The Latest Cristaldi Scores
Vintage
Wine
Color
Rating
Vintage
Wine
Color
Rating
This 100% Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 50% new Hungarian and French oak. Sourced entirely from Clone 1 vines at White Cat Vineyard in the Livermore Valley AVA. A pretty and elegant expression of Cabernet Franc, offering a refined nose of currant fruit, tobacco, turned earth, and dried wildflowers. Medium-bodied on entry, with a wealth of juicy currant and spiced plum fruit, layered with fine tobacco, hints of vanilla, and pops of new cedarwood, all framed by expressive acidity on the refreshing finish.
100% Sauvignon Blanc from Nella Terra Vineyard, tucked into a southwestern valley that’s slightly cooler than most of the Livermore Valley AVA, fermented in stainless steel using two yeast strains. The aromatics build with mineral-scented intensity, layered with prairie grass, white peach, apricot, and sea spray. Light- to medium-bodied on the palate, with ripe orchard fruit supported by a saline-acid tension. Finishes with a spicy, almost jalapeño-like note that brings mouthwatering zip and drive.
A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Front Vineyard, this red is made from hand-selected fruit and aged for 34 months in new French oak. Absolutely polished and classic, it offers blackberry and blue fruit aromatics alongside graphite and new wood cedar. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with a minty freshness that emerges through firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins and subtle white pepper on the long, satisfying finish.
Made primarily from estate-grown Iberian varieties, this blend includes Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela, Sousão, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It opens with a bright mix of red and black fruit on the nose, accented by orange zest and walnut husk, lending a high-toned, refreshing aromatic lift. On the palate, it’s soft and supple, framed by gentle tannins with an Earl Grey tea quality. Blackberry and black cherry fruit layer in beautifully, finishing with loamy earth and wet river stone minerality. A very intriguing and distinctive red.
This Petite Sirah was aged for 22 months in French oak, and opens with black currant fruit layered with sage, wild fennel, and blue fruit aromatics, all building on a medium-bodied palate. Notes of kirsch and apricot pit emerge, adding complexity. The wine zigzags between fruit and savory intensity before leveling out on a fine bed of woodsy tannins and tobacco leaf on the finish. A great pairing for richly spiced Indian dishes, especially those made with lentils.
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.
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.
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.
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
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Triska Vineyard, aged for four months in stainless steel tanks. Bright, crisp, and full of zesty, snappy acid tension, this light- to medium-bodied wine offers crunchy apple, white peach, tangerine, and lime blossom notes. Chalky minerality shines through on the long, refreshing finish.
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
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
With only about 12 acres of this rare grape variety planted in California, Cabernet Pfeffer is a true curiosity. It may be named after 19th-century orchardist and winemaker William Pfeffer—or perhaps more fittingly, for its signature peppery aroma (“pfeffer” being the German word for “pepper”). True to its name, the nose is lifted and aromatic, offering a substantial black pepper note alongside floral hints and savory red fruit. The full-bodied palate delivers cranberry, even more peppery spice, and a firm, pronounced structure. A distinctive and memorable red—unlike anything else in the glass. -JR
TASTING NOTE: Lot #59. Barrel Sample: I began rating and reviewing Silver Oak Cabernets a couple of years ago, and recently published a major update on the winery for Decanter.com. Research for that piece meant regularly tasting with the Duncan family, and at one point, Tim and Matt Duncan dug into their personal cellar to share older vintages—wines that had aged impeccably. This bottling will prove to be no exception, but good luck holding onto it for too long: lifted, fragrant aromas of dark-toned sage, underbrush, and smoked paprika lead into a full-bodied, powerful red with excellent tension. Deep forest berry flavors and meaty tannins wrap around the bold fruit and savoury aromatics. Long, terrifically structured, and built to last.
From the Auction Lot Catalog:
ABOUT THE WINE:
A unique opportunity to blend two varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, from estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley, “Essence of Estate” provided Winemaker Dan Kemp the opportunity to single out the most interesting lots and experiment beyond the traditional Silver Oak winemaking style to craft this one-of-a-kind wine.
Silver Oak Cellars was founded in 1972, renowned for crafting Cabernet Sauvignon. Fueled by passion and driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection, its meticulously crafted Cabernet Sauvignons are exclusively aged in American Oak, creating wines of elegance, complexity, and consistency. Silver Oak’s wineries in Napa Valley and Alexander Valley are the first production wineries to achieve LEED Platinum certification, underscoring Silver Oak’s leadership in sustainable winemaking. Their commitment to quality and excellence has expanded other wine varietals and brands across Twomey, Timeless Napa Valley, and Prince Hill Vineyards, each providing a unique yet consistently exceptional wine experience.
“Essence of Estate” opens with a bouquet of floral aromas, including lavender, lilac, and jasmine, leading into a rich blend of spices including clove, black pepper, and cedar. Beneath these notes, dark fruit accents of blackberry and black currant create a harmonious depth. On the palate, the spice and floral characteristics are echoed, enhanced by a touch of herbal freshness. With its refined structure, the wine offers smooth, velvety tannins that glide effortlessly into a satisfying, graceful finish.
WINEMAKER(S): Dan Kemp
ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: June 2026
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: July 2027
National Distribution: Includes all 50 states and Washington, DC
International Distribution: Includes Canada, Denmark, Japan, Norway; please inquire for additional countries.
TASTING NOTE: Lot #55. Barrel Sample: The last time I tasted wine this good with Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook, we were at Nickel & Nickel on December 5, 2025. Just as we began tasting, a small earthquake rattled the building. We felt it sway, and—like any sensible wine industry veterans—we reached for our favorite wine on the table, downed a glass, and then made sure we didn’t need to run out of the building. That’s exactly what you’d do with this Pinot Noir. Crafted from a 50/50 blend of Kings Ridge and McDougall vineyards, it’s super expressive—floral and bright with incense notes from partial whole-cluster fermentation. It shows excellent depth and remarkable tension. One of the most tightly wound, high-energy lots I tasted, with soaring acidity, purity of fruit, and serious structural tannins anchoring it all.
From the Auction Lot Catalog:
ABOUT THE WINE:
“Coastal Brotherhood” is a never before, never again blend – crafted from the first McDougal Vineyard fruit that Salty Goats Wine Co. has ever received and then blended with Pinot Noir from the Kings Ridge Vineyard. These vineyards are located within the northernmost section of the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Both sites are less than 3.5 miles from the ocean and organically farmed.
Salty Goats Wine Co. started in 2020, rooted in the coastal hills of Northern California, dedicated to crafting expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir. It is a passion project born from the dynamic brotherhood of Joe Harden and Phil Holbrook, the acclaimed winemaking team behind Nickel & Nickel’s extraordinary Napa Valley Cabernets. They partner with trusted farmers who share their passion for organic and precision viticulture.
With its high elevations, cool climate, and Pacific Ocean influence, the West Sonoma Coast offers wonderful conditions to produce Pinot Noir that is vibrant and expressive. Expect a wine of depth, texture, and elegance, highlighted by a unique coastal salinity. This wine epitomizes freshness and elegance with a long, vibrant finish.
WINEMAKER(S): Joe Harden, Phil Holbrook
ESTIMATED BOTTLING DATE: August 2025
ESTIMATED SHIPPING DATE: January 2026
National Distribution: CA, HI
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
