Domaine Drouhin Lauréne Pinot Noir 2012
Elegant, developed aromas of black raspberry and mulberry, fig leaf and dried mushroom, decaying leaves and a dusting of iron ore. In the mouth, silken, fully-integrated tannins lend structure to ethereal tones of black tea, violets, dried bark, and stratified minerality that surface momentarily, winking in and out—shimmering shards on a backdrop embroidered in dark […]
Chalone Vineyard Estate Syrah 2014
From Chalone’s historic estate in the Gavilan Mountain Range—it’s the oldest producing vineyard in Monterey County, with an altitude of around 1,800 feet and limestone-based soils, the wines from this small AVA are incredibly distinct. The 2014 Vineyard Estate Syrah boasts roasted plums, blackberries, tobacco, cedar, tar, black pepper, oxblood, and even a bit of […]
Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2015
Aromas of stemmy raspberry, black cherries, and macerated blackberry followed by vanilla, sweet tobacco, white pepper, and Oolong tea. There is concentration and power on the palate, but lightness too—as I typically find in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the acidity has a signature energy to it—nervy and coated in marine influence, it dances amidst pure […]
Venteux Paso Robles Grenache 2015
Limpid, translucent garnet in the Glass, the 2015 Venteux Paso Robles Grenache is native yeast fermented—and one of the more delicate expressions of the varietal I’ve found in this region. Eccentric rings of black cherry and fresh blackberry tumble from the glass, followed by a glorious and evolving profusion of cigar box, warm spice, dried […]
Leverage Acceleration 2016
A new find, Leverage is boutique Paso Robles producer focused on Rhône-style blends. The 2016 Acceleration is a soulful blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged in French oak puncheons. Blackberries, black raspberries, and plums tumble from the glass followed by waves of unsalted black licorice, olives, mountain herbs, sweet tobacco, vanilla, and macaroon. […]
Leverage Trajectory 2015
A polished GSM from Leverage, the 2015 Trajectory is a blend of 43% Grenache, 39% Syrah, and 18% Mourvedre. It unfurls slowly, revealing layers of plums and blackberry reduction sauce, sweet tobacco, cigarillo, spice, marjoram, and milk chocolate. On the palate, it’s not at all heavy. Beautifully lifted fruit is couched in fine tannins, deftly […]
Rain Dance Vineyards Lee’s Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2016
Full and expansive on the nose with orchard fruit hovering beneath striated layers of toasted coconut, lemon curd, orange zest, and toast. It’s the perfect compromise between more linear, unoaked chardonnays and full-on warm climate well-oaked expressions of the variety. There is ample concentration on the palate, and lovely round wood-driven character—but it veers well […]
Troon Kubli Bench Blanc 2017
At Kubli Bench, rows of biodynamically-grown Marsanne and Viognier are planted next to each other and are co-fermented. It’s quite floral at the first whiff—white flowers and stargazer lily are met by nut skin, pear, heirloom yellow apple, and a smoky undertow. Texturally, one feels that there is some skin contact, but it’s quite nuanced, […]
Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Pinot Noir 2015
Black cherries comingle with briary underbrush and red berries, sasparilla, and fading heirloom roses in this swoon-worthy biodynamic red. In the mouth, the 2015 Cooper Mountain Mountain Terroir Meadowlark Pinot Noir is poised an polished, with red and black fruit in equal measure, neatly embroidered to a framework of delicate tannins. 14.3% ABV | Sample […]
Rain Dance Vineyards Grand Oak Vineyard Estate Rosé 2017
Glinting rose gold in the glass, the 2017 Rain Dance Grand Oak Vineyard Estate Rosé is replete with aromas of melon, white peach, Queen Anne’s cherries, and a fleeting whiff of chalkboard dust. Bright and elegant in the mouth, texture at the back palate suggests minimal skin contact. Pink pomelo adds mouthwatering lift and complexity […]