California Wine

Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown — Napa Valley 2023

Silverado Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates — founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller and her mother, Lillian Disney, on historic vineyard sites in the Stags Leap District that had been planted to Cabernet as far back as the 1960s. For years, the family sold their fruit to neighboring wineries building global reputations for excellence. Then they decided it was time to make their own wines — their own expressions of the Napa Valley they loved. Today, under the ownership of Foley Family Wines and the leadership of Courtney Foley, Silverado continues that legacy with over 300 acres planted across some of Napa’s most celebrated AVAs: Stags Leap District, Yountville, Coombsville, Carneros, and Napa Valley proper. The Estate Grown Cabernet is their benchmark expression — a wine that has earned over 40 scores of 90 points or higher from the world’s top critics. The 2023 earned 93 points from Wine Spectator.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is soft and supple: black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri, and graphite — classic Stags Leap District aromatics with elegance and precision. On the palate, it is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, polished finish. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, adding complexity and structure. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Spectator — 93 Points — “Soft and supple aromas of black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri and graphite. The palate is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity and a long finish. A lovely blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Silverado Vineyards, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Designation: Estate Grown, Produced & Bottled
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, textural, estate-driven Napa Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, dark chocolate, black olive, graphite, potpourri, bright acidity, long finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

Four decades of Napa excellence — Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown 2023 is Stags Leap District Cabernet at its most refined.

The Pinot Project · Pinot Noir · California Coastal · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

The Pinot Project was built on a simple premise: make genuinely good Pinot Noir from California’s best coastal growing regions, without the price tag that usually comes with it. The 2024 draws from a trio of complementary AVAs — Monterey and San Benito on the Central Coast, and Suisun Valley in the north — each contributing its own character to the blend. The diversity of soils and cool-climate conditions across these regions is what gives this wine its remarkable balance and depth. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and destemmed to preserve bright fruit and freshness. At $9.99 for a 375ml half bottle (compare at $11.99), this is California coastal Pinot Noir that punches well above its price.

Garnet in the glass with a nose of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, and a hint of cacao. On the palate: medium-bodied and smooth, with fine-grained tannins, flavors of ripe strawberry, dark cherry, and cranberry, and a clean, lingering finish. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: The Pinot Project
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California (Monterey · San Benito · Suisun Valley)
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, cacao, ripe strawberry, cranberry, fine-grained tannins, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Salmon, roast chicken, mushroom pasta, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheese

Three California coastal AVAs, one beautifully balanced Pinot — the half bottle that earns a permanent spot in the fridge door.

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Wine Advocate — 94 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. Matured in around 15% new French oak and bottled the spring after harvest. Continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile, and honey. The full-bodied palate bursts with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, lifted by a silky texture, succulent acidity, and a long, perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

L’Après-Midi (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon — which, according to Sir Peter, is a good time to start enjoying this wine. One of two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends, the grapes are grown alongside the red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude.

Whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in barrel, forgoing malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with just a touch of Sémillon.

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sémillon
• Vineyard: Les Pavots Estate
• Aging: 15% new French oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2022 Chardonnay Estate has open, inviting aromas of candied peaches, manuka honey, white pepper and tropical flowers. The satiny, medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated flavors and textural breadth with tangy acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.

Winemaker Description 

Single-Vineyard Napa Perfection — Nickel & Nickel State Ranch

Nickel & Nickel is Napa Valley's preeminent single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon producer, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines that express the unique character of individual estate vineyards. State Ranch is their Yountville expression — a site that delivers a distinctive combination of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from other Napa appellations. At $110, this is a serious collector's Cabernet that rewards both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.

Winemaker Notes

Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry, and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from entry to the long, silky finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: State Ranch (single-vineyard)
• Producer: Nickel & Nickel
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the fine dining table — exceptional with dry-aged ribeye, lamb rack with herbs, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Exceptional Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 is a stunning expression from one of California's most prestigious wine regions. The vineyard name "Las Alturas" translates to "the heights," reflecting its elevated position on the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, reaching up to 1,200 feet. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where sunny days meet cool coastal breezes, producing a wine that is robust, expressive, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced by firm acidity.

Expert Reviews & Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points: "Deep and dark aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and incense make for a heady nose on this bottling. The palate is big and bold, loaded with ripe black cherry and boysenberry flavors, as peppery, incense-like spices add complexity and the texture stays lusciously creamy."

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the grapes were harvested in the early morning to preserve vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming without crushing, the berries underwent a two-week cold soak to soften skins and optimize extraction. Fermentation took place in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, using both punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color, tannins, and maximize flavors. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to nine months, followed by malolactic fermentation and two rackings before final blending.

Tasting Profile & Sensory Experience

This wine displays a rich crimson color that hints at its depth and complexity. The nose opens with fragrant aromas of Bing cherry, dried fig, black cassis, and hints of rich dark chocolate, complemented by sandalwood and incense notes. On the palate, discover bold and elegant flavors of marionberry pie, boysenberry preserves, dark plum, and subtle mocha, with peppery spices adding layers of complexity. The lusciously creamy texture is balanced by beautiful acidity that carries through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Perfect Food Pairings

Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Pair it with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto for classic combinations. It also complements lamb chops, beef tenderloin, pork loin, wild game, or aged cheeses beautifully. For vegetarian options, try it with truffle pasta, eggplant parmesan, or roasted root vegetables. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a festive celebration, this wine elevates any culinary experience.

