Grüner Veltliner is much more commonly associated with Austria than Hungary, but this excellent rendition indicates that the latter country can produce delicious examples. This is a bit riper and rounder in texture than most Austrian Grüners, but very well-balanced acidity and a bit of the variety’s white pepper bite provide very nice counterpoints to the wine’s delicious fruit.
White blossoms, including linden and chamomile, scatter across a nose of nectarine, lime, and vanilla before settling on the medium-bodied palate, itself petal-like in its smoothness. Apricot and pear lead gracefully to a lithe finish with a soupçon of almond.
Blended with 1% Gewürztraminer, this softly creamy Chardonnay, fermented and aged primarily in French and American oak, is at once sensuous and poised. Peach, golden apple, and papaya make a vivid impression, enhanced by understated contours of coconut and toasted cream.
This Riesling displays depth and dash in equal measure. Honey and apricot aromas are lightly streaked with lemon and mineral nuances that continue on the palate, where yellow plum and quince linger with a tinge of ginger.
A blend of Italian varieties — Sagrantino, Teroldego, Nero D’Avola, and Negro Amaro – grown in Monterey County. Intense, with a firm tannic structure. Rich, bold notes of ripe black cherry, fig, dark chocolate, and leather are lasting impressions. Vanilla oak soothes with a plush cadence.
A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, the fruit hails from the appellation’s coolest site, sitting at over 1600 feet in elevation. Vibrant, with raspberry in aspic, sweet tobacco, and a field of lavender.
This mountain vineyard is directly above Oakville, at an elevation of 1,200 feet on the famed Pritchard Hill. Yesod translates from Hebrew as a guiding principle or foundation, and winemaker David Galzignato’s foundation is Napa Valley, and his guides are the unique soils and older vines from this vineyard. Its magnificent entry is dense with mountain garrigue and plum pudding. There’s an austerity factor here, with textured, buildable, layered flavors that span the broadness of dark chocolate and soy sauce, to the more savory, lean notes of spearmint and lavender.
Honeysuckle and vanilla-lemon cream offer a unique perspective on this varietal. Tropical fruit and flora ring bells and whistles, with crisp acidity balancing out its sumptuous charms, with a grassy finish.