminds us to embrace life and appreciate each moment, and she hopes the Sakura wines bring people together — family, friends and the moments that matter. Jennifer was raised in Davis, lived in Sunnyvale, and in 2020 moved with her family to Livermore.
This 100% Petit Verdot Rosé from Sakura Vineyard and Winery was fermented and aged in stainless steel. It’s a super salty, red-berry–fruited, floral-scented, and savory-spiced rosé with real verve and tenacity. As focused and southern-French in style as they come in the New World, it might just be the most food-friendly rosé in all of Livermore Valley.
This Coastline Project Pinot Noir is a dark-fruited powerhouse, showcasing the ripe, soaring tannins characteristic of fruit grown in the extreme coastal zones of the Sonoma Coast. It bursts with dark cherry and plum fruit, framed by red apple-skin tannins and mineral nuances that shine through the dark core—wet river stone, slate, and a touch of violet. On the palate, subtle blue fruit tones emerge beneath the grip of those firm tannins, adding depth and intrigue. I’m inclined to think these 2024s will age longer than the dazzling 2023s; there’s more heft and power here, making it worth holding until at least 2026 before pulling a cork. Sourced from organically farmed vineyards along the West Sonoma Coast and Sonoma Coast AVA—including McDougall Ranch and Kings Ridge (Fort Ross–Seaview), Fociñni (Petaluma Gap), and Lucky Well (Occidental)—this wine blends clones 114, Calera, Schoolhouse, Pommard, and La Tâche. With 30% whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel using native yeasts and native malolactic conversion, the wine spent 15 days on the skins. Salty Goats is passion of Nickel & Nickel’s Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook (who were mentored by Thomas Rivers Brown). The wines are made at TRB’s Mending Wall facility, sourcing grapes from organically farmed vineyards on the West Sonoma Coast and in Napa Valley.

This wine unfolds slowly, finishing with profoundly robust, firm tannins that build and build—but before that, it seduces with calm generosity and perfumed red fruit layered with violets, dark cinnamon, cedarwood, and underbrush. The entry is soft and silky, edged with blue-toned fruit that’s soon drawn into focus by the grip and structure of this powerful Pinot Noir. Like the Coastline Project Pinot, it’s worth holding until late 2026 before pulling corks—and it will easily reward a decade or more of aging. Composed of a barrel selection sourced 70% from McDougall Ranch and 30% from Kings Ridge Vineyard, with 30% whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel, native primary and malolactic fermentations, and 16 days on skins. Salty Goats is passion of Nickel & Nickel’s Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook (who were mentored by Thomas Rivers Brown). The wines are made at TRB’s Mending Wall facility, sourcing grapes from organically farmed vineyards on the West Sonoma Coast and in Napa Valley.

TASTING NOTE: Lot #55. Barrel Sample: The last time I tasted wine this good with Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook, we were at Nickel & Nickel on December 5, 2025. Just as we began tasting, a small earthquake rattled the building. We felt it sway, and—like any sensible wine industry veterans—we reached for our favorite wine on the table, downed a glass, and then made sure we didn’t need to run out of the building. That’s exactly what you’d do with this Pinot Noir. Crafted from a 50/50 blend of Kings Ridge and McDougall vineyards, it’s super expressive—floral and bright with incense notes from partial whole-cluster fermentation. It shows excellent depth and remarkable tension. One of the most tightly wound, high-energy lots I tasted, with soaring acidity, purity of fruit, and serious structural tannins anchoring it all. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Coastal Brotherhood” is a never before, never again blend – crafted from the first McDougal Vineyard fruit that Salty Goats Wine Co. has ever received and then blended with Pinot Noir from the Kings Ridge Vineyard. These vineyards are located within the northernmost section of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Both sites are less than 3.5 miles from the ocean and organically farmed. Salty Goats Wine Co. started in 2020, rooted in the coastal hills of Northern California, dedicated to crafting expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir. It is a passion project born from the dynamic brotherhood of Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook, the acclaimed winemaking team behind Nickel & Nickel’s extraordinary Napa Valley Cabernets. They partner with trusted farmers who share their passion for organic and precision viticulture. With its high elevations, cool climate, and Pacific Ocean influence, the West Sonoma Coast offers wonderful conditions to produce Pinot Noir that is vibrant and expressive. Expect a wine of depth, texture, and elegance, highlighted by a unique coastal salinity. This wine epitomizes freshness and elegance with a long, vibrant finish. WINEMAKER(S): Joe Harden, Phil Holbrook ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: August 2025 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: January 2026 National Distribution: CA, HI

