California – Page 3 – Cristaldi & Co

Cristaldi Scores

Sort

Vintage

Wine

Sort

Color

Rating

Vintage

Wine

Color

Rating

2021

Domaine de la Rivière

Middle Reach Vineyards Pinot Noir

This wine is wonderfully rich and layered, with lovely textures drawn from each of the sites that feed into the blend. The Middle Reach Vineyard contributes Pommard, Vosne-Romanée, Swan, and Mt. Eden clones, while additional fruit comes from Starr Ridge, El Diablo, and the estate Vineyard Eleven. Winemaker Kale Anderson harvests at night, bringing the fruit into the winery cold and fermenting in open-top tanks. He uses as much whole cluster as the vintage allows, gives the fruit a five-day cold soak, then ferments fairly warm with a combination of punchdowns before pressing at dryness to barrel for malolactic fermentation. The wine ages 11 months in roughly 25% new French oak before bottling. The result is bright, crunchy red fruit layered with clove and warm spice. The purity of the fruit really comes through, building richness across the palate with strawberry and raspberry tones, touches of leather, tobacco, and blood orange, and a thread of brown baking spices that linger on the finish. Velvety, satiny textures frame this wonderfully tasty wine, which is considered the entry-level offering.

Red

2021

Domaine de la Rivière

Red Barn Block Vineyard eleven Pinot Noir

In 2021, this marked the first year the estate produced this wine. The fruit is wonderfully bright, pure, and crunchy, with lifted white-pepper aromatics and a burst of rose-petal fragrance. It builds across the palate with juicy blood-orange acidity and perfectly integrated cocoa-powder tannins. The blend is 49% UV-VR clone, 34% Pommard, and 17% Swan. It’s an absolutely fabulous wine—the kind you want to enjoy throughout an entire meal for its bright acidity and tension supporting such beautifully pure fruit. Aged 11 months in roughly one-third new French oak.

Red

2021

Domaine de la Rivière

Two Forces Pinot Noir

A blend of owner Jeff Bedrosian’s two favorite clones, Pommard and Swan. I love the concentration and freshness here—it’s packed with lush fruit and velvety textures, and it’s absolutely delicious on its own, full-flavored and generous. The wine was aged 11 months in 37% new French oak before bottling. The name refers to the two clones and the forces they represent: Pommard, with its darker fruit and earth-driven depth, and Swan, which brings a more feminine profile of spice and brighter fruit tones. Think of them as yin and yang. They complement each other beautifully in this blend, which shows lovely high-toned spice and that wonderful Pommard richness on the palate. I’d happily drink this on its own, but it would also pair well with braised meats or a salad scattered with pomegranate seeds to echo its juicy, earthy pop.

Red

2021

Dovecote

Thompson Vineyard 'Noumenon' Syrah

From the Thompson Vineyard in the Alisos Canyon AVA comes this unfiltered 2021 Syrah—just 72 cases made. It’s a vivid, layered, and beautifully perfumed expression of the variety, laced with rose petal and violet pastille aromatics that leap from the glass. The palate offers deep mid-palate concentration, with ironstone minerality at its core, accented by spearmint, wild sage, and savory spice. Firm, taut tannins carry a mineral edge, perfectly balanced by saline-acid tension that extends through the long, focused finish.

Red

2021

Dovecote

Thompson Vinyeard Estate Petite Sirah

A full-throttle, ripe, and boldly expressive Petite Sirah, this wine delivers a rush of blue and black cherry fruit layered with spiced plum, all wrapped in firm, robust tannins. The palate is richly textured, with cedarwood, walnut husk, and cherry pit nuances adding savory depth. Earthy undertones and wet slate minerality drive the long, spicy finish, accented by dried rose petals and violets. A rollercoaster of power and nuance.

