2023

Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

Wine

Color

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3 Steves Winery

Chardonnay Reserve

Sourced from Pruett Vineyard, bottled unfiltered, and available exclusively through the 3 Steves wine club, this white is both expressive and refined. The nose bursts with notes of apricot, ripe peach, and yellow apple, accented by a stylish touch of butterscotch.The medium- to full-bodied palate is spicy and rich, yet maintains an elegant posture, with well-balanced weight and freshness. -JR

White

2023

3 Steves Winery

Sangiovese

Sourced from the Grimes Vineyard, this Sangiovese sees less barrel aging than most of 3 Steves’ reds, aiming to capture a fresher, more vibrant take on the variety. The nose is lifted and inviting, with bright notes of tobacco and cherry. On the medium-bodied palate, spicy red fruit flavors mingle with a subtle hint of coconut, bringing charm and approachability. Delicious, affable, and easy to like. -JR

Red

2023

3 Steves Winery

Three Cabs Rosé Wine

Tropical fruit notes lead the charge, with aromas of white peach and kiwi, followed by watermelon rind and strawberry. These flavors fuel a light- to medium-bodied palate, carried by a salty sea spray minerality on the finish. Bone-dry and super zesty.

Rosé

2023

Aaaaa The Hilt

Estate Chardonnay

A blend of Radian and Bentrock fruit. We select the most extreme expressions from both vineyards—those with the most intensity and edge—which ultimately make their way into the Estate bottling. The result is a wine of harmony and precision, with a mix of white flowers, citrus, and orchard fruit. There’s a real purity to the fruit character, with finely delineated notes of apple, pear, nectarine, and white peach. An incredible thread of saline-acid tension runs through it all, accenting a perfectly spicy element that lifts the richness of the fruit. The wine shows marvelous mid-palate density yet finishes with an ephemeral lightness of being—melting away with grace.

White

2023

Adega Vinho

Dell Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc

The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from Dell Valley Vineyard in Hudspeth County is a testament to its unique terroir, with grapes grown in ancient riverbed soils under the shadow of Guadalupe Peak. Hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed, the wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel. Light- to medium-bodied, it offers ripe lemon and apricot notes, complemented by a hint of Texas prairie grass. The palate is bright and focused, leading to a refreshing, long finish with a pronounced limestone mineral backbone.

White

2023

Adirondack Winery

Story Teller

Sourced from Doyle Vineyard Management in the Finger Lakes region, this red hybrid was fermented whole berry for 5 days and aged in American oak for 10 months prior to bottling. Light in body with a Grenache-like texture, it opens with ripe red fruit and brown baking spices, layered with tobacco leaf and a distinctly Cabernet Franc-like savouriness. Notes of bay leaf and green tobacco add intrigue to this savoury red. Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing and expressive taste of New York. Best enjoyed now through the next 2–3 years.

Red

2023

Airy Acres Vineyard

Glide Rosé

Strawberry and raspberry fruit lead the charge, with watermelon notes building in volume and richness across the palate. The creamy, enveloping mousse resolves into a delicate off-dry sweetness, echoing just-ripe cherries and freshly picked farmers’ market strawberries—clean, bright, and thoroughly expressive. The 2023 Glide Rosé is a field blend and co-ferment of Cabernet Franc and Lemberger, sourced entirely from the certified sustainable, 21-acre Airy Acres Vineyard on the west side of Cayuga Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes. Both varieties were harvested on the same day, given roughly eight hours of skin contact, then pressed and co-fermented in stainless steel.

Rosé

2023

Almost Famous Wine

Loyal to the Soil

Sourced from the Lemmons Vineyard and blended with 10% Merlot, this opulent red opens with dark blue fruits and a streak of minerality on the nose. The palate is plush and plummy, offering richness and generosity, yet anchored by just enough structure to keep it all in balance. Notes of minerals and savory herbs carry through a long finish. -JR

Red

2023

Almost Famous Wine

Strong Silent Type Cabernet Franc

100% Cabernet Franc, aged for 20 months in French oak, this red leads with a bold nose of macerated cherries, black currants, and wet river stone aromatics. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with supple, chocolatey tannins that are both rich and inviting. Layers of dark berry fruit follow, along with savory wild herb nuances and a spicy finish. Balanced, complex, and thoroughly appealing.

Red

2023

Anthony Road Wine Company

Barrel Ferment Gewürztraminer

Native yeast fermented in large 500-liter puncheons and aged on the lees for up to seven months. Enticing aromas of honeycomb, wildflower honey, and honeysuckle lift from the glass, drawing you into a light to medium-bodied palate layered with vivid orchard fruit and subtle tropical underpinnings. Nuances of rose stem add complexity, while a touch of residual sugar provides richness that balances the bracing acid tension.

White

2023

Anthony Road Wine Company

Pinot Gris

This Pinot Gris is sourced primarily from the winery’s Nutt Road Vineyard, where silty loam soils are threaded with limestone and shale. Fermented in stainless steel with no malolactic conversion, the wine remains on the lees in tank for up to seven months prior to bottling. The nose is bright and zesty with a sea spray minerality, while the light to medium-bodied palate gains subtle richness from 4 grams of residual sugar to balance the bracing acidity. Pear and apple fruit become more expressive through the long finish.

