Wine Competition Award Winners p123
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
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Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now! Casa Dumetz winemaker Sonja Magdevski at her store in Los Alamos, California.
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar WINE ISSUE 2020
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Wine Competition Award Winners p123
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
2020
STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar Signorello winemaker Priyanka French 2
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Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
2020
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Top Napa sommelier Zion Curiel
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
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Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Winemaker Matt Dees in the Santa Rita Hills of California’s Santa Ynez Valley 4
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Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
The Reynoso family and the staff of Crescere Wines
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
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Wine Competition Award Winners p123
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
2020
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now! Heitz Cellar CEO Carlton McCoy 6
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
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DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
2020
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Dan Petroski of Massican Wines
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Wine Competition Award Winners p123
Wine in the West
2020 DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now! Casa Dumetz winemaker Sonja Magdevski at her store in Los Alamos, California.
STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
2020
Wine Guide
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
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DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
2020
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STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
The Reynoso family and the staff of Crescere Wines
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
2020
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Winemaker Matt Dees in the Santa Rita Hills of California’s Santa Ynez Valley
Top Napa sommelier Zion Curiel
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STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
AND MATT BEAN
Dan Petroski of Massican Wines
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
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Photos by THOMAS J. STORY
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
2020
The seven covers you see here represent the ever-evolving world of wine in the West. From rising stars showing the way in new regions to family dynasties we can feel good about supporting; from avant-garde growers battling unforgiving earth to historic wineries pivoting to biodynamic methods, their stories will define what we drink in the years ahead. Which one’s your favorite? Let us know at @sunsetmag on Instagram.
Wine Guide
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
2020
Signorello winemaker Priyanka French
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners
Wine Competition Award Winners p123
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
DRINK THIS! Five Radical New White Wines
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now!
2020
Wine Guide
All the Bottles,Trends, and People You Need to Know—Now! Heitz Cellar CEO Carlton McCoy
STAY HERE 26 Wine Country Winners STOCK UP The New Rules of Starting a Cellar
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The Wine Issue Everyone has reason to raise a glass right now. Wine can be a welcome distraction. But it is also emblematic of our ability to transcend tragedy, to bounce back. Fires rage. Pests descend. Floods rise. And we rebuild. Our first ever wine issue* left us feeling energized by the boundless optimism and potential of American wine in the West. As we went to press, our friends and colleagues in wine country—with whom we’d normally be handling quotidian tasks such as fact-checking or
final edits—were instead relaying tales from the front lines of a Napa ablaze. A funny thing happened on the way to the apocalypse, however: The message that came back to us was one of resilience, not woe. Winemaking is a difficult business. It’s one of passion and hard work and it takes forever to see results. It’s done on a generational scale. Our stories reflect that. We're all caretakers for the next generation, whether that goes in a bottle or on a page. Cheers, everyone. Here's to 2021. — Matt Bean and Hugh Garvey
DEPARTMENTS
ESSAYS
PROFILES
FEATURES
17 Best of the West New and notable thoughts that happen to fit in a glass.
23 The Liter: A Bottle for our Times. When 750 mL just isn’t enough, seek out the heft of a solid kilogram of comfort.
46 Gia Coppola, the filmmaker, enters wine with a drinkable, unpretentious slate.
56 Big Data, Better Wine? Inside the upstart wine delivery service using algorithms to match you to your next favorite wine.
28 Home Tour The unbelievable transformation of a Napa Valley tasting room turned designer showcase. 43 The Perfect Day In… The Santa Ynez Valley You know it for Sideways, but the wine haven has only gotten better with age. Our take on how to dive in. 119 The Winner’s List The 2020 Sunset International Wine Awards best-of-show.
24 What’s in a Wine Glass? Maybe YOU. Our editors debate. Whether it’s a thinwalled, Austrian rarity or a mason jar swiped from ma’s cabinet, chances are your chalice of choice says a lot about you. But should it? 26 Recommendation: The Starter Cellar. Want to bust out of the box you’ve got stashed in a corner, or perhaps upgrade your cellaring technique to the next level? Look no further than page 26
48 Priyanka French, the rising star winemaker helping Signorello rise from the ashes. 50 Zion Curiel, the Wine Whisperer of Carneros, would like to pour you a glass. 44 Tom Gamble takes us on a tour of the Napa River restoration project. 54 Dan Petroski, the mulitasker behind Napa’s most exciting white wines. 62 Carlton McCoy, the young CEO turning a historic Napa winery into the nation’s largest biodynamic vineyard.
67 Harvest Diary We spent 24 hours with the winery behind The Hilt and Jonata, and all we have is this diatomaceous earth to show for it. 80 All in the Family Meet the Mexican-American family building a wine legacy for the next generation. 87 Wine Country Winners The absolute best resorts, hotels, spas, lodges, and more for wine country getaways.
MATT BEAN
*Okay, so we’ve done wine books before—such as this 1973 exploration of the Napa Valley—but never a dedicated issue.
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CONSISTENTLY EXCELLENT.
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2018 Sierra Madre Vineyard Santa Maria Valley
2017 Arroyo Seco
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UNOAKED CHARDONNAY
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Wines From Premier Vineyards Throughout California’s Central Coast
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2017 Vineyard Montage Santa Lucia Highlands
2017 Vineyard Montage Arroyo Seco
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© 2020 CRU Winery, Madera, CA | ® CRŪ is a registered trademark of Mariposa Wine Co., LLC (a DBA CRŪ Wine Company, LLC)
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Michael A. Reinstein David Steinhafel
CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER PUBLISHER
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Matt Bean
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTO EDITOR
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Hugh Garvey
Stephen Kamifuji
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Jasmin Perez
Thomas J. Story Nicole Clausing PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jamie Elliot
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER DIGITAL PRODUCER
Sales
Mort Greenberg Kathleen Craven HEAD OF TRAVEL Pamela Coffey HEAD OF OUTDOOR Kristi Rummel HAWAII LEAD SALES Robert Wiegand VP, REVENUE OPERATIONS Kelly Facer DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS Kathleen Pratt SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Isabel lanaux SVP, MEDIA SOLUTIONS
Marketing HEAD OF CUSTOM EVENTS
Tracy Seng
VP, PARTNERSHIPS
Sunset Publishing Corporation
Tom Griffiths, Graydon Sheinberg VP, AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT & CIRCULATION Shawn Byers SR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL INITIATIVES Matt Gross BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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@SUNSETMAG SUNSET PUBLISHING CORPORATION • P.O. BOX 15688, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90209 • SUNSET.COM
Photo by Thomas J. Story
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WINE ISSUE 2020
Copyright ©2020 Sunset Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions. Manuscripts, photographs, and other material submitted to P.O. Box 15688 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 can be acknowledged or returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For assistance with your Sunset subscription, call 1-800-777-0117.
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TAG ALONG ON OUR EDITORS’ ADVENTURES AROUND THE WEST
WINE AWARDS Grenache
ALC. 14.5% BY VOL.
DOUBLE GOLD Eagle Point Ranch Mendocino
Limestone; savory blue & black fruits and cassis. Sayor spice on finish.
Down every path is something new to explore! Our mission is to produce world class wines from neighborhood secret gardens. We hand pick each vineyard to produce an experience that tastes like a flavorful masterpiece. Stop by our tasting room and let Ali, Andy, Sarah Megan, Nick and the pups, JJ and Fosco, show you what Bee Huntin’ is all about.
DOUBLE GOLD Spicy; good mineral.
Greenwood Ridge Vineyards Anderson Valley
Pinot Noir
ALC. 14.2% BY VOL.
2014
Angel Camp Vineyard Anderson Valley
GOLD Crisp and clean. Very French. Lovely.
2016
ALC. 14.3% BY VOL.
This winemaking power couple has a knack for finding the best fruit in Mendocino County and making the purest expressions from it. They only work with growers that practice organic, biodynamic, and sustainable farming practices. They are a smallbatch operation, with no more than 200 to 500 cases per wine produced. Winemaking is minimal intervention to make sure a ‘sense of place’ is found in every bottle.
Late Harvest Riesling
Pinot Noir
GOLD Bitter sweet chocolate. Organic potting soil tone.
Mendocino 2017
Pinot Gris
Filligreen Farms Anderson Valley
ALC. 13.2% BY VOL.
Bee Hunter Wines are the brainchild of Ali and Andy DuVigneaud. Andy was born in the heart of the Anderson Valley and has been a winemaker for over 20 years. Ali “from the valley” arrived from Philly 9 years ago with a background in wine sales and a passion for wine country. These two met, formed a partnership, and have created a solid buzz and a cult following for their wines.
ALC. 9.7% BY VOL.
2016
GOLD Lively and zesty! Crisp and refreshing.
2017
Tasting Room • 14251 Hwy. 128, Boonville, CA 95415 707.895.3995 S U N S E T . C O M 13 W I N E •I Anderson S S U E 2 0 2 0 Valley
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Ragtag Wine Co. Ragtag Wine Co. embodies the belief that the world is a much better place because of the differences between us. It’s the diversity of the grapes grown and the people who live here that make the Central Coast such a beautiful place to live and make wine. We strive to pay tribute by creating never pretentious, small production wines that celebrate the diversity of the terroir. Ragtag Wine Co. crafts eclectic wines at the edge of San Luis Obispo’s Edna Valley from a carefully selected patchwork of vineyards. Founded by a brother-sister duo, Ragtag produces gorgeous bottles of thoughtfully crafted wines. 866-724-8241, ragtagwineco.com
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The Wines: 2017 Pinot Noir 93 Points $56
2019 Rosé 94 points $28
Appellation: Pinot Noir: San Luis Obispo’s Edna Valley Rosé: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes: Pinot Noir: Savory; earthy; black fruits; great wine by the fireplace. Rosé: Watermelon; plum; Sassy.
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PETAR KIRILOV, FOUNDER & WINEMAKER
Q: Tell us about your approach to winemaking. Petar Kirilov: Our main focus at Kukeri Wines is the quality of our wines, being small gives us the opportunity to take that extra time to monitor the whole winemaking process and to make each of these unique Napa Cabs amazing. Q: During vinification, what is the primary focus for your Sunset award-winning wine? A: Making wine is a complex process. We add an extra three days of extended maceration to build more texture and intensity on this exceptional Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was then pressed and aged for 18 months on fine lees in 100% French oak barrels, of which 40% are new oak barrels. Q: What are your predictions for the wine industry? A: The last few years have been really challenging. This year the fire season started way too early and our area has been burning for months now. Most of the grapes, if not all, have
been exposed to smoke and ash, but what I am seeing with some of the new vintage is that I don’t detect that much smoke and ash flavors into the new wines, so I think it will take a few months to really access and evaluate the damage of this vintage. We now see how climate change and the fires are the new normal, so we need to consider and think of what steps we need to take to help us prevent these disasters in the future. Q: Which wine sparked the inspiration behind your winery? A: Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon from Meadowcroft Vineyard. I have been impressed by the intensity behind it’s wild black berries and other dark fruit that you can smell and taste in this exceptional grape. This is what turned me to start making small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley’s sub appellations, including Stags Leap District, Howell Mountain, Rutherford, Spring Mountain, Atlas Peak, Oakville and more. Each year, we make a few different Cabs from different sub appellations and vineyards in Napa and experience the difference in terroir on each of these wines. 707-490-2067, kukeriwines.com
The Wine: 2018 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District Napa Valley
Score: 100 Price: $85 Appellation: Stags Leap District
Production: 290 cases
Tasting Notes: Perfect balance of power and finesse. Aromas of wild berries, cassis, roasted espresso beans, allspice, and cigar box. Elegantly layered and packed with dark fruits, wellintegrated tannins, lingering acidity and long finish.
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MATT BEAN
Standing on a ridge in the Mayacamas mountain range in Oakville, CA, the Promontory winery is part of Bill Harlan's portfolio of estates. First opened in 2017, the facility sits within 800 acres that Harlan pieced together over many years. It remains the only dedicated visitor experience offered by the winemaker and entrepreneur, whose other estates include Harlan, Bond, and The Mascot. We visited the Promontory winery to enjoy a tasting and learn how this bluechip facility was handling the experience during the COVID-19 era. Shown here are the french oak fermentation tanks in the Howard Backen-designed enclosure. Read on to learn more about this signature winery and more.
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BEST
WEST
REASON #3
bottle —and been easier Value Excellance
er" isn't a word you 1 ften in Napa, where ytes are accustomed REASON #1 ng top dollar for top es. But Royal Prince ers David Green and oschitzky count topneries such as Dana Vice Versa, and Lail scenes full of inds among theirJam-packed past fluencers in knee-high boots ses—which makes it flaunting mask rules weren't for them to unlearn our thing even before the panm techniques even at demic, and if you must ven0 to $40 price point. ture out to taste wines right ugural slate includes now,a precautions are crucial. bernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and The thenonly way we'd suggest leaving nay and Rosé under your home to taste would be to visit a welloyal Princess" label. self-guided or For more infoconsidered visit distanced tasting experience royalprincewines.com with rigorous health practices. To that end, we visited the Promontory Winery in Oakville to learn more about the top-flight house’s approach to public visits. The $200 experience includes a tasting of three wines in a private, outdoor cabana overlooking REASON #3 the Vaca Range. Our tasting coordinator met us in the parking lot and calmly and deliberately asked us the important health questions: Exposure? No. Fever? No. And so on. Once seated, she removed her mask only sparingly, to taste along and offer remarks. The takeaway: Research a winery before visiting and don't be shy to inquire about their practices in advance. Shouldn’t you care as much about what's in your body as what's in your glass? For more info visit promontory.wine
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Because private, safe tasting is possible
Sip, Safely
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1. The spartan entryway at the entrance to Promontory 2. A reflecting pond 3. A display of the winery's offerings, featuring labels inspired by U.S. bank notes 4. Geological samples from the estate 5. A scale model crafted from bronze showing the property and surrounding foothills 6. Masks on, even when outside 7. Oakville, CA, shown amidst the greater region 5
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MATT BEAN
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REASON #3
Because paying for what’s in the bottle —and not on a billboard—has never been easier Value Par Excellance REASON #2
Because some winemakers are content to quietly do great work
ROSS & ROYAL PRINCE PORTRAITS: MATT BEAN; BOTTOM: ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF CROWN POINT
Understated Excellence Stephen Ross doesn’t have a fancy tasting room, but that’s not the reason you’d seek out his facility, located in an industrial park in San Luis Obispo (SLO). There, the winemaker’s “sippin sidewalk” features lovingly crafted planters blocking off parking spaces and shades recently installed to block the mid-day sun. And, of course, his standout Pinot Noir expressions. We’re particular fans of the Edna Valley Estate Pinot ($38). Along with his
wife and co-worker Paula Dooley, Ross has been a force helping to raise awareness of San Luis Obispo’s wine scene since he arrived, fresh out of University of California, Davis. Ross’s mantra, “to guide, not tamper” just might be our next tattoo. For more info visit stephenrosswine.com
From left: Royal Prince co-founders Maayan Koschitzky and David Green
"Overdeliver" isn't a word you hear often in Napa, where wine acolytes are accustomed to paying top dollar for top wines. But Royal Prince co-founders David Green and Maayan Koschitzky count topflight wineries such as Dana Estates, Vice Versa, and Lail vineyards among their past successes—which makes it hard for them to unlearn premium techniques even at the $30 to $40 price point. Their inaugural slate includes a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a Sonoma Pinot Noir, and then a Chardonnay and Rosé under the "Royal Princess" label. For more info visit royalprincewines.com
REASON #3
Because the next generation of French winemakers… is here!? Keep Cab and Carry On The Santa Ynez Valley is many things, but a hotbed of Cabernet Sauvignon it is not. But that's exactly what Crown Point owner Roger Bower set out to craft with his Happy Canyon AVA winery. His secret weapon? French wunderkind Simon Faury (at right), along with consultants Philippe Melka and Michel Rolland. Faury earned a masters in viticulture from the University of Bordeaux and spent time at top French houses as well as Harlan Estate and Merryvale in the Napa Valley. And if the $150 estate bottling is any indication, Bower's goal—to put Happy Canyon on the map for Cabernet Sauvignon—is anything but a pipe dream. For more info visit crownpointvineyards.com
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Sonoma-Cutrer 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Category: Varietal Rosés
Award: Gold Score: 92 Appellation: Russian River Valley
Price: $21.99 Tasting Notes: Watermelon; ripe raspberries. Crisp and crunchy acidity.