Santa Lucia Highlands Terroir

The Las Alturas Vineyard benefits from the exceptional terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands, where elevation, diverse soil types, and coastal influence combine to create wines of remarkable complexity and depth. The vineyard is meticulously cared for, ensuring only the finest grapes make it into each bottle. This commitment to quality and the unique characteristics of the region result in a Pinot Noir that truly captures the essence of one of California's most celebrated wine-growing areas.

Turnbull Wine Cellars | Napa Valley, California | 2023

Forty years of estate farming distilled into a single bottle. Turnbull's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is grown, harvested, and crafted entirely on their own land — a commitment to the long view that shows in every sip. The 2023 vintage arrives with deep purple hues and a nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and violets. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied with layered texture, focused structure, and fine tannins that promise a decade or more of graceful aging.

This is estate Napa Cabernet at a remarkable value — a crowd-pleaser with the bones to cellar.

Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Drink: 2025–2038

Tasting Notes

• Crème de cassis, graphite, crushed stone, violets
• Dark plums, blackberries, black currants, cedar, tobacco
• Succulent red cherry, cinnamon, new leather, mocha
• Medium to full body | Fine, layered tannins | Balanced acidity

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• 93 pts — Jeb Dunnuck: "Beautifully pure aromatics... layered, fresh, focused mouthfeel... enough tannins to keep it drinking nicely for 10–15 years." Drink 2025–2038.
• 92 pts — James Suckling: "Full-bodied with fine tannins and balanced acidity... textural and fresh. Drink or hold."
• 91 pts — Vinous: "Positively stellar... a stellar value and a crowd-pleaser."

Turnbull. Stay true.

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates — a winery with roots stretching back to 1886 and a reputation built on classic, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kristy Melton sources from a diverse portfolio of estate vineyards and carefully selected purchased fruit across multiple Napa appellations and elevations — including the legendary Bosché Vineyard, Orchard Vineyard, Red Hen Vineyard, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, and Atalon — to craft a wine that is classic, balanced, and genuinely complex. The 2022 vintage produced approximately 11,000 cases, with a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, aged 20 months in French oak with 47% new barrels. Harvest ran from August 13th through October 14th, 2022. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.66.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is classic and inviting: dark chocolate, black forest fruits, oak spices, leather, and cedar, with bright aromas of ripe cherries and sunny strawberries adding lift and freshness. On the palate, it is full-bodied and soft — blueberry compote, espresso, olive, dried herbs, and black pepper, with fresh red currants and light baking spices woven through a velvety, well-structured mid-palate. The tannins are integrated and approachable, making it enjoyable now while remaining capable of cellaring well for years to come.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter — 92 Points (Jonathan Cristaldi, Jul 2025)

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Bright aromas, ripe flavors, a full body but rather light tannins give this wine an easy drinkability. Red cherries and sunny strawberries on the nose, then a palate of good acidity with fresh red currants and light baking spices. Drink or hold.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Cedar and mocha shadings accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft and velvety. Forward and probably not meant for the cellar, this is still a tasty wine, with just a hint of dried fruit on the finish.”

• Producer: Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Vineyards: Bosché, Orchard, Red Hen, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, Atalon
• Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
• Aging: 20 months in French oak, 47% new
• Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.66
• Production: ~11,000 cases
• Style: Classic, balanced, multi-vineyard Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, black forest fruit, cedar, blueberry compote, espresso, red currant, integrated tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, wild mushrooms, aged hard cheeses

One of Napa’s most storied addresses — Freemark Abbey 2022 is classic, balanced, and built for the table.

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

One of California's most iconic white blends, Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier (CBV) has been captivating wine lovers for over 30 years. The 2024 vintage is crisp, bright, and vivacious — opening with vibrant aromas of kiwi, fresh-cut melon, key lime zest, and white flowers. Hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, white peach, and nectarine add layered depth, while the Viognier contributes a luscious mouthfeel with exotic notes of lychee and orange blossom. The palate is clean and refreshing, balancing bright acidity with gentle sweetness for a harmonious finish.

Perfect on its own or paired with light seafood, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, or summer salads.

• Blend: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
• Appellation: Clarksburg, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Somm Journal 92 Points : "Brisk and salty notes of vanilla meringue and key lime appear alongside macadamia and a hint of spice."

James Suckling 91 Points: "Aromas of sliced pears, yellow apples, nectarines and white flowers. Bright acidity and a salty, crunchy finish."

The Wine Spectator 90 Points: "Lovely mix of ripe peach, apricot and orange blossom notes — effusive, juicy and decidedly drinkable."