Red

2021

Dragonette

MJM Syrah

Brooding, expressive, and impressively focused, this blend of 97% Syrah and 3% Grenache draws from three distinctive vineyard sites—Stolpman (clay loam and limestone), John Sebastiano (Linne clay loam), and Larner (sand)—each selected for its unique soil series. The wine opens with a rush of pure black cherry and blackberry fruit, mingling with dark plum, deep forest underbrush, bark, dark chocolate, rich loamy earth, and roasted espresso bean. Aromatics build with momentum, gaining lift and energy on the palate, where gorgeously perfumed violet and rose petal notes emerge. In 2021, the tannins are particularly gentle, velvety, and elongated, wrapped in a dusting of white pepper and tobacco leaf. The finish is vivid and complex, with ripe, muddled farmers market–fresh blueberries, a pulse of blood orange acidity, and savory notes of black truffle, tar, and incense. Wow. As winemaker Brandon Sparks-Gillis explains, the idea behind Dragonette’s MJM Syrah has always been simple: “The sum is greater than its parts.” That ethos has guided every vintage since the inaugural release in 2007.

Red

2021

Epiphany Cellars

Rodney's Vineyard Grenache

This tart, red-fruited Grenache offers quiet charm and slow-building complexity. Bright cherry notes are laced with vanilla-scented cedarwood and a hint of agave nectar, unfolding on a medium-bodied palate framed by gentle tannins and chalky minerality. A subtle smokiness lingers on the finish

Red

2021

Far Mountain

Myrna Chardonnay

A powerful, succulent, and well-built white, brimming with aromas and flavors of grilled citrus and peaches, a bit of cream, and plenty of spice and power. It feels relatively big, but a beautiful example of the style. – J.R.

White

2021

Flying Goat Cellars

Riverbench Pinot Meunier Goat Bubbles

Made in the méthode champenoise style from the Riverbench Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, this sparkling wine—affectionately dubbed “goat bubbles”—leaps from the glass with inviting aromas of yellow peach, poached pear, and yellow apple, all mingling like orchard fruit jam on warm, buttered croissants. The palate is enveloped in a luxuriously creamy mousse, carrying those rich fruit tones with elegance. A wet slate finish adds mineral complexity.

Rosé

2021

Garre Vineyard & Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 2021 Cabernet Franc from Garré was aged for 20 months in 33% new Eastern European oak. It’s a very pretty wine—soft, approachable, and full of charm—with black currant fruit, cola notes, and hints of underbrush building across the medium-bodied palate. Gentle tannins glide into a long finish marked by black sea salt, Earl Grey tea, and pressed violets. A gentle giant, and all too easy to drink.

Red

2021

Garre Vineyard & Winery

Primitivo

100% Primitivo aged for 20 months in 25% new European oak from Garre Vineyard. This is a super juicy, blue-fruited, and downright delicious wine, with cola nut nuances, layers of minty freshness, and savory charcuterie all building on the medium-bodied palate. Granular tannins carry a coffee-toffee quality, adding texture and depth. A total crowd-pleaser—perfect for weeknights, the start of a meal, and, naturally, with pizza.

Red

2021

Gary Farrell

Lancel Creek Vineyard, Pinot Noir

Blood oranges, tart cranberries, oak, cinnamon, black cherries, camphor, and fresh green herbs… this red is packing a lot of complexity and elegance on the nose. In the mouth, it shows impressive, savory meatiness, while never once losing its edgy freshness. Aged 15 months on the lees (with 40% new French oak), with just 578 cases made. – J.R.

Red

2021

Hitching Post Wines

Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir

From Hitching Post founders Frank Ostini and Gray Hartley—who’ve been at it since 1979—comes this 2021 Pinot Noir, a lovely, easy-drinking, and beautifully balanced wine from the renowned Fiddlestix Vineyard. It’s juicy and expressive, with velvet-textured tannins framing ripe cherry and blackberry fruit. Accents of fine cedar and bright acidity lend freshness and lift to the medium-bodied palate, which resolves in a smooth, satisfying finish.

Red

2021

Hitching Post Wines

Highliner Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sideways 20th Anniversary Bottling

You can’t miss this wine in a lineup—it proudly sports a bright green Sideways 20-Year Anniversary sticker across the top. If you know the film and the original book by author Rex Pickett, you already understand the significance. If not, pause here, Google Sideways, then return—better yet, read my Decanter article, “A Drink With: Rex Pickett,” for the full story. As for the wine itself, it’s a juicy, delicious, and highly drinkable Pinot Noir with soft, supple tannins and plump, ripe black cherry and plum fruit. A bone-dry finish is laced with brown baking spices and cedarwood accents. Enjoy it with a well-salted ribeye—or solo while rewatching Paul Giamatti’s now-iconic Pinot-fueled unraveling performance.

