This Week's Must-Try Wines
Hartford Court
Seascape Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
The 2019 Chardonnay Seascape Vineyard is another incredibly distinctive wine in this range. Candied ginger, passionfruit, lemon confit, white flowers and tangerine oil give this mid-weight Chardonnay tons of character. Bright acids lend freshness and verve to a Chardonnay that is very much on the exotic side of things. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Sandlands
Contra Costa County Red Table Wine 2020
The 2020 Red Wine (Contra Costa County) is notable because of its complexity. Nothing in particular stands out, all the elements are so harmoniously put together. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice and menthol are some of the notes that open with a bit of air, but more than anything, I admire the energy and delineation leading into a finish of real substance. The blend is 65% Carignane and 35% Mataro. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Valravn
Sonoma County Chardonnay 2021
The 2021 Chardonnay (Sonoma County) is a tasty budget-friendly offering from Valravn. Orchard fruit, mint and light tropical notes are nicely lifted. This is very nicely done in its peer group. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Raen Winery
Cuvée Royal St. Robert Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020
The 2020 Pinot Noir Royal St. Robert is a very pretty, nuanced wine. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, dried flowers, herbs and a kiss of orange zest all grace this mid-weight, beautifully perfumed Pinot. There is very slight touch of astringency in the tannin, but that is a very small critique for a Pinot that offers so much sensuality and pure class. This is an impressive showing from Raen. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Ceritas
Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020
The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Bailhache is a very pretty wine that balances mid-palate creaminess with a good bit of energy. Apricot, white peach, flowers and mint grace this nuanced, soft Sauvignon Blanc from Ceritas. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
The Bedrock Heritage Sonoma Valley Red Blend 2021
The 2021 Bedrock Heritage Wine is a great expression of this site. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and tobacco are front and center. This dark, virile Zinfandel-based field blend packs a serious punch. There's plenty of detail and nuance behind all of that intensity. The 2021 is a big wine, but also less monolithic than some previous editions. There's a bit more whole cluster in the 2021 than in the past, so perhaps that explains the wine's nuance. The 2021 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from the Bedrock vineyard, and I say that as someone who is not yet fully convinced of the potential here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Peay Vineyards
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2020
The 2020 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is a lovely appellation-level wine. Crushed red berries, spice, floral top notes and a touch of blood orange give this tasty, ethereal Pinot a good bit of brightness and enough complexity to support fine drinking over the next few years. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Maggy Hawk
Jolie Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
The 2019 Pinot Noir Jolie is the most ethereal and lifted of these Pinots. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, mint and orange peel hover across the palate. Understated and classy to the core, the 2019 is impeccably balanced, not to mention a real charmer. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Ceritas
Elliott Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
The 2021 Bedrock Heritage Wine is a great expression of this site. Black cherry, chocolate, spice, leather and tobacco are front and center. This dark, virile Zinfandel-based field blend packs a serious punch. There's plenty of detail and nuance behind all of that intensity. The 2021 is a big wine, but also less monolithic than some previous editions. There's a bit more whole cluster in the 2021 than in the past, so perhaps that explains the wine's nuance. The 2021 is one of the best wines I have ever tasted from the Bedrock vineyard, and I say that as someone who is not yet fully convinced of the potential here. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2021 Vermentino Las Brisas Hers is done in a bright, steely style that emphasizes freshness. Citrus peel, flowers and bright varietal character lend notable inner perfume to complement the wine's focused, vibrant personality. Partial malolactic fermentation and aging in neutral oak keep the flavors vibrant. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2023) — a year ago