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 375ml Half Bottle

Discover the rich flavors of Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021, a remarkable representation of the unique terroir of Paso Robles. This artisanal wine is crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. With its 375ml half-bottle format, it's perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points
"Dried cherry, cola and baking-spice aromas make for a clean and well integrated nose on this bottling. Ample tannins frame the ripe fruit, dried meat and graphite flavors, as acidity lingers into the finish."

Vinous - 92 Points
"Violets, lavender and rum-soaked black cherries form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Bunkhouse opens in the glass. Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout, this impresses further with its sleek red and black fruits, as fine tannins build toward the close. This leaves a peppery flourish to linger through the structured finale, as hints of tart raspberry linger."

James Suckling - 90 Points
"A well-balanced and fruity cabernet sauvignon with cherries, raspberries and cassis on the nose. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded, with a pleasant core of berries at the center and some spices in the delicious finish."

Grape Blend

Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
This classic Bordeaux-style blend showcases Cabernet Sauvignon's structure and complexity, enhanced by complementary varietals that add depth and roundness.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Inviting bouquet of violets, lavender, rum-soaked black cherries, dried cherry, cola, and baking spices. Cherries, raspberries, and cassis. Clean and well-integrated nose
Palate: Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout. Medium-bodied with sleek red and black fruits. Elegant profile rich and complex with dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. Ripe fruit, dried meat, and graphite flavors. Creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded with pleasant core of berries
Finish: Structured finale with peppery flourish. Hints of tart raspberry linger. Ample tannins frame the finish as acidity lingers. Delicious finish with spices

Paso Robles Terroir

Crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch in Paso Robles, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique terroir of Paso Robles, with its warm days and cool nights, creates optimal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

The Hearst Ranch Legacy

Hearst Ranch is not just known for its exquisite wines; it's also celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and preserving the natural landscape. The vineyard employs traditional farming methods that respect the environment while providing an exceptional product. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of the Hearst family in crafting wines that honor their heritage. By choosing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, you are tasting a legacy that spans generations and encapsulates the essence of Paso Robles.

Perfect Half Bottle Format

The 375ml half bottle is perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor. This convenient format offers several advantages:

• Perfect portion for one or two people
• Ideal for intimate dinners and small gatherings
• No leftover wine to worry about
• Great for trying new wines
• Convenient for picnics and outdoor dining
• Elegant presentation for gifting
• Perfect for weeknight enjoyment

2021 Vintage Excellence

The 2021 vintage showcases exceptional quality with multiple 90+ point scores from respected critics. This vintage represents the ideal growing conditions and expert winemaking that define Hearst Ranch's commitment to excellence.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon with food enhances its rich flavors and brings out the best in each component. This wine complements:

• Grilled lamb and hearty beef stews
• Aged cheeses
• Classic Italian pasta dishes
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Robust dishes and red meats
• Barbecue and grilled meats

Versatile for Any Occasion

Its adaptability ensures it shines whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Perfect for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, this wine delivers an experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Sustainable Winemaking

Hearst Ranch's commitment to sustainable practices and traditional farming methods that respect the environment ensures that each bottle represents not only exceptional quality but also environmental stewardship. The vineyard's dedication to preserving the natural landscape reflects in every glass.

Artisanal California Cabernet

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon represents artisanal California winemaking at its finest. With well-structured tannins providing a balanced mouthfeel that lingers on the palate, this wine showcases the quality and character that has earned it critical acclaim and made it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

About the Wine

Raeburn Skylight Chardonnay is a lower-alcohol expression of Sonoma County Chardonnay, crafted for modern wine lovers who want full flavor at a lighter level. All the character of Sonoma Chardonnay — without sacrificing flavor or finesse.

Tasting Notes

Fresh apple, pear, and citrus blossom on the nose, followed by subtle stone fruit and a gentle touch of oak. Clean and refreshing on the palate with lively acidity and a smooth, elegant finish.

Pairings & Serving

• Grilled fish or shrimp with lemon — the bright acidity and citrus notes are a natural match.
• Light salads or roasted chicken — the wine’s clean profile complements without overpowering.
• Soft cheeses or light appetizers — an easy-going aperitif or patio sipper.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | This is the flagship Chardonnay produced by Domaine Anderson. It is a glimpse into the winemaking style of the house, highlighting the cool climate, sunshine and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The nose conveys pithy apple, youthful nectarine and butterscotch candy. The palate intensifies these notes, along with high acidity, minerals, cinnamon and a mouthwatering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Made from estate-grown, certified organic vineyards, including three single-vineyard designates (Navarro-Fairhills, Walraven, and Dach), the 2021 Chardonnay Estate is a light-bodied white that is tangy in acidity and fresh citrus notes, expertly showcasing both the cool-climate region and coolness of the vintage, one of the earliest harvests on record in the Anderson Valley. Meyer lemon and a twist of lime highlight the aromatic profile, with more lemon developing on the palate as a nice complement to the green and Golden Delicious apple flavors.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | With sleek notes of lemon, pear and yuzu alongside racy acidity, this pops out of the glass, finding wonderful harmony with the grace notes of white pepper and vanilla custard, plus a hint of salted butter shortbread on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 92 Points Eric Guido | More savory than sweet and wonderfully complex, the 2019 Brut Rosé North Coast bursts from the glass with toasty notes of fresh baguette and almonds, giving way to crushed apples and gingery spice. This rushes the palate with an elegant bead of silken bubbles. It is creamy yet energetic, and mineral-tinged orchard fruits add further tension. The 2019 leaves the senses wonderfully refreshed through the long, crunchy finale, as white strawberry and spice cookie notes fade. The Brut Rosé is a pleasure bomb, yet it’s wonderfully balanced throughout.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.    

