The Chronicle
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Chateau Miraval
Here is the gorgeous 2025 Chateau Miraval. Today we share one of the famed houses in Provence. Miraval is one of the historic houses in Provence and a true Hollywood drama, Chateau Miraval is a highly scenic 1,200 acre estate in Provence, which was founded by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Married at Miraval, Pitt and Jolie prior to their split lived there since 2008 . The property boasts pine forests, olive groves, terraced hillsides, working vineyards, a private lake as well as a moat. Much of the chateau dates back to 17th century, including 35 rooms in the main house as well as several tenant residences.The estate also contains remains of a Romanesque chapel, as well as the famed vineyard from which the Miraval Rose comes from. The recording studio at Miraval has housed some famous musicians including personal favorites Sting and The Cranberries (R.I.P. Dolores O’ Riordan). It was back in 2012 that Pitt and Jolie purchased this famed land for an estimated $60 milli
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Krug Champagne
Here is the thrilling 171 edition of Krug ‘Grand Cuvee’ Champagne. One of the famed Champagne houses, Krug was founded by Joseph Krug back in 1843. Located in Reims and currently owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy, Joseph Krug, a German, originally founded this house. He later moved to Paris to work in accounting for Champagne Jacquesson and learned so much about Champagne that he began making his own privately. A brilliant linguist, Joseph spoke French, English and German and spoke some Russian, which put his Champagne house in good position to sell to overseas markets. Following Joseph’s death his son, Paul Krug, took over and began selling Krug across Great Britain. Major turmoil followed Paul’s death in 1910 with two World Wars, although many people contend that the best Champagnes of the century were made between 1926 and 1928. Some have said these were some of the finest wines the house has ever made. For many years Krug has crafted a range of wines including their famous ‘Grande Cuvée’
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Long Shadows
Winemaker Gilles Nicault has crafted some incredible new Long Shadows wines under the new ‘Meritant’ label. These are a must-taste for any serious collector of Washington wine. For years I have loved the wines of Long Shadows, one of the premier wine lineups that you will find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. Allen Shoup had a celebrated 20-year career leading Chateau Ste. Michelle, its affiliate wineries and Washington wines to international prominence. Shoup retired to establish Long Shadows in 2002, the most ambitious and personal project of his storied career. He hired Gilles Nicault to be winemaker, serving as the director of winemaking and viticulture, while collaborating with a team of all-star vintners to refine Allen’s vision. Gilles is making some of the most consistently great wines in the Pacific Northwest, including arguably Washington’s finest Riesling to silky and concentrated Cabernets. He also makes the finest Super-Tuscan inspired wine in Washington, the ‘Saggi.’ Lo
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Kairal Wines
Steve Wells has crafted some beautiful new wines for Kairal Wines. Today we share a brand new winery with the talented Steve Wells (Time & Direction owner/winemaker) at the helm. Kairal is a reference to the greek words kairos and chronos, which mean “the opportune moment” and “time”, both of which are absolutely necessary in winemaking. I thought that the inaugural wines were seriously good, particularly their ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah (OB, 93) which is very elegant and smooth throughout the drinking experience. Learn more at https://kairalwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Kairal Wines. 2024 Kairal Viognier- The 2024 Kairal Viognier offers honeysuckle water and lychee alongside ripe banana on the nose. The palate is clean and laden with loads of nuance and tension alongside freshly cut limes, salty minerals alongside shades of white peach. Drink 2026-2033- 92 2024 Kairal ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The 2024 Kairal ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah offers green peppercorns and fr
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Walla Walla Vintners
Derrek Vipond crafts some beautiful wines for Walla Walla Vintners. It is my pleasure to introduce one of the oldest wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. Proprietors Scott and Nici Haladay have really been investing time and energy into their winery. A few years ago they hired Derrek Vipont from Long Shadows who started his career at Walla Walla Community College in the Enology and Viticulture program. After completing his education with a degree from Oregon State University in Fermentation Science, Derrek worked several harvests across the globe before eventually moving back to Walla Walla and joining Walla Walla Vintners in January 2019. He makes some beautiful wines for Walla Walla Vintners. I adored the new 2024 ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which impresses for the price. Learn more about these great new releases at https://wallawallavintners.com Here are my reviews of the new wines by Walla Walla Vintners. 2024 Walla Walla Vintners ‘Woven Fields’ Red Wine- T
