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San Leonardo
Here is the gorgeous new 2021 San Leonardo. A famed and historic estate in northern Italy, San Leonardo has been family-owned by the Guerrieri Gonzaga family since 1724. Located in the southern end of Trentino in Northern Italy and nestled amongst the Trentino Alps, San Leonardo Winemaker/owner Marchese Carlo, and now his son Anselmo, have been in charge of the winemaking program for many years. Carlo was the first grower in Trentino to use the Guyot vine training method and to avoid pesticides and herbicides. This location has the coolness from the Alps but also has warmth due to its location near Lake Garda. The new wine came from the warm 2021 vintage as the remarkable 2021 San Leonardo (OB, 95) is powerful with terrific finesse and length. Learn more about this famed Italian winery at https://www.sanleonardo.it/en/la-storia?srsltid=AfmBOopowlUKk2OxOWVZGD7IBvVjPFVUhjKtAQKkA2tGPGbdiM9bCYDx and here is my review of the new wine by San Leonardo. 2021 San Leonardo Red Wine- The outstand
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Bionic Wines Presents The Bionic Experience
Bionic Wines founder Christophe Baron has a brand new tasting and culinary adventure created in The Bionic Experience. We have some massive news out of the Walla Walla Valley today. It is my pleasure to share a brand new tasting and culinary experience -- The Bionic Experience -- which begins today, October 22, with lunch at the Bionic Wines estate. Vigneron, Christophe Baron and Michelin-starred chef Matthew Lightner are bringing the spirit of the long French lunch to Walla Walla. Think seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, dishes built around bottles from the cellar, and fourteen seats inside their newly restored 1910 craftsman. The experience includes bites from Resident Chef Dan Clark in the kitchen as well as wines from Master Sommelier Tyler Alden who has come to the Walla Walla Valley following his longstanding tenure at Willows Lodge and The Barking Frog. This is huge news for the valley, offering something completely different than what is out there. The experience is only T
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Lytle-Barnett
Andy Lytle co-founded Lytle-Barnett — a beautiful Oregon sparkling wine house. It is my pleasure to share the great Oregon sparkling wines by Lytle-Barnett. They are part of Method Oregon utilizing only méthode champenoise wines. I like the construction of the wines with a soft mousse and great balance. I have really enjoyed these wines for years. Lytle-Barnett sparkling wines spend extended time in tirage before being released which certainly adds depth to the flavors and aromatics. Last weekend I tasted the 2019 ‘Brut Rose’ (OB, 93) for the second time and it was as joy to consume with its pretty core of tart red fruits. I love the new 2015 ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a knockout wine with amazing depth and power. Learn more at https://lytle-barnett.com/ and here are my reviews of the great new Lytle-Barnett wines. 2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A delightful bottling that is showing brilliantly now, the 2019 ‘Brut’ spent six years en tirage and comes
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Sparkman Cellars
Linn Scott crafts some beautiful wines for Sparkman Cellars. Today we share the outstanding wines of Sparkman Cellars. They make a huge range of outstanding wines wines — from crisp Rose to deep and layered Cabernet Sauvignon. Chris and Kelly Sparkman founded their namesake winery many yeas back in 2004. Chris has a diverse background formerly working in the Peace Corps and then as well as some top fine dining restaurants in Seattle. Sparkman sources from some of the best vineyards in the state including the Boushey, Klipsun, Sagemoor and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. I really enjoyed tasting with their winemaker, Linn Scott, who has been doing a beautiful job for them. We talked vintages and tasted through most of his lineup. I adored the 2023 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wonderland’ Grenache (OB, 94) which shows amazing texture and flavor range. Learn more about this outstanding producer at http://www.sparkmancellars.com/ . Here are the great new wines by Sparkman Cellars. 2025 Sparkman ‘Pearl’ Sau
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Rasa Vineyards
Great photo of Rasa founders Billo (L) and Pinto Naravane. Today we share the brilliant wines by Master of Wine, Billo Naravane. For roughly two decades now he has been crafting beautiful expressions of Washington State wine. He makes a sensational range of wines from finesse-laden 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. Finally, he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. My first exposure to these great wines was many years back when I was served a 2007 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED’ Syrah blind. I was absolutely mesmerized by the seamless quality of the wine. With a bachelor’s degree from MIT and a master’s degree from Stanford, Billo then stud
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Leonetti Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Great photo of the Figgins family, who own and founded Leonetti Cellar. It was a Friday but busy work day. My day continued as I sat down to review more than twenty wines. The last wines I tasted were from Leonetti, their single vineyard wines that continue to impress. This set of wines come from the warm, relatively easy 2023 vintage. Consistency from this year has been seriously good — and better than ’22 for Bordeaux varietals. I loved revisiting these wines the next night. They are opulent, dense and marvelously show off the warmth of the vintage. The wines come from the warm 2023 vintage, one that was an even growing season with few 100 degree days. I was blown away with the 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which is thrilling with its rocky, sage character alongside dense dark fruits. Learn more at https://leonetticellar.com and here are my reviews of the incredible new single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Leonetti Cellar and winemaker Chris
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Bibi Graetz
