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If you love Italian Pinot Grigio, this light-bodied Californian counterpoint delivers the same zippy, citrusy, easy-going quality, but imbued with riper-tasting citrus and orchard fruit grown under a canopy of bright California sunshine. A touch of baking spice and wet river stone finish brings complexity.
Alright, someone told you about Moscato once, and you never looked back. And why would you, if you love a white wine that gives the impression of walking through a park dotted with honeysuckle bushes, jasmine, or Magnolias. That’s this wine. On the palate, it bears a balanced sweetness, never overpowering, but redolent of lemons, limes, and poached pears, and always that fragrant sweet white floral note lingering through the slightest joyful effervescence.
A tropical-fruited, zesty Sauvignon Blanc with crisp orchard fruit aromas leading into a palate of luscious pear and underripe pineapple. The texture is creamy yet vibrant, finishing with a clean, mineral edge. Sourced from both estate and grower vineyards, the fruit is pressed and the juice fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion aged in acacia barrels. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been in operation for more than five decades, now farming over 400 acres of estate vineyards.
Harvested from Clone 5 Cabernet Franc at Cresta Blanca Vineyard on the west side of the Livermore Valley AVA, this 2024 release saw just under 400 cases produced. My first taste of Cabernet Franc Blanc came from Steven Kent Winery—either the 2022 or 2023 vintage—and this 2024 bottling hits all the same high notes, while adding new depth. It’s a dynamic expression of a red grape reimagined as a white wine, and it delivers. You might be surprised when you see the label, but give this wine a chance—and here’s what happens: subtle stone and tropical fruit notes build across the medium-bodied palate, nuanced by white flowers. There’s grippy, citrusy acid tension and mineral drive, all layered with apricot pit, white peach, and sea salt. The 2024 version leans a touch more plush and soft than previous vintages, but it remains just as compelling. Stockpile this by the caseload—this is one to watch.
Flat-out stunning. The wine boasts beautifully silky textures balanced by brisk acidity. Vibrant black fruit builds alongside crunchy red plums, candied violets, rich earth, and rose dusted with white pepper, nuanced by pastille candies. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s gracious yet structured, with palate-etching tannins that are nicely integrated even at this young stage. Youthfully exuberant and impeccably built.

A blend of 70% Gamay and 30% Trousseau, fermented with whole bunches and whole berries to create an expressive, slightly oxidative mid-palate. It’s tactile and vibrant, with rich watermelon and watermelon candy notes, balanced by tart Granny Smith apple and a splash of Jolly Rancher on the long, fruity finish.

A combination of grapes sourced from Los Olivos and the Santa Barbara Highlands within the Cuyama Valley in the northeastern part of the county at higher elevations, around 3,200 feet. Carbonic fermentation. It leads with bright strawberry and watermelon notes, unfolding on a soft, silky palate. The finish is long and elegant, with chalky minerality, balanced tension, and lingering flavors of cherry and white peach.
Direct-pressed into stainless steel and aged for 3–4 months before bottling, this Sauvignon Blanc is bright and crisp, showcasing ripe orchard fruit flavors, white flower aromas, and a zesty, lemon-lime minerality.
From a hillside site in Alexander Valley and planted to 50% Musqué and 50% Sauvignon Blanc clones. This Sauvignon Blanc shows a heady richness, driven in part by barrels with Acacia heads, which—when toasted correctly—bring gorgeous florality and minerality. The wine expands across the palate with fleshy pear and apricot, carried by a rich, saline-acid tension that fuels both texture and focused length. It’s an opulent wine with precision and lift. In short, ultra-delicious. This wine was aged 6 months in 40% new French oak.
Lemon, limes, sea spray, and lime blossoms. Medium bodied with luscious citrus and orchard fruit. Positively vibrant acidity that is saline-laced, finishing with beeswax and apple blossoms. Fragrant, energetic, silky, and focused with scintillating tension. All the things! This 100% Albariño was made by Winemaker Shane Finley from grapes grown in a Certified California Sustainable vineyard, located in the Petaluma Gap AVA on the rolling hillsides of southern Sonoma County, overlooking the north shore of San Francisco Bay. It was aged for 10 months in 60% concrete egg, 40% neutral French oak.
A full-flavored and expressive Grenache with real gorgeous perfumed violet interlaced with raspberries and vanilla. Red fruit leather. Brown spices and super fine velvety tannins. Long and lovely. This 100% Grenache was made by Winemaker Shane Finley from grapes grown in a Certified California Sustainable vineyard, located in the Petaluma Gap AVA on the rolling hillsides of southern Sonoma County and overlooking the north shore of San Francisco Bay. It was aged for 15 months in 33% new French oak.

