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Cristaldi Scores

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2024

Kobler Estate Winery

Kobler Family Vineyards, Rose of Syrah

This rosé comes from the coldest spot on the property, between Forestville and Graton along Highway 116 in West Sonoma County—about ten miles west of Santa Rosa, perched on the ridge of the Green Valley. An old Victorian farmhouse sits on the site. The fruit is direct-pressed and fermented in stainless steel, and Mike Kobler took over winemaking in 2022. It’s a robust, full-throttle rosé—not for the faint of heart—with rich aromas of apricot and tangerine peel and a faint hint of bacon fat. The palate is fragrant and mid-weight, offering red-berry fruit layered with savory nuances. There’s good tension and energy, along with a long, deeply fruited finish. Mike’s grandfather retired to Dry Creek Valley in the early 1980s. An engineer by trade, he spent weekends putting young Mike to work in the vineyard whenever he came to visit. Mike went on to study economics and graduated in 2007—just in time for the 2008 market crash—so he pivoted into wine. Despite swearing he’d never enter the industry, he realized he liked the lifestyle, and his network of growers and winemakers proved invaluable. With help from his father, he built a business plan, and they dove in. They launched with a négociant model, and in 2011 produced their first wine from the family property. As Mike began asking around for grape contracts, the business grew steadily. His older brother, Brian Kobler, who had been a winemaker for 20 years, eventually came on board as well.

2024

Kobler Estate Winery

Viognier

100% stainless-steel fermented and aged. This is the same fruit that once went to Donelan for their Viognier. Super aromatic, with white florals, jasmine, and honeysuckle, plus a hint of flinty minerality. The wine offers lemony accents, more florality, and a saline–acid brightness. It’s a bit leaner and racier than the Donelan versions, if you’re familiar with those. But this is exactly Mike Kobler’s focus — bringing more racy, focused, linear wines into the family’s portfolio — and this is a great example of that effort.

2024

Koehler Wine Estate

Portico Hills Gamay Noir

From Portico Hills Vineyard and aged for 6 months in neutral oak, this is a bright, zingy, and zesty red that crackles with energy. Tangy blood orange acidity drives the palate, while grippy tannins add structure to the medium-bodied frame. Notes of brown baking spices and a hint of incense lend complexity to the finish. Serve this slightly chilled alongside BBQ or pizza.

2024

Koehler Winery

FiddleStix Gruner Veltliner

Sourced from the Fiddlestix Vineyard, fermented in stainless steel, and aged in 500L Austrian oak barrels. The aromatics are strikingly exotic, bursting with beeswax and honeycomb, a touch of spiced sea salt, citrus peel, flint, and wet river stone. The mid-palate is creamy, showing pear and apple framed by crisp acidity and firm stony minerality. It’s certainly an oyster wine, but it also pairs beautifully with sheep’s milk and goat cheeses—especially those wrapped in cedar or dusted with herbs—thanks to the wine’s savory beeswax, honeycomb, and dried white-floral character.

2024

Koehler Winery

Grenache Blanc

A tropical-fruited, savory white that builds with notes of white peach, honeydew melon, and apricot, along with subtle poached-pear nuances that come into focus at mid-palate. The finish is marked by savory dried straw, almonds, and a touch of sea-spray minerality. Sourced from the steep, organically farmed hillside block of the Coteau de Clair Vineyard. Fermented with native yeasts, split between neutral oak and stainless steel, then aged on lees for eight months to enhance mouthfeel and complexity. Malolactic fermentation was inhibited to preserve the wine’s natural acidity and freshness.

2024

Kokomo

Peters Vineyard Chardonnay

There’s a lot to love in this Chardonnay—it’s both generous in fruit and spice yet focused and racy on the palate, the best of both worlds for this variety. Rich lemon, lemon oil, and sea salt combine with a fleshy texture balanced by saline-driven acidity that sharpens the focus and brings tension. The finish deepens with sweet oak spice and candied lemon peel. Quite the compelling sipper from these folks. Owner and Winemaker Erik Miller founded Kokomo Winery in 2004 (named after his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana). Miller partnered with fourth-generation grower Randy Peters to craft wines from the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys.