Bibi Graetz is a Tuscan icon who is producing some of the most electric wines of the region. Bibi Graetz Today we share the iconic wines of Bibi Graetz. Starting back in 2000 Graetz began his his winery with a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole. Since his first release 25 years ago Graetz has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. His famed Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success as these wines have been revered by critics across the globe. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio which is a remote island that has ancient indigenous vines planted. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines. I adored the new wines from the 2024 vintage. Do not miss out on the 2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 9
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Long Shadows 'Feather' Cabernet Sauvignon
Here is the gorgeous new 2023 ‘Feather’ by Long Shadows. A wine with a great Washington wine lore, the ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% varietal red wine crafted in Washington's Columbia Valley through a collaboration between acclaimed Napa winemaker Randy Dunn and Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault. Now Nicault is entirely on the winemaking project. This has now been produced for 20 years as it was first made with the 2003 vintage. The wine is a barrel selection that Nicault and his team chooses from the Sonnet, Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. It is now typically stored for 22 months in French oak prior to bottling. The 2023 ‘Feather’ (OB, 96) is pillowy and soft, with an amazing texture. It is drinking marvelous right now. Learn more at longshadows.com and here is my review of the outstanding 2023 ‘Feather’ by Long Shadows Vintners. 2023 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon stands jet black in the glass, re
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Chosen Family Wines
NBA legend Channing Frye helped found Chosen Family, an outstanding producer of Oregon wines. It is my pleasure to share the wines of Chosen Family. This brand was founded by former NBA star Channing Frye. Frye has utilized the winemaking skills of top winemakers such as Jackson Holstein, Chase Renton and Thomas Savre. A few years back NBA all-star Kevin Love was added to the roster. Love is an Oregon basketball legend, who is still playing for the Utah Jazz. Frye is deeply passionate about wine and has a great knowledge of Oregon wine. I have really enjoyed talking basketball and wine with him. The wines are seriously good. I love the 2024 ‘Star Mooring’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is dense and delicious from this warm vintage. Learn more about these great new wines at chosenfamilywines.com Here are my reviews of the new Chosen Family wines. 2022 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Wine was given just a dash of dosage (.5G/L) an
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DeLille Cellars
DeLille Cellars has crafted another sensational range of wines. I just finished my tasting at DeLille Cellars and had to write about these beautiful wines. It has now been well over ten years since I first tasted at this famed Woodinville outpost. Their director of winemaking Jason Gorski, has consistently crafted incredible wines regardless of vintage. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ There is little doubt that Chaleur Blanc will challenge some of the finest white wines you will find in Bordeaux. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. Their new Woodinville winery is a must visit as it boasts modern decor with a fantastic rooftop that even boasts views of Mt. Ranier. It has an awesome restaurant that is adjacent their tasting room and they have a
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Roederer Estate
Here are the gorgeous new wines by Roderer Estate. What started all the way back in 1982, Roederer Estate was founded by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, president of Louis Roederer. He realized the potential in the cool climate and rolling fog of the Anderson Valley to craft some of the region’s finest sparkling wines. It is a massive, 580 acre estate that produces a beautiful range of sparkling wines: the multi-vintage Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut, debuted in 1988, the Brut Rosé and Roederer Estate's vintage tees de cuvee, L'Ermitage and L'Ermitage Rosé. Roederer Estate is under the leadership of Jean-Claude’s son, Frédéric Rouzaud. I adored the library release 2012 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 98) which is definitely one of the finest North American sparkling wines that I have tasted in the past year. Learn more about this outstanding sparkling wine house at https://roedererestate.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Roederer Estate. 2022 Roederer Esta
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Elusa
Elusa has a gorgeous new facility. Today we present the wines of Elusa. What began in 2001, Elusa acquired their estate vineyard in 2010 and soon enlisted Thomas Rivers Brown who began crafting estate wines from the existing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. After yielding four years of estate wines, the next several years were spent investing in the land and winemaking process to focus on Calistogan terroir. The new wines were fabulous coming from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. I love the 2023 ‘Elusa Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is a dazzling wine that has so much flavor density and aging potential. Learn more at https://www.elusawinery.com and here are my reviews from the new Elusa releases. 2025 Elusa ‘Tofanelli Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Elusa ‘Tofanelli Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc comes off grassy on the nose with kiwi and starfruit tones. The palate is loaded with lush citrus and melon fruits with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2033- 92 2023 El
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FIGGINS
