United States Wine

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.

Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.

Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?

In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.

Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.

Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.

Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

Winemaker Description 

100% estate, sustainably grown Cabernet Franc from our White Springs and 16 Falls Vineyards. Incredibly fresh and inviting with aromas of redcurrant, cranberries and mountain herbs.

The palate is pure and elegant, with notes of raspberries and hints of earth and spice. 

A perfect rendition of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc, aged for a year in our 6-year-old, 2000 liter Austrian and Hungarian Oak casks.

Memo Summary Notes

Ravines is widely considered a pioneer of the region's dry, European-inflected style, and their Cabernet Franc is frequently used as a benchmark for what the variety can achieve in North America.

Pair with

    Meats: Roast chicken with thyme, grilled pork chops, or duck confit.

    Savory: Lentil stews, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

Casual: A classic charcuterie board with pâté and hard cheeses like 

Winemaker Description 

Hosmer Estate Red is a blend of Vinifera and French-American hybrid grape varieties including DeChaunac, Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Chardonnay to soften the mouth feel. Sweet vanilla, coupled with blackberries and earthy notes, mingle in the aroma of this smooth, dry, full bodied red. Barrel aging adds complexity and just a hint of oak, complimenting the bright berry tones without overwhelming the fruit. Recommended Food Pairings A versatile, everyday table wine. Wonderful with pastas, Estate Red also complements steaks, pizza and burgers. Try experimenting with this easy-drinking red!

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.

Winemaker Description 

Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.

Winemaker Description 

A whirlwind of a vintage. The welcome September rains gave their vineyard sites the hang time they needed for slower ripening and intense flavor development. Fruit arrived from their 20+ vineyard partners from September 15th through October 6th in beautiful condition with smaller-than-average yields. Expect intense, fruit forward wines from this vintage.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Food Pairings

• Classic Match: Cedar-planked salmon or roasted chicken with herbs.

• Savory Dishes: Mushroom risotto or duck confit.

• Casual Fare: Charcuterie boards with soft cheeses (Brie or Camembert) and earthy pâté.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | A richer reflective ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is a savory wine with notes of wet stones, graphite, pine, fresh black cherries, mixed berries, and tea leaf. It is very appealing on the palate early on. with refined tannins and a juicy feel. It’s very attractive now, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Drink 2024-2040.

James Suckling 95 Points | Aromas of fresh sour cherries and strawberries with hints of violets, crushed herbs and seashells. Crunchy and savory on the palate, with a medium body and wet stone and mineral character. Structured with refined yet firm tannins. Long finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points |  The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard opens with tarry, meaty tones that give way to wild berry fruit, mushrooms, dried herbs and potpourri. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with understated yet detailed flavors, silky tannins, juicy acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Briary raspberry and wild strawberry aromas burst from the glass, followed by traces of violets and grilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s Bing cherry, lemon and white chocolate flavors fill the mouth. A combination of jangly acidity and rippling tannins suggests a long life for this wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Brooding and deeply structured, offering blueberry and cherry flavors laced with black tea and savory spice notes as this builds toward medium-grained tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, toward the western edge of the Willamette Valley near the Eola-Amity AVA. The grapes from Freedom Hill make their way into the wine portfolios of some of the most esteemed, artistic wineries in the Willamette Valley.

Producer Description 

Brushtech's Vineyard Series brushes features an elegant wooden handle that reminds us of the peace and tranquility of life on a vineyard. These brushes work hard on the job, yet look charming while hanging near your kitchen sink.

Our soft yet high tensile foam brush, under normal usage, will last ten times longer than the best brush and 20 times longer than the best sponge.

The foam, made of special hydrophobic formula composition, does not absorb any water and will not become limp or soggy. The brush maintains its shape and firmness even during your biggest cleaning jobs.

This brush will not scratch, chip or mar your valuable crystal champagne, prosecco and sparkling wine flutes, nor will it harbor bacteria. 

Penetrates deep to the bottom narrow flutes where your fingers do not reach.

Made in USA, just like all of Brushtech's Brushes.

Producer Description

• Foam brush reaches the bottom of narrow flutes.
• Reinforced foam bristles will not scratch or mark your most delicate glassware.

Winemaker Description 

Our 2017 Chardonnay is stunning. The color is a beautiful light yellow, verging on gold. In the glass, the wine presents a full and complex aroma with distinct hints of honeysuckle, caramel, pear, pineapple, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is generous, bright and smooth, displaying balanced acidity and just a hint of oak. A long finish encourages another taste.

Winemaker Description 

An intriguing bouquet of strawberry, neroli and almond greet the nose. The opening is subtle but quickly crescendos to a full mid palate, pushing towards a long and satisfying finish.

