The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
151 results across all types
- news
DeLille Cellars
Here is the gorgeous new 2025 DeLille Rose (OB, 93). Today we share the beautiful wines of DeLille Cellars. I have known their director of winemaking, Jason Gorski, for more than a decade. His team makes one of the best overall lineups in Washington. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. I love visiting their Woodivinlle winery that even has views of Mt. Ranier. It has an awesome restaurant that is adjacent their tasting room with great bites to pair with their beautiful wines. They recently opened a tasting room in University Village that is a gorgeous spot to enjoy their lineup. Gorski and his team did a great job navigating 2022. They have been making what is consistently one of the finest Rose wines in the state. I adore the 2025 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which has amazing flavor range and comes off dense and generous. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the gr
- news
Corliss
Great photo of the Corliss family. One of the great Washington wineries, Corliss is an ultra-premium producer of red wines founded in 1999 by Michael and Lori Corliss. Over the years Mike Corliss has bought vineyard land throughout the state, including more holdings on Red Mountain. Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. It has been such a pleasure seeing how well these beautiful wines age. Corliss is also well-known for performing exceptionally well with tough vintages. I have had some of their older wines from my cellar and they have some massive cellaring potential. Corliss did a great job in 2019 which was not the easiest year for Bordeaux varietals. They made some beautiful 2020 wines from this tough vintage. The wines have less oak impact over time. I adore the 2021 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which has incredible flavor density and is a stunning edition of this wine that is a must-buy for any collector of top Washington
- news
Malibu Wine Company
Here are the amazing wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company. Today we share the story of Malibu Wine Company. Psychiatrist Dr. Steve Ruths studied viticulture and enology, completing the UC Davis winemaking certificate program in 2008. 2009 was his first crush as a home winemaker starting with a half-ton of Syrah from the Estelle Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, he has made wine with Alta Colina Grenache and Roll Ranch Syrah. In 2016, Dr. Ruths purchased a 6-acre property in the Malibu Coast AVA. In 2017, preparing the land for planting began and in 2018 the first vines were planted. Additional plantings continued yearly through 2024 with approximately 6500 vines over 3 acres. Varietals include 3 clones of Syrah, 2 clones of Grenache, Durif/Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, and Roussanne. Vines are spaced either at 4x6 or 3x5 feet. The vineyard was planted and is farmed by Martin Ramirez of the Ojai Vineyards. 2023 was their first commercial vintag
- news
Cuvaison
Here is the brilliant new lineup by Cuvaison. I have long admired the wines of Cuvaison. These were some of the wines that I bought for my personal collection more than twenty years ago. Steve Rogstad has been at the helm for more than two decades and has helped shape not only these wines but wines from this windswept region. Founded back in 1969, ten years later Cuvaison acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay. The new Cuvaison are outstanding. Check out the 2024 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a treat to savor now. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison. 2025 Cuvaison Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, this 2025 Rose offers a soft mouthfeel on the approach. Laden with tension, texture and bright red
- news
Baer
Erica Orr is the talented winemaker behind Baer wines. It is my pleasure to share one of the jewels of Woodinville. Winemaker Erica Orr took over this program more than a decade ago and began in 1998, working her first harvest with eminent winemaker Cathy Corison in the Napa Valley. She immediately caught the wine bug and enrolled in the enology master’s degree program at UC Davis where she completed her master’s degree in 2003. Erica also has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley and three years of research experience as a biochemistry lab technician for 2009 Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn at UC San Francisco. She is a great person to chat wine with. The wines are really outstanding across the board. I love the 2024 Baer Rose (OB, 92) which is a stunning, beautifully-textured wine. I love the 2022 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is smooth and silky stuff from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at at baerwinery.c
- news
Rasa Vineyards
Today we share the beautiful wines of Rasa Vineyards, founded by Billo and Pinto Naravane. It is my pleasure to share the wines of Rasa Vineyards. For many years now Master of Wine, Billo Naravane, has been crafting beautiful expressions of Washington State wine. He has one of the finest lineups in the state — from crisp Rieslings to inky Syrahs. Billo also has a remarkable story in wine. If you have never tried these wines then you are in for a serious treat. A scientist by trade, Billo Naravane initially was inspired by wine while living Austin, Texas. During that time Naravane was exposed to some of the finest wines in the world and he fully caught the wine bug. Over time he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. These are wines that are seriously crafted with a beginning, middle and an end. The wines he crafts show tremendous texture, richness, poise and terroir — and are only getting better by each vintage. We chatted about wine
- news
Dusted Valley