This 50% Mourvèdre, 50% Grenache blend was co-fermented and aged in stainless steel. The pale rose-gold hue leads to a complex and seriously delicious rosé, driven by notes of white peach and dried apricot, interwoven with a smoky mineral character that adds depth and intrigue. The palate is rich, silky, and supple, finishing with refreshing saline-acid tension and a cool river stone minerality. This isn’t your typical fruit-bomb, pool-pounder rosé—though you could, and probably should, crush bottles by the pool. Still, it’s best enjoyed while lounging with a book in an Adirondack chair or catching up with good friends around the backyard picnic table. Pour it for your favorite people—and definitely pour it for yourself.
The 2024 Samsara Clairette, sourced from the organically farmed Watch Hill Vineyard in Alisos Canyon—known for its marine influence and low-nutrient sandy-clay soils—offers a crisp, focused expression of this variety. Chalky minerality and zesty citrus fruit lead the way, joined by wild white flowers that bloom aromatically. The medium-bodied palate reveals a lovely core of ripe peach and dried apricot, layered with a subtle nutty nuance that adds depth and charm.
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Denmark Street Vineyard and pressed directly into locally crafted clay amphorae, where it completes both primary and secondary fermentation and ages for six months. The result is a lemony-bright, lime-zesty, white-floral, and high-toned aromatic wine with a lovely richness on the palate. Crisp, clean, and vibrant, it delivers acidity reminiscent of biting into ripe grapefruit. Intriguing baking spice notes—likely imparted by the amphorae—add layers of mineral iron and subtle Indian spice. Utterly fascinating. Sean Minor Wines was founded in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Sean and Nicole Minor, and is still family-owned and operated. In 2023, their daughter, Elle Minor, joined the team as winemaker. Wines are made from a combination of estate fruit and fruit purchased from sustainably farmed sources throughout California.
The Toots Rosé is made entirely from Aleatico—a grape variety most common in Italy, typically blended into red wines, yet thriving on the Serres Ranch, where just six acres are planted. Fermented and aged in stainless steel, it’s an exceptionally expressive rosé with a rich, luscious quality and a satiny texture. Ripe strawberry and cherry tones lead the way, lifted by a fresh pop of grapefruit or blood orange and a zippy, mouthwatering finish. Super refreshing. The Serres family launched the brand in 2018, with the inaugural vintage released in 2022; they currently produce about 500 cases each year. Tim Milos and Derek Irwin are the winemakers.
Lifted and fragrant, reminiscent of walking through a field of sweet grass on a Spring afternoon. The first sip reveals a zesty Sauvignon Blanc, layered with ripe apple and pear, drizzled with wildflower acacia honey. That off-dry quality balances out the zesty acid tension.
1 2 3 4 28 29 30

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

The flagship estate Chardonnay is sourced from all four of Melville’s estate ranches. The fruit is harvested overnight and pressed before sunrise into tank, followed by a 24-hour cold settle before being racked to barrel. Fermentation occurs entirely in neutral oak, with the wine aged for eight months prior to bottling. This is a flinty, reductive Chardonnay on the nose, with a candied minerality that lifts its fragrant baking spice character. Layers of Meyer lemon, pear, white peach, and a hint of agave nectar unfold on the palate, all framed by scintillating acidity. The finish is long and complex, marked by crushed Marcona almonds, lime blossoms, and lime zest.
This wine is a blend of fruit from all four of the estate’s ranches: the 40-acre East Side Vineyard, which surrounds the winery; the 40-acre West Side Vineyard, located about half a mile west; Rancho Nuevo, a 36-acre site to the southwest that follows the Santa Ynez River and benefits from cooler conditions; and La Chapelle, their newest planting with roughly 27 acres under vine. A total of 17 different Pinot Noir clones are represented in this blend. Fermentation includes 40% whole clusters in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel vessels, with hand punchdowns performed twice daily. The wine is pressed to neutral barrels and aged for up to 11 months. Thanks to stem inclusion, the aromatics are fantastically expressive—incense, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cocoa nibs. The palate is medium-bodied with perfectly ripe, assertive tannins that grip all corners of the mouth before resolving into a fine, granular texture. Juicy, plump red berry fruit is tinged with spicy notes of sage and rhubarb, all supported by excellent length and vibrant tension.