Sonoma-Cutrer For 39 years, Sonoma-Cutrer has earned a reputation of craftsmanship by steadfastly choosing quality over quantity. The winery is known for creating world-class wines by marrying together Burgundian traditions with Californian ingenuity and a deep appreciation for Sonoma Coast’s remarkable terroir. This allows for wines that embody the beauty and authenticity of both places. Its uncompromising methods of vineyard management, grape oversight and cellar maturation allow SonomaCutrer to create wines unlike any other. Sonoma-Cutrer balances hard work and artistry, science and intuition, knowing and feeling to create some of the highest awarded wines in the country. sonomacutrer.com
Sonoma-Cutrer 2017 Les Pierres Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00
Award: Gold Score: 91 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)
Price: $42 Judges Tasting Notes: Crisp and clean from beginning to end. NICE!
Sonoma-Cutrer 2018 Sonoma Coast Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00
Award: Double Gold
Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)
Price: $21.99 Tasting Notes: Pear. Floral finish
S P O N S O R E D
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The Wines: 2019 Albariño 96 points $31
Awards: Best of Class Double Gold Best in Show - White
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True to varietal; good acid/ fruit balance; floral; fruity; lingers.
Brecon Story
2018 Mourvèdre 92 Points
Brecon is the epic saga of Damian Grindley and Simon Hackett, two down-to-earth blokes born on opposite sides of the planet who share a passion for wine, and are now stewards of one of Paso Robles’ most iconic wine properties. For Damian, a proud Welshman, it all makes sense, “I loved growing things and had a vegetable patch as a teenager.” A degree in horticulture and jobs in the wine industry led Damian to Australia and a postgraduate degree in enology at the University of Adelaide. “I spent years learning from super premium producers before becoming one of the USA’s most respected producers.” He now applies his craft at the Brecon property in Paso Robles’ Adelaide sub district, which is blessed by cooling fog and calcareous soils. Friend and partner Simon Hackett is a techie, solar and EV enthusiast. His success down-under enabled him to become an investor and helped Damian and wife Amanda realize the potential of Brecon Estate. 805-239-2200, breconestate.com
$58
Award: Gold
Appellation: Adelaida, Paso Robles
Tasting Notes: Mourvèdre: Sweet forest fruit character, velvety smooth; excellent length. True to varietal; good acid/ fruit balance; floral; fruity; lingers.
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EXPERIENCE A
DOUBLE GOLD WINNER FROM A SONOMA COUNTY PIONEER
95
VINTAGE 2019
©2020 RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS, HEALDSBURG, CA
SUNSET WINE AWARDS OCTOBER 2020
Rod Strong was one of the first to recognize and promote Sonoma County’s diversity as a key attribute. We continue to honor Rod’s spirit of innovation, passion and community building through our winemaking and winegrowing practices today.
committed to community since 1959 22
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REASON #4
Because the liter bottle is the perfect format for our times
Supreme Liters By HUGH GARVEY Illustration by HANA BAE
O
nly a few years ago the liter sized bottle of wine was a rarity in the wine world: squat and broad shouldered, containing just a glass or two more than a standard 750 ml bottle with none of the awkward heft and self importance of a magnum and all that it connotes. You’d see them in the cold case of smart wine shops, often containing crisp grüner veltliner, sometimes sealed with a crown cap like a big bottle of beer but mostly topped with a stelvin style screw cap: all the better for quick access, quick resealing, and, blissfully, leak free storage on its side in the fridge. Those features make it stand head and shoulders above the 750 with its elaborate corking systems (fake or natural). As lovely and transformative that ritual is, it’s, well, dated. Do we really need to peel that foil off, pull a corkscrew or sommeliers knife out of the drawer, twist, and lever, and wrestle out a plug on a Tuesday night, when ritual is the last thing we need in times requiring focus and a fast glass of wine. The liter bottle of wine never requires you to work for it. It's sizable enough to slake a solo drinker's thirst for three or four days. Leftover wine is good wine. The size is also sociable: should you be invited to a socially distanced outdoor party, showing up with a liter says: open this now. Now is not the time to stash this in your cellar. We're here to crack the seal and seize the day. Similarly if you’re hosting folks in your backyard, plunking down a liter on each table is equally convivial and generous. In a year when we’re worried about having less ( job security, clean air, health, social justice), it’s nice to know that there’s a bottle that’s all about having just a little bit more.
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REASON #5
Because glassware can fit any philosophy
Choose Your Vessel Wisely
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lassware is a polarizing topic in the wine world, with attitudes hewing to two common beliefs. In one, the finer the glass, the more elevated the experience. Why should fine wine be consumed in an inferior vessel? In the other, a pedestrian glass holds liquids just the same as a German-engineered status flagon. It’s more practical, too—the tool of winemakers drawing barrel samples, European families enjoying table wine, and so on. Which path do you choose? Our editors duke it out. Which side are you on—the elevated (ahem, elitist) or the everyman (ahem, declassé).
The Elevated Imbiber
I’m a chronic glass breaker. It’s a slightly embarrassing symptom of wanting my wine to taste its very best—and the fact of the matter is the best wine glasses tend to be the most fragile. In lazy moments I’ve loaded the dishwasher with stems so thin they couldn’t survive the buffeting of water jets. I’ve cracked the bowl of crystal goblets trembling under the stress of a soapy sponge bath. And I’ve mortally wounded a glass or two during some exuberant moments at the dinner table. I’m not typically the kind of guy who buys things that are bound to break, but decades ago I attended a seminar that opened my mind to the elevating effects of wine glasses specially designed to amplify the distinct characteristics of, say, Bordeaux made in the French style, a leaner white, or an old vine Zinfandel. It turns out the size of the opening, the arc of the bowl, and the shape and thickness of the rim all affect how a wine’s bouquet is amplified or moderated and how the liquid makes contact with the tongue, tempering acid and tannin and highlighting fruit. I know it sounds pretentious, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking your favorite juice out of a Zalto wine glass so gossamer it seems to vibrate and bend under the weight of a pour and swirl, you know what I’m talking about. Great glasses aren’t cheap, but you don’t need to buy a set of four if you can’t afford it. You can buy a single Zalto universal wine glass for around $60. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it to me to make a good wine taste great. Just go easy with the dish sponge. —Hugh Garvey
The Everyman Pragmatist
There’s a scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when the ancient knight charged with guarding the fountain of youth asks both Indy and the requisite Nazi to choose a cup from a phalanx of resplendent serviceware. Long story short, the Nazi’s henchwoman chooses for him a gem-festooned chalice of gold, a baroque piece of drinkware that dazzles the fiend. “It’s more beautiful than I could ever imagine,” he coos, and then promptly ages faster than an elder Kardashian bereft of plastic surgery after drinking from the fountain. As the Nazi disintegrates into dust, the knight deadpans: “He chose poorly.” Watching that scene warped my teenage brain but taught me a lesson. Indy wisely notes that Jesus was a carpenter, that he would have preferred a simple, well-made drinking vessel. He chooses the basic cup, takes a slug from the fountain, and the rest is history. And, well, sequels. Point being: it’s what you bring to the experience that matters, not the artifice. Status glassware is compensatory; it’s fragile; it’s defiantly un-portable. Do I enjoy the thin rims, the delicate stems, the flagrantly elitist marketing? In varying measures. But give me a low, squat glass or even a jam jar like the one shown here and I’ll conjure up flavor connotations not even a floor-level Phish wookie could cough up at the encore. —Matt Bean
“Think of your glassware like speakers for the wine. If you're drinking a $100 wine, you might want that on your hi-fi system, the high end set-up with the vacuum tubes, on a premium turntable. But if you're drinking an everyday wine, then maybe it's okay to listen through your boom box.” —Scott Sampler
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JC VALLA
THE TIEBREAKER: We asked winemaker Scott Sampler to settle the debate, once and for all. As the head of the high-end cult winery The Central Coast Group Project as well as the ultra accessible natural wine brand Scotty-Boy!, he's got a foot in both worlds. And... he didn't exactly pick sides.
Illustration by HANA BAE
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REASON #6
Because there's never been a better time to take your wine collection seriously
The Cellar, Simplified
Stashing wines like a three-dimensional game of Tetris in your groaning fridge is an exercise in frustration. Follow the simple rules of a balanced wine portfolio and you’ll have easy access to great wines, no matter what the occasion
By MATT BEAN Illustration by HANA BAE
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What's your Budget?
You've played Tetris, right? Well how about wine Tetris? That's the uniquely maddening game of stacking, nesting, and shifting in your fridge that happens when
Budget: $0
your sparkling and white wines duke it out with tubs
Download the Vivino app to
of hummus and the
track the wines you drink or
occasional condiment for
the ones you have in your
space. I’ll spoil the ending
“anti-system.” Your mental
for you: Eventually, woefully,
cellar begins! vivino.com
you’ll be standing amidst shards, a full batch of something special at your feet, the dijon grinning at you from above—the victor.
Kelli White (left) and Sarah Bray of the Learning Center which provides wine education to Napa Valley Reserve members and Meadowood guests.
A cellar doesn't have
group, is that "the styles and
as a smaller portion of your
to be anything fancy. It
regions you collect should be
overall collection.
might be as simple as a
personal," not trying to hit
handful of boxes in a cool
some kind of academic idyll.
for cooling and preserving
location with a consistent
WHITE AND BRAY: AMANDA HARLAN
Specialized systems
Budget: $50 Purchase an inexpensive wooden rack like the systems offered by
temperature. Hell, call it a
The best way to think
wines might seem like the
mental cellar: Knowing what
of your collection, says Bray,
playtoys of the wealthy, but as
you’ve consumed, and
is to quarter it into four basic
you can see it's entirely
enjoyed, is half the battle. In
parts: wines for everyday,
possible to start organizing
the abstract, a cellar is a
short-term drinking; wines
your wines in a dedicated
commitment you make to
for mid-term cellaring
collection for under $100.
tracking and planning your
(between three and nine
This offers several advantages
wine consumption, and
years); special occasion
over the “stacks of boxes”
reaping the rewards from
wines (birthdays, promotions,
anti-system. For one, you can
that planning. A good
etc.); investment wines (cult
arrange the daily drinkers in
cellar—that can handle both
producers, high scores); and
their own region so you're not
organization and
wines that need a decade or
accidentally drinking a cult
preservation—isn't that hard
more of age to reach their
cab by accident on a Tuesday.
Budget: $500
to put together, and doesn't
peak. “If you're just starting
But you can also more easily
Consider a dual-zone,
have to be expensive (see
out, you might only have a
scan the wines to reacquaint
dedicated wine fridge. We
sidebar). The most
few categories,” Bray says:
yourself with your collection,
like the 29-slot unit from
important factor, says Sarah
daily drinkers, special
or to match it against a
New Air shown above.
Bray of Napa Valley
occasion wines, and longer-
Google doc or whatever kind
It's perfect for cramped
Reserve’s wine education
term aging that might start
of record you might keep.
California-based Display Gifts. $50 and up, displaygifts.com
kitchens. newair.com
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REASON #7
Because Napa’s coolest new tasting room is a designer showcase in a historic home
Faust Haus Home tours are a staple of this magazine. But how to handle in our first-ever wine issue? We scoured the wine world to find this renovated Victorian home from 1878. The new epicenter of Faust wines, it's inspiring, inviting, and fresh.
ADRIAN GAUT
By MATT BEAN
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Seen from above: the Faust tasting room sits atop Highway 29 in St. Helena.
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Interiors were handled by Aidlin Darling Design, the same firm behind the renovation of Scribe Winery's hacienda. The Faust project took four years in all. WINE ISSUE 2020
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A seating area in the basement of the home, which was used as a speakeasy during Prohibition. The original stone walls are ideal for beating the summer heat.
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Shown here is the library room, where blue hues range from the crushed velvet upholstery to the muted cobalt of the walls. Framed tintype-style portraits by Lindsay Ross show vineyard workers as well as the Coombsville AVA vineyards.
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THOMAS J. STORY; ADRIAN GAUT (2)
ADRIAN GAUT
The exterior and first floor of the dwelling are meant to convey a hushed mood, one for contemplation and reflection. Moving up to the top floor visitors encounter a lighter palette—an ascencion of sorts. Shown on this page are original murals by Italian artist Roberto Ruspoli; restored railings were original to the home.
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THOMAS J. STORY 38
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Ruspoli's mural (left page) escorts visitors up the stairs to the very top floor of the building, which is light, open, and airy. The steeple feature seen from miles away (this page, bottom) was opened up and restored to reward visitors and continue the feeling of elevation
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Tastings at Faust are conducted in the lush, well-appointed grounds of the property rather than inside; postCOVID-19 the winery will return to indoor tastings.
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S P O N S O R E D
C O N T E N T
The Wine: 2019 Chenin Blanc Score: 96 Price: $35/bottle 750ml Winemaker: Mark Foster
Appellation: Nevada City Winery Nevada City Winery is celebrating 40 years in business and offers a diverse selection of wines that can be enjoyed in a flight, by the glass, and by the bottle. Guests are welcome to sit and relax in the tasting room, art gallery, covered patio, or wine garden. Our barrel room and production facility are on-site and located directly below the tasting room, enabling us to share immersive crushrelated experiences with our guests. We are located on the California I80 corridor, halfway between Sacramento and North Lake Tahoe, in the historic downtown of Nevada City. Nevada City Winery has all the small-town charm, character, and sense of community one looks for in a local tasting experience. If you find yourself in the area, take some time to visit and experience a bit of that charm for yourself. 530-265-9463, ncwinery.com
Clarksburg, CA
Sensory Profile: Delightful aromatic display of pear, honeysuckle, and a hint of almond. Beautiful balance with delicate fruit and refreshing acidity, making this a great wine for sipping on a warm day as well as an ideal accompaniment to fish and other light meats.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Fermentation Style: 100% cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Vintage Notes: The 2019 vintage benefited from an extended cool growing season, resulting in full-flavored grapes with bright acidity and exceptional balance.
Aging: This wine was aged seven months and then bottled to capture the bright fruit and crisp acidity.
Technical Notes: Alc. 12% TA .71 g/L pH 3.48 RS .20 g/L
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REASON #8
Because the coolest little wine region in the West just got cooler A constellation of quaint towns and top wineries makes this a r e a j u s t n o r t h o f S a n t a B a r b a r a a wo n d e r f u l g e t a wa y. By Hugh Garvey and Matt Bean
CALIFORNIA'S
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
MATT BEAN
THE
10 YEARS AGO Sonja Magdevski opened Casa Dumetz, a wine shop and tasting room in Los Alamos. Then, the sleepy little one-horse town had a brick oven flatbread joint, a saloon straight out of a Sergio Leone flick, and a general store festooned with a banner proclaiming this year’s rodeo-winning bull rider. It wasn’t long before Angelenos flocked to this picture perfect slice of the Santa Ynez Valley time forgot: the bakeries and bars and hipster hotels came, the adoring press coverage followed. It would’ve been so insufferable if it wasn’t so, well, perfect. A decade later this small constellation of towns has proven the enduring appeal of a formula that’s tough to argue with: restaurants and tasting rooms within stumbling distance of each other; down-to-earth proprietors; sophistication couched in humility. Read on to hear more about our favorite spots in the SYV.