Here is the outstanding new lineup by Dusted Valley. Today we share the great wines of Dusted Valley, founded by the Johnson and Braunel families founded Dusted Valley. They are both originally from Wisconsin and are big time Packers fans. Dusted Valley sources from some of the great vineyards in Washington, including the Olsen Vineyard and Stoney Vine Vineyard. The wines from their estate Southwind Vineyard continue to improve. I really enjoy the sparkling wine they make and they have expanded tasting rooms to Edmonds, if you live on the north side of Seattle. I adored the 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is elegant and seamless through the drinking experience. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.dustedvalley.com Here are my reviews of the great new wines by Dusted Valley. 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Tall Tales’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Tall Tales’ comes from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Rocks District. It is salty, savory and
- news
Dunham Cellars
Here is the outstanding new lineup by Dunham Cellars. One of the oldest wineries in Walla Walla, Dunham Cellars was founded by the Dunham family in 1995. These have consistently been great wines that totally over-deliver for the price. The lineup has become one of the most impressive range of wines that do not break the bank. At the helm is winemaker Rob Campisi, who was formerly assistant winemaker at Dunham. Rob trained under eminent Washington winemaker, Dan Wampfler and he crafts quite a wide range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trutina (Bordeaux style blend), Three Legged Red (red table wine) and the "Shirley Mays" Chardonnay, a dedication to Eric's grandmother. I love the new 2025 Dunham Cellar ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which shows beautiful texture and weight. I was blown away with the 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which shows off the heat from this warmer vintage, with great opule
- news
Nysa Vineyard
Great new wines by Nysa Vineyard. Today we share the wines of Nysa Vineyard which is a family-owned operation that was founded back in 1990. Owner and winemaker, Michael Mega purchased a parcel of orchards high in the Dundee Hills of Oregon in anticipation of growing world-class pinot. It was with passion, hard work and patience that Nysa Vineyard has become one of the most prestigious in the hills, providing Pinot noir to acclaimed producers throughout the Willamette Valley. It was 2004 that Michael made his first vintage of Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir. I really enjoyed the new wines. I was really impressed with the 2023 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay (OB, 93) which shows loads of texture and flavor range. Learn more at https://www.nysavineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Nysa Vineyard releases. 2019 Nysa Vineyard ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir grapes, this 2019 opens with red raspberry and Bing cherry notes on the nose with beautiful orange bl
- news
Hambledon
Here are the outstanding new wines by Hambledon. One of the historic wineries in England, Hambledon Vineyard was originally planted back in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones. Hambledon is set in the 'Cradle of Cricket’ and vines are planted on chalky soils that resemble some found in champagne. In fact, the soils are the Newhaven Chalk formation that developed between the Santonian and Campanian eras of the Upper Cretaceous period (known as the Senonien period in Champagne). The same chalk, with the same Belemnite content, is found in some of the most famous Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne. Hambedon has a very impressive winemaking team. Hervé Jestin has overseen the production of more than 200 million bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine during his career and was chef des caves at Champagne Duval Leroy for over 20 years. Jestin’s new wines were fabulous. I love the nuance in the NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which offers very delicate r
- news
Duckhorn Vineyards
Here are the outstanding new wines by Duckhorn Vineyards. Duckhorn Vineyards began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, and now has a range of producers under its portfolio. Since 2014, Renée Ary has served as head winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards winemakers that began with Tom Rinaldi in 1978. Her promotion came after 11 years after serving as both assistant and associate winemaker. Originally from the East Coast, Renée moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Fascinated by the intersection between science and an art, winemaking quickly became Renée’s passion, career and way of life. Her first job was working in the lab at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, as she trained under famed winemakers Genevieve Janssens, Steve Leveque and Richard Sowalsky. During that time she took classes in winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis and Napa Valley College. Renee handles this program with a deft
- news
Force Majeure
Here are the stunning 2023 releases by Force Majeure. Happy Memorial Day to you all. Located on Red Mountain, the Force Majeure Vineyard is one of the region’s most impressive sites for a magical range of varietals from Viognier to Cabernet. These have been some of the best wines on Red Mountain. New releases come from the warmer 2023 vintage and I was blown away with the overall quality. Do not miss out on the sinfully good 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah (OB, 99) which is powerful, burly and complex, with incredible flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Grenache- The 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Grenache shows off amazing red currant and potpourri notes on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and smoked meats. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific richness, texture, tension and salty nuance. Bi
- news
Spottswoode