Wonderfully bright and medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a fabulously creamy texture. Wet river stone. Rose petals, cherry, and cherry pit. Beautiful fine tannins that are polished and infused with cedar wood spices and a dusting of cocoa powder. Juicy, fragrant, and with an irresistibly succulent finish that is so perfumed. This 100% Pinot Noir was made by Winemaker Shane Finley from grapes grown in a Certified California Sustainable vineyard, located in the Petaluma Gap AVA on the rolling hillsides of southern Sonoma County and overlooking the north shore of San Francisco Bay. It was aged for 10 months in 100% neutral French oak.

TASTING NOTE: Lot #42. Barrel Sample: Justin Hirigoyen worked at Domaine Faiveley and Spring Mountain Vineyard. Need to know anything else? No! Just bid—and love this wine. A blend of heritage clones, it offers beautifully lifted red berry fruit and warming spice that evokes cardamom and flamed blood orange peel. Medium-bodied with salty minerality, notes of Santa Rosa plum, and fine, satiny tannins. The finish is fragrant with rose petal and finesse to spare. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: This unique auction lot is crafted with selections from the Twomey Last Stop estate vineyard through the lens of collaboration. After half a decade farming this specific site together, winemaker Justin Hirigoyen and grape growers Nick Filice and Jim Pratt sat down together to encapsulate site and vintage into this exclusive wine made from heritage clones planted at the site. The Last Stop Vineyard gets its name from being the last stop on a former rail line that ran from San Francisco to Forestville in the early 1900s. Today, Twomey is the proud steward of the site’s rolling hills covered in Goldridge soils. Founded in 1999 by the Duncan Family of Silver Oak, Twomey combines experience and a sense of curiosity with the exploration of expressive vineyards for its wines — made to be savored with family and friends. This wine showcases the complex and refined flavor profile typical of the Russian River Valley. A delicate balance of power and elegance are on full display with a refined tannic structure complimented by fresh energy and life. Bright floral and spice notes frame a detailed bouquet of dark cherry, bergamot and Santa Rosa plum. A broad attack gives way to a bright, creamy core of fruit and tannins that linger on the palate. WINEMAKER(S): Justin Hirigoyen ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: December 2025 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: April 2026 National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

This wine is representative of Sonoma County in a broader sense, combining fruit from the Marine Layer Vineyard with a distinctly Russian River lens. Winemaker Rob Fischer says he’s aiming to push ripeness just a touch while still retaining the lively acidity and brightness associated with Sonoma Coast fruit, with the intention of making a wine that appeals to a broader audience. To that end, the wine shows a pleasing richness from barrel fermentation and lees stirring, layered with bright citrus and underripe pineapple fruit, sweet spice, candied ginger, and lovely toasty oak notes. All of this is framed by the saline-driven acid tension typical of the Sonoma Coast, balanced by the lusher, richer fruit profile of the Russian River Valley. It’s quite delicious for the price point, especially given the quality of the vineyard sources, which include Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Heintz Vineyard, Durell Vineyard, Bohemian Vineyard, and Hawk Hill Vineyard—all top-tier sites.
The Valravn Pinot Noir opens with a sweet core of dark berry fruit, layered with subtle briary notes and forest-berry aromas that evoke the feeling of walking through a wet redwood grove. Violet florals and pops of blue fruit add aromatic lift. On the palate, there’s a welcome fruit sweetness, with the wine remaining medium-bodied, juicy, and energizing. Lifted baking spice notes, a hint of clove, and loamy earth add real complexity and depth—especially impressive for a wine that typically retails under $25.