Structured and well rounded, flavors of ripe pomegranate and olive cumulate with juniper and sage, building in both nuance and intensity as the wine opens

Producer Description 

Spray onto carpet or fabric, let soak and rub. Some stains may require a second application. Bleach-free and biodegradable. Made from vegetable extracts. Safe when used around children and pets. Also works on other stains such as cranberry juice, coffee and more. Fresh citric scent. Made in the USA.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points |  This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Matchbook "The Arsonist" 2021 is a high-intensity, "left of center" series from the Giguiere family in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County, California. While the series includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Red Blend is the most widely acclaimed release this year, having earned high marks for its bold, concentrated style.

52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon — 1.5L Magnum

Stone Cellars is a reliable, no-fuss California Cabernet Sauvignon built for everyday enjoyment — approachable, smooth, and consistently crowd-pleasing. The 1.5L magnum format, equivalent to two standard bottles, makes it an ideal choice for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or any occasion where a generous pour is in order. Screw cap for easy opening anytime.

Aromas of cocoa and vanilla lead the way, followed by rich flavors of currant, dark ripe fruit, cassis, and cola, with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Smooth and medium-bodied, with a soft finish that makes it easy to enjoy on its own or with food.

Food Pairings

• Grilled burgers and steaks
• BBQ ribs and roasted meats
• Pizza and pasta with red sauce
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: California
Format: 1.5L Magnum (= 2 standard bottles) | Screw cap

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (20% new French oak) has a touch of chamomile in its perfumed aromatics of golden apple, honeyed toast, spice, and subtle green almonds. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it's medium-bodied on the palate, has high yet nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and outstanding length.

91 Wine Spectator | Displays wonderful density, offering nectarine and lemon sorbet notes at the core, with a touch of salted, roasted almond. This white shows a hint of crunchy sea salt, with lemon verbena and lemon blossom aromatics. Firming acidity adds a refreshing punctuation point. Drink now. 331 cases made

Producer Description 

This Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay is bright, beautifully layered, and nuanced. Meyer lemon, candle wax, and cut straw all grace this very savory Chardonnay. Orange marmalade, stone fruits, and chamomile work seamlessly with the rich textures on the palate. This wine is natural with richer dishes and even light game.

Producer Description 

Livingston Cellars Rhine is a pleasantly sweet California Rhine that balances a crisp mouthfeel with bright fruit flavors. Livingston Cellars offers affordable award-winning wines that consistently exceed expectations.

Producer Description 

Our Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Enjoy its smooth flavors with Grilled Pork Chops with Apples or Rosemary-Braised Lamb Shanks.

Eyrie Vineyards | Estate Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2022 | Organic

Eyrie Vineyards is one of Oregon's most historically significant wineries — the estate that put Willamette Valley Pinot Noir on the world map. Founded in 1966 by David Lett, who planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley, Eyrie has been at the forefront of Oregon wine for over half a century. Today, Jason Lett continues his father's legacy with the same commitment to minimal intervention, regenerative farming, and wines of extraordinary purity and terroir expression.

The Estate Pinot Noir is a blend from Eyrie's five certified-organic estate vineyards in the Dundee Hills — one of the Willamette Valley's most celebrated sub-appellations, known for its ancient Jory volcanic soils, gentle slopes, and the ideal combination of warm days and cool nights that allow Pinot Noir to ripen slowly and develop remarkable complexity. Farming follows the precepts of regenerative no-till viticulture, with strict attention paid not just to the vines but to the healthy networks of soil organisms that support them — capturing atmospheric carbon, avoiding artificial irrigation, and nourishing the vines without additional fertilizer.

Harvested by hand, the Pinot Noir is destemmed and fermented natively in a variety of vessels, from small one-ton bins to a 5-ton wooden cuvée. Barrels are predominantly neutral (only 8% new for this vintage), preserving the purity and transparency of the fruit. After native malolactic fermentation and nearly two years of aging, the wine is blended, racked once without filtration, and bottled under Diam cork.

The 2022 is transparent ruby in the glass. The nose is pure, floral, and lifted — fresh red cherries, roses, blackberries, violets, pine needles, forest floor, and dried herbs. On the palate, weightless yet structured, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and flavors of raspberry, cherry, black tea, cinnamon, cacao nibs, and a hint of bone marrow. Elegant, defined, and built to age. Drink now through 2034.

Pair with roast duck, mushroom risotto, salmon, lamb, charcuterie, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

• Producer: Eyrie Vineyards
• Appellation: Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic; regenerative no-till
• Vinification: Hand-harvested; native fermentation; predominantly neutral oak; unfiltered; Diam cork
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Pure and lifted — fresh red cherries, roses, spices, and fresh forest herbs. Fine-grained, well-defined tannins. Weightless but with a juicy feel. Should be very appealing over the next 8–10 years.
• James Suckling — 93 pts: Pure, elegant, complex and savory — red cherries, black tea, savory herbs. Medium body and moderate tannins support fresh red fruit, cloves and minerals. Tangy and well balanced.
• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Blackberries, violets, pine needles, duff and mushroom. Tart black cherry and lemon zest joined by cacao nibs and bone marrow. Crisp acidity and silky tannins.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Elegantly refined — raspberry and cherry accented with cinnamon, black tea and spice. Fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2034.