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A delicate, graceful rosé, with refined strawberry, fresh ginger and yeast roll tones that glide on the supple finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now.  

Chateau Montelena · Chardonnay · Napa Valley · California · 2023 · 750ml

On May 24, 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay changed the wine world forever. In a blind tasting judged by a who’s-who of French food and wine critics — now known as the Judgment of Paris — it took first place over Burgundy’s most celebrated whites, announcing California as a serious fine wine region to a skeptical world. Nearly fifty years later, the Montelena Chardonnay remains the benchmark: a wine of extraordinary precision, minerality, and longevity that has never chased trends or compromised its identity. Winemaker Matt Crafton has described the 2023 vintage as one of the best in the last decade — a cool, mild growing season that produced wines of exceptional tension, acidity, and aging potential. At $69.99, this is a piece of California wine history in every bottle.

Brilliant pale gold in the glass with a vivid, pure nose of Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, white peach, and oyster shell minerality — linear, precise, and utterly compelling. On the palate: lush pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, and flinty minerals, with bright, racy acidity that gives the wine extraordinary shape and drive. Marcona almond notes add depth and texture through a long, elegant finish. Decanter called it “vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character… crisp, crunchy acidity provides shape and drive.” Winemaker Matt Crafton notes the mouthfeel is “just gorgeous with more gravitas and weight than I would have expected.” Drink now through 2035+, or cellar for a decade to watch it fully unfold. Pair with lobster, roast halibut, Dover sole, or aged Comté.

• Producer: Chateau Montelena · Winemaker Matt Crafton
• Wine: Chardonnay · Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Precise, mineral, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Certifications: Sustainable
• Notable: 1976 Judgment of Paris — 1st Place
• Press: Decanter — “Vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character”
• Drinking Window: Now–2035+
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, flinty minerals, Marcona almond, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Lobster · Roast halibut · Dover sole · Aged Comté

The wine that won the Judgment of Paris — Napa Chardonnay at its most precise and enduring.

Winemaker Description 

9 Percent Alcohol. If you like Rosé, you’re going to love it Sunny style. Refreshing, crisp and bright, it bursts with notes of wild strawberry, watermelon and raspberry and is guaranteed to make you smile.

Wild Strawberry
Watermelon
Raspberry

Awards

2021 Vintage Awarded 90 points by The Tasting Panel Magazine.

Average Analysis (per 5oz glass)
85 Calories
Carbohydrates 3.3g
Sugar 0g
Protein 0.4g
Fat 0g

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Biodynamic — Napa Valley 2022 Half Bottle

Grgich Hills Estate is one of Napa Valley's most storied wineries, founded by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich — the Croatian-born winemaker whose 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay famously defeated the French at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Today, the estate farms entirely biodynamically and organically, producing wines of remarkable purity and terroir expression. This 375ml half bottle of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect introduction to one of Napa's great estates — or an ideal companion for an intimate dinner.

The 2022 growing season was defined by drought and patience. Rainfall came early — in October and December of 2021 — leaving a dry spring and summer. An intense heat wave in early September pushed sugar levels dramatically, but the Grgich team waited for cooler temperatures and balanced ripeness before harvesting. The result is a wine of concentration and elegance in equal measure.

The nose is rich and captivating: dark black currant, plum, and blackberry take center stage, joined by cedar, clove, and a touch of lavender. On the palate, it is full-bodied with layered dark fruit, firm but polished tannins, and a long, structured finish that speaks to Napa's finest terroir.

Grgich Hills — Certified Biodynamic & Organic — "Farming in harmony with nature since 2000."

• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, plum, blackberry, cedar, clove, lavender, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10 years
• Best Paired With: Gorgonzola gnocchi, beef bourguignon, seared steak, ratatouille

Biodynamic Napa Cabernet from one of the valley's founding legends — Grgich Hills in a half bottle, perfect for any occasion.

Santa Barbara's Finest Syrah — Beckmen's Purisima Mountain Vineyard

Beckmen Vineyards has been one of Santa Barbara County's most celebrated estates since 1996, farming organically and biodynamically on the legendary Purisima Mountain Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Their Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah is the flagship expression of this extraordinary site — a wine that captures the unique combination of intense California sunshine, cool Pacific breezes, and volcanic soils that make Ballard Canyon one of America's most exciting Syrah appellations. The 2020 vintage, despite the heat, retained beautiful acidity that balances the bold, rich flavors with classic texture and structure.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 92 pts: "Blueberries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and some flower notes all emerge from the 2020 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward, plush, sexy little gem of a Syrah that will offer loads of pleasure over the coming 4-6 years or more. Completely destemmed and brought up in 35% new French oak."