Red

2021

Hook & Ladder

Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged 18 months in a mix of new and used Hungarian oak, this 2021 estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Los Amigos Ranch in the Chalk Hill AVA is dark, muscular, and brooding. It boasts notes of black mulberry and dried violet, with black olive and rich cassis and cherry fruit building on the palate. Velvety, well-framed tannins form a plush carpet across the mid-palate. Always a strong value Cabernet Sauvignon, it is especially well suited to weeknight drinking.

Red

2021

Innumero

Norstar Pinot Noir

This is the first Pinot Noir Innumero has produced from Bacigalupi Vineyard, made entirely from Wente Clone. Fermented in stainless steel, then pressed to barrel and aged in 50% new French oak. The nose is wonderfully alluring — candied cherry fruit, warm baking spices, blood orange, and cocoa-powder notes — all building into a medium- to full-bodied palate. Excellent fruit weight and depth, with dark-berry richness, spice, a touch of leather, and loamy earth. A nicely complex and thoroughly delicious Pinot Noir.

Red

2021

Jaffurs Wine Cellars

Upslope Syrah

This vineyard selection Syrah—crafted from the winery’s favorite lots—is a commanding expression of the grape, with the volume unapologetically turned up to 11. Full-bodied and deeply concentrated, it leads with inky blackberry and blueberry fruit wrapped in muscular tannins that grip with purpose and stay the course. There’s structure and tension, but also lift—thanks to a line of saline-laced acidity that brings freshness and clarity. Complex layers of black sage, candied violets, rose petal, and rose stem add floral dimension, while a dusting of white pepper completes the finish.

Red

2021

Jenblossom Cellars

Cabernet Franc

This wine shows a dark-fruited nose with loamy earth and blue fruit so characteristic of this area. Wonderful dark forest and savory tones mingle with dark chocolate notes, while firm, fine-grained tannins build through the full-bodied finish. Winemaker Jason Englert oversees an 80,000 case production across all Heath Family Brands (Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Jenblossom Cellars and Invention Vineyards).

Red

2021

JMC Cellars

Fleur Sauvage

Syrah cofermented with a touch of Viognier in the Northern Rhône tradition, Wild Flower lives up to its name. Aromas of wild herbs and wild black raspberries leap from the glass, while the palate delivers sultry layers of savory red fruit interwoven with hints of leather, rose petal, vanilla, pepper, and liqueur. A bold, aromatic, and expressive red with plenty of personality. -JR

Red

2021

JMC Cellars

LVVC Red Blend

The LVVC (Livermore Valley Vintners Collective) is a collaboration of six Livermore winemakers who come together each year to craft a unique blend, with each contributing their own interpretation using wines from their cellars. In this expression, Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec to create a rich, harmonious red. The nose is peppery and floral, with savory blackcurrant aromas, while the palate delivers bold flavor with impressive balance—powerful, polished, and delicious. -JR

Red

2021

JMC Cellars

Reserve Syrah

100% Syrah sourced from Clark Vineyard and Dante Robere Vineyard. A bold and juicy red with white pepper, kirsch, and expressive cedarwood aromatics. Supple, plump tannins support juicy blueberry and blackberry compote, layered with more white pepper, violets, cherry coulis, and graphite. A hint of black truffle charcuterie rounds out the medium-bodied finish.

Red

2021

JMC Cellars

The Blind Pig

Cofermented from all five traditional Bordeaux varieties, this blend comes from a field planting of less than an acre in the Davis Vineyard. Intensely savory and deeply expressive, it opens with bold aromas of blackcurrant, licorice, dried herbs, oak, and a touch of vanilla extract. The palate is supple and rich, continuing the savory thread with ripe, plummy dark fruit, impressive concentration, and a lift of blood orange acidity. -JR

Red

2021

Kaena Wine

Ali'i Grenache

Ali‘i is the Hawaiian word for royalty—king, queen, noble—and this Grenache lives up to its name. It’s a wine of presence, crafted for those unafraid of boldness. At 15.2% alcohol, it flexes with power and richness, yet maintains a remarkable sense of balance. The palate is drenched in juicy red berry fruit, layered with cherrywood and mahogany undertones, toasted almond, and a soft veil of brown baking spices. There’s a subtle sweetness reminiscent of toffee and espresso, framed by supple, sap-laced tannins that glide rather than grip.

