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The Pedernales 2021 Tempranillo Reserve opens with dusty currant fruit and rich leather spices, accompanied by subtle loamy earth aromas. Full-bodied on entry, it is framed by very firm, structured tannins that provide a solid foundation for layers of red-toned fruits to emerge, along with fashionable sweet spice notes. The wine glides to a long, complex finish marked by prairie grass, clove, and extra dark cacao, showcasing both depth and sophistication.

The GSM Mélange 2021 from Pedernales Cellars blends 40% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache, and 27% Syrah. It offers crunchy red-toned fruit notes, interalced with black currants, while hints of black truffle add aromatic complexity. Medium-bodied with silky, black tea-infsued tannins, black truffle and underbrush hints on the palate fuel a lengthy and mienral-rich finish.

The 2021 Extravagance almost belies its name—this wine is elegant and focused, with bold, ripe black currant fruit and toasty cedarwood. On the palate, suave tannins frame flavors of chocolate-covered black cherry, leading to a long, satisfying finish. Okay, maybe it is a bit extravagant in flavor—but with balanced alcohol at 13.7%, it’s easy to enjoy the whole bottle.

One of the nicest Rogue Valley reds I’ve tasted from the ’21 vintage. The site is planted on a hillside near Medford, Oregon. It’s a well-draining, rocky site, with great views. This red is produced by Eric Weisinger (Weisinger Family Winery). It’s refined and elegant, with lovely layers of black cherry and blackberry and spiced plum, with mineral notes of clove, graphite, and smoked paprika. The tannins are gentle, velvety, and inviting and nicely integrated and the finish is long, harmonious with some cherry pie and cocoa powder notes emerging on the fruit-forward finish. Another great release from this winery. ($39). Aged 20 months in 28% new French oak.

The Lot S is a 50-case production, aged 22 months in 24% new French and American oak (SRP $36). Made by Scott Steingraber (Kriselle Cellars). The Lot S is laced with red currant and plum fruit, crushed cocoa nib nuances, bringing a bit of zesty blood orange, fragrant cherry blossoms, and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied, with light touch on the palate, and fine tannins that build on the finish.

The Syrah grapes are destemmed, given 18 days of skin contact with daily punchdowns, then aged 21 months in 50% new French oak. Beautiful Syrah character lifts from the glass, drawing you in with perfumed rose petal and violet notes, along with a black-truffle, vanilla-scented charcuterie nuance that weaves through the dark-berry fruit and spice. The palate is supple and creamy, showing loamy earth and an ironstone mineral character. Powdery, refreshing tannins and layered brown spices carry the finish. Such an enticing Syrah. Sourced entirely from the hillside estate of Peter William Vineyard in the Rogue Valley — a small site planted since 2013 with roughly ten acres under vine.

Fruit from Peter William Vineyard, entirely destemmed, with 19 days of skin contact and daily punchdowns, then aged 20 months in 50% new French oak. A gorgeous wine with pristine red-berry and cassis fruit, touches of tobacco, well-integrated cedar from the new wood, warm baking spices, and dusty mineral notes. The wine holds a rich, velvety center and finishes with enticing rose-petal perfume, slate-stone minerality, and a refreshing lift that’s so welcoming.

The 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah from winemaker Sashi Moorman is notably less savory than the Rim Rock Vineyard bottling, but no less dynamic. Bright and expressive, it bursts with crunchy red fruit, violet florals, and rose stem, all wrapped in taut, apple-skin tannins. A vivid streak of zesty, zippy acidity propels the wine forward, framing a long, mineral-driven finish laced with white pepper and crushed stone.

From the brilliant Sashi Moorman comes this riveting Syrah from Rim Rock Vineyard—a wine that soars aromatically with wild rose, rhubarb, crushed violets, dried thyme, and oven-roasted black olives. On the palate, it delivers a striking sense of liquid rock intensity and kinetic energy. Rich loamy earth and chalky mineral notes underscore its muscular frame, while the structure remains focused and finely detailed. This is an utterly dazzling Syrah.

A full-throttle, bright, and effusive red blend with cranberry, raspberry, and cherry fruit interlaced with clove spice and orange peel. Medium-bodied on the palate, with grainy tannins forming a solid foundation for all that juicy fruit. The tannins build toward a drying finish marked by brown spices and cedarwood.

The Portree Cellars Tannat from the Lahey Vineyard in the Texas High Plains offers a sappy, red-toned fruit character in a medium-bodied, grippy expression of Tannat. Unlike many of the richer, denser Tannats seen throughout Texas, this one leans slightly lighter and greener, with distinctive tobacco, black tea, and truffle notes on the dry finish. While it may not have the power and density of other Tannats, its freshness and unique profile make it a delightful choice. Serve it with a good chill alongside your favorite Texas BBQ.