2024

Kokomo

Timber Crest Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is barrel-fermented in Acacia wood using natural yeast, with weekly lees stirring to enhance mid-palate creaminess. Bright and lemony with lime zest accents, white floral notes, and zesty acidity balanced by river stone minerality. A touch of fragrant baking spice adds subtle complexity. Easy-drinking and best enjoyed while preparing a big meal. Owner and Winemaker Erik Miller founded Kokomo Winery in 2004 (named after his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana). Miller partnered with fourth-generation grower Randy Peters to craft wines from the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys.

2024

Kosta Browne

Lot #46. 'Terra & Tempus' Pinot Noir

TASTING NOTE: Lot #46. Barrel Sample: Although neither Dan Kosta nor Michael Browne has anything to do with this wine anymore, you can keep telling yourself they do—if that helps justify drinking this entire auction lot yourself (which I highly recommend). The winemaker today is Julien Howsepian, who may hate describing wines in tasting note videos, but makes damn good wine you will want to describe to your Friday night poker buddies—or whatever club you belong to on Friday nights. Sourced from 5 Wells Vineyard (Clone 943), Gap’s Crown (Swan clone, all concrete), and Thorn Ridge (Clone 115, submerged cap ferment in concrete). Aged in two-thirds light-toast new French oak. Aromatics are all early summer berries, rose petals, and brown baking spice, with firm, mineral-rich tannins and impressive length. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Terra & Tempus” pays homage to the land and the passage of time, capturing the essence of a singular harvest. A bespoke Pinot Noir, it unites the elegance of the Russian River Valley and the coastal influence of the Sonoma Coast, offering a seamless interplay of fruit, earth, and structure. It is a true reflection of its origins. At its heart, this singular Pinot Noir celebrates the balance of strength and finesse, a testament to both its vineyard sources and Kosta Browne’s winemaking artistry. Crafted in limited quantities and available exclusively through the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, “Terra & Tempus” is a one-of-a-kind expression-never to be replicated. Winemaker Julien Howsepian set out to craft a wine that tells the story of the 2024 vintage, a year defined by a dynamic growing season, where warmth and cool coastal breezes worked in harmony to shape expressive, layered fruit. Notes of wild berries, forest floor, and delicate spice emerge, framed by refined acidity and silky tannins, ensuring a wine that captivates now and will evolve beautifully over time. WINEMAKER(S): Julien Howsepian ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: February 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: May 2026 National Distribution: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, Washington, DC International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan; please inquire for additional countries.

2024

Landmark Vineyards

Pinot Gris

The 2024 Pinot Gris is sourced entirely from the winery’s Hop Kiln Estate Vineyard on Westside Road. Whole-cluster-pressed and cold-fermented in stainless steel, it bursts forth with tropical fruit notes of white peach and lychee, while a creamier mid-palate brings balance to the chalky mineral finish.

2024

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Albarino

As if a just-picked basket of limes and lemons were squeezed into your glass, this wine bursts with citrus purity, layered with jasmine flowers and honeysuckle nuances. Absolutely bracing and racy on the palate, with spicy, zesty, and zippy acid tension fueling the finish. This is your salad wine. Your carnitas tacos wine. Your post–18 holes first glass refresher before you dive into a hearty red with steak and potatoes.

2024

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Reserve Verdelho

Fermented in neutral 500L puncheons by winemaker Brent Amos and assistant winemaker is Aaron Andrews, this silvery-hued white wine delivers a super expressive nose of guava, white peach, nectarine, pear, and zesty seashell minerality—an aromatic explosion from such a delicate-looking wine. On the palate, those aromatics come alive, fueled by oyster shell minerality and lime-scented, saline-driven acid tension. Crushed Marcona almonds, white flowers, and jasmine notes add complexity and frame the long, elegant finish.

2024

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Verdelho

This Verdelho is a bright and vivid fruit salad in a glass, bursting with freshly cut Granny Smith apple, Bosc pear, pineapple, and mango. Honeysuckle blossoms and salted crushed almonds round out the finish. Pair this with fish, chicken, or spicy Thai cuisine—it’s built for all three.