White

2023

Argot

Chardonnay

This is the kind of Chardonnay I could drink from morning to morning. Bennett Valley, an ancient geological crater bordered to the west by Sonoma Mountain and the Petaluma Gap AVA, traps cold air as it spills over the mountain, creating a bowl-like effect that necessitates frost protection throughout the growing season. Fruit from this site was gently whole-cluster pressed and sent directly to barrel for fermentation with native yeasts, including roughly 25% new French oak. Aged for 16 months, the resulting wine is bright and focused on the nose, with inviting aromas of candied citrus peel, baking spices, toasted oak, and a hint of candied ginger. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, it mirrors the aromatic complexity, with warming notes of vanilla, crushed Marcona almonds, and citrus peel carried through a lengthy, layered finish. Rich yet precise, this is a beautifully composed and texturally compelling wine.

White

2023

Argot

Kanzler Vineyard Pinot Noir

From the renowned Kanzler Vineyard, the 2023 Pinot Noir bursts with vivid freshness and tension, offering bright notes of ruby red grapefruit, blood orange, and savory sage. Aromatics of anise, mint, rose petal, and rose stem lend complexity and lift, while crisp, woody tannins provide structure. Juicy, spicy acidity laced with saline and pine forest character underscores the wine’s impeccable grip and precision. Compared to the softer, more supple 2022 vintage, the 2023 is taut and energetic, built for longevity. Enjoy the generosity of the 2022s now—by the boatload—while the 2023s continue to evolve toward their full potential.

Red

2023

Argot

Pinot Noir

This wine bangs hard — In a great way! Sourced from both hillside and valley floor vineyards within the Sonoma Mountain AVA, this wine showcases striking vitality and spice-driven aromatics. The nose is bold and expressive, with notes of blood orange, grapefruit zest, fragrant pine forest, and wild underbrush. Medium-bodied on the palate, it unfolds with vibrant citrus tones and firm yet elongated velvety tannins. Rose petal lifts the lengthy, perfumed finish. Grapes were destemmed, then cluster- and berry-sorted before undergoing a seven-day cold soak in stainless steel with inactive yeasts naturally propagating. Fermentation began spontaneously as the must warmed, driven entirely by native yeasts. Following fermentation, precise press cuts separated free-run and press juice before barreling. The wine was aged for 16 months in 87% new French oak, resulting in a complex, richly textured expression of Sonoma Mountain fruit.

Red

2023

Argot

Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay

The 2023 Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay marks a textural departure from the 2022 vintage. Whereas the 2022 was softer and suppler, the 2023 is fresher, more dynamic, and longer on the palate, with focused tension and a deeper layering of candied ginger and rich brown baking spices—almost like brown sugar spice—unfolding along the finish. Sea spray minerality carries the day, complemented by lemony citrus and tangerine zest, alongside characteristic apple blossom and nutty, spiced nuances that emerge on the lingering finish. Captivating and mouth-watering.

White

2023

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre

(Barrel Sample) This polished, expressive, and medium-bodied Mourvèdre offers crunchy red berry fruit, sweet spices, and cedarwood, all framed by firm, inviting tannins that lay a solid foundation. Already in great condition, the wine shows great promise. I’m excited to taste and rate the finished wine in the coming year, as it holds a lot of potential.

Red

2023

Arrowhead Creek Vineyard

Estate Mourvèdre Reserve, "Broke"

(Barrel Sample) This multi-vintage blend of Mourvèdre is already in fantastic condition, offering ripe red cherry and brambly red berry fruits that mingle beautifully with sweet baking spices, elegant cedarwood, and bright rose florals. The medium-bodied palate is supported by polished tannins, making for a very fresh, racy, and captivating wine. I can’t wait to taste the final product, and I believe consumers will be equally thrilled with the direction these wines are heading. Since Napa-based consultant Jean Hoefliger began making the wines in 2021, big changes have been happening at Arrowhead Creek each vintage. This is definitely a wine to watch.

Red

2023

Arrowhead Springs Vineyard

Cabernet Franc Single Barrel Reserve 21-39

Leading with vivid, earthy aromatics and fragrant red berry fruit, this estate-grown Cabernet Franc (sourced from sustainably certified vines in the Niagara Escarpment AVA) is laced with spicy wild herbs and grilled Padrón pepper nuances. Supple tannins carry a slightly sappy texture, framing notes of black currant and a brown sugar–spiced charcuterie quality on the finish.

Red

2023

Arrowhead Springs Vineyard

Stainless Steel Aged Cabernet Franc

Tank fermented with twice-daily pumpovers and oxygen exposure via gravity feed sump, this wine was aged for two years in stainless steel prior to bottling. The result is a crisp, clean, and vibrant expression of red berry fruit, accented by vivid cinnamon spice, cedarwood nuances, and firm, cedar-rich tannins. Zesty blood orange and grapefruit peel acidity adds lift and energy to the finish. Sourced from 100% estate-grown fruit in Sustainably Certified, herbicide-free vineyards in the Niagara Escarpment AVA.