Red

2021

Kosta Browne

Keefer Ranch Blanc de Blancs

Picked in the second week of September, the base wine from this site is somewhat ironically among the last to come in. Made using the traditional method, unfiltered, with high lees contact, and aged en tirage in barrel for two years. Winemaker Julien Howsepian believes a shorter tirage suits his California-grown fruit, as ripeness comes naturally from the warm sunshine, while foot-treading and extended lees contact contribute the richness he wants. The wine shows wonderful depth and a saline–acid tension, with wet-stone character, bright citrus and orchard fruit, and warm baking spices adding richness through the mid-palate. The finish is long, lifted, and thoroughly enticing.

White

2021

Landmark Vineyards

Hilliard Bruce Chardonnay

My absolute favorite white from the Landmark lineup I tasted for this Sonoma Report—which spanned mostly 2021 and 2022 wines, with a few 2023s. Here, the sea-spray mineral pop of this site and AVA mingles beautifully with zesty citrus and ripe orchard fruit, all balanced on the palate by a creamy mid-centre so characteristic of the Sta. Rita Hills. It finishes with excellent length and tension. A very fine wine, effortlessly enjoyable on its own. Situated near the north-western edge of Santa Barbara County’s prestigious Sta. Rita Hills appellation, the sourced blocks provide small-clustered Dijon clones 76 and 96 for this Chardonnay. Whole-cluster-pressed and barrel-fermented with native yeast, then aged for 14 months in French oak (30% new).

White

2021

Landmark Vineyards

Rodgers Creek Chardonnay

This ridge-top vineyard is fully exposed to the afternoon winds funneling in from the Pacific through the “gap,” a defining feature of the Petaluma Gap viticultural area. Whole-cluster-pressed and barrel-fermented with native yeast, the wine is aged for 14 months in French oak (33% new). One of the freshest whites I tasted from Landmark for my inaugural Sonoma Report on Cristaldi & Co., that brightness carries straight onto the palate. Lemon peel and lemon curd mingle with toasty oak spices, while candied ginger and poached, spiced pear drive the creamy mid-palate. The finish brings a wave of sea-spray minerality and a touch of tannic grip—likely a function of the thicker skins from this wind-lashed site—alongside cool wet-rock notes balanced by more decadent toasty-oak accents.

White

2021

Landmark Vineyards

Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

So characteristic of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, this Pinot brims with warm raspberry compote and candied cherry fruit, wrapped around a beautifully creamy, dense mid-palate. Sumptuous toasty oak, flinty minerals and crisp acid tension give it shape and lift. Fermented 100% destemmed in small fermenters and punched down twice daily. Barrel-aged for 10 months in French oak (35% new).

Red

2021

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Barbera

This 2021 Barbera was fermented in stainless steel with punchdowns and aged for 30 months in large 500-liter puncheons—about 25% new, primarily French oak with a touch of American. Blending occurred just prior to bottling. The wine opens with fragrant red berry fruit, wet stone minerality, and dusty wild herbs. On the palate, sweet tea–like tannins frame notes of rose petal and rich cedarwood.

Red

2021

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Red Wine Coccineous

A blend of 37% Graciano, 34% Monastrell, 23% Tempranillo, and 6% Garnacha, this wine bursts from the glass with dark cherry, blackberry, and smoky cedarwood accents. On the palate, those aromatics deepen with crushed cocoa nib nuances, red berry fruit dusted with mocha spice, savory dried thyme, and espresso bean. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins framing a bold and satisfying finish.

Red

2021

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Tempranillo

Dusty red berry fruit and a sourdough-like baking spice lift from the glass. On the palate, this Tempranillo shows a medium-bodied presence, with red currant and tart black cherry intensity. The finish brings in toffee and espresso bean nuances. Tart, bracing, and your best friend for Bolognese.

Red

1 2 3 4 … 28 29 30 Next

Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2024

Producer

Name

The grapes are night-picked and fermented mostly in stainless steel, with a portion in neutral barrels. This is a bold, rich, and savory wine, showing a warming spice character through the mid-palate. Apricot jam notes are layered with orchard fruit, additional stone fruit, and white floral accents, all building toward a cantaloupe-tinged finish. A long, lingering orange oil sweetness carries through the finish, yet the wine remains bone dry. It’s a crowd favorite and a wine everyone should try, especially at the table—it stands up beautifully to acidity, fat, and spice, with excellent length and tension.