Here is the gorgeous new 2025 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc. Today we share the wines of one of Napa’s most historic properties. Spottswoode can date back to 1882. Founded by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972, Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding. The wines are well-structured, with gobs of aging potential. I have enjoyed the early ‘90s Spottswoode wines that seem to be timeless. Innovators in viticulture, they began organic farming all the way back in 1985. Today Mary’s daughter Beth Novak manages the winery, and daughter Lindsay Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode produces an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc in honor of their founder, Mary Novak. Spottswoode also crafts a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and two limited-production wines
- news
Champagne Billecart-Salmon
Here are the stunning 2013 new releases by Champagne Billecart-Salmon. With great pleasure I share the wines of Billecart-Salmon one of the outstanding smaller producers in Champagne. They control an estate of 100 hectares, obtaining grapes from an area spanning 300 hectares across 40 crus of the Champagne region. The majority of the grapes used for vinification come from a radius of 20km around Epernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. Now in its seventh generation, the house was initially formed with the marriage of 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. This remains a family winery since the beginning with Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth and a passionate oenologist, getting involved in the creation of the wines. They have a range of wines including their flagship ‘Nicolas Billecart’ and the two world-class champagnes
- news
2026 Paso Robles Report
Here is my 2026 Paso Robles Report, focusing on the 2023 and 2024 vintages. PURCHASE 2026 PASO REPORT HERE : https://owenbargreen.com/store/2026-paso-robles-report Heat It, Cool It: Paso Robles in 2023 and 2024 I had a marvelous March visit to Paso Robles. We had some warm weather and there was green everywhere from the winter rains. Crop cover looked really intense for the second straight years. The last day of my visit it was nearly 80 degrees! 2022 was not an easy year for Paso wines, but there were many great wines made. The September 2022 heat dome clearly did not have the same impact in Paso as it did in Napa. Those who were patient made really great wines that are slightly more on the hedonistic side. This is a vintage to drink early. 2023 was a polar opposite vintage and shows strong aging potential. It was an extremely long harvest with some picking their fruit all the way in November. 2023 wines have impeccable balance. Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch, explained that her ‘23s are
- news
Rhys Vineyard
Here are the gorgeous new wines by Rhys. We share today an incredible winery that utilizes some extreme farming. Slopes at these locations reach 40% grade The founder of Rhys Vineayrds, Kevin Harvey, had a successful software career prior to stating his winery. He began planting Pinot Noir in his backyard near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and has had his first vintage in 2004. The new release wines by Rhys from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. They are not quite the level of their single vineyards but are completely outstanding, with a beginning, middle and an end. Check out the outstanding 2023 Rhys ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is dense, salty and highly nuanced. Learn more about this incredible new lineup of wines at https://rhysvineyards.com Here are the exciting new wines by Rhys Vineyards 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc- A sensational Chenin Blanc bottling, the 2023 ‘Mt. Pajaro’ shows off its oily mouthfeel. Rich melon fruits collid
- news
Massican
Here is the brilliant range of wines by Massican. Today we share the brilliant wines of Massican. This is a brand that was started by Dan Petroski back in 2009. The idea is genius — seeking to create old-world inspired white wines in the Napa Valley where Cabernet is unabashedly king. These wines continue to be affordably priced, where entry level Chardonnays in Napa command 100 dollars and sometimes more. For years Dan made world-class wines at Larkmead which rivaled some of the finest wines of the region — at a fraction of the price of cult competitors. These wines have been impressive regardless of vintage. It is no surprise that Dan sold his winery to Gallo in September 2023. I’m totally enamored by the 2025 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine (OB, 94) which is a marvelous rendition of Napa Greco. You won’t find a wine just like this anywhere in the world. Learn more about these novel, one of a kind wines at massican.com Here are my reviews of the gorgeous new Massican wines. 2025 M
- news
Chappellet
Marvelous new wines by Chappellet. Today we share the beautiful wines of Chappellet. It all began with Donn Chappellet who his collected Bordeaux wines while in college. He later ran Interstate United Corporation, a coffee-vending distributorship he co-founded in the mid-1950s, which he helped turn into the third-largest such business in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Over time he shared his shares of Interstate United in 1966 and guided by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards bought 320 acres of rocky mountain terrain at the eastern edge of the Napa Valley. Donn saw this terroir as one which would connect with the great wines of Bordeaux. He saw the potential for Pritchard Hill and initially planted Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which was met with great critical acclaim. Sadly passing in 2016, Donn became a legend of this great site in the Napa Valley. An amazing winemaker, Phillip Cora
- news
Appassionata