From the Bacigalupi family’s historic Goddard Ranch—the first property Helen and Charles Bacigalupi purchased in the 1950s, and the source of grapes used in Chateau Montelena’s legendary 1973 Chardonnay that won the Judgement of Paris—this wine carries a remarkable legacy. Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels (50% new), it offers layers of baked lemon, orchard fruit, lemon oil, and French pastry richness, all seamlessly integrated. Vaughn Duffy is a small, family-owned winery based in Sonoma County producing about 3,000 cases annually and specializing in Pinot Noir. The wines are crafted by forklift-wiz-turned-winemaker Matt Duffy, who co-founded the winery in 2009 with his wife, Sara Vaughn.
The grapes for this wine were sourced entirely from Hopkins River Ranch in the heart of the Russian River Valley, where Bob Hopkins has been farming wine grapes on his family’s property off Eastside Road since the 1970s. Fermented and aged for five months in a combination of older oak (58%) and stainless steel barrels (42%), the wine is crunchy, crisp, and super tart, with bright lime acidity, grassy nuances, and tropical fruit character reminiscent of kiwi and green apple. Vaughn Duffy is a small, family-owned winery based in Sonoma County producing about 3,000 cases annually and specializing in Pinot Noir. The wines are crafted by forklift-wiz-turned-winemaker Matt Duffy, who co-founded the winery in 2009 with his wife, Sara Vaughn.
Quite the expressive white, revealing a fragrant bouquet of white flowers, honeysuckle, white peach, and ripe nectarine. The palate is lush and layered, where orchard and tropical fruits merge seamlessly, framed by super zesty lemon-lime acidity. Mouthwatering, vibrant, and delicious.
Made from 100% estate-grown Pinot Noir in Arroyo Seco, this rosé underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel and did not go through malolactic fermentation. It was aged for two months in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy. Floral, perky, and fresh, this is a perfect springtime sipper. Aromas of passionfruit, mango skin, and wild strawberry lead into a medium-bodied palate featuring bright red berry flavors and a subtle hint of watermelon on the finish. -JR
TASTING NOTE: Lot #40. Barrel Sample: When Williams Selyem and Benovia appear on the same label, you don’t even taste the wine—you just buy it. I told myself I wouldn’t taste it, knowing it would be too good to handle. Okay, that’s not true. I tasted it. Like five times. Just to be sure I liked it. I did and so will you. Super bright and zesty, with red earth minerality, vibrant red berry fruit, floral tones, and rich baking spice. Notes of grapefruit zest and blood orange add lift, while dark forest berry, underbrush, and saline mineral tension bring depth and structure. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: This is a first-time collaboration between two incredible winemakers, Jeff Mangahas and Mike Sullivan. This Pinot Noir comes from the Cohn Vineyard nestled in the hills and forest above Westside Road. It is one of the few heritage vineyards remaining in Sonoma County, initially planted in 1970. Cohn Vineyard was first produced as a single vineyard designate Pinot Noir back in 1987 by Burt Williams at Williams Selyem. With sweeping views of the Russian River Valley, Cohn Vineyard is notable for its ruddy, iron-rich soil, sometimes called “Terra Rossa.” Farmed sustainably and with minimal irrigation, these gnarled vines produce small and compact clusters with yields of just over 1 ton per acre. Benovia Winery is a small production family-owned winery in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. Burt Williams and Ed Selyem started their winery, in the Russian River Valley with two lofty goals: to craft wines that set the standard for excellence, and to come to know and serve their customers personally. The depth of knowledge that both wineries bring to making exceptional Pinot Noir in this part of the world is a real treat for the winning bidder of this lot. “Terra Rossa” is a wine of depth and complexity. Brooding and dark, notes of black cherry combine with blood orange and hints of sous bois. Wood spices perfectly complement the dark fruit character. With great acidity and structure, the wine is buffered with terrific extract that provides balance. Dark fruits, citrus, and notes of cedar wrap up with flavors of black tea. WINEMAKER(S): Jeff Mangahas (Williams Selyem), Mike Sullivan (Benovia Winery) ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: March 2026 (Available in bottle or keg format) ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WY, Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.

This Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented and aged for seven months in 33% once-used Acacia wood. It opens with a fragrant, expressive nose of Acacia, honeysuckle, and tangerine oil. Medium-bodied on the palate, it shows energy, poise, and tension. The texture grips initially, then releases to reveal layers of prairie grass, a squeeze of Meyer lemon, flamed grapefruit zest, and grapefruit oil. A complex white that’s more than deserving of a rotisserie chicken—or even a salted cut of beef.
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from the Louis Mel Ranch Vineyard, was aged for four months in stainless steel. Focused and precise, it shows linear acid tension with bright grapefruit zest, tangerine oil, and a crunchy kumquat skin character on the medium-bodied palate. The finish is lengthy and lifted, marked by honeysuckle and jasmine blossom hints.
Winemaker Shalini Sekhar crafts this Chardonnay using a minimal-intervention approach, beginning with gentle whole-cluster pressing and fermentation in French oak with carefully selected yeasts. Each Chardonnay clone is vinified and aged separately, with partial malolactic fermentation for balance between depth and freshness. Aged 10 months in French oak and stainless steel and bottled with minimal SO₂, the wine comes from certified sustainably farmed vineyards. Wonderfully high-toned, offering lemony-bright notes, hints of baking spice, lime zest, and lemon cream. Focused, energetic, with zesty acidity, wet river stone minerality, crushed sea salt, and a crisp, bone-dry finish.
Winemaker Shalini Sekhar produced this Chardonnay from a single vineyard block of Dijon Clone 76 using a minimal-intervention approach, beginning with gentle whole-cluster pressing. Fermented in mostly neutral French oak with carefully selected yeasts and no malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months in French oak and stainless steel and bottled with minimal sulfur. This is one serious Chardonnay, satiny through and through, balanced by crisp apple and pear notes, a firm spine of ultra-juicy acidity, and beautifully pure and vivid citrus and orchard fruits, leaning into stone from the bouquet through the slightly salty finish. Lush and supple mid-core, with excellent fruit weight.
This is 100% Sauvignon Blanc (Musqué clone) from Triska Vineyard, aged for three months in stainless steel. Amanda Kent explained that they decided to plant this more coastal-leaning Musqué clone—rather than Clone 1—because the region is, in fact, cooling. The clone was first planted in 2018 at Triska and has since been added to Lemmons Vineyard as well. At Triska, the block faces north at a ten-degree angle, tilted away from the sun, and the team grows the canopies tall to create additional shade. I tasted the 2025 in December 2025—the first wine I tried from the vintage. It was fermented in tank with a portion in acacia wood, not for flavour but to add mid-palate appeal. Harvested in mid-September, it was aged on the lees for about six weeks and bottled a few months later. Super aromatic, with bright white pepper, green apple, honeycomb, jasmine, and even a touch of fresh-sliced jalapeño. Light, bright, and zesty on the mid-palate, with crunchy acidity and a bone-dry, wet-slate mineral finish. Super inviting and enticing.
This is the 2025 Cabernet Franc from Gilmetti Vineyard, bottled in 12-ounce beer bottles — a playful decision by winemaker Steven Kent, who simply pulled it from tank and bottled it at 13.5% alcohol. It is super young, youthful, unfined and unfiltered, and it smells and tastes exactly as Cabernet Franc should, with crisp tannins, clean acidity and super-juicy dark-berry fruit. It is absolutely delicious, and if you find yourself at a beer-only party, you could bring this along, pretend, and get away with it.

This rosé is crafted from grapes sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Gently destemmed berries are macerated overnight before pressing, combined with a saignée portion, drawn from Pinot Noir fermentations after 12–24 hours. The juices ferment separately to dryness in stainless steel with carefully selected yeasts, with malolactic fermentation suppressed to preserve freshness and vibrancy. Bottled unfined with minimal sulfur. As such, there is a nice, dark color, almost the color of Aperol, and very lovely notes of blood orange, grapefruit, and tangerine, with white peach. A silky mid-palate is balanced by a firm spine of saline acidity through the bone-dry finish, nuanced by sagebrush and rose petal florals.

N/A

This sparkling Chardonnay from Lucky 8 Vineyard was harvested in late August at approximately 17 Brix with a pH of 3.0. Fermented in stainless steel, it was then racked to neutral oak for about three months before returning to stainless for heat and cold stabilization. The wine was bottled, tirage-aged, riddled, and finished with a dosage of just 2 g/L. It boasts bright lemon citrus and apricot notes, accented by fragrant white flowers and hints of nougat. The mousse is rich and creamy yet assertive, framed by soaring acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, clean, and beautifully structured.

NV

A pleasant, medium-bodied, aromatic, fruit-forward red wine, offering up ripe cherry, cranberry, and blood orange fruit, warming graham cracker crust spices, and integrated cedarwood notes, all nicely expressive on the palate, with perfect sweetly ripe fruit framed by soft, supple tannins.

NV

Tropical fruit lifts out of the glass, redolent of pineapple and white peach and jasmine florals. Lush, medium-bodied, with juicy acidity underscored by a chalky mineral character and crushed Marcona almond finish. Pinot grigio with less than a percent spalsh of Muscat for some aromatic lift.
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Aged for 20 months in French oak and sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit; just 229 cases produced. East Hill receives less sunlight and experiences cooler temperatures than its West Hill sibling, and years of significant erosion have challenged the vines since planting. For me, East Hill versus West Hill is like tasting midnight versus midday—one brooding and shadowed, the other warm and expressive. Here, West Hill benefits from afternoon sun, ensuring ample ripeness. The profile leans toward currant-driven fruit, with raspberry and cherry nuances, warm Asian and Indian spices, and a long, penetrating tannic finish that resolves beautifully with fig and dried red floral notes.