White

2024

Producer

Name

This 100% Grenache from the Fong Vineyard is fermented in stainless steel, with grapes picked at lower Brix—around 22. It opens with fresh mixed-berry aromatics, white peach, and apricot, along with a pop of dried herbs and baking spice. Long, crisp, and clean, it finishes with zesty acid tension. The Dell Valle wines are made at Garré by winemaker Aaron Luna.

Rosé

2024

Producer

Name

Fermented in stainless steel and sourced from Ridout Vineyard, this is a bright, spicy, zesty, and focused Sauvignon Blanc. Aromatics of poached pear, honeysuckle, lemon blossom, and lime-scented minerality lead into a high-toned floral and tropical finish. Clean, vibrant, and full of energy.

White

2024

Producer

Name

TASTING NOTE: Lot #12. Barrel Sample: As velvety as DeLoach owner Jean-Charles Boisset’s jacket and as suave as his quick wit. Super fragrant red berry fruit and vanilla spice aromas lead into a palate marked by juicy acid tension, pure fruit expression, and velvety-textured tannins. Hints of dark cocoa nibs emerge on the long finish. Brimming with the freshness and verve of the Russian River Valley! From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: The 2024 vintage celebrates “50 Years of Heritage” at DeLoach Vineyards, a milestone that honors the winery’s deep-rooted legacy. When DeLoach first began, its estate was planted with Old Vine Zinfandel—a tradition that continues today with this exceptional Old Vine Zinfandel from the historic Maffei Vineyard, just a stone’s throw from the estate. In 1970, founders Cecil and Christine DeLoach purchased 24 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel on what is now the DeLoach estate, nestled on the renowned Olivet Bench. Nearby, the Maffei Vineyard—registered by the Historic Vineyard Society—shares a rich lineage of old-vine cultivation. Planted in 1928 by Umberto and Maria Maffei, these gnarly, head-trained vines are now stewarded by their granddaughter, Joanne Maffei, ensuring their continued legacy of producing world-class fruit. This Old Vine Zinfandel opens with captivating aromas of black cherry, elderberry, and warm baking spices. The palate unfolds with layers of blackberry, raspberry, and baked fruit, accented by a whisper of tobacco. Robust tannins, balanced acidity, and seamless integration create a rich, lingering finish—paying homage to the time-honored heritage of DeLoach Vineyards. WINEMAKER(S): Brian Maloney ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: March 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: June 2026 National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC International Distribution: Please inquire for more information.

Red

2024

Producer

Name

This is a truly enticing white wine with soft-toned aromatics reminiscent of the outer flesh of perfectly ripe fruit—the skin of a peach, plum, or apple—layered with a panoply of springtime florals and bright baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers sumptuous, lush, and silken fruit character, dusted with fresh crushed sea salt and drizzled with honey. Excellent mid-palate depth carries into a long, drawn-out, exuberantly zippy finish—an utterly fantastic and complex white that keeps you coming back for more.

White

2024

Producer

Name

The 2024 Dovecote Estate Chardonnay from Thompson Vineyard in Alisos Canyon, a limited release of just 54 cases, is a stunning example of California Chardonnay that combines richness with real elegance. On the nose, it opens with that classic toasty, buttery brioche character—think a freshly baked, crispy brioche straight from the farmer’s market—along with layers of Meyer lemon and baked apple. On the palate, all those flavors come together seamlessly, balanced by a bright, lemony acidity. There’s a beautiful textural grip and a crushed sea salt impression that leaves your mouth watering, complemented by nuances of apricots, crushed Marcona almonds, and pressed wildflowers. It’s a remarkable wine with great depth, tension, and a saline, mineral-driven length that will resonate with any lover of beautifully balanced California Chardonnay.

