Sourced from six Chardonnay blocks ranging from 2,400 to 2,700 feet in elevation on estate vineyards planted in volcanic soil, this is intriguing on those grounds even before the wine hits the bottom of one’s glass. Medium-bodied, it displays very pure fruit notes of Golden apples and orchard fruits, fresh acidity, and a nice suggestion of saline minerality that one rarely finds in California Chardonnay.
With 4% Grenache added in, the wine emotes black raspberry soaked in espresso. Sweet tobacco answers to earthy undertones, with a long, spiced cedar finish.
From old vine heritage vineyards, this Chenin Blanc is dusted with vanilla and hazelnut. Lifted notes of white tea and lime chiffon offer an austere profile.
Man Vintners
This is the winery’s debut release, a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 2% Malbec, sourced primarily from southern Napa Valley between Coombsville and Atlas Peak. Winemaker Zach Watkins has been leading “a very intentional effort to turn the ship back to Martini’s roots—to that classic Napa style.” This food-friendly red offers up dusty dark chocolate-lined tannins, alluring and opulent. Round and generous, with a harmony of oak, acid, and savory umami, for a world-class style.
Having tasted terrific renditions of Chenin Blanc and Cinsault in Lubanzi’s line of current releases, I was hoping to find comparable quality and improvement in this Sauvignon…and find it I did. It shows facets of both the herbal and citrus-based style of Sauvignon Blanc from France and New Zealand as well as the riper, melon-based style of most Sauvignons from California. That is a winning combination.
An iconic family name and a coveted vineyard site is an ideal match for this inspired red with flavors of black cherry, tree bark, red tea, and cinnamon hots. Thanks to Mark and Jeff Pisoni, the balance of wet earth tones with grilled meats offers a sensational profile of body, plus character.
Spiced mulberry goes juicy on first pass, with dried rose petals and red tea leaves. Black raspberry is accompanied by dusky notes of bramble and sweet earth.
Sweet tobacco and soil meld with a perfume of dried roses and basil. Opulent, with a dash of salinity marking pomegranate and candied apples. Sleek mouthfeel, with a dollop of raspberry jelly on the finish.