Red

2023

Arroyo Cellars

Sauvignon Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from the Nella Terra and Sunol Highlands Vineyards was barrel-fermented in American oak, then aged in stainless steel barrels. And wow—this is something else. Supercharged aromatics leap from the glass: toasty oak, slivered dried coconut, and sugar-dusted lemon bar meet lemon curd. On the palate, the wine shifts into sport mode, revealing refined apricot and white peach notes, lemon oil, and crunchy kumquat skin. Bold, burly, and full of personality, it’s highly recommended for camping trips, backyard BBQs, or anytime you want to pour something that feels profound without breaking the bank. Go for gold.

White

2023

Arroyo Cellars

White Wine

This 51% Sémillon / 49% Sauvignon Blanc blend, sourced from Bodegas Aguirre’s vineyard, was barrel-fermented in American oak and aged in stainless steel barrels. It’s not as bold as the pure Sauvignon Blanc, but offers similarly rich aromatics—think toasty oak, slivered coconut, butterscotch, and toffee, with maybe a hint of incense. On the palate, the wine becomes more refined, with lemon, lime, and Granny Smith apple acidity, plus a green apple skin grip. The finish is medium in length, with good tension and mineral drive.

White

2023

Au Bon Climat

Bien Nacido White Blend Hildegard

Bold notes of yellow apple, quince, and apricot lead the charge in this expressive white, lifted by white flowers and honeysuckle aromatics. Medium-bodied, with crunchy apple-driven acidity and a core of crushed salty Marcona almonds, the palate delivers impressive length. Subtle layers of fresh ginger, lemon peel, and chalky minerality emerge on the finish, framed by just a whisper of toasty oak.

White

2023

Au Bon Climat

Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay

Totally captivating from the first sniff to the last sip, this Chardonnay opens with a burst of bright oyster shell minerality, layered with lemon zest and yellow apple that evolve into quince and ginger on the palate. Apple skin tannins lend texture and tension to this electric, acid-driven wine. Rich tangerine oil is beautifully balanced by Sta. Rita Hills’ signature lemon-lime brightness and sea spray salinity. A masterful wine—bracing yet rich, structured yet giving. Subtle hints of honeydew and honeycomb emerge on an almost everlasting finish. This should continue to develop wonderfully over the next decade, making it one to savor now or cellar with confidence.

White

2023

Augusta Vin

Sirens Brut Estate Sparkling Wine

Produced in the traditional method, with grapes picked around 19 brix. The base wine spent 18 months in neutral French oak barrels, then three months en tirage, with a dosage of 12g/L. Composed entirely of Counoise from the 2023 vintage. Aromas of toasty French pastry, grapefruit zest, and flinty minerality lead into a palate marked by vibrant grapefruit oil notes. The mousse is focused, building richness from the generous dosage, yet the wine remains nicely balanced with a bracing mineral finish.

White

2023

AUTEUR

Bacigalupi Chardonnay

A wild yeast, low production (249 cases), Old Wente Clone Chardonnay from one of Sonoma’s most celebrated vineyards, this white sees no malolactic fermentation. Lifted aromas of golden apples, toast, honeysuckle, white tea leaves, and ripe citrus lead into fantastic flavors of lemon, white peaches, and hazelnuts. Packed with elegance and verve, this is excellent from start to finish. – J.R.

White

2023

Becker Vineyards

Chardonnay Reserve

Becker’s Reserve Chardonnay is sourced from Canada Family Vineyards in Plains, near the New Mexico border, and Tallent Vineyards in Mason within the Texas Hill Country AVA. Fermented and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak, it’s a lush, full-bodied, and supple Chardonnay built on a rich, toasty oak profile—more buttered croissant than dark toast. Layers of apricot cream, pineapple crème brûlée, and salted lemon unfold across the palate, leading to a lemon curd finish. Generous yet balanced throughout.

White

2023

Becker Vineyards

Jolie Rose

The “Jolie” Rosé from Becker Vineyards is a vibrant wine that feels like a fruit salad in the glass with notes of strawberry, watermelon, white peach, and a touch of spring flowers. Medium-bodied with lasting richness and tension, this rosé is both approachable and layered. The surprise comes on the finish, where subtle hints of white pepper and coriander cream await.

Rosé

2023

Becker Vineyards

Montepulciano

This blend of 95% Montepulciano with about 1.5% each of Tempranillo, Dolcetto, and Barbera was aged for 16 months in neutral French and American oak barrels. The wine is meaty and medium-bodied, offering dark chocolate–covered cherry fruit, loamy earth, violets, and maple-cured bacon notes. Soft, supple tannins frame a sweet-fruited finish laced with brown spice.

Red

2023

Billsboro Winery

Albariño

100% Albariño from Sawmill Creek Vineyards. Still a rarity in the Finger Lakes, this wine showcases lime-bright aromatics and a zesty spine of acidity. Light-bodied and energetic, it delivers a core of citrus fruit wrapped in chalky minerality, finishing with a persistent lime zest snap.