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Storypoint Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Storypoint Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Syrah, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% that’s listed as “other varieties,” the 2017 Storypoint is an excellent value for lovers of California Cabernet. The nose offers up an expressive bouquet of macerated blackberry, plum, vanilla, and a lifted note of tar and dried mint. It’s full-bodied with […]

Cattleya Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Cattleya Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc 2018

Staw-hued, Cattelya’s 2018 Alma de Cattleya Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is imbued with nuanced aromas of lemongrass, lemon drop, white grapefruit, and unripe pineapple. Sourced from fruit primarily grown in the Russian River Valley, and aged in 100% French oak, it’s medium-bodied with a vivid burst of nectarine upfront that dissolves into a steely vein […]

Shared Notes Les Pierres Qui Décident 2017

Shared Notes Les Pierres Qui Décident 2017

Savory aromas of freshly cut grass, crushed herbs, alpine air, and pine needle anoint the nose of Shared Notes 2017 Les Pierres Qui Dècident. Crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc clone Musqué and fermented and aged in 100% new French oak, its linear cut and surging intensity is impressive. A beam of acidity arcs across the […]

Cattleya Alma de Cattleya Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018

Cattleya Alma de Cattleya Rosé of Pinot Noir 2018

Rose gold in the glass with copper inflections, the 2018 Alma de Cattleya Rosé of Pinot Noir possesses a kind of kinetic energy that’s hard to resist. The nose is a riot of white peaches, wild salmonberries, blood orange, and melon—like so much brightly-hued damask silk fluttering in the wind. In the mouth, racy acidity […]

Au Contraire Chardonnay 2016

Au Contraire Chardonnay 2016

The 2016 Au Contraire Chardonnay is a full-bodied effort, offering up classic aromas of orchard fruit—bruised pear and yellow apple followed by freshly buttered wheat toast and preserved lemon. Lots of juicy yellow fruit and creaminess at the core; the interplay of acid and toast is nicely done. Aged eight months in stainless steel and […]

Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc 2017

An energetic whorl of pear and juicy musk melon, Opal apple, stargazer lily, and lime zest comprises the nose of Orin Swift’s 2017 Blank Stare. A blend of 97% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscat, 20% barrel fermentation and aging in French oak is evident on the nose and palate, lending a just the right amount […]

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Another wine wholeheartedly enjoyed in the company of team #mywinesociety—the 2013 Silver Oak Alexander Cabernet Sauvignon is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, all from the same sub-appellation. It’s plummy, but quickly opens to reveal subtler notes of cassis, kirsch, sandalwood and vanilla bean paste. On entry, juicy black fruit is […]

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

A decade on the 2008 Alexander Valley Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon has developed nicely—it’s spent 24 months in barrel with another 15 months of bottle conditioning prior to release. Red currant, sweet red cherries, cassis, loamy soil, cinnamon bark, and vanilla bean anoint the nose. For a Sonoma Cabernet, it’s lighter in style, and medium-bodied. […]

Aubert Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2007

Aubert Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2007

Now a decade on, the 2007 Aubert Sonoma Coast Chardonnay slowly unfurls to reveal lemon curd, poached pear, and baked apple notes, couched in mellow and toasty tones of salted butter, brioche, caramel, and vanilla. Nice delineation on the palate, where voluptuous spiced orchard fruit is neatly intersected by a firm acidic spine and beautifully […]

Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

One of Napa Valley’s best kept secrets, Louis M. Martini’s 2013 Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with juicy blackberries, blackcurrants, and cassis. Leather, dried leaves, and trail dust along with an attractive top note of vanilla round out the nose. It’s sleek and softly textured on the palate with fine tannins and a medium+ finish. […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com