The 2022 Petite Sirah is 100% Petite Sirah, aged for 21 months in 29% new Eastern European oak. The Dell Valle wines have been made at Garré by winemaker Aaron Luna since 2020. This is a fashionable, stylish wine with vibrant blue and black fruit flair, violets, crème de cassis, and sweet Asian spices. Burly, robust, and bold tannins frame the palate, building across the full-bodied finish. Opulent and crowd-pleasing.

Though labeled simply as “Red Wine” on the back label, this is 95% Syrah with 5% Viognier, likely co-fermented in the tradition of the Northern Rhône. It’s also one of the most unabashedly savory reds you’ll find in the Santa Ynez Valley. Aromatics lean hard into black olive tapenade, black licorice, and dried cherry. The palate is firmly structured, with burly, drying tannins that shape the medium-bodied finish. A brooding and deeply earthy wine that will shine brightest alongside roasted meats or richly spiced fare.

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.

Ripe red cherry fruit, pleasant cedarwood, and a touch of vanilla rise from the glass, reappearing on the medium-bodied palate where tart cherry and tangy blood-orange acidity sweep across with vibrant energy. The finish carries a wave of warm brown baking spices and stony minerality, adding both depth and precision. Winemaker Simone Sequeira ages this wine for 14 months in 20% new French oak. Founded in 2006 by Dennis Patton and Andrea Silverstein, DNA Vineyards estate is located in the Laguna Ridge neighborhood of the Russian River Valley.

From the “Heritage Block” of the estate’s Vineyard Eleven comes this native-yeast-fermented Pinot Noir, a blend of Mt. Eden and Swan clones. Aged 11.5 months in 35% new French oak barrels, it offers refined aromatics of candied red berry fruit, warm baking spices of clove and cinnamon, and subtle undertones of black truffle and redwood bark. The palate is framed by fine, savory tannins that guide the wine to a smooth, medium-bodied finish. The Mt. Eden Clone layers in a bit of energy and tension. Domaine de la Rivière is a family-owned winery nestled in the renowned Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Growers since 2011, they released their first vintage in 2017.

The Next Door Neighbor Chardonnay, tasted alongside the Ritchie Vineyard bottling, is an engaging study in contrast. While the Ritchie leans into rich, toasty oak, this wine highlights a more fruit-driven and textural style. Supple orchard fruit, buttered croissant, and quince define the aromatics, carrying seamlessly onto the medium- to full-bodied palate. Layers of crushed almond, a touch of honey, and ripe pear-skin tannins extend through a long, graceful finish. Sourced from Lone Oak (65%) and Flora Marie (35%) vineyards, this Chardonnay is composed of 65% Old Wente and 35% Montrachet clones, fermented with native yeast. The wine was aged 11 months in 37% new French oak and one stainless-steel barrel. Domaine de la Rivière is a family-owned winery nestled in the renowned Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Growers since 2011, they released their first vintage in 2017.
Fuller and broader than the Heritage Block Pinot Noir, this wine shows impressive depth and presence. Darker berry fruit takes the lead, supported by bright saline acidity that provides tension and lift. The mid-palate is sumptuous and succulent, with cinnamon-spiced tannins and a beautifully integrated sweet-savory-salty finish. Among the Domaine de la Rivière wines tasted during my visit with Sonoma County Vintners, this was a clear standout—one that was hard to move on from. Sourced from the “Red Barn Block” of the estate’s Vineyard Eleven, this Pinot Noir was fermented with native yeast and composed of 47% Pommard, 40% UV-VR, and 13% Swan clones. It was aged 11.5 months in 37% new French oak barrels. The steeply sloped site features a mix of gravel, sandy loam, and clay soils. Domaine de la Rivière is a family-owned winery nestled in the renowned Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Growers since 2011, they released their first vintage in 2017.