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BELL’S
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INDUSTRIAL EATS
PICO
Just south of the highway in Buellton, this deli counter-like operation churns out unbelievably delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and wood-fired dishes. We tried some cod with bok choi and a sausage pizza with Fresno peppers. Bonus: the store also sells Italian sundries, from anchovies to dried pasta, making it a great stop for anyone staying more than a night or two. industrialeats.com
Owned by the couple behind Lumen Wines, this designdriven Los Alamos restaurant serves up sumptuous, genrespanning foods in a showstopper of a backyard that also features an Airbnb for lease. Enjoy a glass of winemaker Will Henry’s finest before tucking into some lamb tartare and stumbling across the yard to your bed. losalamosgeneralstore.com
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A Los Alamos restaurant serving Francophilic food that’s wholly Californian (witness a layered crepe topped with caviar and lobes of sweet and briny Santa Barbara uni; a textbook steak tartare; service that’s city smart but country chill); Bell’s features the cooking of Per Se alum and F&W Best New Chef honoree Daisy Ryan. bellsrestaurant.com
BOB’S WELL BREAD
The new Ballard outpost of this Los Alamos mainstay offers the same top-notch baking with a fresh coat of paint—a painstakingly-restored building in the one-time stagecoach stopover town. Acolytes queue up for a shot at limited edition pastries. bobswellbread.com
CASA DUMETZ
Sonja's spot has grown through the years, and features ample outdoor space for tasting not only her eclectic tap list but her house wines, too. casadumetzwines.com and babisbeeremporium.com
MAP: STEPHEN KAMIFUJI; PHOTOS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: LIZ DODDER; COURTESY OF BELL’S; STEVE COLLINS; MICHELLE TURNER; COURTESY OF PICO; COURTESY OF INDUSTRIAL EATS
EAT
STAY
EXPLORE VINOS VAQUEROS
THE LANDSBY
A small-scale but charming operation owned by a couple passionate about their horses, this stands as the antidote to force-fed corporate rental rides. For about $150 per person, try the “Ride and Wine” option, where soaring views of the valley give way to elegant wines in the stable. Carrots optional. vinovaqueros.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©2017 DAVIDTSAY.COM/ALL RIGHTS RESERVED; REBECCA NUSS; © 2018 MACDUFF EVERTON; HEATHER DAENITZ/COURTESY OF VISIT THE SANTA YNEZ VALLEY; THOMAS J. STORY; SKYVIEW LOS ALAMOS
This 51-room boutique hotel in Solvang offers a design antidote to the kitschy Scandinavian cladding of the rest of Solvang. From thoughtful finishes to smart public areas that cater to the COVID-19 era, the property features a showstopper of a courtyard where breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served al fresco. For a light bite after check-in, we recommend the Buckwheat Noodle Salad. Pro tip: Aim for one of the townhouse-style rooms ringing the courtyard and sip cocktails before walking three or four feet to your table. thelandsby.com
THE WINSTON
SKYVIEW MOTEL
Pop through the walkable underpass under the freeway on-ramp and pass by the Scar of the Sea tasting room and you’ll encounter Sunset favorite the Skyview Motel. There, vintage vibes abound at the pool, which offers relief from the valley’s punishing heat (and hangovers), along with soothing views the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside, dotted with ancient oak trees and even more vineyards. skyviewlosalamos.com
As contactless as a hotel experience can be, this 14-room luxury property occupies a historic clocktower building in the quaint Scandanavian-themed town of Solvang. Just use your door code to enter the main building as well as your room, and enjoy the honor bar at your leisure while relaxing with an art library or in your large quarters. Breakfast arrives at your door at your chosen time. It’s possible to stay without seeing (or sharing airspace with) another soul. thewinstonsolvang.com
FESS PARKER WINERY
Founded by Davy Crockett actor Fess Parker, this popular estate is PENCE VINEYARDS one of many seminal wineries on Not far past Solvang, this picturesque Foxen Canyon road. 220-acre property aspires to Soaring trees sway overhead the Burgundian style of wineas you work your way through Matt Horn making withthe itsfire whites stokes in hisand cus-reds. the many cuvees. A smallerThebuilt outdoor tasting facilities tom smoker named Lucille are qui omnit de volupta we scale luxury inn with horseback beUllosome of theomnis most welcoming nonectume num id ut re omnit et, riding is also owned by the same officidia have encountered in the valley. dus quiatis cimincipient family. fessparker.com pencevineyards.com dolorepera nonsendunt fugiasi
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REASON #9
Because another Coppola is getting into the winemaking game
8 Questions with Gia Coppola
F
ilmmaker Gia Coppola is following the family tradition of delving into the wine business after proving her bona fides in movies (at 26 she directed her first film, Palo Alto, starring James Franco; her latest film, Mainstream, debuted at the Venice Film Festival in September and stars Maya Hawke and Jason Schwartzman). Gia Coppola Wines is the latest and possibly most radical offshoot of the winery founded by her grandfather Francis Ford Coppola some 40 plus years ago. While her aunt Sofia Coppola’s pink sparkling wine has become a supermarket staple along with Francis’s many quaffable clarets, cabs, and chardonnays, Gia’s wines feature many of the signifiers of the millennial-powered natural winemaking movement: they’re low in alcohol, there’s a hazy orange wine, the bottles are wrapped with art photos from Gia’s archives, there’s no obvious branding, and a crown cap seals them rather than a stuffy cork. The results are across the board palatable, unpretentious, and party-ready. We talked to Gia about the inspiration behind the bottles and winemaking as an ephemeral but vital art form.
Q: It’s easy to imagine all the Coppola kids running through the vineyards as children and learning how to make wine by osmosis. Is that the case, or did you come to it more recently? A: I was raised in Napa up until I was a toddler then my mom and I moved to LA. I always came back to Napa to spend time with my grandparents on some weekends but always for holidays and summers. When I was 12, I wanted to work in the winery, but of course it wasn’t legal, so they set me up as the olive oil tasting stand girl and I just felt so proud. Q: Was this your first swing at making wine? A: I did a round of wines prior to this but I felt a little flustered by the experience at that time. I was only 26, I didn’t have many years under my belt
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with trying wines. Now that I’m older, my friends and I enjoy lots of different wines. I had started to see younger brands using photos for labels and I found it really alluring. I have so many photographs that I took, so I went back to the winery with the idea of my photos for labels. My grandpa had shown me new bottles with the cap top and we liked the idea of a lot of bang for your buck, hence the liter size. I collaborated with our winemaker, Jordan Costello, who’s a young woman close to my age, to get the wine to my tasting. I love working on the wine and it’s important to me to be involved in every decision. Q: I imagine your grandfather has given you filmmaking advice before. Did it parallel his winemaking advice? My grandpa, throughout my childhood, always spouts words
of wisdom and relates art and filmmaking to wine. He helped me make the wine industry feel more like a creative space and less intimidating. He’s always trying to invent new ideas for wine bottles or the wine experience. He showed me the cap style and liter bottle in two separate examples and suggested that we put them together and I loved that idea. Q: How is making a wine start to finish similar to directing a film? A: It’s very similar. You have many different departments that you have to weigh in on just like film. Instead of costumes, production design, and cinematography, it’s the wine blend, the design, the marketplace. Winemaking though is great because it’s more about testing the waters, you evolve with the audience experience. In filmmaking you only get one shot. Q: Did you have a specific audience in mind when you were conceiving the line? A: Yes, millennials, meant for the unpretentious and younger generation to enjoy. I wanted to make a wine I knew me and my friends would like. By following that, I hoped it would seem appealing to more people in my age group; millennials or young people who are just starting to get into wine but maybe feel a little overwhelmed and intimidated.
Q: The labels on your wines feature photographs from your archives. What’s the story behind them? A: Each image is from my archives and plays a big role in how I’d pair them with the different Gia wine varieties. The orange wine label is a behind the scenes photo from a shoot in late 2017 of my dear friend Jane Moseley for Puss Puss Magazine (a half fashion, half cat lover magazine). The photo on the SanGia label was taken during a set visit to my uncle Roman’s film A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, which features an extra who was resting on an apple box surrounded by fake fruit that reminded me of sangria’s many flavors. Q: Where do you see your wine on the spectrum of your own body of work? A: I always feel very insecure about everything I make but I think because winemaking is a lot of fun, educational, and less emotionally painful, with room to keep evolving, that I just look back on it with joy. Q: Do you have a favorite in your line of wines? A: I generally like to drink red, so the Fat Cat wine is my natural go to. I especially enjoy it with Ad Hoc’s fried chicken when I’m up north or playing the family card game Machiavelli with my grandma. —Hugh Garvey
Three Wines to Try
Orange Riesling A low-abv, skin contact dry riesling that's fresh and a little funky. Sip alone or serve with seafood. $25
COPPOLA: TORI TIME PHOTOGRAPHY/@TORI.TIME
SanGia Red Blend Chill this slightly spiced, barely sweet chuggable spin on Spanish sangria. $25
Gia Coppola's photographs grace the labels on her line of wines.
White A zippy white wine with just enough a body to go with roast chicken or stand on its own. $25
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REASON #10
Because great new beginnings can come from tragic ends
Rising from the Ashes By MATT BEAN Photograph by THOMAS J. STORY
Winemaker Priyanka French in the makeshift offices at Signorello.
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N
apa can be a tough place to break into, even for billionaires. So consider the headwinds when you’re a twenty-something prodigy from Bombay like Priyanka French. “People like me trying to break in, we never saw anyone who looked like us,” French says. “It’s something I’ve gotten comfortable with, even though no one should ever have to do that.” Now in her second harvest as the winemaker at Signorello Wines in Napa, French brings a strong sense of purpose and a solid background in food science and chemistry to the third-generation house. Her task—to elevate Signorello to elite status—has been complicated doubly so, thanks to the fires in 2017, which all but razed the property, and this year’s blazes, which have had her in constant communication with a lab in British Columbia. “We’re looking not only for smoke character now, but smoke that might be released in years to come,” notes the University of California, Davis-educated winemaker. “It’s a very innovative process. We’ll make wines from what we have even if they’re de-labeled just to learn to deal with these conditions.” That’s the kind of optimism you don’t often find among the veterans of the valley, who recall the “good old days” before traffic and fires and everything. To be sure, the blaze that took Signorello in 2017 was catastrophic—but it also
TOP: ADRIAN GREGORUTTI
Collecting for Beginners Older wines in good condition can be hard to come by. But French has three pieces of advice for aspiring collectors.
The remains of the Signorello Estate Winery after the 2017 fires.
represented a chance to rebuild what was an ad-hoc, family winery in the mold of the high-tech titans—as French says, “to be able to adjust the winemaking process to suit the harvest and wines, rather than the other way around.” This means the company’s flagship cab, the Padrone bottling, will be available in greater volume than before, and that French’s focus on balancing the vines in the field to produce an age-friendly bottling with a “generosity of flavors” at a lower ABV will be allowed to shine. French knew coming to Signorello would provide her all of the raw materials she’d need to help the brand reach the next level. “They’ve always just flown under the radar, but we have everything we need.” The vineyards comprise 30 acres straddling the exclusive Silverado Trail in Napa, and plans for the estate include a 2021 opening of a 21,000-square foot
Scan the Sites French recommends three auction sites for older wines. Winebid.com “is very reliable,” she says. “If you get a bad bottle you just email them and they replace it.” Benchmarkwine.com has a great newsletter. And nolimitfinewines.com “is kind of my secret. I’m not sure I should even be telling you about it.”
Know Your Houses Some wineries have made a practice of keeping old stock available, which means you’re more likely to be able to find it. French echoed what many in the Napa Valley will say about Stony Hill’s older white wines. And Mondavi’s bottlings from the 1980s “are all drinking spectacularly well right now,” she says.
winemaking facility and tasting room. But right now, not much more than a humble but functional trailer sits on the property, standing in for a tasting room and office. Still, the future seems bright. After her appointment to the role, French recruited renowned viticulture expert Steve Matthiasson, who worked alongside her at Napa bluechip winery Dalla Valle, and consulting director of winemaking Celia Welch. She’s active in a handful of groups aimed at fostering a more welcoming environment for women and BIPOC wine professionals and enthusiasts, including board roles with Batonnage Forum (batonnageforum.com) and Wine Unify (wineunify.com). What was it that initially spurred French, a rising star whose tenure at Dalla Valle was much heralded, to sign on with Ray Signorello, the owner of his eponymous winery? His love of winemaking and the chance to help the family chart a course not just for next year but for the next decade certainly played a role. “But he also has two daughters, and Ray told me: I hope they will see someone like you taking control and say to themselves, ‘If she can do it, we can do it’,” French says. “It’s not about him. He’s planning for his daughters to come and guide the future of the property.” Maybe being optimistic about the future is the first step towards changing it.
Join Forces While COVID has curtailed wine gatherings, you can still share the load of scanning for new auctions, and if you’re able to taste at a remove, share the cost.. “My husband and I are in three tasting groups,” says French. It’s great for access to wine but also you have all of these other palates informing the experience.”
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REASON #11
Because Napa’s rising star sommelier has a fresh take on wine
Build Your Own Legacy By MATT BEAN Photograph by THOMAS J. STORY
E
veryone has an origin story, a meet-cute where their career, their love life, or maybe their fortune takes a turn out of a storybook. Sommelier Zion Curiel had a different kind of epiphany moment that launched his career in wine. “I loved vintage cars, I still do. I still remember I was working on my 1966 Skylark Grand Sport at the time, and my friend told me ‘You get out from under the car, I can get you a job at the French Laundry.’ We talked a bit, and I said… ‘They pay you how much to do what?!’” Curiel laughs about that record-scratch moment, which put him on a different path from the criminal justice foundation he’d been building. But his meteoric rise from the French Laundry, where GM Laura Cunningham gave him his start in 2000 to blue-chip wine resort Meadowood to the wine-haven of Coi restaurant in San Francisco is proof
Sommelier Zion Curiel inspects a glass of Carneros wine.
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surrounding the property. Not only is the Carneros region one of the last to attract speculation, it’s also closest among the growing regions to the Bay Area, which remedies (some of) the traffic pressure that the area has experienced over the past couple of decades. What’s more, from a grower’s perspective, the cooling influence of the nearby bay and marsh and the frequency of the rolling fog—a less consistent presence in far-north Calistoga, say—also make for a more diverse, cool climate that benefits certain grapes more than others (see sidebar, at bottom). “It’s more like the Mediterranean, in terms of climate,” Curiel says. “You have some
Your Carneros Starter Kit As the leading sommelier in the Carneros region, Curiel's picks go a long way. We asked him to choose a few of his favorites from the list at FARM. 52
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pockets protected from the wind, so grapes like vermentino, pinot gris, even syrah feel right at home.” Carneros is the coolest of the Napa Valley AVAs. Surrounded by large bodies of water that moderate a climate similar to the Mediterranean. Long, sunny growing seasons with little rain, mild weather during spring and fall, and winters that are cool to cold, but not frigid. The Pacific is quite cold, compared to the Mediterranean, so it generates fog. That fog slows grape ripening by providing further cooling at night, inhibiting temperature rise in the morning, and also blocking out the morning sunlight. Los Carneros is primarily
The Wine:
Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’, Blanc de Blancs, Carneros, 2012 Zion Says: One of California's best sparkling wines. It’s winemaker Eileen Crane at her best bringing out the best of two countries making a California wine with a French expression. A versatile wine for us at the Resort when it comes to pairing with food from fish, crab, lobster, and poultry to a ripe cheese.
associated with the coolclimate wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir, as well as the sparkling wines made from those grapes. Many wineries in Napa and Sonoma use Carneros grapes as a coolclimate blending component. Recently, there has been interest in Merlot and Syrah coming from warmer areas of the region. Part of his love for the region, but also his foresight, has led Curiel to build for Carneros the country’s largest region-specific cellar for the AVA, with 65 wines available at any given time. And now, the rest of the winemaking world is starting to catch on to what Curiel knew instinctively. Mondavi, Cliff Lede, and Foley are among dozens of powerhouse winemakers who’ve recently planted flags in the region. In the end, the parallels between classic cars and wine regions are unmistakable for Curiel. “All my buds were championing Chevelles, Mustangs, Cutlass Supremes. But not a lot of people are in love with Buicks.” Above: Curiel and his father celebrate Christmas. Right: the grounds at the Carneros Resort and Spa
The Wine:
Bouchaine ‘Swan Clone, Pinot Noir,' Caneros, 2018 Zion Says: Under winemaker Chris Kajani’s direction, Bouchaine’s wines have reached new heights. The small berries of the swan clone offer intense aromatics—from raspberries, strawberries and cranberries to violets. Graceful with structure I’ve found this wine pairs with a variety of flavors from leaner meats like roasted chicken and pork loin to fatty cuts like lamb.