Anna’s Block Pinot Noir comes from the West Side Vineyard and is a combination of Clones 114 and 667, grown on the northern end of the site. The fruit was fermented in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins with 67% whole cluster, then pressed to French oak barrels—roughly 10% new—and aged for up to 15 months. The nose is deeply intriguing: rose petal stems, dusty cherry, and crushed volcanic stone minerality lift from the glass, followed by incense and perfumed rose petals that carry through to the palate. Tart red cherry fruit layers into a juicy mid-palate richness, as this medium-bodied wine builds toward a long finish marked by tobacco-infused tannins and just a whisper of wood smoke. It’s layered, complex, and wildly distinct from Sandy’s Block on the estate—more brooding and muscular, yet still backed by vibrant acidity that makes it an ideal pairing for braised meats or rich mushroom dishes.

The Block M Pinot Noir comes from the West Side Vineyard, situated on the plateau that rises above The Terraces. It’s planted to a mix of Clones 115 and 114 on clay soils. The clusters here are small, the berries even smaller, with intensely thick skins—and because they receive direct sunlight, the stems ripen fully as well. The wine is fermented with 80% whole cluster in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins, then aged for 15 months in neutral French oak. This is an aromatic wonder, with layers of incense, red berry fruit, rose stem, dried rose petal, and savory notes of dried sage and thyme. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it delivers a dense core of ripe black cherry and spiced plum, along with Chinese five spice and coriander. The tannins are spicy, sinewy, and etched—wrapping around the palate before resolving into a finish marked by dark cocoa. It’s a Pinot Noir for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers—chewy, expressive, and deeply complex.

The Sandy’s Block Pinot Noir comes from the east side of the estate, surrounding the winery. Though elevation here is relatively low—around 150 feet—this block sits on the steepest portion of the site, nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The soils are predominantly sandy and silty loam, and a mix of Pinot Noir clones is planted throughout the block. The fruit was night-harvested, followed by a 7-day cold soak in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel fermenters. The wine was pressed to barrel and aged for 15 months in neutral oak, with about 10% new French oak included. It was made with 50% whole cluster. The aromatics are spicy and expressive—leading with incense and red cherry. On the palate, red fruit builds with apple-skin tannins and cherry pit notes, all framed by a bracing acid profile. There’s an energetic pomegranate seed character that drives the lengthy finish. This is definitely one of the most food-friendly wines in their lineup.

The Terraces comes from vines planted on west-facing terraced hillsides, exposed to powerful Pacific winds and afternoon sun. The site transitions from sandy loam at the base to more clay-rich soils near the top. Fermentation took place in 1.5-ton open-top stainless steel bins with 67% whole cluster, followed by 15 months of aging in French oak barrels, about 10% of which were new. This wine opens with a host of rich mineral characteristics on the nose—dusty red cherry, blood orange, and a hint of saline. It’s a more powerful expression, with robust, chunky tannins framing a concentrated core. A saline-scented acidity—almost black sea salt in character—threads through the palate, adding lift and definition. Quite a wine you can chew on—ideal with a well-salted steak.