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Gard
Great photo of the talented Matias Kusulas of Gard. Happy Saturday to you all. Gård was founded by brothers Sandy and John Lawrence, who have farmed the Royal Slope for more than 50 years, along with John’s son Josh, who joined the operation in 2002. The winery is managed by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations. Josh and Lisa are some of the nicest people in the wine business. I had the pleasure of chatting with them last night as they are now one of the largest landholders in The Rocks District. They have a new line of knockout wines from this region. Matías Kúsulas has served as head winemaker since 2021. He has taken the Washington wine scene by storm with his dizzying array of wines and creativity. He boats three masters degrees and is a former Marine. He is an incredibly talented person who is such a pleasure to talk wine with. Tasting with him yesterday he offered his thoughts on the 2023
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Vazisubani Estate
Here are the great new wines by Vazisubani Estate. Vazisubani Estate is a historic 19th-century noble landmark, boutique hotel, and winery located in the Alazani Valley of Georgia's Kakheti wine region. Founded in 1891 by nobleman Sulkhan Chavchavadze, the destination features 35 hectares of vineyards, a restored traditional marani (wine cellar), a botanical park, and a Michelin-recognized hotel. Wines are stored underground in clay vessels. They make 40,000 bottles annually under the lead of head winemaker Lado Uzunashvili. Varietals include five native Georgian varieties: Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Khikhvi, and Kakhuri Mtsvane. One of the most harrowed varietals in this region, Saperavi, is an ancient red wine grape native to Georgia in the Caucasus Region.Its name means "to paint" or "dye" in Georgian. It is a rare teinturier grape, meaning both its skin and its internal pulp are deeply red. This is a varietal that is unique being high in freshness and also tannin. It reminds me of
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Plotline
Great capture of founder John LaCour and his Plotline wines. A new winery out of Napa, Plotline was founded in 2023 by John LaCour. The winery focuses on classic Bordeaux varietals—such as Merlot from the Oak Knoll District, Cabernet Sauvignon, and limited white blends like Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are seriously good and well-textured. I love the new 2025 Plotline Semillon (OB, 93) which is smooth and silky throughout the drinking experience. Learn more at https://www.plotlinewine.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Plotline wines. 2025 Plotline ‘Carneros’ Semillon- The 2025 Plotline ‘Carneros’ Semillon is a beautiful, golden edition of this varietal. Honeydew melon, walnut and shades of poached pear all combine with nutty nuances on the palate. Big round and generous, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034 93 2024 Plotline ‘The Blackbird Vineyard’ Merlot- The outstanding 2024 Plotline ‘The Blackbird Vineyard’ Merlot offers kirsch and black currants on
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Chateau Siran
Great photo of the beautiful Château Siran. An amazing history, Chateau Siran is one of the oldest recorded wine estates in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France, with roots tracing back to 1428. Taken care of by Miailhe family since 1859, the estate is famous for its unique artistic heritage, a nuclear fallout bunker, and bypassing the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. In fact the aristocratic Toulouse-Lautrec family were loyalists who viewed the 1855 classification process as Bonapartist, they refused to attend or submit wines for the official ranking, leaving Siran unclassified. Six generations of the Miailhe family have managed the estate, including William-Alain Miailhe, Brigitte Miailhe, and current head Édouard Miailhe. The wines have been really well-made particularly in the last decade. I love the 2017 Siran (OB, 93) which is drinking beautifully now and has amazing poise and balance. Learn more about this great Margaux estate at https://chateausiran.com/en/history-of-
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Amos Rome
Here is the beautiful estate of Amos Rome. Today we share the wines of Amos Rome, a remarkably consistent producer from Lake Chelan. Amos Rome sources from locations in the Columbia Valley as well as their estate site in Chelan County. Their estate vineyard has a wide range of varietals including Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also utilize their High Blossom Vineyard located three miles from the tasting room and is set at 2000 feet. The location is planted to Riesling (planted in 2003), Grüner Veltliner (planted in 2019), and a block of Tempranillo & Albariño (planted in 2021). Wines show good body with texture and excellent acidity considering the heat of the region. Owners Travis and Brianna Clark run the winery that has sweeping views of Lake Chelan. Travis serves as winemaker and has completed the WSU Viticulture Certificate program. I love the new 2025 Amos Rome Albarino (OB, 92) which comes off round and generous on the