TOP: COURTESY OF ZION CURIEL
positive that wine was always in his future. Curiel, now 42, has been beverage director at the highend Carneros Resort and Spa for four years. He grew up around wines: His father, Juan Curiel Sr., is a 34-year veteran of Beringer, and still works as a vineyard manager today. “They’d have wholesale days for employees, and he would bring home either a Beringer Cab or Zinfandel,” Curiel remembers. But while his father taught him to taste the wines, to appreciate process, and to enjoy the communal aspect of wine, Curiel's path wasn’t yet set. While anyone’s course in life depends on a complicated calculus of factors, Curiel credits a 1989 Château d’Yquem tasted during his time at the French Laundry with delivering a healthy nudge in the direction of tasting and sharing wine with others. “It opened up my mind to the uniqueness of wine,” Curiel recalls. “The beautiful acidity, sweetness, this viscous sweet balanced thing that led me to a new world of knowledge.” At the Carneros property, Curiel focused that knowledge on the up-and-coming region
TOP: COURTESY OF CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA
The Wine:
Hudson Ranch ‘Pick Up Sticks’, Grenache, Carneros, 2018 Zion Says: From the organic gardens, olive oil, and heritage breed pigs and lamb to the wines, all are made with the same care and respect at Hudson Ranch. This grabbed my attention right away in the glass with aromas of ripe cherries, spice and leather. It’s medium-bodied, and both fruity and savory, similar to a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner.
The Wine:
Brick & Mortar, Brut Rosé, Sweetwater Springs Vineyard, Russian River Valley, 2015 Zion Says: Winemaker Matt Iaconis’s wines for me are always made with great balance and acidity, while allowing the terroir to shine. Harvested early to preserve the natural freshness and acidity of the grapes, this wine was aged for 40 months in bottle to develop richness and complexity of flavor. With only little more than a thousand bottles produced, this is a gem to add to your collection.
Matt Horn stokes the fire in his custom built smoker named
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REASON #12
Because there’s a big world beyond Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
White Wine, the Italian Way By MATT BEAN Photograh by THOMAS J. STORY
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s side hustles go, winemaker Dan Petroski’s Massican Wines is anything but a trifle. Launched in 2009, the lauded wine label sits defiantly outside of the traditional Napa approach, focusing exclusively on white varietals—made and priced to be consumed without artifice. “We haven’t yet evolved culturally to drink like Europeans do,” Petroski says, “to have food and wine as a daily pairing.” But just because Massican makes eminently drinkable white wines designed to be consumed without a furrowed brow or empty wallet doesn’t mean Petroski spares any thought in their construction. "Massican was born of my reminiscing and nostalgia for the year I lived in Italy," Petroski says, "and my desire to bring a piece of that experience to my daily life as a winemaker in Napa Valley." At the center of the portfolio stands a pair of transcendent Italian blends, one named Annia after Petroski’s Italian mother and the other Gemina, after an Italian grape grown in the South of Italy. Annia plays with Tocai Friuliano, a holdover varietal from the early days of Napa when Italian immigrants planted what they knew—and it’s one of the finest white wines you’ll find made in America around the $30 price point. Maybe even triple that. Petroski's own story draws on his Italian roots. After a career in publishing, he decamped to Sicily to learn the craft, which led through a winding course to Napa and eventually his stewardship of the legendary Larkmead Vineyards Winery, which makes $200 cabs and the like. But Petroski's heart lay with the leisurely approach to wine found in Europe—and enjoyed by mother in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn growing up. Hence Massican, refreshing both in the glass and when considered within a region saturated with big-money players and high-stakes grapes. It exists as if to say: There’s another way to do this. Why don’t you grab a glass?
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Dan's Picks In addition to the Italian blends he makes, Dan Petroski produces (yes) a Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to round out the portfolio along with some vermouth offerings. Want to drink like a European? In addition to Massican wines, we asked him to suggest a handful of his favorites.
Robert Mondavi, FumĂŠ Blanc - The white wine created by Robert Mondavi in late 1960s Napa that was meant to stand head and shoulders above the sea of jug-handle sweet white wines coming out of California. This Sauvignon Blanc based wine can be considered one of the first great white wines of California, and still holds its own in any comparative tasting of Napa whites.
Stony Hill, Chardonnay - Like Massican, originally committed to only making white wines until a decade ago, Stony Hill Chardonnays are legendary in the winemaker and sommelier circles and can rival some of the best Premier Cru Chablis coming from France.
Tablas Creek, Esprit de Tablas Blanc - When one of the oldest and most iconic estates of the Rhone Valley, France (Chateau Beaucastel) sets up shop in California's Paso Robles, they brought incredible aspiration to making great red and white wines. But their flagship white wine, Esprit de Tablas Blanc is not only one of the great whites of California but also an incredible food pairing wine.
Matthiasson, White Wine - Steve and Jill Matthiasson are some of my oldest friends in Napa Valley and also a big part of my daily inspiration as a winemaker. Launched in 2004, their Bordeaux meets Friuli meets Napa white wine is one of my favorite go-to Napa white wines as an aperitivo, best served chilled at the table with friends.
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REASON #13
Because the Napa River Reclamation project celebrates 20 years
Where Nature Meets Nurture
A historic effort to restore an important Napa waterway is finally bearing fruit. And fish! Text and photos by MATT BEAN
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Winemaker Tom Gamble surveys the banks of the Napa River. Across the river lay some of his vineyards and production facility; behind him stands his family's home.
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t took so many people up and down this river to partner on this,” says Tom Gamble, winemaker and co-owner of his eponymous Gamble Vineyards. We’ve hopped into his dusty SUV and are trundling down a dirt road sandwiched between prime vineyards on the Napa Valley floor and the desiccated Napa River—the particular stretch of which happens to be flanked by his home on the east and a series of his family’s vineyards and winemaking facilities on the west. Gamble’s high on the effort because after 20 years of blood, sweat, and yes, lots of money, the effort is bearing fruit. In this case, fish hatching again in the once stagnant riverway. “Now we need to keep this going for the next 20.” We walk the gentle incline of a terraformed bank, and Gamble drags his hand against brush crop, identifying native plants fed by irrigation lines and held back by constructed berms. Great oaks soar overhead—they grow faster here, he says, thanks to the water. When there’s water, anyway. Gamble wasn’t the first to join the cause, but along with wife Colette has thrown the might of the fifthgeneration house into the cause, ceding land, buying up property only to demolish the dwelling and give the earth back to the watershed. In late 2019 they were awarded Outstanding Environmental Project by the San Francisco Estuary Project for the scale of their efforts, which totaled 10 acres of land in all. Consider the going rate of nearly $1 million per acre for some parcels and you’ll see how much this matters to Tom. Over wines back at the crush pad, Gamble thumbs through a copy of Birds of Napa County. While the fifth-generation winemaker was among the vanguard in Napa in hiring climatologists and scientists to create climate models, predict yields, and all that, his method remains that of a naturalist. “Before I buy a vineyard,” he says, “I gotta sit up there on a rock for nine months and just watch.”
CHOICE BOTTLES Left: A selection of Gamble's wines including the flagship Paramount, bearing the signature of Gamble's father George Thomas Gamble.
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On the way back from the river, Gamble stopped to point out another winery's automated vine planting apparatus.
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REASON #14
Because this data-driven wine club knows what you’re going to be drinking next
Next Wave Wine By HUGH GARVEY
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efore Brian Smith was COO of Los Angeles-based Winc, the direct-to-consumer “modern wine club” behind the smash hit Summer Water Rosé a few years back, he was a sommelier working in restaurants, steering people to bottles that perfectly matched their taste. “I love nothing more than pouring wine into the glass and telling people how it was grown and providing context to enhance the value of that experience,” says Smith. He still does pretty much the same thing, but now with a slick website, the infrastructure of a thriving DTC mail order wine club, and the insights of multiple data points about consumer preferences to steer you to just the right bottle. Winc not only sells wine, it makes it: sourcing grapes, pressing the juice, and then bottling it with millennial-friendly labels and names like Cherries & Rainbows and Funk Zone. Based on the data Winc has been gathering from its hundreds of thousands of customers over the past nine years, the company is able to develop and to some degree predict what people will be drinking next. And based on its new sub brand, The Wonderful Wine Co., that bottle will likely be lighter, higher in acid, lower in
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alcohol, organic, and more sustainably sourced and packaged than what you’re drinking today. WWC specializes in what the company calls “clean wines” that fit the bill of all things light, sustainable, and better for you than the buttery chards and oaky inky cabs of yore. Unlike many mass market wine companies, the Wonderful Wine Co. puts transparency first, sharing information about sulfite levels and whether cellulose gum, bentonite, and tartaric acid were used (note: many winemakers use these, they just don’t bother to tell you they do). We dove into Winc and the Wonderful Wine Co.’s predictive learnings and spoke with Smith to give you a taste of what you might be sipping in the future. 1. Smarter Shopping Winc and WWC have flipped the script on bottling a wine and finding a customer and instead use customer data to develop bottlings and sub-brands to serve them. “We gather initial information from consumers via a palate profile quiz, asking them 6 questions about their taste preferences related to citrus, minerality, earthiness and more,” says Smith. They then dive into ratings, funnel conver-
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sion rates, cart abandonment, reorder rates, heat mapping, LTV, social listening, and surveys. 2. Skip the Sulfur While sulfur is a natural byproduct of winemaking and the science is out on whether adding it causes headaches and hangovers, the natural wine movement has accelerated interest in wines made “sans soufre” (without added sulfur). When Winc launched a biodynamically farmed sans soufre wine from Minervois, France, interest and sales were instantly robust. 3. Lower Sugar “Younger wine drinkers are moving away from rich, sugary styles of wine to lighter and fresher styles,” says Smith. The company leans into those concerns and prominently lists sugar, carbs, and calories per glass on the WWC site. Their Malvasia Blanca orange wine comes in at a super low 107 calories and .01 grams of sugar per glass.
like this lead to the launch of the vegan-friendly WWC line.
5. Wine Without the Waste Are the days of the three pound status bottle with the deep punt, broad shoulders, and thick metal capsule going away? To appeal to the more eco-conscious consumer, WWC uses svelte glass bottles, a lightweight case that took 12 iterations to get right, and has done away with the foil capsule.
8. More Distancing Means More Drinking While it might be obvious to readers of this wine-themed issue, Smith concurs that “working from home and social distancing is the largest shift in the U.S. wine market that we’ve seen to date.” Over the last six months, Winc has seen the largest growth of its existence, growing by 109%, and added over 149,000 new customers since March.
6. Vino is Going Vegan “Looking at our sales, reorder rates, and site traffic to category specific pages, we saw customers engaging with our organic, vegan, and eco-friendly wines more and more," says Smith. "Page views for our vegan wines alone have increased by 350% over the last year.” Learnings
7. Orange is the New Rosé Once a burgeoning fringe trend, it looks like orange wine is here to stay (Orange wine is made from white grapes allowed to ferment with their skins). In one year, Winc and WWC have seen bottles of orange wine sales go up 875%.
Clockwise from top: Winc COO Brian Smith was a sommelier before he got into data-driven DTC wine; Winc is an end-to-end winery, sourcing its grapes, making wine, and branding it; Summer Water Rosé was its first big hit; millennialfriendly marketing sets it apart from many other brands.
9. Investing in Vino Last year Winc launched a crowdfunding investor portal that allows fans of the winery to buy stock at $1.75 per share, with a $1,001 minimum buy in. So far 4,321 vinous investors have signed up.
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4. Millennials Matter When you view WWC’s site, Instagram ads, or look at one
of its bottles with the gradient, Coachella-adjacent color palette on the label, you instantly recognize this brand isn't about tooling around wine country as much as how wine can slot into your daily life. In the first four months, WWC sold 80,000 bottles of their clean wines via the website, with millennials making up 60 percent of the buyers.
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REASON #15
Because a historic Napa Valley pioneer will become the country’s largest biodynamic-certified winery in 2021
Green Chip Wine
Respecting the past while stewarding the future, a new team unveils plans for a historic estate
COURTESY OF HEITZ CELLAR
By MATT BEAN
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FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF HEITZ CELLAR; THOMAS J. STORY
arlton McCoy Jr. might be what you call "busy." The 37-year-old CEO of Heitz Cellar and DeMeine Estates greets us at the historic Heitz vineyard fresh off the acquisiton of Burgess winery up the road on Howell Mountain, which adds significantly to the portfolio of pedigreed brands under his watch. If that's not enough, earlier in the year McCoy co-founded the Roots Foundation as an on-ramp and placement aid for BIPOC wine professionals. Just now, smoke taint had threatened this year's entire harvest and would later, tragically, touch some of Burgess. And yesterday? He butchered a pig. "Once they're ready, you've got to get the cuts packaged," McCoy says, betraying the time he spent in the restaurant industry, where he reached the Master Sommelier level. "It's all about timing." Timing's instinctive for McCoy, it would seem. At some point between his side hustle as a butcher and our meet-up at the historic Heitz estate, McCoy—the very definition of momentum in Napa—found time to swap into a suit. McCoy's lieutenants Reuben Moreno, director of hospitality and a French Laundry veteran, and Eric Elliott, estate director, join to discuss the most ambitious project facing the team: a planned biodynamic certificaiton in 2021. "Heitz has been quietly a leader in sustainability for a very long time," says McCoy, "way before it was the in thing."
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M.J. WICKHAM
Oak fermenters in the historic Heitz facility. Grapes were traditionally crushed on the floor above and fed via gravity to the vessels.
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Certified organic in the 1980s, Heitz was a leader among Napa growers. But the biodynamic certification, which will be applied to all of the Lawrence family vineyards, comes with additional scrutiny. "We are long term stewards of the land and we believe in the science behind biodynamics," McCoy explains. "The data has shown that biodynamic farming stabilizes vines and the soil during droughts. It is a better way to farm. And we live and breathe what is here. It is about being a good citizen." As the tasting begins, Moreno and Elliott delve into astrological tangents and scientific nuances. So the theory goes, certain days of the lunar calendar are better for tasting certain wines. Was today a fruit day or a leaf day? A root day? A flower day? Whatever twist of the skies, the Heitz flagship Martha's Vineyard wine offers a slight menthol character, a minty eucalyptus note; the 2013 and 2014 ebb between structure, power, and intensity and opulent, lush mouthfeel. The 500 acres comprising the Heitz property are special, to be sure, but so are the production methods installed by legendary founder Joseph Heitz. Heitz launched the winery in 1961 with the purchase of eight acres on Highway 29 for only $4,500, making it only the 12th winery since Prohibition. Known for his outspoken nature and headstrong winemaking practices, Heitz ensured that none of his red wine underwent malolactic fermentation, the process that can create mid-palate body in a wine but also a butteriness that many eschew today. To compensate, the grapes must be harvested at a precise ripeness, and fermented at a much cooler temperature. The resulting wines are red, when many Napa cabs run towards black and deep blues and purples; even older vintages have that scarlet hue preserved by the acidity that remains. "They look more like a Rioja or Brunello," says Reuben. "More like an old world wine." All the more reason for McCoy and company to steward the brand with care— blending old with new, respecting the past while charting a course forward. For Heitz, for themselves, and for Napa.