From Calesa Vineyard, this fruit is night-picked, whole-cluster pressed, given a two-day settle, then treated with a small sulphur adjustment before native-yeast fermentation. Some lots undergo native malolactic fermentation. Bâtonnage begins with more frequent stirring and tapers as the wine ages for 15 months in roughly 30% new French oak. It is bottled unfiltered and unfined.This is a very special Chardonnay from this site, made by Kirk Venge. It is super fragrant, with gorgeous citrus peel, impressive stony mineral tension, white flowers and beautifully integrated cedar spices, all carried by tremendous verve and tension.
The 2023 Murrieta’s Well 100% Sauvignon Blanc was aged sur lie for four months in 10% new and 90% neutral French oak barrels. Refined and balanced, it shows expressive chalky minerality and a rich mid-palate density that remains light on its feet, thanks to scintillating acid tension. Crisp and focused, with orchard fruit shining through on the lengthy finish, sipping this is ike biting into a crunchy, crisp Granny Smith apple or early-season pear. Quite the ideal companion on a hot summer day.
This was my personal favorite of the Nid Tissé wines from 2023 that I sampled. I love the Russian River Valley richness it exudes — richness balanced by real tension. Beautifully pure and attractive lemon notes appear in all forms: lemon peel, meringue and lemon tart. A subtle kiss of toasty cedarwood mingles with all that bright citrus, interwoven with ripe orchard fruit on the palate. A long, chalky mineral finish brings everything into focus. Sourced from the famous Bacigalupi Vineyard — a site of red clay and rocky loam gravels — this Wente field selection comes from the Judgement of Paris Block. It is native-fermented with full malo and aged for 12 months in 14% new French oak, 20% clay egg, and a further three months in stainless steel before bottling.
The Nid Tissé Chardonnay from Bentrock Vineyard — an iconic site in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara — sits on north-facing slopes of Santa Lucia shaley clay loam and Tierra sandy loam at 152 meters. Those soils, combined with its proximity to the ocean — about nine miles as the crow flies — bring an epic salinity to the wine, which is native-fermented with full malo and no filtration, and aged 17 months in large neutral French oak on fine lees. A mere 62 cases were produced. Lemony-bright on the nose, fragrant with sea-spray salinity and chalky mineral notes, it is silky on the palate, revealing tangerine and apricot, while lime-bright acidity frames a white wine of graceful, tension-filled poise.
From Hyde Vineyard, a famous Carneros site with Haire clay–loam soils, this is a field blend of 33-year-old Robert Young Clone and 30-year-old Wente Selection. It is native-fermented with full malo and aged for 12 months in 16% new French oak, 14% clay amphora, and a further three months in stainless steel before bottling. It is highly aromatic — stone fruit and tropical fruit melding together — with notes of apricot, banana and pineapple on a creamy palate. A fairly soft, generous and mellow rendition of this site, it makes for exceptionally easy drinking.
From Radian Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills of Santa Barbara, the site is perched at 152 meters on dramatically steep slopes of clay loam with large deposits of diatomaceous earth, which drains exceptionally well — so well that the vines truly struggle, resulting in a fantastically concentrated yet immediately fresh wine. Native-fermented with 18% whole cluster, it was aged 10 months in 12% Burgundian French oak, and is a blend of Clones 115 and 777. There is plenty of wet-rock minerality alongside dark cherry and raspberry fruit, with clove spice and blood-orange notes. Pretty rose-petal tones and supple tannins frame a juicy, dark-fruited wine layered with more wet slate and mild Indian spices on the lasting finish. The wine is incredibly fresh and invigorating, with both tension and generosity.

Sourced from the Sunol Highlands, this Sauvignon Blanc bursts with aromas of crisp apple, lemongrass, lemon, and subtle spice. The palate reflects the cooler influence of its site, delivering a mineral-driven texture and a downright perky, refreshing energy. -JR
Licorice, mulberry, and wild blueberry leap from the buoyant nose of this Lodi-sourced Mencía. The red fruit-driven palate is delicious, eager, and effortlessly appealing. Waves of peppery spice roll in with persistent energy—just when you think it’s done, another layer arrives. A vibrant, spice-laced wine with charm and character. -JR

Floral, tropical, and herbaceous—this Torrontés from Lodi hits all the right notes for the variety. Crafted with a deft touch by Omega Road, it offers a vibrant, expressive nose of tropical fruit and blossoms. The palate is bright and citric, with a clean mineral edge that brings precision and lift. Delicious. -JR
Titled as a love letter to owner and winemaker Dane Stark’s wife, this 100% Grenache rosé opens with delicate notes of wild strawberry and rose petals. A pleasing hint of structural astringency—like plum skin—adds texture to the palate, which finishes with elegance and a refined, mineral-driven character. -JR

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

MAILING LIST

The only email you want to open