The Parr Vineyard Mourvèdre from the Texas Hill Country, produced and bottled by Kerrville Hills Winery, is a meaty, intense, and deeply flavorful wine. Its medium-bodied palate is framed by muscular, firm tannins, complemented by savory charcuterie and white pepper notes. A hint of vanilla bean and chocolate adds richness, leading to a lengthy and powerful finish.

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

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

Partial whole cluster fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak. Red and blackberry fruit, dusty minerals, and dried cherry lift from the glass. Medium-to-full-bodied with dried figs, red floral notes, and supple tannins, creating a satiny palate expression. Pair with salads loaded with dried fruit or charcuterie-rich pizza.

This Sangiovese-led red blend delivers heady aromatics of red cherry and rose petal. On the palate, it offers lovely suppleness, with saline-mineral-laced tannins and notes of mocha, black cherry, and espresso bean. It shows good length, balanced tension, and a satisfying, pleasantly lingering finish.

Farmed by Brian Gruber, the Grenache produces small berries with loose clusters, leading to excellent concentration in 2021. Aged 18 months in French Oak. Two barrels produced. Quite spicy on the nose, filling the senses with sagebrush, cinnamon, and black tea. Great fruit weight with a velvety texture, dark-berry fruit is rich and succulent, and the finish is long, earthy, and enticing.

Fermented and aged for three years in 100% new French low-toast barrels. Made by David Finlayson in Stellenbosch. It offers fragrant red and black fruit layered with pressed flowers and earthy notes. Medium-bodied and approachable, with fine, grippy tannins that resolve nicely thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Serve it with a slight chill alongside barbecue.

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

When John Rivenburgh worked for Bending Branch, he pioneered the planting of Vermentino in Texas, establishing it in the High Plains around 2009. This 100% Vermentino is sourced from Canted County Vineyards, co-owned by the Morland and Holiday families. With approximately 1,000 acres under vine, this site has become a vital operation in the Texas wine scene. John champions Vermentino for its resilience in Texas’s climate, its suitability for machine harvesting—essential in the region—and its similarity to Sicilian whites, a personal favorite of his. Crafted similarly to his Picpoul Blanc, the grapes are pressed at the winery in Kerrville, fermented, and aged in neutral vessels for about six months before bottling. This Vermentino is lean, focused, and brimming with high acidity—a real “acid trip.” It delivers a bright squeeze of lemon-lime and lime zest, accented by white flowers, acacia, a hint of Marcona almonds, and Texas purple sage. The zippy, zingy acidity forms a solid foundation for the citrus-driven palate, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish with cool, wet granite character. All too easy to drink.
This release of Robert Clay’s Chardonnay, sourced from Mason County in the Texas Hill Country AVA, is sourced from vines rooted in the deep, fine Hickory sands that sit atop the expansive Hickory Aquifer. Barrel-aged for 12 months in neutral oak, this wine showcases a ripe, full-throttle character. It opens with vibrant citrus fruit, white pepper, and a subtle hint of savory prairie grass, intertwined with sweet cedarwood spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is surprisingly leaner than the nose suggests, offering bright acidity and balanced tension. A crowd-pleaser with excellent structure, it’s one of the most food-friendly Chardonnays from Texas. Notably, this “B 21 02 RCV CHA” is an unfiltered expression of Chardonnay (their “B 21 03 RCV CHA” offers a filtered version).
Barrel-aged for 12 months in neutral oak, this Robert Clay Chardonnay is sourced from Mason County in the Texas Hill Country, an hour west of Stonewall. Here, vines thrive in hickory sands—deep, fine soils that rest above the large Hickory Aquifer. This “B 21 03 RCV CHA” label represents the filtered expression of their Chardonnay, offering a leaner, more focused profile compared to their unfiltered “B 21 02 RCV CHA.” It showcases white pepper-infused citrus and orchard fruit, accented by savory cedarwood spices. Medium-bodied with precise acidity and heightened tension, this wine finishes with a distinctive cool, wet granite minerality.
The 2021 Ruby Cab, denoted as ‘B 21 00 RCV RUB’ on the label, was fermented with native yeast, no sulfites added. The pH clocks in at 4.1—intentionally high to shy away from the pyrazines typical of Cabernet. What you get on the nose is unmistakably Ruby Cabernet (look it up): a crossing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan grown in Texas. Aged for just 12 months in neutral barrel, this wine is meant to show customers what the grape expresses without oak influence. It smells of capsicum and bell pepper, with intense, grippy tannins and solid concentration. The grip here comes from tannin, not acidity, and it’s best paired with a well-salted steak. “This is an example young wine—only 13 months in neutral oak—used to show customers why we do extended barrel aging. Compare it to the 2017 Ruby Cab, which spent 52 months in barrel,” says Dan McLaughlin.