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM RIGHT: BONAFIDE; COURTESY OF HEITZ CELLAR (2)
Above: Guest enjoy a meal on the Heitz grounds in pre-COVID-19 days. Left: Brittany Sherwood, director of winemaking, sorting Chardonnay grapes.
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REASON #16
Because at the far end of the Santa Ynez Valley, one winery is defying geology
Making a four-million-year-old wine Come along for the ride as the team behind Jonata and The Hilt harvests during quarantine— turning literal dust into liquid gold. By MATT BEAN Photographs by THOMAS J. STORY
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7:15 PM, Sept 5, 2020 Winemaker Matt Dees peers West as the sun sets over the Santa Rita Hills.
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W
inemakers are used to navigating disaster, but they're often of the agricultural variety. Floods, fires, that kind of thing. But just as winemaker Matt Dees was preparing to finish off a new tasting room at the far end of the Santa Ynez Valley, COVID-19 reared its head, and construction ground to a halt. "I spent a lot of time in the vineyard—it was a great place to ground myself amidst the chaos," says Dees. "I went down into the barrel room by myself, just tasting and retasting and getting to know our wines better than I ever have. I was just as scared as everyone else but I've never had a better understanding of a growing season than I have this year." Grapes don't socially distance, however, and as harvest loomed Dees and team established safety protocols and set to work. During a visit, construction crews hammered away in a reduced capacity, installing giant architectual timbers summoned by the High Priest of Wine Design Howard J. Backen, the wine production building was abuzz. Speakers blasted Dees' custom playlists and he moved about like a player-coach in the last minutes of a game. Dees' purview includes Jonata, Bordeaux varietals grown nearby in the new Ballard Canyon AVA but processed in Sta. Rita and The
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Hilt, which focuses largely on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. An accessible label, The Paring, rounds out the trio; all three will be produced, aged, and presented to the public at the new facility when it opens in 2021. "We have two really challenging sites and we’ve had to adapt every year," Dees says. "There aren’t a lot of examples of this type of soil and this type of farming in the world. We’ve become really good at evolving our farming techniques—and we’re not afraid to say we were wrong. The vines, the roots, the leaves, and the shoots are all speaking, if you listen." Perhaps most emblematic of the team's resilient attitude is the geology surrounding the new property, originally called Rancho Salsipuedes—a Spanish portmanteau imploring leave, if you can. The moniker is anything but a joke. The soils in some parts of the vineyard primarily consist of diatomaceous earth (or DE), a compound made of fossilized marine organisms well-known to gardeners who deploy it to battle insects. While it excels at slaying critters, DE can be a confounding substrate for viticulture, reflecting sunlight and draining quickly, stressing vines in a way that winemakers know will yield wonderful wine—and long hours. And for Dees, that's precisely the point.
A geological sample taken from near Rancho Salsipuedes shows layer upon layer of sand dollars and other sea life entombed in the Upper Miocene and Lower Pliocine periods 4 to 6 million years ago. Then, much of the Santa Ynez valley was underwater.
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This page: Dees inspects vines at The Hilt's Radian vineyard.
The plot is the most rugged of the estate's portfolio, with slopes up to 45 degrees and winds which regularly approach 50 miles per hour. Right page: Radian Chardonnay grapes soon to be harvested.
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Matt Horn stokes the fire in his custom built smoker named Lucille be
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Left: Crosby Swinchatt, harevst intern, helps process grapes. Top right: Chardonnay is moved into the bladder press Below: A row of fermenters in the production facility
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Top left: A grouping of barrels filled with red wine. "We only use French oak currently," says Dees. "We've found it offers the most symbiotic relationship with our wines." Bottom left: Basket pressing Hilt Chardonnay. "Our juice yields are lower than in the bladder press, but there's a level of textural sophistication and aromatics that's far more profound," Dees says. "We're still tweaking our process every day." This page: Whole cluster Pinot Noir is inside of a steel fermenter.
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Caption defines the action in this photo by Tom Story. Ihic tecae voluptatus delitiberem expersped quam facia volupta tempor seque voluptiam, unditio nsequi cus ex et laborpo rrunt. Ecuptio blaut doloreium prest acipsa sitam aut lacium ab ilique non praeprestem
The boots of production assistant Cary Wilton bear the scars of the season and soil. Dees buys his crews the same boots, a toe-saving, steelcapped Blundstone clone called Redback Boots.
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The Hilt label focuses on expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, shown here.
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The Jonata label represents the high-end part of Dees' winemaking, focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The vineyards sit East of the Hilt location, in sandy soil that Dees says is ideal for achieving lowyield, high-intensity wines in balance.
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Wines by Dees
2017 El Alma de Jonata Cabernet Franc, $145.
2017 Todos, Red Wine Vineyard Blend, $50.
La Sangre de Jonata Syrah, $145.
2017 El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon, $145.
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REASON #17
Because a Mexican American-owned winery has planted a flag in Sonoma
Keeping it in the Family By MATT BEAN Photograph by THOMAS J. STORY
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f you’re hard-pressed to imagine getting through the holidays with your family, try making a high-stakes, highend wine with them. But that’s exactly what the Reynoso family is doing up in Sonoma County with their Crescere Vineyards—one of a handful of Mexican American-owned wineries in the country. Their secret? Everyone has their own passion. “I’m more of a dirt guy who really loves a ranch,” says father Joe Reynoso. “And my wife, Elena, is more of a wine geek—she sets the direction for the wine. We apologize to each other before we start harvesting for everything we’re going to say, and then we take a long weekend afterward to make up.” Joe’s joking—almost—but Crescere is nothing if not a family affair. 26 years ago, the successful options trader and son of Mexican immigrants bought the property up in northern Sonoma. Elena, a wine professional for 30 years, had a love of Bordeaux, and Joe found an idyllic 500-acre parcel that had been planted with 10 acres of phylloxera-riddled vines, which were promptly torn out. Then, in a refreshing change from the gold rush fever of the past few decades, the couple rushed absolutely nothing. They raised their family. They enjoyed the land. Joe's son, JW, is now in charge of the field team, and like his father focuses on farming. He grew up on the property— around the vines, in nature, away from the family’s then-home in Chicago. And perhaps because of that, he too has gravitated towards the natural aspects of the business, not vinification. “We spent all our summers out here from when I was seven,” JW recalls. “Out here with my brothers and cousins—it was like summer camp. We’d be camping down by the river, riding dirt bikes, playing wilderness survival, and we’d be gone for days at a time—not a lot of showering. It was the best of both worlds.”
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1st row, left to right: Elena and JW Reynoso, Hayek, Margarito Valencia, Alicia Farias, Joe Reynoso. Back row, left to right: Augustin Ramirez-Mejia, Juvenal Ramirez-Mejia, Jorge Cardenas, Javier Cardenas, Luis Armando Galvan, Javier Gonzalez.
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FROM TOP: JOSHUA SEARS; CHARLES GULLING
Back then, you’d only need four digits to swap numbers and the nearest town, Cloverdale, had but one major intersection, says JW. But now, he’s all grown up at the age of 33, the same age Joe bought the vineyard, and with a two-year old and a one-monthold, JW is focused on preserving Crescere for the next generation. The brand isn’t much older than JW’s children. “We wanted to make sure we knew how to farm grapes properly before we tried to make a wine,” Joe says, evidencing a restraint you don’t often find in the land of $100 bottles and skyrocketing land costs. It’s clear they’re in this for family, not for money. Four years ago, heralded winemaker Philippe Melka joined the project to oversee the winemaking. The project encompasses about 150 acres of land, with about half devoted to cabernet grapes that comprise their flagship bottling. Elena still remembers the moment they tasted the first barrel samples with Philippe. “He was completely silent the entire time. It was a grueling 15 minutes,” she recalls. “And I remember looking at him going ‘Oh no... This is not good.’” And then: “These wines are really expressive,” Philippe offered. “He suddenly got animated—as much as he does. For him that’s extremely high praise.” The 25-year experiment paid off. While Philippe and his team guide the winemaking, the stylistic decisions are all Elena’s. “I like wines that express themselves in a varietally correct way,” she says. “I don’t like ginormous fruit bombs.”
Elena Reynoso Elena and JW Reynoso
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Left to right: JW, Elena, Joe and JW's wife Paige Reynoso
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CHARLES GULLING
For the Reynosos, the concept of family extends to the vineyard workers, many of whom they’ve worked with for decades. “This place wouldn’t exist without our foreman, Margo,” Joe says. “He and his five boys have been living on the property for at least 20 years. He’s been doing this for 50-plus years. He’s got a fourth grade education from Mexico and we have 110,000 vines on the property and I swear to god he knows each one individually. There were times in the past we’d hire fancy PhDs and he’d listen patiently and suggest we just try it on only a few rows. Invariably Margo was right and the PhDs were wrong.” For the Reynoso family, planting the Mexican flag out front isn’t just a symbol. “It kind of says we belong here,” Joe says. “The Mexican American community already runs most of wine country, in a way. Our family goes back generations in agriculture. It’s kind of the natural progression in America. There’s a saying: I work the fields so my son can be a businessman, so his son can be an artist. My youngest son’s a guitar player. And JW’s growing grapes. And philosophically, that’s the pinnacle of self-actualization.”
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The Inn at Abeja in Washington features easy access to the Walla Walla Valley, along with restored historic buildings and a working winery next door.
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The 26 wine country basecamps we’ve awarded here put you in spitting distance of your favorite wineries.
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Cave B Inn
DRINK IT ALL IN First harvested in 1984, the vines at the Cave B estate are perched on cliffs above the Columbia River in basalt-rich soil.
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POOL AND VIEW: 2010 JEREMY QUANT PHOTOGRAPHY; INTERIOR: COURTESY OF CAVE B INN
A stone’s throw from the Columbia River, this Tom Kundigdesigned property was founded by the couple behind the famous Gorge Amphitheater next door. Their acclaimed Cave B wines are available on site and tours can be set up with the concierge. Few vineyard views are this stunning. cavebinn.com
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Willows Lodge This 84-room property is in the heart of Woodinville Wine Country. Every room offers a deep soaking tub designed for two. So…bring a friend? willowslodge.com
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© COLBY D. KUSCHATKA
Next door to a working winery, this 38-acre property features immaculately restored historic buildings along with easy access to the rest of Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. abeja.net
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Eritage Resort Minutes from downtown Walla Walla, this 300-acre resort offers bountiful outdoor entertaining space, including patios and porches for every room. eritageresort.com
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The Allison Inn and Spa
TOP AND BOTTOM: BARBARA KRAFT; MIDDLE: © ANDREA JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY;
A powerhouse situated in one of Oregon’s most heralded wine regions, this oasis 45 minutes south of Portland gives you access to more than 500 wineries, not to mention the top-flight in-house restaurant, Jory. theallison.com
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The Atticus Hotel
HISTORY, REBORN
Independently owned by Oregon natives, the Atticus draws on the history of the region, and makes ample use of the work of local artisans in its interiors.
This 36-room charmer in downtown McMinnville offers smart interiors and easy access to bountiful nightlife. With dozens of urban tasting rooms within walking distance, the location allows for an instant immersion in the wine culture of the Willamette Valley. atticushotel.com
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On the southern end of the sprawling 22-acre Estate at Yountville complex, the Villagio is a timeless but luxe re-imagining of a wine country hotel thanks to a lobby and bar straight out of a rat pack fantasy, a pool that invites posttasting lounging, and cozy but cosseting rooms tricked out with soaking tubs and fireplaces. villagio.com 98
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Hotel Villagio at the Estate
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If sleepy country hotels are a bit too low key for you, consider staying in Napa city’s premiere hotel, which boasts a spacious rooftop bar with sweeping views, easy access to the town’s restaurants, tasting rooms, and food-focused market hall Oxbow Market. archerhotel.com/napa
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Staying in Napa proper gives easy access to walking-distance restaurants. Our new favorite: Compline, which has ample open-air and patio space and a great wine list.
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Poetry Inn
© ROBERT MCCLENAHAN
A sumptuous set of five rooms situated on the Eastern side of Silverado makes this luxury inn one of the most exclusive and relaxing sites for an excursion to Napa. Venture down the hill for a tasting at the co-owned Cliff Lede vineyards, where each block is named after a famous rock ballad, or just settle into your en-suite hammock room, complete with outdoor shower while the managers shoot down into the valley to grab sushi, steak, or whatever else you’d like to have with their deep cuts wine list. poetryinn.com
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The view from the Poetry Inn’s balconies soars over Napa , facing the setting sun in the West. Below you can see part of Cliff Lede vineyards. WINE ISSUE 2020
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Merely a half hour from the Golden Gate bridge, this resort-in-the-field is ideally situated for access to both Napa and Sonoma. Which is not to mention the up-andcoming Carneros itself, which looms large on the wine list at the resort’s standout restaurant. It’s an ideal launchpad for a wideranging wine country tour. carnerosresort.com 10 2 W I N E I S S U E 2 0 2 0
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© TRINETTE + CHRIS
Carneros Resort and Spa
LODGING & LOUNGING
COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: BRYAN GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY, 2016; ©2017 TRINETTE + CHRIS
A fresh take on wine country resorts, the Carneros Resort and Spa is a sprawling property complete with restaurants and a clubhouse.
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The sister hotel to the Villagio, Vintage House offers white washed serenity, a zen pool, a break-the-bank standalone villa with its own private pool, and a wine country outpost of Chef Adam Perry Lang’s meat-centric restaurant empire. Bonus: it’s a forgivingly short walk to the French Laundry. vintagehouse.com
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Is minimalist urban farmhouse with slightly masculine overtones an aesthetic? If so, HH has it down with its dialed-in modern rooms appointed with streamlined rustic woods and leather details. An , INNS, R E TS indoor-outdoor restaurant up Handsome front and patio Healdsburg dining out back D O GE S AND M make this a great one-stop Sonoma crashpad. hotelhealdsburg.com
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Calistoga Motor Lodge Geothermal pools, groovy mid-century aesthetics, and a mini spa straight out of a Wes Anderson movie make this one of the more charming bookings in Calistoga. calistogamotorlodge.com
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With an organic vineyard producing Calistoga AVA cabernet, views of the Palisades Mountains, farmhouse-chic rooms (and residences for those who want to stay awhile) the new luxe resort in Northern Napa is a welcome option for where to stay on the Silverado Trail. fourseasons.com
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A planned outdoor dining space overlooks the guest pool and some of the residences at the Four Seasons Calistoga.
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Francis House
MICHAEL HOSPELT PHOTOGRAPHY
This former estate of a prosperous Calistoga merchant has been restored and modernized to the highest level of luxury—and technology, thanks to Tesla batteries and a solar array that power the property. Luxe private suites cosset you while a set breakfast in the common dining room and billiards in the lounge make it feel like a European country inn. thefrancishouse.com
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Macarthur Inn and Spa
SONOMA MODERN
KARYN MILLET
The Macarthur, shown here and below, offers updated rooms and chic common areas to guests.