Winemaker Description 

Aged for 10 months in new French oak and neutral barrels, this rich and lush wine displays Notes of lemon custard and honeyed apple blossoms, with a touch of warm vanilla butter cookies. Vibrant and expressive palate, rich, full mouthfeel, with a luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description

While the 2021 vintage is defined by concentration and fine tannins often found in warm, dry vintages, it is nuanced by the freshness and liveliness typical of this cool growing region. The balance of elegant, forward profiles from the Bearman Bend Vineyard with the structured, spice-driven qualities from Monument Tree Vineyard come together to create a compelling snapshot of the Anderson Valley. Aromas of ripe wild strawberry rose and cedar on the nose are complemented by supple tannins and a long, lifted finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Nicely deep in black fruit and savory flavors, this well-balanced wine offers excellent focus, depth and length. It’s medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and delicious. Stays fresh with good acidity from the first sip to the lingering finish.

Decanter 92 Points | A Pinot Noir blend of grapes from Bearman Bend, the Twomey estate in Anderson Valley, along with Ferrington Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard fruit. Lovely, bright, crunchy red fruit, rich cedar spices, dried floral notes, and dusty minerals. Satiny fruit races across the palate, along with plump tannins, electrified by terrific acidity. The fruit concentration is penetrating but never overpowering and is framed by a clove powder and cedarwood dusting on the long finish. Director of Winemaking Justin Hirigoyen has moved the program further away from whole cluster fermentations to avoid too much vintage variation, and readers should expect a consistent fruit-forward, structured style in Twomey's Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Description

Exclusively crafted under the meticulous care of the Herzog family and Herzog Wine Cellars’ head winemaker, David Galzignato, the Yesod wine series features three ultra-premium single-vineyard wines. Each wine is sourced from some of the most acclaimed vineyards in Napa Valley, California, and are a testament to the family’s rich history and the ambitious vision for Herzog Wine Cellars.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker 95 Points | Brilliant aromas of black cherries and cassis jump from the glass, as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard bursts with fruit. All Cabernet Sauvignon, from a site that neighbors Stagecoach Vineyard, this is a medium to full-bodied, densely concentrated example of mountain fruit, yet it's one that is not harsh or tough, with well-ripened tannins and a plush, lingering finish. Bravo. 

Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points | All varietal, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard is another deep purple-hued wine in the lineup with tons to love. Pure cassis, graphite, leafy herbs, and damp earth-like nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, integrated, yet ample tannins, and a great finish. It offers pleasure today, yet I see no reason this shouldn't evolve for 15+ years if well stored. It's another gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon in the vintage. 

The Wine Independent 97+ Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Peak Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon charges out of the gate with bold notions of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves followed by nuances of dark chocolate, camphor, and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit and savory layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering minty note. 

Underwood Rosé — Oregon 355ml Can

Underwood is the wine that made canned wine cool — and their Rosé is the one that started it all. Made by Union Wine Company in Oregon, Underwood draws from the diverse palette of vineyards and wine-growing regions the state has to offer, blending them into something fresh, fun, and genuinely delicious. The winemaker calls it the perfect wine for “action-lounging” — and honestly, that’s exactly right.

The blend is three-quarters Pinot Gris for body and freshness, with a dose of Muscat for floral pop and a dash of Pinot Noir for color. Fruit is harvested on the riper end of the spectrum, destemmed with a range of skin contact times depending on the source, then slowly cold-fermented at 50–55°F for a month or more. Fermentation is halted at an average of 4.5 g/L residual sugar, leaving the wine lively, juicy, and just off-dry. Fresh strawberry, ruby grapefruit, and apricot on the nose and palate, with a crisp, clean finish.

• Producer: Union Wine Company, Oregon
• Style: Rosé
• Blend: ~75% Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Noir
• Residual Sugar: ~4.5 g/L (off-dry)
• Fermentation: Cold-fermented at 50–55°F
• Format: 355ml Can
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, ruby grapefruit, apricot, floral, crisp finish
• Best Enjoyed: Chilled straight from the can — picnics, hiking, rooftops, beach days, backyard hangs

No corkscrew. No glass. No problem — Underwood Rosé goes wherever the good times do.

Winemaker Description

Fresh and sunny with citrusy aromas, classic pear, melon, and bright citrus flavors. Elegant and crisp with a clean, refreshing finish. Pairs beautifully with salads, goat cheese, and grilled seafood.