Winemaker Notes

Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard 2020 750ml

Classic Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolate, game, pepper, and smoke are ripe and intense in the 2020 vintage. Very ripe, fine tannins frame the bold flavors and rounded texture. Through all the heat of the vintage, the fruit retained beautiful acidity which balances the bold and rich flavors — creating an awesome vintage with classic texture and structure.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Syrah
• Appellation: Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Beckmen Vineyards
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Aging: 35% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for bold flavors — exceptional with grilled lamb chops, smoked brisket, wild boar, duck confit, aged cheddar, and hearty mushroom dishes.

Santa Maria Valley's Standard-Bearer — Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Cambria Estate Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's most storied producers, and Julia's Vineyard is their crown jewel — home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Santa Maria Valley, planted in the 1970s. This cool-climate vineyard, buffeted by Pacific breezes, produces a Pinot Noir of remarkable definition and complexity: bright fruit, earthy spice, mineral precision, and the signature "Santa Maria spice" that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 vintage is a benchmark expression — balanced, detailed, and exceptional value for the quality in the glass.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Hibiscus and herbal aromas mark this detailed Pinot Noir, following through to a palate of definition, length and mineral bones that frame cranberries, pomegranate, red cherries and their pits. Rose hips rise through the finish, a zip of orange zest on top."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: "Framboise, Bing cherries, sappy underbrush, and floral notes that develop nicely with air. Medium-bodied, balanced, with good depth of fruit and a complex, satisfying style that would best many a great Village-level red Burgundy."
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: "Rustic aromas of tart cranberry, oregano and thyme. The palate pairs red fruit with sage-like spices and dusty soil tones."
• Vinous — 90 pts: "Bright, rich and forward with spice tones and dark red cherry fruit forming the core. There's real character and Santa Maria Valley identity here."

Winemaker Notes

Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2023 750ml

100% destemmed and aged seven months in 18% new French oak barrels. Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is a quintessential expression of the Santa Maria Valley — old vines, cool climate, and a winemaking philosophy that lets the vineyard speak. The result is a wine of genuine depth and Santa Maria identity at an exceptional price point.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Vine Age: Planted 1970s
• Aging: 7 months, 18% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roast chicken with herbs, grilled salmon, duck confit, mushroom pizza, Gruyère, and charcuterie boards.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeous Cabernet aromas, clear and crystalline, some herbal notes with a cool blueberry and chalky element. Rose scents, dark cherries and cinnamon bark. Full and expressive, warming tones but great acidity that gives such lift. Lovely purity and drive, this has a great sense of confidence - nothing overdone, really pristine and finessed. If anything it’s not super heavy, but it’s the better for it. You get the Napa richness in the fruit concentration but it’s so well defined and still with a graceful power. Yum. 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Winemaker Description

Since 1993, Overture has been an expression of place across time. In keeping with an internal desire to underscore the importance of the growing season, Opus One has taken the necessary steps for Overture to become a vintage-dated wine. In doing so, Opus One intends to emphasize the diversity of our estate with a renewed focus.

Over the years our winemaker, Michael Silacci, and his team have come to deeply understand the individual blocks within the vineyards. Farming practices may then be adjusted at the block level to enable the vines to fully capture the quality of the estate.  The majority of our vineyards are planted in alluvial soils in the extreme western part of the Oakville, AVA, at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains. 

The fruit is harvested and vinified with the same care, precision, and attention to detail as Opus One. Unique aromatics, flavors, and textures are recognized as ideal for Overture — more red fruit, herbal characteristics, soft tannins, and creamy texture. 

In 1976, a bottle of Château Montelena Chardonnay shocked the wine world by beating the finest white Burgundies at the Judgment of Paris. That moment put California wine on the map — and Montelena on a pedestal it has never left. Founded in 1882 in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, the estate has spent over a century building one of California's most enduring legacies, defined by a commitment to classic structure, restraint, and wines that age with grace.

The Château Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml is sourced from the Montelena estate and prime neighboring vineyards around Calistoga, on alluvium soils that deliver earthy, complex, and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in oak, it reveals layers of pomegranate, plum, and dried blackberry, with aromas of barrel toast, potpourri, and black pepper. On the palate, bright fruit and firm tannins tie together with fresh mint and graphite, finishing with earth, baking spices, toasted almond, and chalky tannins. More acid, more balance, more longevity than the typical Napa Cab — this is old-world structure with California sunshine.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pomegranate, plum, dried blackberry, barrel toast, potpourri, and black pepper
• Palate: Bright fruit, firm tannins, fresh mint, graphite, dark chocolate, and tobacco
• Finish: Long and lingering with earth, baking spices, toasted almond, and chalky tannins

Wine Details

• Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
• Napa Valley — Calistoga, California
• Alluvium soils | Aged in oak
• Vintage: 2022 | 750ml
• Pairs with: steak, grilled lamb, braised short ribs, wild game, mushroom risotto

Sho Chiku Bai Classic Sake — The Traditional Style

Sho Chiku Bai — meaning “pine, bamboo, and plum blossom” in Japanese, symbols of good fortune and longevity — is one of the most recognized sake brands in the world. The Classic is their most traditional expression: a full-bodied, well-balanced sake that honors the centuries-old craft of Japanese brewing.

