New releases from this winery have been strikingly strong in recent vintages, which is especially noteworthy because the wines have always been excellent. This Pinot is fresh and lively, but with savory notes already emerging from the core of fruit recalling both red and black cherries as well as lightly spicy undertones. Plenty to ponder here—or just enjoy.
Rich and robust, with nutmeg-cinnamon that animates notes of cassis, blackberry, and new leather. Tannins are round and plush.
Full-bodied charmer, with milk chocolate cherries and red beets. Chewy tannins allow a textural pleasure, sweeping the palate with blueberry gelée and ending with a toasty coating.
Mouth-coating, dusty vanilla, custard, and honeysuckle entertain on first sip. Undertones of basil, sandalwood, and lemon zest provide a platform for excellent balance.
Grapefruit zest, fennel, and a sleek minerality interplay with racy acidity. Bright, crisp, and shiny.
Most American wine professionals are aware of the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” tasting and by extension know the historical legacy this wine needs to live up to. It succeeds, brilliantly. Intricately detailed in both aroma and flavor, yet so well integrated already that all the fruit- and oak-derived details are arrayed harmoniously, this is a rare wine that can be examined with profit for an hour or just enjoyed with delight from the moment the cork is pulled. A marvelous accomplishment—and a fitting one, too.
Confidence is required to name a Sauvignon Blanc “Essence” and price it at $72, but this finished product meets these challenges. It hits a near perfect balance point between varietal intensity and a more mannered profile. Aromatic and flavor notes span the Sauvignon spectrum running from citrus to melon fruit notes, with alluring but subtle herbal and mineral accents. This measures up to the best renditions of the variety from anywhere in the world.
From Guarachi’s Meadowrock Estate in Atlas Peak, and aged 23 months in 100% new French oak, Winemaker Julian Gonzalez takes precise care to craft this masterful mountain Cab. Suede tannins release a hint of dusty cherry skin while plum liqueur paints the tongue, adding a slight grip. Sturdy tannins and graphite team up for its bold nature. As it opens, a creamy wash ensues, morphing into a plush pillow finish.