Here are the incredible new wines by Appassionata. It has now been several years since I have tasted the wines from one of the most electric projects in Oregon wine. An ingenious idea Appassionata is the dream of Ernie Loosen to age Oregon wines properly and then release them later than other estates. This winery project has involved two decades of planning and investment that began in 2005 with a limited bottling of Appassionata Pinot Noir, a collaboration with J. Christopher Wines. The full Appassionata range of wines now includes three Pinot Noirs of varying age, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc produced in acacia barrels, and a dry Riesling made in the German Grosses Gewächs (GG) style. The wines are beautiful. I was totally blown away by the 2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94). This makes its case for the best Sauvignon Blanc made in Oregon. Learn more about these great wines at jcristopherwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Appassiona
- news
Wines of Substance
Here are the really nice values from Wines of Substance. Just as it is important to share the wines of Quilted Creek and Cayuse, I have always sought to focus my reviews on wines that exude value. It is not the job of a wine critic to write every article on Opus One level wines — wines that most people can’t actually drink. One of the most recognizable wine brands in Washington State, Wines of Substance was founded back in 2015 by winemaker Charles Smith. Wines of Substance began producing high-quality, value-priced Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals, characterized by a "periodic table" style label. It was acquired by O'Neill Vintners & Distillers in July 2024. The new wines were really nice for the price. I highly enjoyed the 025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Rose (OB, 90) which is light on its feet and mineral-laden with plenty of red fruit nuance. Learn more at https://substancewines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Wines of Substance. 2022 Wines of Substance ‘C
- news
Lundeen
Great new releases by Lundeen. Today we share the wines of Oregon native Michael Lundeen. I have probably enjoyed these wines for well over a decade. My feeling is they continue to improve and certainly do with their bubbles program. Michael’s son adds a fourth generation of farmers! For years Michael was honing his skill with Pinot Noir luminaries at Willakenzie, Belle Pente and Domaine Serene, before becoming founding winemaker at Illahe Vineyards back in 2007. Michael joined Walnut City Wineworks as Winemaker in late 2010. Just a short hop from his own estate vineyard, the McMinnville-based winery was where his career would enter the next and most exciting phase. The once brick-red winery and custom crush facility now carries the Lundeen name and colors after he formally took ownership in 2022. Michael is making some fantastic Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. He directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and Organic practices and maintains the LIVE sustainability c
- news
Fairsing Vineyard
Great photo of the owners of Fairsing Vineyard. Today we share the great values of Fairsing Vineyard. This family owned site is well-known for their outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs. Stewards of their land, Mary Ann and Mike McNally purchased Fairsing Vineyard in the summer of 2005, with the purchase of approximately 200 acres of harvested forestland. Then in October 2006 eighteen acres of vines were successfully planted and trellised with the assistance of Oregon’s collegial winegrower community. Vineyard development continued at roughly five acres per year, with a total of thirty-eight acres of Pinot noir and five acres of Chardonnay currently under vine. Vines at Fairsing are nestled among one-hundred acres of forest, and seventy acres have been reforested with 18,000 conifers, 3,000 deciduous trees, and more than 6,000 native shrubs. This is a stunning location in the Willamette Valley. The wines are made by famed vintner Robert Brittan who has made some seriously
- news
Tranche
Here is the brilliant new lineup by Tranche. One of the jewels of the Walla Walla Valley, Tranche makes an amazing range of wines from their estate vineyards. They are also making one of the great Rose wines in Washington. I think that the quality of these wines continue to improve. They are now wines of serious power and finesse. Tranche is a great winery to visit with a super outdoor space where they have concerts on the weekend. It is a great place to unwind after a long week of work! I love the overall range here. Check out the brilliant 2025 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose (OB, 93) which is filled with flavor range and freshness. I am enamored by the 2023 Tranche ‘Pape’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is a world-class Rhone blend. Learn more about these beautiful wines athttps://www.tranche.wine Here are the awesome new wines by Tranche. 2025 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- Composed of 52% Grenache with 31% Mourvèdre and smaller parts Counoise and Cinsault, this beauty was stored in stainless steel fo
- news
San Juan Vineyard
Great new 2025 Rose by San Juan Vineyard. For a long time I recall fondly visiting San Juan Vineyard, one of the historic locations in the Puget Sound AVA. At this site they have old vine Siegerrebe and Madeleine Angevine planted that are really serious wines. Having tasted there before, you are greeted at their 1895 remodeled school house and stunning estate-grown wines. It is a must-visit spot if going to San Juan Island. This house is now owned by the Corliss family. I really enjoyed the 2024 San Juan Vineyard Madeline Angevine (OB, 92) which has loads of texture and freshness. Learn more at https://www.sanjuanvineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by San Juan Vineyard. 2023 San Juan Vineyard Madeline Angevine- The delightful 2024 San Juan Vineyard Madeline Angevine shows plenty of texture and vibrant acidity on the palate. Kiwi and wet stone notes parade with kumquat zest and green apple on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 92 2023 San Juan Vineyard Siegerrebe- The outst