2024

Laurel Glen

Blanc Slate Hopkins Ranch Sauvignon Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Hopkins River Ranch in the Russian River Valley and spent its entire life fermenting and aging in stainless steel—until you came along, poured it into your glass, and let it shine. It reveals fresh, crunchy orchard fruit, a squeeze of lemony citrus, and freshly picked white flowers, all carried by a zippy acid profile. The finish shows chalky minerality and warmer tropical and stone fruit tones that beautifully balance the crunchy Gravenstein apple character. Originally planted with 2 acres of Cabernet in 1968, Laurel Glen Vineyard was has been owned by Bettina Sichel since 2011. Organic farming is handled by Phil Cottuiri, with winemaker Randall Watkins leading the cellar.

2024

Long Walk Vineyard

Rosé

A crisp, tangy rosé featuring tart cherry and apple fruit, lime blossoms, and the zest of yellow grapefruit. Focused, lean, and crunchy, it’s best enjoyed with baked oysters or fried chicken—whether from Chicken Shanty in Oregon’s Rogue Valley or your favorite local spot.

2024

Longboard Vineyards

Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay

Longboard’s 2024 Russian River Valley Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay is 100% Clone 76, native fermented, and aged on the lees for six months before being bottled unfined. It opens with a wonderfully rich nose of lemon oil, anise, and tarragon, layered with smoky, toasty oak spice. Full-bodied and deeply flavored, it’s packed with charred pineapple, apricot, and lemon curd, showing impressive depth and concentration. Bold and unapologetically rich, it lingers with a savory, spiced finish.

2024

Macari Vineyards

"HORSES" Cabernet Franc

Destemmed and gently pressed, this Cabernet Franc underwent a slow, low-temperature fermentation throughout harvest before being racked and bottled on December 11, 2024, to complete fermentation in bottle. Left undisgorged, it shows off a fantastically creamy, frothy mousse that lifts ripe melon fruit and drives the wine’s energetic profile. Don’t ask how they pulled it off—but this is easily one of the cleanest, most expressive pét-nats I’ve tasted from New York State.

2024

Macari Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc "Katherine's Field"

A blend of Sauvignon Blanc clones and vineyard blocks, fermented and aged in stainless steel with selective lees contact and partial malolactic fermentation. This is a bracing, crisp, and steely expression of the variety, with subtle notes of sea grass and a long, mouthwatering finish that channels sea spray and crushed minerals.

2024

Marine Layer

Sonoma Mountain Picpoul

Lime-bright with crushed Marcona almonds and a hint of tarragon, this wine builds with laser-focused intensity and mouthwatering salinity that drives the long finish. Pristinely dry and precise, it’s carried by exacting mineral tension. At just 12.8% alcohol, you could drink it all day and all night, though it really demands a multi-course meal—one it will elevate regardless of the chef.

2024

McGrail Vineyards

Grenache Blanc

Winemaker Mark Clarin proudly notes, “We grow everything we produce.” This Grenache Blanc—planted in the Lucky 8 Vineyard—is what he calls his “pet project,” a variety he personally championed for its strong performance in Livermore Valley. Sourced from cuttings out of Beeswax Vineyard in Monterey County, the wine is fermented in stainless steel. It opens with lovely aromatics of citrus oil, honeysuckle, and a hint of licorice, with dried fennel adding complexity. On the palate, it shows impressive weight and density, with terrific phenolic grip and vibrant apricot and white peach intensity. Long, textural, and compelling—a rare and exciting white from the region.

2024

McGrail Vineyards

Kylie Ryan Rosé

The Kylie Ryan Rosé from Lucky 8 Vineyard is picked on the early side and pressed directly into stainless steel. It’s super fragrant, with red berry fruit, strawberry, and watermelon rind, layered with apricot and sea spray minerality. A kiss of baking spice rounds out the nose. Medium-bodied, with a fleshy mid-palate and crisp, crunchy acid tension that drives a long, refreshing finish.

2024

McGrail Vineyards

Peyton Paige Sauvignon Blanc

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Lucky 8 Vineyard comes from the southeastern portion of the Livermore Valley and is entirely Musqué Clone, aged primarily in stainless steel with 10% in neutral oak. Named in honor of the two eldest granddaughters, Peton Taylor and Ashton Paige, this Sauvignon Blanc pays homage to the variety’s legacy in Livermore Valley. It’s a vibrant expression, bursting with tropical melon and guava notes that build across the medium-bodied palate, layered with juicy white peach and underscored by zesty, citrus-driven acidity. Long and focused on the finish.