Set in Sonoma proper, this farmhouse-style series of 64 rooms spans cottages and outbuildings, all surrounding a showstopper of a lobby and restaurant. Once you’ve wrapped a long day in the hills, grab a bite and then close the bar down— we recommend it. macarthurplace.com
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If double-height ceilings and top-flight food are your weaknesses, this Sonoma stunner has your number. Lush gardens and a relaxing pool courtyard really pull the property together while the wine list and Michelin-starred restaurant add gravity to staying in—even while Sonoma’s best wineries are just down the road. farmhouseinn.com
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A welcome addition to the lodging options in Healdsburg, LEED certified Harmon Guest House offers all the amenities the Piazza group has proven itself so adept at: handsome design, high thread count linens, complimentary snacks, and sturdy Nespresso machines (an underrated but essential wine country morning reboot tool). harmonguesthouse.com 11 2 W I N E I S S U E 2 0 2 0
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Harmon Guest House
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Indian Springs
COURTESY OF INDIAN SPRINGS CALISTOGA
Over the years this low slung spa has gone from a sleepy collection of cottages surrounding a stunning Olympic-sized mineral pool to a sprawling resort with a new wing, standalone houses, and a new American restaurant called Sam’s Social Club, deftly preserving its classic charm while adding a dose of cool. indianspringscalistoga.com
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Montage Healdsburg Nestled in 250 acres of vineyards, this Sonoma outpost of the Montage raises the bar on mindful wine country living with stand alone bungalows rocking a minimalist Japaneseinflected modern country aesthetic, dining and drinking options to satisfy all thirsts, in addition to a curated country store. It takes a village, and it’s vinous. montagehotels.com
CHRISTIAN HORAN PHOTOGRAPHY INC
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Autocamp Russian River There’s a reason Airstream trailers have become the cliché Instagram stand-in for ideal road trip lodging: they’re the ideal road trip lodging! This location of the bench-mark socially distanced camper-chic hotel pioneers is a romantic Russian River respite. Think #vanlife, but with running water and all the mod cons. autocamp.com WINE ISSUE 2020
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San Luis Creek Lodge
MODERN COOKING Designer Nina Freudenberger of Haus Interior leveraged neutral palettes and prints from Sunset fave Block Shop for the San Luis Creek Lodge remodel. 11 6 W I N E I S S U E 2 0 2 0
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FREUDENBERGER: JESSICA ALEXANDER; REMAINING IMAGES: JONNY VALIANT
A tour-de-force remodeling turned this motelgrade lodge into a design stunner, thanks to interiors lead Nina Freudenberger of Haus Interior, the author of Surf Shack among other books. Wide plank floors, sumptuous bedding, and on-trend bathrooms set the stage while Wayfarer pastries and fresh coffee on your door in the morning start the day right. sanluiscreeklodge.com
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Hotel SLO Sleepy San Luis Obispo is home to what might be the Central Coast’s coolest new hotel. Corten steel, wide open common spaces, a rooftop bocce court and bar, and rooms with super comfortable furnishings all add a shot of urban sophistication to SLO. hotelslo.com
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Alamo Motel The Alamo’s location smack dab on Los Alamos’s main thoroughfare makes it the most convenient spot for folks who want to make the most of the town’s numerous tasting rooms— that is if you tire of sampling the offerings at the on-site tasting cabin from Santa Barbara’s Muni Wine Co. rememberthealamo.com
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Perched on a hill overlooking Los Alamos, this re-booted mid century motel offers Linus bikes for trips into town, a much welcome pool for cooling off in the heat of the summer, and rooms with private fire pits for sipping under the stars. skyviewlosalamos.com
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Sunset Fave
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Best in Baja
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This chic retreat is a one-stop immersion in the rustic charms of Valle de Guadalupe: with cooling plunge pools, an on-site winery, and the open-air restaurant Bruma serving elevated regional cuisine. bruma.mx
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THE EPICENTER Seen from above before the 2020 fires, Meadowood’s offices (on the left) and clubhouse and restaurant building (at right) were the nerve center of the sprawling property. 120 W I N E I S S U E 2 0 2 0
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IN APPRECIATION
MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY
The Meadowood Resort wasn’t just our first thought when assembling this feature on stand-out wine country resorts and lodging. It led the way—in so many ways. There was the three-Michelin star restaurant, lost in the fires. The quaint nine-hole golf course, the clubhouse, which was also lost. The brand-new, Howard Backen-designed pool area was saved, as were many of the guest rooms. And a rugged hiking trail still rings the secluded bowl found just off of the Silverado Trail. But Meadowood wasn’t just about luxury and service. It offered history, too. Originally enjoyed by valley wine workers, Meadowood found its stride as a public entity when it was converted by legendary winemaker Bill Harlan in the late 1970s. Harlan and his partners ensured the property stood above, but never bowed to slick trends or flashy finishes. Meadowood was—is—always uniquely amazing, from the 85 rooms to the incredibly special grounds, which feel as though you’ve passed through a portal into an adult Narnia of sorts. If you’ve never had a chance to visit, fear not: Harlan had this to say about the disaster when interviewed by Wine Spectator. “It was the older part of the property that burned and we will be able to bring it up to a whole other level from 30 to 40 years ago,” Harlan said. “ We’re absolutely committed to this valley. I feel like there’s more potential in the Napa Valley in the next 40 years than we’ve seen in the past 40. I’m very optimistic.”
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THE LLOYD�S CHARDONNAY-POWERED WINERY In 1999, Rob graduated
2
from UC Davis and
landed a position as
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La Crema Winery. He
eventually moved his
career to Napa,
becoming winemaker for
Bonnie & Rob founded Lloyd Cellars in 2008 & Prescription in 2015
a house well-known for
its Chardonnay.
moved to the Napa
"I love making big, rich Chardonnays that are balanced with the perfect touch of acid," says Rob Lloyd.
had recently settled.
Bonnie grew up in an
After graduating from
the University of
California, Irvine, with an Economics degree, Rob
Valley, where his mother While she provided the
entrepreneurial family,
father's love of California
of creativity and
location, it was his
Chardonnay that pushed his career in the
direction of this classic
instilling in her the spirit self-determination. By
the time she was in high
school, she was already
varietal. Working in the
working in fashion in
nightshift at Cakebread
Both their labels were
tasting room and harvest
different capacities.
further sparked his
designed from Bonnie's
science of making wine.
background.
interest in the art and
fashion influence and
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Prescription Vineyards 2018 Clarksburg Chardonnay Grower James Reamer 91 P oints/ Retail: $20.00
LloydCellars.com
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B e c a us e we ’ve g o t 9 9 bot tle s of w in e … on our wall of w in n e rs!
THE 2020 I N T E R NAT I O NA L W I N E AWA R D S
It’s a wonderful wide wide world of wine in the west, and each year we host the Sunset Wine Awards to steer you to bottles worth seeking out. We assembled a panel of judges (albeit virtually due to covid), and tasted our way through hundreds of bottles that collectively represent what’s being grown, vinted, and poured throughout the West. At the top you’ll find the winners of the top spots and in those few bottles you’ll see a through-line of the winners of the awards on the rest of the list. Whether it’s an elegant and jammy reserve Pinot Noir, a floral late harvest Gewurtztraminer, or a zippy and effervescent Reserve Estate Brut, they deliver what wine lovers want most: accessibility, satisfaction, and, above all, deliciousness. Cheers to the winners! SUNSE T 2020 WINE AWARDS JUDGES HONORARY CHAIR Mark Hanson, Founder & CEO, Bricoleur Vineyards WINEMAKERS Marta Kraftzek, Scheid Stephanie Trotter, Trotter 1/16 Andria Shirk, Laelaps Wines Carol Shelton, C Shelton Wines Katie Madigan, St. Francis Sara Fowler, Peju Kristen Barnhisel, J. Lohr Vineyards John Allbaugh, Dir. of Winemaking, Bronco Diane Wilson, Dir. of Winemaking Wilson Artisan Wineries
JOURNALISTS Ziggy The Wine Gal Eschliman, Media Personality Christopher Sawyer, Sommelier and Wine Consultant Laura Ness, Wine Writer, Journalist, Columnist Mike Dunne, Wine Columnist, Publisher Ellen Landis, Wine Journalist, C.S., CSWd Bob Foster, Asst. Editor California Grapevine TRADE/EDUCATION Kimberley Charles, Diploma in Wine and Spirits, Founder and Owner Charles Communications Traci Dutton, Beverage Mgr and Sommelier, Culinary Institute of America Renata Franzia Price, Bronco
Larry Van Aalst, Sommelier, Host: Sonoma Wine Report Barry Herbst, Wine Director, Bottle Barn Liquors Liz Thach, Ph.D., Master of Wine, Distinguished Professor of Wine & Management Sonoma State Elsie Wolfe, Sales Manager, Alcohol, Buyer, Safeway Chris O’Gorman, Dir., of Coms., Rodney Strong Kerrie Cook, Wine Educator, Sommelier Melanie Mann, Wine Dir., Buyer Northern Division. Whole Foods Todd Jolly, Buyer Sonoma’s Best Curtis Mann, Dir. Wine, Beer & Spirits, Buyer Raley’s Chris Richards, Director, Bricoleur Vineyards David Sandri, WSET Certified-Advanced Cathy Vicini, Proprietor Tricini Winery
Spreti Valente, Senior Buyer, Anne’s Boutique Wine Club Ken Landis, Chef Consultant, Landis Shores Mark Chandler, CSW, Owner Chandler & Company Oliver Kohn, Buyer Draeger’s Market Josh Kirchhoff, Buyer Bounty Hunter, Napa Bill Hayes, Head Buyer, Beverages and More Jasper Russo, Director of Wine Education, Sales & Marketing, Sigel’s Fine Wines, Twin Liquors Wilfred Wong, Chief Storyteller, Wine.com
For a complete list of winners, including Gold and Silver Medal winners, Click Here.
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THE 2020 I N T E R NAT I O NA L W I N E AWA R D WINNERS
BEST OF THE BEST - DOUBLE GOLD WINNER Gracianna 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir Unfined & Unfiltered Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Best of the Best! Best of Class; Best in Show Red Wine; Best in Show Score: 97 Appelation: Russian River Valley Price: $76 Tasting Notes: Bright elegant cranberry. Jammy and juicy gracianna.com
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BEST IN SHOW - DOUBLE GOLD - BEST OF CLASS WINNERS Brecon Estate Albarino 2019 Category: Spanish White Awards: Double Gold; Best of Class; Best in Show - White Score: 96 Appellation: Central Coast
Price: $31
Tasting Notes: True to varietal; good acid fruit balance; floral; fruity; lingers.
breconestate.com
Chronic Cellars Pink Pedals 2019
Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold - Best of Class; Best in Show - Rosé Score: 100 Appellation: Sonoma Price: $14.99 Tasting Notes: Brilliant; complex; enjoyable mouth feel.
wxbrands.com
Domaine Carneros Estate Brut 2015
Estate Grown; Bottled and Produced, Methode Traditionnelle Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold - Best of Class; Best in Show - Sparkling Score: 98 Appellation: Carneros Price: $36 Tasting Notes: Gorgeous; yummy happy women in a summer dress. domainecarneros.com
Husch Vineyards Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2016 Gewurztraminer Estate Bottled
Category: LH White Varietals Award: Double Gold - Best of Class; Best in Show - Dessert/Late Harvest Score: 100 Appellation: Anderson Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Great nose; floral; finish is excellent.
huschvineyards.com
Rosa-Lucca Estates Petite Sirah Dessert Wine; Charles Marks 2016 Estate Grown, Single Vineyard Category: Port Award: Double Gold - Best of Class; Best in Show - Fortified Score: 98 Appellation: El Dorado County; Sierra Foothills Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Purity; blackberry rosaluccawines.com
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BEST OF CLASS - DOUBLE GOLD
Appellation: Mendoza Price: $14 Tasting Notes: Blackberry
current. Medium bodied. Easy drinking...a wine for the people ejgallo.com
Aratas Wine 2016 Petite Sirah Single Vineyard Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Napa Valley
Price: $56 Tasting Notes: Rich
wild broad shouldered; electrifying finish; has girth. arataswine.com Banknote Wine Company 2018 Revenue Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Napa County; Atlas Peak Price: $40 Tasting Notes: More of everything Cab; nice acid; youthful. banknotewines.com
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Barefoot NV Barefoot Spritzer Moscato Spritzer Bottle Bottle Category: white wine spritzer Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $5.99 Tasting Notes: Refreshing. We love it! ejgallo.com
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Aratas Wine 2016 Petite Sirah Category: Petite Sirah Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $56 Tasting Notes: Redolent black fruit, dried fig, harissa, cacao nib, cured olive, long pepper; firm dense texture and intrinsically age worthy.
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Barefoot NV Barefoot Hard SeltzerPeach Nectarine Canned Category: Hard Seltzer Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $1.99 Tasting Notes: Nose of fresh peach & nectarine. Flavors carry through to the finish. ejgallo.com Barefoot NV Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $6.99
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Alamos 2017 Red Blend Category: Argentinian Red Award: Double Gold
Best of Class Score: 97
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Adrice Wines 2017 Petite Verdot Single Vineyard Category: Petit Verdot Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Wahluke Slope Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Elegant; rich; savory; dark fruit; early herbal. adricewines.wine
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Cartograph 2018 Cartograph Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Cocoa, Bing cherry, Ripe red fruit, Savory
Tasting Notes: Nice fruit and bright inviting aromatics. ejgallo.com
Barefoot NV Apple
Category: Fruitscato Award: Double Gold -
Best of Class Score: 93
Appellation: California Price: $9.99 Tasting Notes:
Classic apple. Great structure from beginning to end. ejgallo.com
Beltane Ranch 2018 Zinfandel Heins Block Estate Grown Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation:
Sonoma Valley Price: $46
Tasting Notes:
Big and beautiful; spicy layers; soft entry; round chocolatey. beltaneranch.com
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BEST OF CLASS - DOUBLE GOLD Benziger Family Winery 2016 Tribute Estate Grown Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends > $75.01 Award: Double Gold -Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County; Sonoma Valley Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Soft; cherry; vanilla; supple; long finish. benziger.com
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Blueberry pie; classic; appealing nose; great balance. erryessagap.com CaliPaso 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold -Best of Class
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Berryessa Gap Vineyards 2017 Petite Sirah Category: Petite Sirah
Award: Double Gold -Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Yolo County Price: $28
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Chicken Dinner 2019 Chicken Dinner White Category: Other White Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation:
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Snake River Valley Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit aromas; Flavors of green apple, apricot and honeysuckle; Crisp, balanced mid-palate and finish.