This is a rich, robust, and powerful expression of Cabernet Franc from the Santa Ynez Valley, offering heady aromas of tobacco leaf, dried sage, and ripe cassis, with subtle hints of lavender and black sage adding lift and complexity. Full-bodied on the palate, the wine is framed by muscular tannins that build steadily, driving toward a long, fragrant finish laced with stony minerality and savory depth.

This 100% Barbera comes from the Rodrigue Molyneaux estate and was aged in 16.5% new French oak, with the remainder in neutral barrels. It’s like the Italian countryside you’ve seen from your car window but never stepped out to explore—until now. Red berry fruit is interlaced with minty nuances and eucalyptus character, building with intensity on the medium-bodied palate. It’s framed by iron-scented minerality and salty, firm tannins with a subtle cherry wood polish. An intriguing and transportive wine from the Livermore Valley; you don’t have to go to Italy to *feel* like you’re there.

This 98% Cabernet Franc from Casa de Viñas in the Livermore Valley was aged in 17.5% new French oak, 25% third-use Hungarian oak, and 67.5% neutral barrels. It’s a more subtle, refined expression of the variety, with sagebrush nuances, black currant, plum, and accents of new wood cedar. Medium-bodied, it shows zesty blood orange acidity and emerging notes of pine, mint, and eucalyptus that add an unexpected—but very welcome—freshness.

The “Il Segreto” is a blend of 50.5% Sangiovese from Crackerbox Vineyard, along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera from the Rodrigue Molyneaux estate, aged in 22.5% new French oak (with nearly one-third aged in stainless steel). This is a delightfully juicy and pleasing red blend, with crunchy red fruit, graphite minerality, and a medium-bodied palate framed by apple skin tannins. It finishes long, with a sleek wet river stone character that adds tension and finesse.

This Pinot Noir from Iaon Pohlit, sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills, beautifully lives up to its name—Ocean & Earth—with ripe cherry fruit layered over loamy earth and salty sea spray nuances. Aromatic notes of espresso bean, clove, and rose petal add depth and allure. Mineral-rich, granular tannins frame the medium-bodied palate, building to a lingering finish marked by smoked paprika and savory spice. Delish!

The Big Daddy 100% Cabernet Franc from White Cat Vineyard in Livermore Valley is all Clone 5 (French 311), aged for 33 months in neutral and once-used French oak. And wow—is it ever a big daddy. Bold, bodacious, and bursting at the seams, with supple, juicy plum-like tannins that open to reveal ripe black currant, spiced plum, rich tobacco, cedar, and mocha. The long, spicy finish pops with a heady flash of smoked paprika before demanding another big sip.

This 100% Petite Sirah from Casa de Vinas Vineyard was aged for 33 months in neutral and once-used French and American oak. High-toned violets and spiced Santa Rosa plums mingle with dark chocolate on this medium- to full-bodied, juicy, and layered red.

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From the challenging 2021 vintage, winemaker Phil Plummer added a 2% splash of Cabernet Franc for lift. Fermented in open-top bins with twice-daily punchdowns and pumpovers, then pressed to stainless steel for malolactic conversion before aging in a mix of new and used American oak and used French oak for about 12 months. The result is an expressive, tart, juicy, red-fruited Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of cassis, currant, olive tapenade, and a salty-saline minerality.

This wine opens with a wild, almost savage nose reminiscent of green or yellow Chartreuse—fennel, licorice, and savory herbs. Then it takes all the fruit you expect from Riesling and, as winemaker Phil Plummer puts it, “puts it on the grill.” The result is a smoky, almost incense-like character on the palate, with crisp, medium-bodied texture and a crunchy mineral core. The finish is long, smoky, and laced with stony intensity.
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.

The Soleluce is a crunchy, red-fruited, zesty wine with rich forest berry and underbrush notes in a medium-bodied expression. Currant fruit and subtle tobacco spice nuances carry through to the fine 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).

A staple of the Inwood Estates lineup since 2006, this wine represents an Americanized reinterpretation of a Bordeaux blend—crafted with domestic clones rather than ENTAV selections, which were not yet available at the time. Grown at low yields of 1.5 tons per acre, the wine is built on super dark fruit tones layered with tobacco spice and dark chocolate. Blackberry fruit leads the aromatic profile alongside wild herbs, rich toasty cedarwood, dried fennel, and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied on the palate with sinewy tannins, it finishes with notes of graham cracker crust and warm baking spices.