Smooth and medium-dry with a mild, complex aroma, this sake delivers a hard, crisp texture and a satisfying full body that makes it equally at home at the dinner table or enjoyed on its own. Brewed at a sake meter value of +3, it sits comfortably in the medium-dry range — versatile, approachable, and endlessly food-friendly.

• Brewery: Takara Sake USA / Sho Chiku Bai
• Style: Classic / Traditional Sake
• Size: 750ml
• ABV: 16%
• Sake Meter Value: +3 (Medium Dry)
• Tasting Notes: Mild, complex aroma; smooth, full-bodied, crisp texture
• Kosher: Yes
• Best Served: Room temperature or gently warmed
• Best Paired With: Mildly seasoned dishes, sushi, tempura, grilled fish, light soups

A reliable, everyday sake that delivers traditional Japanese character at an accessible price — perfect for introducing friends to the world of sake.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Joe Czerwinski writes:  Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold.  - Wine Spectator 91

Tim Fish writes:  Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 91

Winemaker Description 

This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon — California NV — 1.5L Magnum

Livingston Cellars has been crafting approachable, everyday California wine for decades — and their Cabernet Sauvignon is the bottle that earns its place on the table night after night. Well-balanced, food-friendly, and built for sharing, it delivers the classic California Cabernet profile at a price that makes the Magnum format an easy decision. Two bottles in one, perfect for a dinner party, a backyard cookout, or any occasion that calls for a reliable, crowd-pleasing red.

Deep red in color with a clean, inviting nose of cassis, bright red apple, cherry, and a subtle hint of humidor. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and medium-bodied, with soft dark fruit, gentle tannins, and a smooth, easy finish. Approachable from the first pour and versatile at the table.

Classic California Cabernet Sauvignon — cassis, cherry & a hint of humidor — in a generous 1.5L Magnum format built for sharing.

• Producer: Livingston Cellars, California
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Red Wine — Medium-Bodied, Smooth & Approachable
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, bright red apple, cherry, humidor, soft tannins, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: Burgers, grilled steak, BBQ ribs, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, casual entertaining

Two bottles, one great price — Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum is the benchmark for effortless California red wine built for the table.

Husch Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley · Mendocino County, California · 2022 · 750ml

Husch Vineyards holds a special place in California wine history: founded in 1971, it was the first winery established in the Anderson Valley, a remote, fog-laced appellation in Mendocino County that has since become one of the state’s most celebrated addresses for Pinot Noir. The valley’s cool, maritime climate — shaped by Pacific fog that rolls in through the Navarro River corridor — produces Pinot Noir that sits at a compelling stylistic crossroads: darker and earthier than Russian River or Sonoma Coast, yet more structured and spice-driven than Willamette Valley Oregon. Husch has been farming this land for over fifty years, and the estate Pinot Noir remains the benchmark expression of what makes Anderson Valley special.

Lively ruby in the glass with an inviting, complex nose of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, dried florals, dried herbs, and a savory note of portobello mushroom. On the palate: baked red plum, pomegranate, and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, and mineral, carried by smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus and length to a dry, supple finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded 92 points, calling it “a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.” Drink now through 2029. Pair with coq au vin, mushroom ravioli, roasted duck, grilled salmon, or creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Husch Vineyards (est. 1971, Anderson Valley — first winery in the appellation)
• Wine: Estate Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Earthy, spice-driven, food-friendly Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
• Score: Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry compote, strawberry, dried florals, portobello mushroom, red plum, pomegranate, orange zest, vanilla, earth, mineral, supple finish
• Pair With: Coq au vin · Mushroom ravioli · Roasted duck · Grilled salmon · Creamy cheeses

Anderson Valley’s founding winery, 92pts Wine Enthusiast — California Pinot Noir at its most authentic.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“This lively wine offers aromas of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, florals, dried herbs and portobello mushroom on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked red plum, pomegranate and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, mineral and a dry, supple finish. From a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.”

Bart Hopkins — 67wino.shop 
“The beautiful Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir. I look at it as a stylistic bridge between Russian River–Sonoma Coast and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The fruit leans more to the darker spectrum with earthy complexity and a spicy character. Aromas of cherry and strawberry mingle with shades of violet, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Well balanced and harmonious with smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus to the fruit on the long flavorful finish.”

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Cline Family Cellars · 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay · Sonoma County · 2024

The Cline family has farmed the Sonoma Coast for decades, and their 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay draws from two of their most prized sites — Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista — situated in the Petaluma Gap, the cool corridor where Pacific air funnels east through the Sonoma mountain range and slows ripening to a crawl. The result is a Chardonnay with the kind of natural acidity and layered flavor development that most California whites have to work hard to achieve. 2024 was a warm, consistent vintage with a late heat spike that allowed grapes to reach perfect ripeness without sacrificing freshness — and at $14.99 with JS:92 and WE:91, this is one of the best-value Chardonnays in Sonoma.