Gallo Family Pinot Noir — California NV — 1.5L Magnum

The Gallo family has been making wine in California since 1933, and their Family Vineyards Pinot Noir is the everyday red that has earned a place on millions of American tables. Approachable, food-friendly, and built for sharing, it delivers exactly what the grape promises at a price that makes no apologies. Now in a generous 1.5L Magnum format — two bottles in one — it is the perfect pour for a dinner party, a backyard gathering, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing California red.

The nose shows ripe berry fruit with subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, the wine is smooth and medium-bodied, with soft red fruit — cherry, raspberry, and plum — mingling with gentle earthy flavors and a light, easy finish. Approachable from the first sip, versatile at the table, and always a good play.

From meats to meaty fish — think salmon, roasted chicken, or a backyard burger — Gallo Family Pinot Noir is California's most reliable everyday red.

• Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards, California
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Style: Red Wine — Medium-Bodied, Smooth & Approachable
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, subtle earth, soft tannins, light finish
• Best Paired With: Salmon, roasted chicken, burgers, pasta with red sauce, mild cheeses, casual entertaining

Two bottles, one great price — Gallo Family Pinot Noir Magnum is the benchmark for effortless California red wine built for sharing.

Expert Reviews

92 Points Connoisseurs Guide | The most complex of the Stag's Leap lot, this fascinating effort is simply brimming with ripe cherries and very rich oak and shows intriguing touches of leather, coffee, cocoa and caramel throughout its length. It is fairly full and broad on the palate with fine balance and a mannerly, well-polished feel, and, if a slight touch of last-minute tannin jumps up at its finish, there is no doubt that a few years in bottle with smooth things out completely. 

91 Points Int'l Wine Cellar | Bright, full ruby-red. Aromas of dark raspberry, dark chocolate and cola. Bigger and broader than the Fay but with less obvious early sweetness. Very ripe, spicy flavors of dark chocolate, espresso and coffee offer noteworthy depth. Spreads out horizontally to coat the palate on the back end, finishing with dusty, fine, building tannins 

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | There’s a fruity, blackberry and cherry core, with a coffee and dill herbaceousness and plenty of oak. It’s soft, but should develop well, and could eventually surprise. Try holding until 2010. 

Winemaker Description

2017 Timeless Napa Valley is a harmonious wine that deftly balances elegant integration of both high acidity and supple fruit to create a wine with ageworthy structure and character. Notes of pomegranate and cherry on the nose are met by subtle aromas of wisteria, licorice and mint. Carried by essences of rose, plum and tart red fruit, a mouthwatering ripple of bright acidity meets delicate tannins and balancing, savory flavors of minty balsam, cozy mulling spices and stewed black fruits on the palate. 

Winemaker Description 

This Napa Valley Merlot is sourced from a combination of high elevation mountain sites as well as wonderful benchland vineyards around the valley. Freemark Abbey blends in a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and balance. The wine opens with aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, milk chocolate and cedar. The palate is met with flavors of wild raspberry, bramble fruits, allspice, cinnamon, dry herbs, and oak spice.

The textures are supple yet vibrant with well-integrated tannins that drink beautifully now on its own or paired with a wide range of dishes.

Winemaker Description

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm.

The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own.

The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Winemaker Description

Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger, is a beautiful varietal full of fruit and spice! 

There's a reason this vineyards been winning awards. On the nose I get cassis with some rubber and a definite minerality. Some herbal notes are hiding in the background. The palate brings forth licorice and black raspberry with those currants. There's a slight jammy quality with great acid and some beautifully lingering tannins. It's deliciously drinkable for a cold winter night but light enough in body to sip all year round. Pair with barbecue ribs or a wiener schnitzel. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Notes

Our 2019 Research Bianco is a skin-fermented white wine blend in which the proportions and varieties change with each vintage. A good friend supplied the grapes from a "research" vineyard on the East End. All the grapes were grown together (a field blend), hand-picked, de-stemmed, crushed by foot and punched down by hand.

Winemaker Description

Overall goals and philosophy of wine: Syrah is a beguiling grape with many expressions in the vinous world, from the gamey classics of France to the inkiness of Australia. In the Finger Lakes, it takes a special site to nurture these beautiful vines to full maturity, but in Glacier Ridge we have found just such a vineyard. With intense Vietnamese peppercorn aromatics, bright red cherry flavors, and a brooding minerality underneath, this Syrah is a pure expression of what can be achieved with one of our favorite grapes in a cool climate. Put simply, think northern Rhone rather than Barossa. 

Notable vineyard management details: Glacier Ridge takes a studied minimalist approach in the vineyard; all weed control is manual and allows for some non-grape vegetation for competition as well as insect biodiversity. Crop size are subsequently lower as a result, with a notable difference in increased ripening capability of the grapes.