The ‘wow’ factor 2023 FIGGINS ‘Caves’ (OB, 100) is a perfect wine made by Chris Figgins. It is my pleasure to share the extraordinary wines of FIGGINS, founded by Leonetti proprietor Chris Figgins. What began more than a decades ago, FIGGINS has a gorgeous, brand new winery facility outside of Walla Walla up Mill Creek road. They give you world class hospitality at this scenic location. The caves underneath the winery are incredibly expansive and an architectural marvel. Many years in the making, the winery is one of the great spots in the Pacific Northwest to taste, with expansive views of the entire valley. It is one of my favorite spots in Washington to taste and take in the views. Over the past decade the Estate Red Wine has continued to improve. The wine initially needed a ton of time to be approached. Now their Estate Red Wine can be more utilized in its youth and has emerged as a fleshier, more full-throttle powerhouse. Depending on the vintage, it tends to be primarily Ca
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JH Wine Consulting
Here are the sterling range of wines produced by Jean Hoefliger and his JH Wine Consulting business. JH Wine Consulting For decades now, Jean Hoefliger has been one of Napa’s prominent winemakers. Born in Switzerland, Jean Hoefliger worked in vineyards and wineries throughout the world before landing in Napa Valley in 2001 and his first job working at Newton Vineyard. He transformed that Chardonnay program as I fondly remember the early 2000s Chardonnays made at that winery. Since then he’s made wine with some 25 brands including Alpha Omega Winery and AXR Napa Valley as well as with his long-time friend Michele Roland. Hoefliger has an old-world winemaking style that also pushes some modern approaches. “I like to be involved and be present in the wineries that are here locally” he said. “As far as the winemaking what I did in my life is when I got to the US I know that 98% of wine is consumed within four hours of their purchase. I am a fan of older wine and I had to see how to make dr
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Domaine Serene and Domaine Evenstad
It was an amazing day tasting through the new Domaine Evenstad wines as well as library releases from Domaine Serene. Today we share the epic wines from Domaine Serene and Domaine Evenstad. It was an electric end of day tasting at the top of the Dundee Hills. Domaine Serene invited me to taste with their winemakers who are making some of the best wines in Oregon. They also have a special collection of wines under their Domaine Evenstad label. This Burgundy house has 16 estate vineyards , including two Grand Cru sites across 15 acres of majestic countryside of the famed Côte de Nuits. It was back in 2015 that Domaine Serene founders Grace and Ken Evenstad purchased a storied château, winery, and vineyards in the Côte de Beaune of Burgundy. Set in the picturesque village of Santenay, the history of Château de la Crée traces its roots back to 1431, when it was built by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to Philip the Good, the Third Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, Guigone de Salins. I had the
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Domaine Drouhin Oregon
Here is the lights-out 2024 ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay (OB, 97) by Domaine Drouhin. For years I have been inspired by the wines of Domaine Drouhin Oregon which was founded all the way back in the 1980s. Domaine Drouhin’s Robert Drouhin decided to purchase land towards the top of the Dundee Hills. This land was formerly littered with Christmas trees and wheat, and over time the Drouhin family began planting their first vineyards in Oregon. Robert’s daughter, Véronique, has served as DDO winemaker for many years, and her brother Philippe Drouhin took responsibility for viticulture. In 1988, DDO produced its first vintage, from purchased grapes, and in 1989 built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery. I visited the winery a few weeks back and was blown away with the overall quality of their 2024 wines. 2024 was another warm vintage, one with few extreme temperatures. There were several standout wines and I was blown away with the 2024 Domaine Drouhin Oregon ‘Laurene’ Pinot N
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Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Champagne
Here is the unforgettable 2018 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne (OB, 98). I won’t forget my last visit to Louis Roederer. After a long tour we had a fabulous tasting. At the time we finished our tasting with the thrilling 2013 ‘Cristal’ — a wine that truly was one of the finest wines made this vintage. Louis Roederer only produces their ‘Cristal’ Champagne in specific vintages that work for their style and the first ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created back in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year as he was fond of Louis Roederer’s style. They began producing this wine to be distinguished by being presented in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The ‘Cristal’ brand was named after the lead-crystal bottle, which is particularly transparent and luminous. Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne blending is usually around 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, although that va
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White Walnut
Chris Mazepink has a magical lineup of ‘24 wines for White Walnut. Today we share the beautiful wines of White Walnut. Created by the former winemaker and general manager of Archery Summit, Chris Mazepink, he smartly purchased land in the Dundee Hills back in 2013. Chris sensed the potential of the property as it is located adjacent to the vineyards of legendary Oregon wineries Domaine Drouhin and Archery Summit. Chris and his sons, Archer and Charles, cleared the land, by hand, in the summer of 2014 and then planted it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2015 and 2016. They preserved the remaining walnut trees on the property that continue to produce fruit and are now well over 70 years old, standing stoic amongst the vines. He sees the immense potential in making wines that all come from the Dundee Hills AVA. The wines were sensational across the board as we talked everything from Chris’s upcoming marathon run to international soccer. The quality of his 2024 wines were extraordinary acro