Handpicked before dawn, each parcel is vinified separately: destemmed, lightly crushed, and pressed to extract richness, then racked after 24 hours to retain solids. Half ferments in stainless steel (inoculated), half in barrel with native yeast. Both go through 100% malolactic fermentation and age 8 months in French oak before blending. On the nose: ripe stone fruit, toasted brioche, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate: creamy and full-bodied with bright acidity, flavors of peach, lemon curd, and toasted oak, finishing long and clean.

“Rich and creamy with excellent balance — a benchmark for Sonoma Chardonnay at this price.”
— James Suckling, 92 Points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Cline Family Cellars
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Petaluma Gap (Catapult Ranch & Tolay Vista)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Hand harvested before dawn · 50% stainless steel / 50% barrel fermented · 100% malolactic fermentation · 8 months French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, lemon curd, toasted brioche, vanilla, creamy palate, bright acidity
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheese

JS:92 · WE:91 — Petaluma Gap precision at a price that makes it an easy yes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Discover the excellence of Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, one of the region's most iconic wines and one of the very finest wines ever produced at this legendary estate. The Shafer Vineyard has a legacy of excellence that began in 1972, focusing on crafting superb wines from the renowned Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. This wine showcases the estate's commitment to quality, with grapes sourced from Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, roughly 25 hectares, with very shallow volcanic tufa soils. The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker, hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Decanter - 99 Points
"Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted."

James Suckling - 99 Points
"Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 Points
"It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish."

Vinous - 99 Points
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is insanely beautiful. It's also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted here. Bright, pliant and resonant, the 2021 offers a beguiling mix of Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics, generous fruit and gentle structure. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable—the 2021 is a great example. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, menthol, pine and sweet spice build into the eternal finish."

Jeb Dunnuck - 98+ Points
"You can safely put the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select up with the top vintages of this cuvée, yet it's much more in the style of say, the 2010 or 2018, than a more opulent year, and is going to demand bottle age. Sensational amounts of cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, graphite, tobacco, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define this ultra-classic, focused, structured 2021. The purity is world class. Hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum, and it will evolve for 40+ years."

Wine Enthusiast - 97 Points
"Profound and full-bodied with an intensity of aromas and flavors, this sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Abundant, fine tannins and a lengthy finish mean the wine will continue to develop with age, but will also benefit from another several years in bottle."

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"Juicy and direct, with a solidly built core of cassis and blackberry preserves lined with cocoa, singed tobacco and warm earth hints. Best from 2025 through 2038."

Vineyard & Production

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate
Vineyard: Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, approximately 25 hectares with very shallow volcanic tufa soils in Stags Leap District
Aging: 32 months in 100% new French oak (Wine Advocate notes 28 months)
Production: Barrel selection of the very best blocks, 2,900 cases produced
Alcohol: 15.5%

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep garnet color
Aroma: Deep, intense aromas of black cherries, cassis, ripe blackberries, dried spices, heady sagebrush, conifer, white pepper, walnut husk, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, tobacco, lead pencil, blood orange, menthol, pine, sweet spice, vanilla, cedar
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and textural. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso, creme de cassis, huckleberry, salted dark chocolate, cocoa, singed tobacco, warm earth. Impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate. Refined, well-integrated tannins that practically dance across the palate. Racy acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted. Velvety, refined package with tremendous intensity
Finish: Smooth, lingering finish with tremendous length, tension, and power. Eternal finish

Stags Leap District Terroir

Quintessentially Stags Leap, with expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality. The unique terroir of this celebrated Napa Valley region imparts remarkable depth and character to the grapes. The very shallow volcanic tufa soils contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character and complexity.

Elias Fernandez - 38 Vintages of Excellence

The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker. He was hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable, with the 2021 showcasing a more focused, seamless style that represents world-class purity.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Best from 2025 through 2038 (Wine Spectator), hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum and will evolve for 40+ years (Jeb Dunnuck)
This age-worthy, collectible wine has tremendous staying power and will continue to develop beautifully with age. The wine will benefit from another several years in bottle to fully express its potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine pairs perfectly with:

• Prime rib and succulent cuts of meat
• Grilled lamb
• Rich beef stew
• Hearty dishes for dinner parties
• Special occasion dining

Collector's Wine & Investment Quality

Adding Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon to your wine collection is a decision that reflects a true appreciation for quality. This wine not only delivers on taste but also on prestige—Shafer is renowned among wine connoisseurs and collectors alike. The 2021 vintage has been exceptionally well-received with multiple 99-point scores, promising to evolve beautifully over the years if cellared properly. You can safely put the 2021 up with the top vintages of this iconic cuvée. Its balance of structure and elegance ensures that it will be a highlight on any table, elevating your collection and impressing your guests.

One of the Region's Icons

This sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Whether you're a seasoned collector or appreciating fine wine, investing in Shafer Hillside Select represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The meticulous approach in both vineyard management and winemaking ensures that every bottle reflects the hard-earned reputation and tradition of Shafer Vineyards.

Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Anderson Valley Brut 2019

When Louis Roederer — one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses — looked to California, they bypassed Napa and Sonoma entirely, heading north to the cool, fog-laced Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. The cooler climate, longer growing season, and distinctive soils of this remote appellation offered something rare: the conditions to make world-class sparkling wine with genuine terroir expression. Roederer Estate has been doing exactly that since 1982, and L’Ermitage is the pinnacle of their work — a tête de cuvée produced only in exceptional years, using the same philosophy that guides Cristal in Champagne.

The 2019 L’Ermitage marks a historic milestone: it is the first vintage of this wine to undergo malolactic fermentation, resulting in a rounder, more immediately expressive style with lower dosage (6 g/L) and an earlier drinking window than previous releases. The blend is 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, all estate-grown, with 3.9% Chardonnay reserve wine from 2016. Approximately 4.9% was fermented in oak cask with gentle bâtonnage for eight weeks. The wine rested on its lees for four years before disgorgement, followed by an additional seven months of cork aging prior to release.

Liquid gold in the glass, the wine opens with beguiling aromas of quince, fresh stone fruit, citrus blossoms, salt, herbs, and pine forest, with hints of river-rock minerality, sliced pear, and vanilla. The mousse is creamy and light, the palate textured and layered — baked red apple, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, brioche, clove, and sticky caramel — with a mouthwatering, chalky finish of extraordinary length. Drink now through 2035+.

Wine Enthusiast — 100 pts / Cellar Selection

“If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips.” — Tonya Pitts

James Suckling — 97 pts

“Pretty, delicate aromas of salt, herbs and pine forest. A compelling wine that really speaks of place, with fine bubbles that coat the palate before resolving in a finish of citrus oil and resinous herbs. Very fresh, layered, vibrant and medium- to full-bodied, with some wonderful chalkiness at the end.” — Courtney Humiston

Vinous — 96 pts

“A young, potent wine, the 2019 Brut L’Ermitage is shaping up to be the greatest wine ever made at Roederer Estate. Superb.” — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts

“A complete, well-integrated, medium-bodied sparkling wine with a balance of fruit and savory notes. Textured and creamy in style, with a lingering brightness on the finish. Should age well over the next 10–15 years.” — Virginie Boone

Karen MacNeil — 95 pts

“Perhaps the most graceful sparkling wine made in California. Beautifully complex as well as refined. Layers of creamy notes are interspersed with a taut crispness. Purity and energy are woven together… a wine of great finesse.”

Wine Spectator — 94 pts

“Dynamic yet elegantly structured, with alluring flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, brioche, clove and nutmeg that build richness on the graceful finish.” — Tim Fish

VinePair — 93 pts

“River-rock minerality on the nose, with hints of sliced pear and vanilla bean. The palate is liquid gold with notes of roasted pear and cream and an elegant mouthfeel.” — Keith Beavers

Blend: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir (+ 3.9% 2016 reserve Chardonnay)
Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
Vintage: 2019
Format: 750ml | Dosage: 6 g/L
Aging: 4 years on lees + 7 months post-disgorgement
Scores: 100 WE | 97 JS | 96 Vinous | 95 JD | 95 KM | 94 WS | 93 VP

Laetitia, too, has its roots in Champagne. It was established in 1982 as the American outpost of the Champagne producer Deutz, but was sold in 1997 to Jean-Claude Tardivat, who renamed it after his daughter, and then sold again last year to Eric Hickey, the winemaker, and his partners. 

It now makes a full range of reds, whites and sparklers. Brut Cuvée is the entry level sparkling wine and it’s quite good — rich, creamy, toasty and apple fresh.

Domaine Chandon Brut Classic | California

There is something quietly joyful about a quarter bottle — the right amount for a solo toast, a picnic in the park, or a spontaneous celebration that needs no occasion. Domaine Chandon's Brut Classic has been California's answer to effortless sparkling wine for decades, and in this 187ml format it becomes the ultimate companion for wherever the day takes you.

The wine opens with bright green apple and ripe pear, layered with fresh citrus zest and a whisper of white flowers. On the palate it is crisp and lively, with a fine persistent mousse and a clean almond finish that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip. Dry, refreshing, and completely approachable — this is sparkling wine without pretense.

Serve well chilled. Perfect on its own or alongside light appetizers, sushi, or fresh fruit.

• Appellation: Napa County / California
• Style: Dry Sparkling
• Format: 187ml Quarter Bottle
• Flavors: Green Apple, Citrus, Pear, Almond, White Flowers

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Vanilla highlights and rose petal aromas complement the ripe plum, blackberry and cherry flavors. Toasty oak and barrel spice wrap up with a soft, silky and lingering finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Medium-light garnet in color, Gravelly Ford Pinot Noir offers intense aromas of raspberry and cherry, accented by a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. The bright, fruit-forward palate displays soft, silky tannins, well balanced acidity with a touch of violet on the finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Juicy ripe fruits and a blend of baking spices are carried by this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are ample and palate coating with a moderate finish. — Elaine Chukan Brown