2024

Medlock Ames

Lot #47. 'Convergence' Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon

TASTING NOTE: Lot #47. Barrel Sample: Winemaker Abby Watt works with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, who’s on speed dial for some of Napa’s most elite estates. He also happens to be one of the tallest winemakers around—and his tannins are often just as tall, or at least elegantly elongated. Here, Watt and Hoefliger deliver a full-bodied, bold red blend with an expressive nose of brambly dark berry fruit, graphite, and fragrant violets. Layers of graham cracker and cinnamon add warmth and intrigue. The palate is super fresh, with bold yet supple tannins and impressive depth and concentration—all while remaining remarkably light on its feet. From the Auction Lot Catalog: ABOUT THE WINE: “Convergence” captures the rare moment when Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon ferment together in perfect harmony. For the first time, these two varietals ripened at the same time at Bell Mountain Ranch, a rare alignment that allowed for an experimental co-fermentation. Normally, these two varietals never reach peak ripeness simultaneously, making this unique harvest a fleeting moment in time. This exceptional vintage captures a singular, never-to-be-repeated experience in winemaking, where the perfect conditions allowed for a collaboration between two varietals that rarely share the same stage. Located at the southernmost tip of Alexander Valley, Bell Mountain Ranch sits in one of the cooler spots in the region, benefiting from the lower night temperatures that preserve freshness in the grapes. This vineyard is truly unique, with steep hillsides and growing conditions that closely mirror those of Bordeaux. Preserving the land is at the heart of the Medlock Ames philosophy. The vineyard is certified organic and regenerative organic, ensuring that their practices nourish the soils, plants, and workers. The bold fruitiness of Malbec in “Convergence” softens the gentle tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a seamless fusion that enhances both varietals with layers of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle earthy notes. The wine has a perfect balance of fruitiness, smooth tannins, and freshness, with a lingering finish that showcases the best of both varietals. It’s bold yet refined, with a complexity that evolves with every sip. WINEMAKER(S): Abby Watt ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: January 2026 ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: March 2026 National Distribution: CA International Distribution: None

2024

Melville

Estate Chardonnay, Clone 76 Inox

This wine was fermented in stainless steel using grapes sourced from the West Side Vineyard, where naturally low pH levels contribute to soaring, ripping acidity. It’s cold-pressed, cold-fermented, and cold-aged—every step designed to preserve freshness and minerality. There’s no oak influence and no lees stirring. Once fermentation finishes—after about three weeks—the wine is racked to stainless steel for an additional four months before bottling. The result is a bracing, delicious wine with lemon-lime brightness, white flowers, jasmine, and honeysuckle. The acidity is like a beam of light—laser-focused, bright, and crunchy—building toward a long, saline-mineral finish that’s practically perfectly made for seafood.

2024

Melville

Estate Grenache Rosé

Just before harvest, the Grenache vines are lightened of their load and those grapes are used to make this rosé The grapes are foot-stomped with 48 hours of skin contact before being pressed to neutral barrels for fermentation. The wine is then aged for six months prior to bottling. Only about 300 cases are produced each year. This vintage is exceptionally fresh and focused, with bright, crunchy red berry fruit, layers of grapefruit zest, cherry, and cherry pit, and a hint of tangerine peel. A lovely saline-acid mineral tension carries through the long, drawn-out finish. Utterly refreshing, bright, and beautifully balanced.

2024

Mendes & Symington

Contacto Alvarinho

The plethora of citrus aromas is wild, but the rest of this structured, mineral, and lengthy bargain is elegant and refined. One of the more unique renderings of this variety that you’re likely to encounter, it sports hints of white tea along with its abundant lemony flavors. – J.R.

2024

Mendes & Symington

Contacto Loureiro

A jaunty—and lovely—take on one of Portugal’s under-appreciated white varieties (at least in terms of showing off its more sophisticated side), after handpicking this sipper spends three months on the fine lees with regular batonnage. Floral and citric, the jasmine and saline notes show impressive purity, while the palate balances elegance and crunchy acidity in equal measures. – J.R.

2024

Meredith Margaret Wines

JoBreguen Vineyard Muscat Canelli

This is about as sweet as they come, bursting with bright floral and citrus peel aromatics. Super fragrant and delicious, it shows a viscous texture on the palate with candied peach rings and apricot notes. The finish is lifted by balanced acidity and a touch of chalky minerality, keeping everything in check. It’s not over the top—just irresistibly moreish, making you want another sip right after the last.