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Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Fruit salad;
fruity; flinty; big lush. alipasowinery.com
Cartograph 2018 Cartograph Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Herbal. Medium body. Bayberry; Cherry; Black fruit. cartographwines.com
Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Rosés; almonds. Wonderful balance. Juicy fruit hustonvineyards.com
Cigar Cab 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Bourbon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: California
Price: $20 Tasting Notes:
Chocolatey component. Mocha. Well integrated oak vintagewineestates.com Cinder 2018 Tinto Seco Upland Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Snipes Mountain Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Yummy. Nice spicy dark fruit; Rosé violet; lavender;
Charles Shaw Winery 2019 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $3.99 Tasting Notes: Citrus; Green apple and lemon. Nice weight; driving acidity. Minerality. classicwinesofcalifornia.com Chicken Dinner 2019 Chicken Dinner Rosé Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation:
Washington State Price: $19 Tasting Notes: True to varietal; nice spice; fresh; bright. hustonvineyards.com Chicken Dinner 2019 Chicken Dinner White Category: Other White Blends
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BEST OF CLASS - DOUBLE GOLD milk chocolate. Refreshing acidity cinderwines.com Cinder 2019 Dry Viognier Sawtooth; Emerald Slopes; Williamson Category: Viognier Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $23 Tasting Notes:
Floral. Pink grapefruit. Tropical. Apricot. Classic California Viognier. Dainty peach apricot. Sexy; goes with appetizers cinderwines.com Clos Pegase Winery 2018 Chardonnay Mitsuko's Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 100 Appellation: Napa
Valley; Carneros Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Super creamy. Lemon zest. vintagewineestates.com Cru Winery 2017 Unoaked Chardonnay Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation:
Arroyo Seco Price: $20
Tasting Notes: High toned fruit. Gorgeous balance with gracing acidity; lemon verbena. The finish never finishes. Wow! Minerally. cruwinery.com
Cru Winery 2017 Vineyard Montage Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $25 •
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DeLille Cellars 2019 Chaleur Blanc Category: White Bordeaux Type Blends Awards: Double Gold - Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Classic citrus and green pineapple
It knows what it wants to be; and it is proud. Nice lingering finish; toasty oak; balanced. cruwinery.com DeLille Cellars 2019 Chaleur Blanc Category: White Bordeaux Type Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Classic citrus and green pineapple delillecellars.com DeLoach Vineyards 2018 Russian River Valley
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Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $23 Tasting Notes: Beautiful fruit and minerality. Perfectly balanced. boissetcollection.com
and ripe fruit. Classic all the way around. A blockbuster! dutchercrossingwinery.com
Dry Creek Vineyard 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Real classy interpretation of what Cabernet Sauvignon can do; steady; layered. drycreekvineyard.com
Tasting Notes: Floral; earthy; dark chocolate. Fleshy and dense. estate1856.com Ferrari-Carano 2016 Tresor Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97
Duck Hunter Wines of New Zealand 2019 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: New Zealand; Marlborough Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Very perfumey. Excellent in your face Sauvignon Blanc. 1849wine.com Dutcher Crossing 2015 Cooney Reserve Cabernet Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 100 Appellation:
Alexander Valley Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Bountiful
Estate 1856 2016 Petit Verdot Tzabaco Rancho Vineyards Category: Petit Verdot Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation:
Sonoma County Price: $40
Appellation:
Sonoma County Price: $50
Tasting Notes: Lush; rich; elegant. Lingers ferraricarano.com
Francis Coppola Director's 2018 Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $21 Tasting Notes: Beautiful fruit. Creamy oak. Spiced. francisfordcoppolawinery.com Franzia NV Moscato Vintner Select Category: Boxed White Wines Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: California Price: $6.99 Tasting Notes: Perfumed; tropical. Classic; muscat. thewinegroup.com
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BEST OF CLASS - DOUBLE GOLD Frei Brothers 2017 Zinfandel Sonoma Reserve Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Take your time to enjoy! It gets better! Blackberries; blueberries; lovely finish. ejgallo.com Fritz 2017 Fritz Estate Reserve Zinfandel Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Herbs; savory; good acid; garrigue. fritzwinery.com Goose Ridge Vineyards 2016 Vireo Category: Proprietary (House) Red Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Delicious; smooth; approachable; toasty coconut; well balanced. gooseridge.com Gratus 2017 Malbec Estate Grown Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Great varietal
character; broad palate; satisfying textbook Malbec. gratusvineyards.com
Tasting Notes: Rich; velvet; lingering; smooth; depth. imagerywinery.com
Halter Ranch 2016 Libelle Estate Grown Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Fun; perfect oyster wine; clean; yeasty; food and patio wine. Wildflower. halterranch.com
J. Lohr Estates 2017 South Ridge Syrah Category: Syrah/ Shiraz =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Lingers; fruity; nice finish. jlohr.com
Hoopla Wine 2015 The Mutt Barrel Aged Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01- $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Alluring; floral notes. Spicy black currants. Earthy boysenberry. Forever finish. hoopesvineyard.com
J. Rickards Winery 2017 Merlot Merlot Barrel Aged Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County; North Coast Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Real. Elegance that shines. Cassis; wild berry. Fragrant. jrwinery.com
Husch 2019 Chenin Blanc Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Mendocino Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Zippy vibrant with floral notes huschvineyards.com
J. Rickards Winery 2017 Serpentine Ridge Reserve Cabernet Estate Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Full of tea - lovely; well balanced and easy drinking. jrwinery.com
Imagery Estate Winery 2017 Barbera Category: Barbera Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $42
Kukeri Wines 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 100 Appellation: Stags Leap District
Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Classic; soft;
elegantly; layered. kukeriwines.com
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2019 Aglianico Rosé River Ranch Vineyard Lodi Rules Certified Sustainable Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Lodi (San Joaquin) Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Lovely aromatics. Perfumed exotic. Very bala. Great Fruit to acid. Yacht wine. Winemakers Roséwell made. langetwins.com Las Positas Vineyards 2019 Verdelho Estate Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation:
Livermore Valley Price: $35
Tasting Notes: Pretty; delicate; well managed. Chewy & balanced. laspositasvineyards.com
Lava Cap 2016 Cabernet Franc Estate Bottled Category: Cabernet Franc Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: El Dorado; Sierra Foothills Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Cocoa bitter chocolate black fruit. Good tannin structure. lavacap.com Lazy Breeze 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation:
Clements Hills Price: $15.99
Tasting Notes:
Pear creamy. Balanced Lula Cellars 2018 Lula Vineyard Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation:
Anderson Valley Price: $50
Tasting Notes: Great structure; black currant. Hints of espresso and bay laurel. Dark earthy tone. Juicy cherry fruit. lulacellars.com
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Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Fiano
Peachy Canyon Winery 2018 Petite Sirah
Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold
Best of Class Score: 98
Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Very bright
lean structure but very forward in it's presentation; nice acidity to it. peachycanyon.com
Pedroncelli 2017 Sonoma Classico Barrel Select Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $19 Tasting Notes: Good supporting tannins; well integrated oak; good fruit balance. pedroncelli.com Pennyroyal Farm 2019 Rosé Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation:
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Lumos 2017 Temperance Hill Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Cherry aroma. Classic iron fist in velvet gloves
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Certified Green & Sustainable under Lodi Rules Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Sparks conversation; spicy finish; nice acidity; nice fruit. oakfarmvineyards.com
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Lumos 2017 Temperance Hill Pinot Noir Temperance Hill Vineyard Reserve Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Cherry aroma. Classic iron fist in velvet gloves lumoswine.com
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Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Fiano Category: Other White Varietals Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Lodi; Mokelumne River Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Aromatic, Lively, Melon, Sea stone
Tasting Notes: Big; rich
juicy with good acidity. Salmon and berries pennyroyalfarm.com
Raymond 2018 Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Rich balanced entry. Smooth with razor acidity. boissetcollection.com
Cavern Select; Dusi Vineyard Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Mocha jam. True to varietal. Integrated oak roberthallwinery.com
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Scribner Bend Vineyards 2016 Black Hat Tempranillo Category: Tempranillo Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98
Appellation: Clarksburg
(Sacramento)
10/22/20 11:47 AM
Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Very robust
and spicy. Cherries; blackberry and blueberries. Very balanced and clean scribnerbend.com Sculpterra Winery 2017 Grenache Hand Crafted; Small lot Barrel Aged Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Paso Robles; El Pomar District
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Best of Class Score: 96
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Silvan Ridge 2019 Pinot Gris Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Well made; notes of lemon; lively herbal notes. Well balanced.
pie; marionberry. SUNSET_WINE_DIRECTORY_ADS.indd 11 Gorgeous and complex. Dazzles the palate sculpterra.com
Sebastopol Oaks 2018 Sebastopol Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Dusty cocoa/coffee notes;
dark fruit; forward nose; solid tannins. owlridgews.com 10/21/20 Shimmer NV Shimmer Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation:
Mendocino County Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Great outdoorsy; lovely summer picnic wine; well balanced. Silvan Ridge 2019 Pinot Gris
Soquel Vineyards 2018 Library Selection Estate Pinot Noir Library Selection Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 99 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Classic burgundy. Hillside; Deep woods. 9:21mushroomed PM soquelvineyards.com St. Francis 2017 Dry Creek Zinfandel Artisan Collection Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Blueberries; chocolate stfranciswinery.com
Terra d'Oro 2018 Pinot Grigio Category: Pinot Gris/ Grigio Award: Double Gold
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Sky Ranch 2017 Il Cocuzzolo Single Vineyard; naturally fermented Estate Grown Category: Syrah/ Shiraz > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Solano County Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Soft; rich; elegant. Plums; licorice. Expressive aromas.Drives you into the glass. Balance. merisiwines.com
St. Francis 2019 Estate Cuvee Blanc Wild Oak Vineyard Category: White Rhone Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Apricot cremesickle; honeysuckle stfranciswinery.com
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Appellation: Clarksburg
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Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Lemon
zest; pear; spicy; great finish; well balanced; nice concentration of fruit. tfewines.com The Dreaming Tree 2017 Red Blend Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: California
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St. Francis 2017 Dry Creek Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Awards: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $48 Tasting Notes: Blueberries; spice
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balanced with fruits and tannins. Jammy pomegranate. I needed another glass.
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Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $30 Tasting Notes:
Rich; dark red fruit. Well balanced;
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Three Sticks 2018 Sonoma Mountain One Sky Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Mountain Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Gorgeous fruit; lovely sexy layers; acid balance; seashell minerality.
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Trinitas Cellars 2015 Mysteriama Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Old world style wine. Rich fruit aromas. Good foundation. trinitascellars.com Vargas 2017 Tres Bien Barrel Aged Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 97 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $29 Tasting Notes: Great representation and lingering finish.Wonderful start to finish. vinovargas.com Vina Robles 2019 Viognier Huerhuero Vineyard Estate Category: Viognier Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Peach; elegant; lovely wine. vinarobles.com
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fruit; lovely sexy layers; acid balance; seashell minerality. threestickswines.com
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Wise Villa Winery 2018 Sangiovese Category: Sangiovese Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $39.37 Tasting Notes: Whiff of chocolate; classic in the light style. Expressive; smooth balanced.
Category: Cabernet
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Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation:
Alexander Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Brooding; lush; yummy; herbalicious boissetcollection.com
Wattle Creek Winery 2016 Brut Blanc de Blancs Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Crowd pleaser; creamy; butterscotch. boissetcollection.com
Weibel Family Winery 2019 Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé Charmat Method Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 98 Appellation: California Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Love the complexity; personality. weibel.com
Wattle Creek Winery 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Wilson of Dry Creek 2017 McClain Single Vineyard Collection
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Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold
10/22/20 10:01 AM
Best of Class Score: 97
Appellation: Sonoma
County; Alexander Valley
Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Spicy;
tastes like cinnamon rolls; chewy ripe fruit. wilsonwinery.com Wise Villa Winery 2018 Sangiovese Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Sangiovese Award: Double Gold Best of Class Score: 96 Appellation:
Sierra Foothills Price: $39.37
Tasting Notes: Whiff of chocolate; classic in the light style. Expressive; smooth balanced. wisevillawinery.com
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GOLD - BEST OF CLASS Bear Flag 2017 Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 93 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Very berry; rich mouth feel; supple fruity; cherry; good with food. ejgallo.com
Oregon Territory 2016 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir =< $20.00 Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Oregon Price: $19.99 Tasting Notes: Smoked cherries; smoky paulobrienwines.com
Pearmund 2019 Cameo Collection Rosé Category: Rosé Hybrid Vinifera Blend Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Virginia Price: $29 Tasting Notes: Strawberries; spicy; lemon. pearmundcellars.com
Trevor Grace 2018 Touriga Estate Category: Other Red Varietals Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 93 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Blackfruit. Clove; Dark baking spices lewisgracewinery.com
Shadybrook Estate 2017 Semillon - Platine Blanc Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Semillon Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 94 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Very expressive of varietal character. Great mouth feel. Cooked Bartlett pear; lemongrass; pineapple; sage flavors.
Vale Wine Co 2019 Moscato Estate Grown Category: Muscat Varietals >5.1% rs Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 93 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Vibrant; grapefruit. hatranchwinery.com
THOMAS J. STORY
Eberle 2019 Muscat Canelli Estate Bottled Category: Muscat Varietals 0.0 5.0% rs Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 92 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Well balanced; long finish. eberlewinery.com
Imagery Estate Winery 2019 Riesling Upper Ridge Vineyard Category: Riesling dry 0.0 - 0.9% Award: Gold - Best of Class Score: 91 Appellation: Pine MountainCloverdale Peak Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Refreshing lemon-lime notes imagerywinery.com
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DOUBLE GOLD Aimee 2018 Primitivo Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Jammy; sweet; ripe; vanilla. aimeewines.com Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $16 Tasting Notes: Delicate; elegant. Rhubarb; floral nose. avvwine.com
Pinot Noir Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation:
Chehalem Mountains Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Cherry Blackberry. Fruit pie. arborbrookwines.com AvinoDos Wines 2016 AvinoDos Cabernet Sauvignon - Atlas Peak Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Atlas Peak Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Black currant; chocolate. avinodos.com
Amador Cellars 2019 Fiano Breitmeyer Vineyard Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Amador County Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Textbook piano. Juicy; floral. amadorcellars.com
B.R. Cohn Winery 2018 Chardonnay Silver Label Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $21 Tasting Notes: Toasty; sweet pea nose. vintagewineestates.com
ArborBrook Celebrer la Vie 2016 Sparkling Wine Extra Brut Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $59 Tasting Notes: Toasty. cherry; juicy. arborbrookwines.com
B.R. Cohn Winery 2018 Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County; Carneros Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Expressive; crisp apple; juicy. vintagewineestates.com
ArborBrook Estate Heritage Cuvee Pinot Noir 2016 ArborBrook Vineyards Estate Heritage Cuvée
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Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $39 Tasting Notes: Aromatics; very complex; bright bark and tobacco; longer. barristerwinery.com
Bash! NV Sparkling Rosé Wine Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: California Price: $13.99 Tasting Notes: Forward fruit; very expressive; Creaminess to texture. fiordisole.com Bayernmoor 2019 Rosé Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Lovely round and well balanced; beautiful pink color. bayernmoor.com Bee Hunter 2016 Grenache Eagle Point Ranch Single Vineyard Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Mendocino County Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Limestone; savory blue and black fruits and cassis. Sayor spice on finish. beehunterwine.com Bee Hunter 2014 Late Harvest Riesling Category: LH White Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Mendocino
County; Mendocino Ridge Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Spicy; good mineral. beehunterwine.com Benziger Family Winery 2019 Paradiso de Maria Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Mountain Price: $36 Tasting Notes: White Linen perfume; Long finish; nectarine benziger.com Blagden 2016 Chardonnay Certified Sustainable - CSWA Single Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Price: $52 Tasting Notes: Tantalizing; succulent; rockstar. blagdenwines.com Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2018 Eola-Amity Chardonnay Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Floral; elegant; crisp. brynmawrvineyards.com Burnside Road 2018 Burnside Road Dry Creek Zinfandel Category: Zinfandel =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $18
Tasting Notes: Fruit forward owlridgews.com Calstar Cellars 2019 Rosé of Pinot Muenier Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Crushed berries-strawberries. Beautifully balanced. Good with or without food. calstarcellars.com
Cass Winery 2019 Marsanne Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Geneseo District Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Great weight and balanced; brioche dough. casswines.com Chasing Venus 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Marlborough Price: $18 Tasting Notes: All markers for Sauvignon Blanc. Svelte. Citric fruit. Grassiness. Orange blossom. Integrated. matchbookwines.com Cinder 2019 Rosé of Cinsault Sawtooth Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $23 Tasting Notes: Flower garden. Rose petals. Intense aromatic perfume. cinderwines.com
DOUBLE GOLD Concannon 2017 Petite Sirah Nina's Cuvee Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation:
Livermore Valley Price: $38
Tasting Notes: Very alive; perfect food wine; complex lingering melody; cassis; spicy. thewinegroup.com
Concannon Reserve 2019 Rosé of Petite Sirah Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Livermore Valley Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Fruit punch nose. Grape; lime zest. thewinegroup.com Cornerstone Cellars 2016 Oakville Station Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Oakville Price: $120 Tasting Notes: violets; Tobacco. cornerstonecellars.com DaMaWines 2015 Collage Barrel Aged Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Walla Walla Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Classic bordeaux. Supple damawines.com Dancing Crow Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Category: Sauvignon
Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Lake County Price: $17.99 Tasting Notes: Nice citrus. Grassy; herbal. Grapefruit dancingcrow.com Dancing Crow Vineyards 2019 Rosé Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Lake County Price: $17.99 Tasting Notes: Intense floral; candy; alluring wine. dancingcrow.com Dashe Cellars 2017 'The Comet' Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $42 Tasting Notes:
Leathery; jammy. dashecellars.com David Hill Vineyards & Winery 2017 Estate Pinot Noir Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95
Heaven Hills Price: $16.99
Tasting Notes: Lot of concentration; treat fruit note in nose; rose petal; food friendly. dixiebasswines.com
Doffo Winery 2017 MALBEC Barrel Aged Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation:
Temecula Valley Price: $65
Tasting Notes: Great representation of varietal; plummy. doffowines.com
Doffo Winery 2017 Motodoffo Gran Tinto Barrel Aged Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Temecula Valley Price: $52 Tasting Notes: Dynamic. Blackberry and cranberry. Lovely wine. doffowines.com
Willamette Valley Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Sandy tannin; cherry cobbler; nice acid. davidhillwinery.com
Dorcich Family Vineyards 2017 Malbec Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Clara Valley Price: $44 Tasting Notes: Easy; rhubarb; inky mouth feel; well balanced.