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TOR
Here is the otherworldly Cabernet lineup by TOR. One of the famed Napa houses, TOR was founded by Tor Kenward who formerly spent 26 years building Beringer Vineyards into a national power. As their vice president he was instrumental in helping develop the brand into national prominence before retiring in 2001. I loved the Beringer Reserve wines of the 1990s and 2000s which were some of Napa’s great wines and Tor played a major role in that project. Beringer actually paid for Tor to study viticulture and enology following his retirement, as Tor built his brand as an ultra-premium producer single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, sourcing from the top blocks within premium sites throughout Napa Valley. This electric lineup sources from famed sites such as Beckstoffer To Kalon, Vine Hill Ranch and Tierra Roja in Oakville, and Melanson on Pritchard Hill. TOR makes some of the finest Chardonnay in the Napa Valley. I adored the thrilling 2024 ‘Cuvee Susan’ (OB, 97) which is up there with the fin
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Stereograph
Sally Blum makes some beautiful wines for Stereograph. Some great wines out of Napa, Stereograph is a collaboration between winemaker Sally Johnson Blum and her husband Max. They are part of SJB Winemaking, a full-service winemaking firm providing winemaking services for a number of small brands both in Napa Valley and and outside of the valley. Sally makes the wines while Max creates the labels and packaging. Sally has a Master’s in Winemaking from UC Davis formerly working at St. Francis Winery for 8 years before moving to Pride Vineyards winemaker for 15 years. She makes some beautiful wines for The Walls in Washington State. I love her new wines. Check out the amazing 2025 Stereograph Semillon (OB, 94) which is hugely complex and beautifully-textured stuff. Learn more at https://www.stereographwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Stereograph Wines. 2025 Stereograph Fiano- A dense and hedy bottling, the 2025 Stereograph Fiano offers rich melon and kiwi flavors alongside its
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Sequitur
Great photo of the Sequitur founders Mike Etzel and CareyCritchlow. Today we share a knockout producer of Pinot Noir. Sequitur was founded by Mike Etzel and Carey Critchlow and for years Etzel had sights on developing a property which is adjacent to his famed ‘Upper Terrace Vineyard.’ Between 2012 and 2014 Mike and Carrie planted the 12-acre Sequitur vineyard . Various clonal selections (Wädenswil, Coury, Swan, Calera, Eyrie, Mt. Eden, Rochioli, and Martin Ray) here are tightly spaced, as this biodynamically farmed vineyard is a truly unique site with large Fir trees that line the property. I have visited this incredible property and it is impeccably farmed. They make a small amount of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay each vintage. They produce a small amount of “Amphora” Pinot Noir which is fermented and aged in an Italian clay amphora. They’ve made White Pinot Noir in 2020 that was incredible. The new wines were amazing across the board. Do not miss out on the 2024 Sequitur ‘Ribbong Ri
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Finite Cellars
Here are the great new wines by Finite Cellars. Today we share the wines of a new Oregon project, Finite Cellars. The winery was founded by Benjamin Eyer and Stephanie Bojarski . Ben left his Organic Chemistry PhD program with a Masters because he wanted to be outside, speak Spanish, and use his chemistry knowledge to make wine - the ultimate combination of art and science.” Ben has spent over a decade making wine in Chile, California and Oregon. The wines are made in small batches utilizing eco-conscious packaging and reusable bottles that can be returned to be used again. The wines were really good. I love the 2024 Finite Cellarse ‘Laurelwood District’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is soft and refined — drinking beautifully now. Learn more at https://finitecellars.com/ and here are my reviews of their new wines. 2024 Finite Cellars ‘Laurelwood District’ Chardonnay- The beautifully-crafted 2024 Finite Cellars ‘Laurelwood District’ Chardonnay is a dense, mineral-laden bottling that i
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Passing Time