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Chateau Lascombes
Here are the brilliant new 2023 releases by Chateau Lascombes. Today we share the beautiful wines of Chateau Lascombes which is a property with a whopping 120 hectares (296 acres) planted in the Margaux appellation, as well as 10 hectares (24 acres) in the Haut-Médoc appellation. It is one of the largest vineyards among the classified growths of 1855. Set near the center of Margaux, vines are set on a range of soil types, as the vineyard has three separate blocks of roughly the same surface area: a gravelly outcrop planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, a block of clay-gravel made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally clay-limestone plots, where Merlot is planted. As these wines have a softer expression for the region, it is no surprise that Merlot makes up roughly 50% of vines planted which is highly unique to the appellation. Sitting down with head winemaker Axel Heinz we chatted about the current vintage. Harvest is extremely condensed in this warm 2026 vintage
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Soos Creek
Soos Creek has finished their 36th and nearly final vintage in Washington wine. Cheers to their impact in the Washington wine industry and what a glorious new lineup. Today we share one of the great, older producers in Washington. Soos Creek is a Washington outpost that is built on producing quality wines that exude both class and value. Starting back in in 1989, David and Cecile Larsen started to make wine in the Boeing Wine Club (and even blackberry wine). They originally modeled their winery after Quilceda Creek, producing only one Cabernet Sauvignon wine. They now make a pretty wide range of wines including a beautiful Syrah. He sources from some of the great sites in the state including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun in Red Mountain, David makes roughly 2,000 cases each year focusing on high quality red wines. This is nearly the final vintage for Soos Creek which is an emotional farewell to the Washington wine industry. I would like to personally thank David and Cecile Larson an
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Joseph Phelps
Here is the dazzling '2023 ‘Insignia’ by Joseph Phelps. A great story in Napa wine, Joe Phelps, a Colorado construction contractor turned Napa Valley vintager, purchased a 670-acre cattle ranch in St. Helena in 1973. It was then in 1974 that Phelps had a great harvest and wanted to name his wine something differently. The family came up with the name ‘Insignia’ to signify a wine of exceptional quality. The first vintage came in 1974 and the inaugural wine was primarily Steltzner Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with some Merlot, and was sought to change each year. It uses the finest available lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a stunning wine that combines 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. It is a dazzling, deep and powerful effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. Here is my review of the stunning 2023 ‘Insignia’ by Joseph Phelps. 2023 Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sa
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Cristom
Here are the brilliant new wines by Cristom. Today we share the outstanding wines of Cristom. This is one of the most gorgeous spots that you will find in the Willamette Valley. Over the years Cristom has gained world-wide acclaim for their single vineyard Pinot Noirs. More recently they have been really improving their Chardonnay program. The Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir has been one of the great values out of Oregon. This 2023 edition of this wine is another sensational bottling by them. WInemaker Daniel Estrin, who also serves as vineyard manager, has an impressive resume, with stints at Red Car as well as Craggy Range in New Zealand before landing his position Littorai. He makes some beautiful wines and is a great job with this vineyard and wine program. Check out the outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is a dazzling wine from this famed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards
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J. Lohr
Here are the great wines of J. Lohr. It is my pleasure to share the wines of J. Lohr — a brand that has been synonymous with value in California wine. Beginning in the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began searching for a great location plant his first vineyard. Raised on a South Dakota farm, Jerry had a background in agriculture and chose the Central Coast, which was an experimental region at the time. Jerry has created an amazing success story with his winery, J. Lohr. While J. Lohr has gained a nationwide reputation for rich red wines, their white wine portfolio is also has some outstanding values. The wines sow good value and I really enjoyed the 2024 J. Lohr ‘Purse Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which has great richness and Paso character. Learn more about this outstanding lineup at https://www.jlohr.com Here are the outstanding new wines by J. Lohr. 2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc is nicely textured stuff with peach
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Long Shadows
Here is the stunning new lineup of wines by Long Shadows. Gilles Nicault for more than a decade has been crafting some of the finest wines in Washington State He has a knack for making world-class wines in tough vintages. One of the great stories in Washington wine, Long Shadows began by visionary and Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup. Shoup is a founding father of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Château Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company's CEO for 17 of those years before establishing Long Shadows in 2002. He had an incredible vision for Long Shadows and built a world-class wine brand from the ground up. The Nine Hats brand that he founded is consistently one of the better value lineups that you will find in Pacific Northwest wine. Long Shadows has an epicurean tasting at their Woodinville tasting room that is arguably the finest food pairing for great wine that you will taste at any Pacific Northwest winery ( https://longshadow