Oak Knoll Ranch

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

One of our favorites wineries, this vintage is a bit drier and lighter than the 2020 (which we preferred slightly better), probably a bit young to open, best if paired with a well seasoned and juicy/fatty steak. — 2 days ago

The Calling Wines

Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2023

Cork pull from the WCO fundraising event, and definitely a good win! Classic cali chard... Apple and pear, a bit of citrus, and a good amount of oak without overpowering butteriness. The kind of chard that helped me fall in love with wine 💕 — a month ago

Dave, Tom and 1 other liked this

Trefethen Family Vineyards

Oak Knoll District Merlot 2021

Gratifying Oak Knoll #napavalley #merlot - medium plus body, calibrated acidity, some vanilla and toasty oak notes so it’s pretty young but well executed Merlot. My hot take - Merlot at the $50 retail mark will outperform Cabs at this price point. — 5 months ago

Dave liked this

Monticello Vineyards (Corley Family)

Estate Grown Oak Knoll District Pinot Noir 2019

Perfectly ripe red fruit condition, Red plum and red cherry. Secondary black plum.
Texture is rounded and soft with a good acid balance.

Too much new oak for my preference, it distracts from the quality of the fruit.
— 7 months ago

Trefethen Family Vineyards

HãLo Hillspring Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Tobacco and a hint of smokiness (in a good way) on the nose. Faint hint of red fruit on the front. Medium tannic structure — surprising for a Napa Valley Cab but with really lovely vibrancy. Light mineral highnotes on the finish. Lovely. — a month ago

Shay and Serge liked this

Ashes & Diamonds Winery

Grand Vin No 1 A & D Vineyard Red Blend

Nice fragrance, and great long finish. — 3 months ago

Beta Wine

Vare Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley — 6 months ago

Ridge Vineyards

Benito Dusi Ranch Paso Robles Zinfandel 2023

Ridge Vineyards – Zinfandel – 2023
Benito Dusi Ranch – Paso Robles – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An extraordinary single-vineyard Zinfandel from one of the most historic and consistent sites in Paso Robles. The 2023 vintage delivers depth, purity, and that unmistakable Dusi Ranch character—old-vine concentration wrapped in Ridge’s signature balance and finesse. This bottling remains one of the benchmark Zinfandels in California.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry compote, ripe plum, and raspberry preserve with accents of warm spice, licorice, dried herbs, and a touch of cracked pepper. Subtle cocoa and cedar from restrained oak play in the background.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, yet never heavy. Juicy acidity energizes the palate while fine, structured tannins keep everything focused. Long, plush, and satisfyingly powerful.

Food Pairings
BBQ ribs, grilled lamb chops, wood-fired pizza, smoky brisket, or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A stellar expression of old-vine Paso Robles Zinfandel, opulent, balanced, and deeply flavorful. A true standout in Ridge’s portfolio.

Did You Know?
The Dusi family has farmed this vineyard for generations, and Ridge has made wine from the site since 1967. These old vines consistently produce some of the most character-rich Zinfandel in the state, making Benito Dusi one of Ridge’s most iconic single-vineyard bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This sits at the very top of my favorite Zinfandels, extraordinary from start to finish, and a reminder of why Ridge continues to define the category.
— 19 days ago

Dave, Bob and 9 others liked this
Douglas Braun

Douglas Braun Influencer Badge

Amazing Vineyard an family which were Paso Robles before Paso Robles
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Nice write-up. Always one of my favorites of the Ridge stable.

Piña Cellars

Low Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Piña Cellars Chardonnay 2019
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A very small-production Chardonnay sourced from the Low Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District, located next to the historic Muir-Hanna Vineyards (once linked to the famed 1976 Paris Tasting winner). Only a few hundred cases are made each year, making it one of Piña’s rarest bottlings.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich and concentrated, showing layers of orchard fruits (white peach, pear, apricot) with accents of honeysuckle, hazelnut, and brioche. Subtle baking spice and mineral notes weave in, reflecting both terroir and oak aging.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a creamy, satiny texture, balanced by refreshing acidity that keeps the palate lively. The finish is long and elegant, carrying flavors of stone fruit, nuts, and citrus zest.

Winemaking Notes
Crafted in a Burgundian-inspired style with extended élevage in French oak barrels (including new oak). The result is a Chardonnay that balances opulence with restraint, with the capacity to age several more years.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with buttery lobster, roast chicken, creamy risottos, or brie and hazelnut cheese plates. Its freshness also makes it a great companion to lighter dishes like seared scallops or grilled peaches.

Verdict
An exceptional Napa Chardonnay with historic vineyard lineage and precision winemaking. Rich, complex, and cellar-worthy, yet ready to impress right now. A showstopper in Piña’s small but mighty portfolio.
— 6 months ago

Ted liked this