Here is the thrilling new Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is a perfect wine made in this electric vintage. It was a beautiful Wednesday evening and I was seated at the table with Passing Time co-founder Damon Huard and winemaker Chris Peterson. We chatted NFL and Husky football as we tasted through the thrilling lineup of 2024 wines. “’24 is going to be a really great vintage” said Peterson, as he described this warm vintage with few heat spikes. “I think you are going to see amazing quality across the board” he said as we tasted the amazing future release wines. Over time Passing Time has gained prominence for producing some of the best Merlot in Washington state. “I think this is our best Merlot” said Damon and I have to agree that this 2024 is up there with the finest Merlot wines in the state. What began with the 2012 vintage, Passing Time is now been in business for more than a decade. I was amazed by the new lineup. I tasted these wines on two occasio
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Quilceda Creek Acquires Full Ownership of Champoux Vineyard
Big news out of Washington today as Quilceda has now acquired full ownership of the famed Champoux Vineyard. Today we share the news that Quilceda Creek has purchased the remaining shares of the famed Champoux Vineyard. This is one of the state’s most iconic and historically significant sites. Located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Champoux Vineyard is recognized globally for its distinctive terroir and for producing some of the world’s most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignons—powerful wines known for their gorgeous fruit, balanced acidity and elegant tannins. Originally planted in the early 1970s and 80s, Quilceda Creek has sourced fruit from Champoux since 1986 and has gradually increased its ownership over the last 30 years, previously acquiring a 79% stake in August 2021. The property is comprised of 170 acres, with 153 acres planted to vine. Since the 2001 vintage, Champoux has been the source of the winery’s flagship Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. “Champoux has noble tann
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Kobayashi
Here are the founders, Mario and Travis Allen, of Kobayashi. It is my pleasure to write about one of the most electric wine brands of the Pacific Northwest. Kobayashi is a jewel of Washington, founded by Mario and Travis Allen. I have known this couple now for more than a decade and they are some of the great people in Washington wine. Travis Allen is doing some incredible things with his lineup. You are going to be blown away with the 2023 ‘Mizanura’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 100) which is now the second time I have tasted this beauty. Sleek, elegant and seamless throughout the drinking experience, this is quite simply a must-buy for any serious collector of Washington wine. Learn more at https://kobayashiwinery.com and here are my reviews of the sensational new wines by Kobayashi winery. 2023 Kobayashi ‘Mizunara’ Cabernet Franc- This is now the second time that I have reviewed the unforgettable 2023 ‘Mizunara’ which was sourced from old vine Cabernet Franc at the Red Willow Vineyard.
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Domaine Serene
Here we have the stunning 2021 ‘Monogram’ Pinot Noir (OB, 99) which is the finest Oregon Pinot Noir I have tasted in the past year. My first visit to was back Domaine Serene in 2002. I was floored by the overall quality of the wines as i tasted on a patio with breathtaking views of the Willamette Valley. There have been many changes at the winery since 2002 but the wines have been getting better and better over time. Founded by Dundee Hills pioneers Grace and Ken Evenstad, Domaine Serene is one of the most gorgeous settings for any winery in the Pacific Northwest. They have a world-class hospitality program and share many older wines with their patrons. The wines cellar exceedingly well as I have enjoyed many Serene wines that are ten or more years of age. I am so impressed with the sparkling wine program at Domaine Serene. I love the 2016 Domaine Serene ‘Recolte Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which shows refined bubbles and great secondary notes now. Once agai
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Doubleback
Josh McDaniels is making some of the great wines of the Walla Walla Valley. It is my great pleasure to share the outstanding wines of Doubleback, which is the brainchild of NFL legend, Drew Bledsoe and his wife, Maura. The idea behind the winery is how Drew circled back following his brilliant NFL career. A Walla Walla native, Drew was a star quarterback at Walla Walla High School before an illustrious tenure at Washington State University. For many years Drew had visions of starting his own winery for many years and going back to Walla Walla was the perfect choice for him. During his years in the NFL he continued to expand his palate, trying various wines of the world. He knew there was something special about this region. In 2007 that Drew returned to Walla Walla to plant his estate vineyard, McQueen on the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Then in 2008 Bledsoe began focusing on using top estate fruit to make Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley. He needed a top c
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Bledsoe | McDaniels