White

2024

Producer

Name

This 2024 Dovecote Estate Grenache Blanc from the Thompson Vineyard in Alisos Canyon, crafted in a limited run of just 52 cases, is a beautifully fragrant and vivid expression. On the nose, it’s lemon-bright and citrus-driven, layered with delicate white flowers and subtle orchard fruit with cherry pit and white plum nuances. On the palate, the wine unfolds into a lush core of silky citrus and orchard fruit notes, accented by hints of tropical fruit and a whisper of crushed almonds. It has an incredible textural grip, almost a chalky, saline acid tension that lends the wine a compelling mineral-driven finish. Think wet river stones and a beautifully lingering chalkiness that makes each sip memorable.

White

2024

Producer

Name

Dragonette continues to produce some of California’s most compelling Sauvignon Blancs. This entry-level bottling serves as the precursor to their trio of single-vineyard SBs, offering a vivid preview of the house style. Sourced from the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, it’s a dynamic wine driven by orchard and tropical fruit, zesty sea grass, and prairie herbs. A kiss of vanilla and creamy oak spice mingles with lime oil, saffron, and quince, all carried on a long finish laced with crushed almonds and fine sea salt.

White

2024

Producer

Name

Entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel, this wine bursts with vibrant tropical fruit notes of lychee and white peach, underpinned by a flinty minerality. Crisp, crunchy, and racy acidity drives the palate, leading to a bright, chalky mineral finish. Established in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is led by second-generation owner & President Kim Stare Wallace and oversees 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards.

White

2024

Producer

Name

A blend of stainless steel–fermented and partially barrel-aged lots, this wine is fragrant and lively, driven by notes of lemon-lime, lime blossom, honeysuckle, and white peach. Crisp acidity provides tension and lift, balancing the fleshier fruit profile. The finish is bone dry, clean, and refreshing. Established in 1972, Dry Creek Vineyard is led by second-generation owner & President Kim Stare Wallace and oversees 185 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards.

White

2024

Producer

Name

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley was fermented for four months in a mix of 15% new French oak, 29% neutral barrel, and 56% stainless steel. Exotic aromas of lychee, white peach, and a hint of vanilla create an enticing bouquet, while the more restrained palate reveals underripe pineapple, lemon, and lime. Bright, citrus-driven acidity and a chalky mineral edge give the wine tension and focus from start to finish. 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.

White

2024

Producer

Name

Fermented entirely in stainless steel, this white is fresh but nicely rounded on the edges of the palate, sporting just a hint of pleasing astringent structure in its texture. Aromas and flavors of honeydew, nectarine, grapefruit, yellow apple, and lemon pie make this nearly irresistible. – J.R.

White

2024

Producer

Name

A perky, vibrant, jubilant pink, this rose is sourced from Docker Hill (Mendocino County) and Ruxton Vineyard (Russian River Valley), as well as other sites in Green Valley. Hints of roses, hibiscus, underripe melon, wild strawberry, and candied watermelon mingle with flavors of citrus. Everything resolves into a wonderfully mineral, herbal finish. – J.R.

Rosé

2024

Producer

Name

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Bavarian Lion Vineyard in Knights Valley, Sonoma County, was made entirely in stainless steel with no oak influence. Lush and tropical, it offers aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle alongside ripe tropical fruit. Zippy, zesty acidity enlivens the palate, balancing the wine’s richness and leading to a long, spicy, mineral-driven finish. The Ehret family has been farming their Knights Valley estate for three generations, reserving their best fruit since 2005 for their own small production (handled in the cellar by winemaker Erin Green).

White

2024

Producer

Name

The Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged 10 months sur lie in 20% new French oak. Grapes are sourced from 60 different lots across Sonoma County. For the past decade, the wines at Ferrari-Carano have been made by winemaker Natalie West. There’s a lavish aromatic pop of rich, toasty, graham-cracker sweet oak that carries straight onto the palate, where the wine shows super-expressive character—lemon curd, lemon meringue, grilled pineapple. Despite all that richness, the wine stays balanced thanks to a vein of salinity that brings real freshness. The oak is beautifully integrated: never cloying, just vivid and tasty. You have to love this style to love this wine—and if you do, at $27 it’s a terrific value.

White

2024

Producer

Name

The fruit for this rosé goes directly to press—it’s made intentionally as rosé from all estate-grown fruit. It’s a fine, tasty wine featuring mixed red-berry notes, a touch of sea spray, and hints of crushed wild thyme and rosemary. White peach, apricot, and a honeysuckle lift round out the palate, leading to a lengthy, crisp, acid-driven finish.