2024

Meredith Margaret Wines

Lahey Vineyard Cinsault Rosé

Alluring notes of cranberry, strawberry, and dried cherry rise from the glass, joined by hints of prairie grass and straw. The medium-bodied palate is bright and focused, driven by crisp, clean acidity that gives the wine freshness and lift.

2024

Milea Estate Vineyard

Grüner Veltliner (Farmhouse Collection)

A classic expression of Grüner Veltliner, delivering crisp, crunchy acidity framed by citrus, melon, white flowers, wet slate, and a hint of sea grass. Focused and linear, with excellent mineral length and superb acid tension.

2024

Milea Estate Vineyard

Hudson Heritage Chambourcin

Though there’s no carbonic maceration, this wine carries a Gamay-like charm, with mulberry and candied berry fruit layered over rich earthy aromatics and a subtle jalapeño note. Supple and full-bodied on the palate, it delivers ripe red fruit that shifts into cranberry, grapefruit zest, raspberry, and a touch of cocoa powder on the finish. Easygoing, joyful, refreshing, and downright delicious.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

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$

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.

2024

Producer

Name

Tangy, perky, and somewhat muscular, this pink sipper shows delicious ripe red berry flavors and a long finish with lovely rose petal tinges. – J.R.

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.

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.

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.

2024

Producer

Name

The grapes for this Riesling are grown on deeper loamy soils, contributing to a more fruit-forward style. Gently pressed and stainless steel fermented, the wine was aged on the lees for 4–5 months before racking and bottling. It offers bright pear, apple, and green melon fruit with a subtle note of vanilla cream or panna cotta. A lovely thread of baking spice enriches the midpalate, while tangerine and grapefruit zest drive the finish. The aromatics are fresh and vibrant, with delicate white rose lingering beautifully on the long, lifted close.

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.

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.

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.

2024

Producer

Name

The 2024 Ducks Unlimited Red Blend is simply fantastic. It’s a powerhouse, and one of the best red wines I’ve tasted from Texas. The aromatics just soar out of the glass with blackberry and boysenberry fruit framed by elegant cedarwood spice, lifted by violets and a bright pop of blue fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it shows a framework of fine-grained, firm tannins with a long finish marked by wet slate and crushed rock minerality, underscored by crisp, focused acidity. Serve it cool, at a cellar temperature of about 57°F, and you’d be crazy not to pair it with brisket or seared duck breast over a balsamic reduction. The blend is 62% Tannat from Vintage Press Vineyard and Hye Estate, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot from Dell Valley Vineyard.

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.

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.

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.

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).

2024

Producer

Name

This sparkling is made entirely from the Blanc du Bois grape, sourced from Mound Prairie Vineyards outside of College Station Texas. The vineyard was planted by Bob Hensz and his daughter, Elisa Jones, the winemaker at Elisa Christopher Wines in 2007. The Blanc du Bois was aged six months on lees and offers up fragrant honeysuckle and tropical fruit notes with a kind of bright vinous character, all balanced by a rich, frothy and creamy mousse, finishing with nice chalky minerality and baking spice. Elisa Christopher Wines is owned by husband-and-wife duo Elisa and Chris, with Elisa also serving as the winemaker. Passionate about sparkling wine and their red wine program, they plan to begin planting their 43-acre estate in 2026.

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.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2024

2024 DeLoach Vineyards Lot #12: ’50 Years of Heritage’ Maffei Vineyard Zinfandel

Still Wine

N/A

2024

2024 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Rose of Pinot Noir

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Dovecote Quail Valley Vineyard Viognier

Still Wine

$$

2024

2024 Dovecote Thompson Vineyard Estate Chardonnay

Still Wine

$$

2024

2024 Dovecote Thompson Vineyard Estate Grenache Blanc

Still Wine

$$

2024

2024 Dr. Konstantin Frank Margrit Dry Riesling

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Dragonette Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Ducks Unlimited Reserve Red Blend

Still Wine

$$$

2024

2024 Dutcher Crossing Sauvignon Blanc

Still Wine

$

2024

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$$

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Still Wine

$

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