Sourced entirely from Ritchie Vineyard and crafted from Old Wente Clone Chardonnay, this wine is fermented with native yeast and aged 11 months in 27% new French oak, followed by two months in stainless steel barrels before bottling. The bouquet is stunning—bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of baked citrus, orchard fruit, honeysuckle, and jasmine, all layered with the richness of buttery French pastry and crème brûlée. On the palate, all that opulence comes together beautifully, with lemon laced in wildflower honey and toasty wood tones building to a crescendo on the long, candied-mineral finish. Domaine de la Rivière is a family-owned winery nestled in the renowned Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Growers since 2011, they released their first vintage in 2017.
The Two Forces Pinot Noir is sourced from both the estate’s Vineyard Eleven site and the high-elevation El Diablo Vineyard. Fermented with native yeast, the blend comprises 74% Pommard (54% from the estate) and 26% Swan Clone (100% estate fruit). The wine was aged 11.5 months in 37% new French oak barrels. Perhaps the most complete of the five Domaine de la Rivière wines tasted, this Pinot Noir reveals a quiet intensity that deepens with each sip. It opens with notes of cherry fruit and white pepper, followed by a medium-bodied palate framed by stony mineral tension and fine, apple-skin tannins. A solidly built and thoroughly delicious wine. Domaine de la Rivière is a family-owned winery nestled in the renowned Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley. Growers since 2011, they released their first vintage in 2017.

Bright cherry and cedar-wood notes emerge from the glass, along with a wild kind of savage herb quality that is all at once smoky and mineral. This red’s flavors turn to sweet berry fruit on the medium bodied palate, finalizing into a long, spicy, smoked paprika finish. Founded in 2010 by David Warren Hejl, former CEO of Kosta Browne and Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, Domaine Della produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma County.

This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre comes from Thompson Vineyard, planted in the late 1980s and long renowned for Syrah. Situated on the slopes of Alisos Canyon in the Los Alamos Valley, the own-rooted vines grow in sandy loam soils under cooler conditions. The vibrant floral lift of the Syrah mingles with the juicy red berry fruitiness of the Grenache, while the Mourvèdre contributes brown spice and a firm tannic backbone. There’s a wonderful meatiness to this Rhône blend, along with rich coffee bean aromatics, tangerine peel, and a touch of cocoa powder, all framed by blood orange acidity that keeps everything lively and fresh. The long finish reveals subtle cigar box and loamy earth accents. Just 87 cases produced. Bottled unfiltered. A wine club-only wine.

This blend of 47% Mourvèdre, 24% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah, and 6% Grenache hails from Thompson Vineyard, planted in the late 1980s on the slopes of Alisos Canyon in the Los Alamos Valley, where own-rooted vines grow in sandy loam soils under cooler conditions. I first discovered these wines while tasting through a bevy of producers for my recent report on Santa Barbara County, and they are true standouts. The bouquet alone is remarkably enticing—dark cherries, Luxardo cherry, a dusting of white pepper, and a meaty, golden-honeyed barbecue note. The medium-bodied palate is gorgeously layered, with a core of juicy, crunchy cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate fruit complemented by cocoa-powder tannins. Super fine in structure, it’s framed by grippy, mouthwatering, zesty acidity. At 13.6% alcohol, the wine is precise, energetic, and elegant. Only 114 cases were produced—just over four barrels—bottled unfiltered. A wine club–only release, so be smart and get on the list.

This Estate Grenache comes from Thompson Vineyard, planted in the late 1980s and situated on the slopes of Alisos Canyon in the Los Alamos Valley, where own-rooted vines grow in sandy loam soils under cooler conditions. According to the winery, this bottling was “sourced entirely from ‘Michael’s Block,’ a sélection massale of old wild vines situated on the eastern half of our estate vineyard in shaley loam soils with slightly cooler and less direct sun exposure.” What I can add is that it’s a profoundly layered wine, with beautifully fine, almost sandy tannins—like pure fine-grained beach sand—supporting a supple, medium- to full-bodied red that’s elegantly perfumed with sweet rose petals, cocoa powder, vanilla, and cedar. Ruby-red grapefruit notes emerge on the palate, adding an unbeatable freshness factor. The wine is absolutely riveting, with a deep core of dark berry fruit, traces of blue fruit compote, violets, lifted ground espresso, and exotic peach and apricot nuances, all bolstered by generous slate-stone minerality. I discovered these wines while tasting through a bevy of producers for my recent report on Santa Barbara County, and they are true standouts. But here’s the bad news: only 49 cases were produced—just under two barrels—and it’s available exclusively to wine club members. So do the right thing: get in with the Dovecote club. Grenache lovers do not want to miss this.

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