Josh McDaniels is making some thrilling Pinot Noir and Syrah for Bledsoe | McDaniels. It is my pleasure to share one of the electric newer brands of the Pacific Northwest. NFL Legend Drew Bledsoe and superstar winemaker, Josh McDaniels combined to form Bledsoe-McDaniels and they now are one of the outstanding producers of Oregon Pinot Noir. What was formerly the Hope Wells Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, they have purchased this site a few years back and are producing some incredible estate wines from this site. They have made a Rocks wine from their ‘Lefore Vineyard’ which has gotten better and better over the years. Don’t miss out on the 2024 Bledsoe-McDaniels ‘LFG Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is forward and juicy stuff with a terrific texture and acid backbone. Even better is the thrilling 2024 ‘Before Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 97) which is by far the best edition of this wine yet. Learn more about this outstanding winery project at http://bledsoemcdaniels.com/#to
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Open Claim
Here are the beautiful new 2023 releases by Open Claim. It is my pleasure to share the brilliant wines of Open Claim. What began in 2014 by Marnie and Brett Wall, Open Claim crafts an opulent, textured style of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are complete wines with a beginning, middle and end. They use a limited amount of new oak, despite their fleshy character. Tony Rynders is of the Pacific Northwest’s great winemakers Formerly with Hogue and Domaine Serene, Tony crafts some incredible wines for his own label, Tendril. He has been the winemaker at Open Claim and is doing an incredible job with this site. I have long enjoyed these wines that showcase a beginning, middle and end. I am totally enamored by the 2023 Open Claim ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is one of the more memorable ‘Estate’ bottlings I can remember. Big and bold with serious flavor density and range, this is beautiful right now. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.openclaimvineyards.com/ Here are
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Revana
Dr. Madaiah Revana has a gorgeous range of 2023 releases for his namesake winery. Today we share the wines of famed cardiologist Dr. Madaiah Revana. Dr. Revana also owns a world-class Oregon winery named after his daughter, Alexana, as well as Corazon del Sol in Argentina. A big purchase was made in 1997 as Dr. Revana immediately sensed the property’s potential, with its gravelly soils, sloped pitch, and excellent exposures seemed perfect for growing grapes. Soil studies also confirmed that the property would be perfect for growing Bordeaux varieties. Then in 1998, Dr. Revana hired acclaimed vineyard manager Jim Barbour to plant and maintain the 9-acre estate vineyard. The first vintage of Revana in 2001, initially utilizing the winemaking talents of Heidi Barrett. Revana did an incredible job managing the heat of 2022. The wines from 2023 are more poised and show excellent flavor density and underlying tension. I love the 2023 Revana ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvi
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Evidence
Here are the outstanding new wines by Evidence. Founded by Jason Court, Evidence Wines has an outstanding range that spans the Napa Valley. At 39 years old Court worked his first harvest and became entrenched in wine culture. Prior to wine Court was an actor known for roles in Septerra Core and Silk Stalkings. He spent seven years training under eminent winemaker Chris Carpenter at La Jota and Lokoya. I have never tried these wines and they are completely new to my palate. Court has a great winemaking style, one that focuses on purity, non-fruit character and poise. The wines are rich but not overripe. They are made with serious intention. I love the 2023 Evidence ‘Mt. Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) and while I am not at all familiar with this vineyard site, the wine is lush, showing amazing stony character. Learn more at 2025 Evidence Grenache Blanc- Sourced from the Bennett Valley, this 2025 Grenache Blanc shows off kiwi, lychee and orange blossom notes on the nose. The palate i
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Shafer
Shafer is one of Napa’s historic wineries. One of Napa’s outstanding wineries, Shafer has a great history in the region. The site of the current winery had grape growing and commercial winemaking since 1880, during Napa Valley’s first boom as an American wine country. Napa’s pioneer vintners not only filled San Francisco’s wine cellars, but shipped wine across the country and earned gold medals at the 1889 Paris Exposition. John Shafer, a Chicago publishing executive, purchased our site in 1972 and spent the mid-1970s planting the hillside estate to Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1978 John transitioned to full-scale winemaking, making the winery’s first Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1983 John’s son, Doug Shafer, joined the winery as winemaker. The following year, Elias Fernandez joined the winery, initially as assistant winemaker. Fernandez has been winemaker since 1994. I love the new 2024 ‘Red Shoulder Ranch’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is rich, viscous and has amazing flavor range. Learn more about