Ascendance, the top cuvée, offers a lovely creamy texture balanced by exceptional length, with spicy ginger and granitic minerality shining through. Gorgeously medium-bodied, it has a satiny palate feel and beautifully layered notes of Indian spices and ginger. A refined and elegant expression of site and craft. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that they work with 10 different clones of Chardonnay, most of which are planted on granitic soils. He prioritizes acidity at harvest, often doing multiple picks within the same block to build complexity and ensure he never needs to add acid. After settling overnight, the juice is racked to barrel and inoculated with native yeast in-barrel. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in one-third new French oak and goes through full malolactic fermentation. Lots are kept separate throughout aging, lees stirring is minimal, and blending occurs just before bottling. Of the three estate Chardonnays Winemaker Brian Gruber produces, Ascendance is the top cuvée and the first blend assembled—focused on precision and structure. Convergence follows, crafted for more roundness and ripeness, while the Estate Chardonnay is blended last, offering an expression that reflects the broader vineyard character.
Cherry, pomegranate, blood orange, and grapefruit zest lead the aromatic profile, accented by clove and fresh cherry blossoms. A hint of bergamot emerges on the palate, which is more structured, with firm and robust tannins that resolve beautifully. Chalky minerality and elegant cedarwood notes frame the wine, highlighting its brilliant purity of fruit and spice. Balanced textures and fabulous energy make this a striking and vibrant expression. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

Fragrant notes of honeysuckle and jasmine intermix with rich baking spices, apple tarte Tatin, pear, and a dollop of lemon oil—all finding balance on the palate. Candied ginger and a beautifully crisp, pure fruit profile are supported by crunchy acid tension and a touch more richness than the Estate bottling. Totally balanced. A vibrant and refined expression. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that they work with 10 different clones of Chardonnay, most of which are planted on granitic soils. He prioritizes acidity at harvest, often doing multiple picks within the same block to build complexity and ensure he never needs to add acid. After settling overnight, the juice is racked to barrel and inoculated with native yeast in-barrel. The wine is aged for up to 15 months in one-third new French oak and goes through full malolactic fermentation. Lots are kept separate throughout aging, lees stirring is minimal, and blending occurs just before bottling. Of the three estate Chardonnays Winemaker Brian Gruber produces, Ascendance is the top cuvée and the first blend assembled—focused on precision and structure. Convergence follows, crafted for more roundness and ripeness, while the Estate Chardonnay is blended last, offering an expression that reflects the broader vineyard character.
A touch more elegant and delicate, this Pinot Noir reveals savory notes of black tea and bergamot, with Earl Grey–like tannins framing the medium-bodied palate. Fabulous orange peel nuances carry through, supported by a long, spicy finish that highlights the character of the clone. Refined and beautifully detailed. Winemaker Brian Gruber explains that this Pinot Noir is a blend of older plantings and newer vines established in 2018. Grapes are mostly destemmed, though select lots are fermented with whole clusters for blending flexibility. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel, with individual blocks vinified separately. After a short cold soak, native fermentations begin, accompanied by a regimen of pumpovers and punchdowns. Following primary fermentation, an extended maceration of up to 28 days builds mouthfeel, mid-palate weight, and structure. The wine is gently pressed, with primarily free-run juice selected for the final blend. It is aged in roughly one-third new French oak for up to 18 months before blending and bottling.

True dark-fruited magic in the bottle. One of the most luxurious Cabernet Sauvignons you’ll ever taste. Like pure velvet wrapped around an iron-fisted core. The wine is simultaneously bold, rich, unctuous, and yet light, airy, and fresh. This dynamic juxtaposition of textures and flavors comes together seamlessly on the palate. There are bold darkberry fruit notes, currants, and fig paste, laced with tobacco and loamy earth. The tannins are ultra-fine, if not powdery, and imbued with graphite-mineral intensity. There are pressed wildflower notes and dark forest underbrush. The finish is long and punctuated by that mineral intensity and crisp spine of acidity. Just remarkable.

A beautifully brooding, dark-fruit wine, with well-endowed structure, crisp underlying acidity, and firm, mineral-laced tannins. Dark-berry fruit, forest underbrush, and such a purity of fruit with blue fruit nuances on the long finish. Truly intense mineral notes resound through the full-bodied finish. 100% Sangiovese Grosso BBS11.

This is absolutely lights-out dynamite. Thoroughly complex, fresh, and inviting, with pure black cherry and black cherry fruit, crunchy plum, and subtle currant fruit undertones. There’s a perfumed intensity here that is so enchanting, like rose and earth, or redwood bark, balanced by mouthwatering acid tension and perfectly formed, elongated velvety tannins.

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.

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).

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

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

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