Dixie & Bass 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Horse
Drew 2018 Mid-Elevation Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Mendocino
Appellation:
County; Mendocino Ridge Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Red Plum; cherry. Good acid. Mountain tanning. drewwines.com Dumb Luck 2016 Grenache Single Vineyard Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Lake County Price: $32 Tasting Notes: Big lushish dark red fruit layered with espresso and spice. wilddiamondvineyards.com El Rey Wine 2016 Pinot Noir A Noble Wine Estate Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Santa Barbara County Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Really meaty; bright red cherry; nice length; a lot of layering. elreywine.com Farmhand Winery 2017 Index Red Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $28 Tasting Notes: Caramelized; big black fruit. Great wine. Friendly farmhandwinery.com Ficklin Vineyards NV Old Vine Tinta Port Old Vine Category: Port Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Touch of
Caramel. Dark fruit Tawney NV Aged 10 Years Tawny Port Barrel Aged Category: Port Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: California Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Nice ginger ficklin.com Francis Coppola Director's 2017 Merlot Category: Merlot > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $21 Tasting Notes: Fruity; Very good balance; good finish. Rich. Good Depth. Very smooth tannins francisfordcoppolawinery.com Francis Coppola Director's 2018 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $21 Tasting Notes: Lush; lovely; elegant. francisfordcoppolawinery.com Francis Ford Coppola Directorʼs Cut 2018 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $29 Tasting Notes: spice food. Tutti fruity; dry cherry. francisfordcoppolawinery.com Furthermore 2016 ALCHEMY Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir >
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DOUBLE GOLD $75.01
Award: Double Gold
Score: 95
Appellation: Russian River
Valley
Price: $85 Tasting Notes: nice spice.
Zesty. Layers; dense; rich; and intense furthermorepinotnoir.com
Garré Vineyard and Winery 2016 Profound Secret Estate Wine Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation:
Livermore Valley Price: $32
Tasting Notes: Aromatic minty upfront; boysenberry & spicy palette.Well balanced. Fresh to the last drop.
Gilbert Cellars 2019 Unoaked Chardonnay Unoaked Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Lemon curd. Yellow apple. Crisp & fresh. gilbertcellars.com Gundlach Bundschu Winery 2018 Chardonnay Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Price: $27 Tasting Notes: Granny Smith apple; creamy palate. gunbun.com Hahn SLH 2018 Hahn SLH Chardonnay Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00
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Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Complex beautiful texture. hahnwines.com
Hahn SLH 2018 Hahn SLH Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Classic; good tannin structure; nice mushroom; well integrate; powerful but not over-powering. hahnwines.com Halleck Vineyard 2019 Little Sister Sauvignon Blanc Single Vineyard Category: Sauvignon Blanc > $20.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $39 Tasting Notes: Grassy. Lime. Long finish halleckvineyard.com Halter Ranch 2019 Rosé SIP Certified Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Rosé Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Melon and strawberry. Crisp mineral finish. Woo! halterranch.com Hertelendy 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged
SUNSET.COM
Category: Cabernet
Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 99 Appellation: Napa Price: $135 Tasting Notes: Powerful & graceful. hertelendy.com Herzog Special Reserve 2018 Russian River Chardonnay Special Reserve Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Expressive; crisp and refreshing. herzogwinecellars.com Hess Collection 2018 Allomi Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $39.99 Tasting Notes: Good concentration; bright fruit; lush; balanced; raspberry; great finish. hesscollection.com Hirsch Vineyards 2018 Hirsch 'Bohan Dillon' Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Fort Ross - Seaview Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Tomato basil; V8 Juicy. Chewy. hirschvineyards.com Hoot Owl Creek Vineyards 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00
Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Alexander Valley; Sonoma County Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Lush; chalky berries with vibrant acidity. Yum! hootowlcreekvineyards.com
J. Lohr Cuvee Series 2016 Cuvee POM Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Delicate and feminine jlohr.com J. Lohr Signature 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Paso de Robles Price: $100 Tasting Notes: Chewy. Well structured. jlohr.com J. Lohr Vineyard Series 2017 Tower Road Petite Sirah Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Killer; collage of black and blue fruit; velvety finish. jlohr.com JLC 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Ridge Estate Single Vineyard Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation:
Mendocino County Price: $35 Tasting Notes: A lot of
breadth to it; accessible but challenge to it in it's structure; nice lifted black fruit; lures you in coxfamilyvineyards.com Kehret Vineyards 2017 Auriferous Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: El Dorado County; Sierra Foothills Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Tart fruit; bright wine; great finish kehretvineyards.com Kludt Family Winery 2017 Reserve Malbec Lot 2 Vineyard Reserve Category: Malbec Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Chelan County Price: $46 Tasting Notes: Well crafted; round full palate; hint of red plum; good finish. lakechelanwinery.com Knights Bridge 2018 KB Estate Chardonnay Single Vineyard Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County; Knights Valley Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Monster of a wine. knightsbridgewinery.com Lake Sonoma Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Liquorice;
DOUBLE GOLD anise; blackberry; dusty; soft tannins. sfewine.com Lanza Family 2017 Petite Sirah Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Suisun Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Blue fruit; briery; black fig; ripe; juicy; fine tannins; slight caramel; brown butter. woodenvalley.com Lawer Estates 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon V600; Calistoga Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $65 Tasting Notes: Big red plum; ripe fruit; proper use of French oak. lawerfamilywines.com Lawer Estates 2016 Petite Sirah Betsy's Vineyard Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma Valley Price: $30 Tasting Notes: Savory & seductive w/lucky notes of black and blue fruits. lawerfamilywines.com Le Douleur Exquise 2019 Grenache Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Pays d'Oc IGP Price: $16.99 Tasting Notes: Very balanced. Blackfruit. Plush texture. Marionberry Le Vigne Appellation Series 2019 Rosé
Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Paso Robles Price: $19 Tasting Notes: Bitters component. Chestnut;watermelon. levignewinery.com L'Ecole No 41 2017 Apogee Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Walla Walla Valley Price: $55 Tasting Notes: Well crafted. Lengthy finish. Lush mid-palate lecole.com Liquid Sky Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Moon Mountain District Price: $90 Tasting Notes: Rich; ripe; smooth. lsvwines.com Lloyd Cellars 2018 Carneros Chardonnay Barrel aged Barrel Fermented Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Carneros Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Crowd pleaser. Apples with lemon zest. lloydcellars.com Luna Black Label 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold
Score: 98
Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Hot fudge/
Veal demi gloss. Lavender; rose and violets. Mouth coating with a long luxurious finish lunavineyards.com Macchia 2018 Dangerous Listneadt Vineyard Barrel Aged Category: Port Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Tobacco; caramel; spicy macchiawines.com
Martinez & Martinez 2019 Albariño Category: Spanish White Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Yakima Valley Price: $20 Tasting Notes: Depth of flavor; complex; mouth feel lingers; acid; balanced. martinezwine.com Martini & Rossi NV Prosecco Category: Sparkling White <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Prosecco DOC Price: $14.99 Tasting Notes: Lively; soft; creamy; spring fresh. Mazzocco Sonoma 2017 Zinfandel Reserve Warm Springs Ranch Reserve Category: Zinfandel > $20.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $52 Tasting Notes: Rich; jammy;
bright; spicy. mazzocco.com
Mt. Veeder Price: $95
Meadowcroft Wines 2016 Mount Veeder Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Single Vineyard Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Napa Valley; Mount Veeder Price: $90 Tasting Notes: Earthy; Black fruit. meadowcroftwines.com
Mint;chocolate. Silky tannins. 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $75 Tasting Notes: Dark cherry; ripe; delicious; fruity; great from beginning to end. misuenowinery.com
Menage a Trois 2018 Midnight Dark Red Blend Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: California Price: $14 Tasting Notes: Oooooh yummy! Dark chocolate covered cherries. Savory aromas and flavors tfewines.com Mercer Estates 2017 Mercer Family Vineyards RESERVE Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Dark red fruit; nice texture through the middle; exotic. mercerwine.com Mi Sueño Winery 2016 Mi Sueño Winery; Lynn's Vineyard; Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 99 Appellation: Napa Valley;
Tasting Notes:
Mystic Hills Vineyard 2015 Gran Trio Category: Red Bordeaux Type Blends $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Monterey County/San Luis Obispo County Price: $34 Tasting Notes: Cassis! Rich lead pencil. Black currant. Deeply flavored. Smooth tannins. mystichillsvineyard.com Nevada City Winery 2019 Chenin Blanc Unoaked Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Clarksburg Price: $24 Tasting Notes: Bright stone fruits and pears Patrice Grasset 2019 Chenin Blanc Category: Chenin Blanc Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Vin de Pays du Val de Loire IGP Price: $18.99 Tasting Notes: Good complexity nakedwines.com Pedroncelli 2019 Sauvignon Blanc East Side Vineyards
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DOUBLE GOLD Category: Sauvignon Blanc
=< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Price: $17 Tasting Notes: Passion fruit. Good stuff; Good balance. Vibrant pedroncelli.com
Peju 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Reserve Barrel Aged
Category: Cabernet
Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Rutherford Price: $135 Tasting Notes: Black fruit. Dusty. Quality. peju.com Pennyroyal Farm 2019 Pinot Troi Estate Grown and Produced Category: Other White Blends Award: Double Gold
Score: 97
Category: Chardonnay
Valley
$40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95
Appellation: Anderson Price: $33 Tasting Notes: Mineral.
Whiff of roses. Juicy and crisp. Layers of flavor pennyroyalfarm.com
Perrucci Family Vineyard 2017 Pinot Noir Regan Vineyard; Corralitos Single Vineyard Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Earthy nose; Redwood forest. Nice acid. perruccifamily.com Piper Sonoma Wines NV Brut Rosé Methode Traditionnelle Category: Sparkling Rosé <2.5% rs Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation:
Rangeland Wines 2017 The Shepherd Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $40 Composition: 35% Syrah 35% Mourvédre 30% Grenache Tasting Notes: Wonderful fruit finish; Lovely food wine.
Sonoma County Price: $21.99
Tasting Notes: Real fine bubbles; feathery on palate; Small raw oysters. pipersonoma.com
Pope Valley Winery 2019 Rosé Estate Grown; Estate Bottled Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $22 Tasting Notes: Sweet tart; Jolly Rancher; pretty; approachable. popevalleywinery.com Quintet Cellars 2018 Chardonnay Single Vineyard
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Appellation:
Yamhill-Carlton Price: $48 Tasting Notes: sexy; unique; quince; sorrel quintetcellars.com
Rangeland Wines 2017 The Shepherd Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation:
Adelaida District Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Wonderful fruit finish. Lovely food wine. rangelandwines.com Robert Young Estate Winery 2016 Bob's Burn Pile Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $95 Tasting Notes: Yuum! Black fruit. Blackberries. ryew.com Rocky Pond 2017 Stratastone Estate Grown Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Columbia Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Violets; great varietal character. rockypondwinery.com
Rodney Strong Vineyards 2019 Rodney Strong Russian River Valley Ros é of Pinot Noir Estate Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Russian River Valley Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Good acidity; Lean body; explosive finish. Vanilla; pina colada; spicy tangy finish rodneystrong.com Roth Estate 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $29.99 Tasting Notes: Real silken texture; persistant finish; beguiling aromas. foleyfamilywines.com ROX by Scott Peterson 2018 All Blacks Category: Other Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $44.99 Tasting Notes: Big full fruit. Black and red fruits. easy drinking. Great with BBQ 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Sonoma County Price: $33.99 Tasting Notes: Forchini; savory; complex; peppery. nakedwines.com
Russian River Vineyards 2019 Petersen Vineyard Stainless Steel Chardonnay Category: Unoaked Chardonnay Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma County; Russian River Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: Sings on the finish. Crisp apple. Lively acidity. Beautiful minerality. Clean & bright! russianrivervineyards.com Schug Carneros Estate Winery 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation:
Sonoma Coast (Sonoma)
Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Pink
lemonade; Raspberry; quintessential. schugwinery.com Skinner Vineyards & Winery 2019 Grenache Blanc Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: El Dorado Price: $24 Tasting Notes: As well made; balanced. Great viscosity. skinnervineyards.com Soda Rock 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Spur Hill Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation:
Alexander Valley Price: $45 Tasting Notes: Minty (chocolate peppermint) complex red fruit. Indian incense. Integrated tannins sodarockwinery.com Sonoma-Cutrer 2018 Sonoma Coast Category: Chardonnay $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Sonoma Coast (Sonoma) Price: $21.99 Tasting Notes: Pear. Floral finish.
St. Amant Winery 2018 Tempranillo The Road Less Travelled Category: Tempranillo Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Amador County Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Model version of a New World tempranillo. Clean red fruit with impeccable structure. Very food friendly. Enjoy with friends. 2019 Verdelho Little Miss Independent Category: Other White Varietals Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Amador County Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Delicate; good concentration of fruit; orange marmalade; stone fruit. stamantwine.com St. Francis 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Alexander Valley Price: $52 Tasting Notes: Big juicy fruit; nice nose; classic A/V Cab. Delicious from beginning to end. stfranciswinery.com St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $42 Tasting Notes: great acid and tannins. Rich cherries; chocolate. Garden thyme finish stsupery.com Stubbs VIneyard 2018 Stubbs Marin Estate Pinot Noir Estate Grown Category: Pinot Noir > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 96
Appellation: Marin County Price: $580 Tasting Notes: feminine
style; spice. Complex stubbsvineyard.com
Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2018 SGM Barrel Aged Category: Rhone Type Red Blends Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Adelaida District Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Berries; jammy wine. Chewy fruit forward. Velvetiness. sycamoreranch.com Talbott 2017 Kali Hart Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Monterey Price: $26 Tasting Notes: Pretty; nice mushroom characteristic; classic beauty. ejgallo.com Teachworth Winery 2013 Manzanita Hill Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley; Diamond Mountain District Price: $125 Tasting Notes: DelicateBlack tea. 2018 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Carneros Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Sour cherry; plum. Earthy. Great processing detail. Dazzling finish. tberkleywines.com Todd Taylor Wine Group Inc. 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Coombsville Price: $80 Tasting Notes: Spicy sandalwood.
Todd Taylor Wine Group Inc. 2017 Primitivo Blue House Vineyard Category: Primitivo Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Shenandoah Valley (Amador) Price: $50 Tasting Notes: Cinnamon; spicy; BBQ sauce. toddtaylor.wine
Vivier Wines 2018 Pinot Noir Category: Pinot Noir $20.01 - $40.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 98
Trujillo Wines 2016 Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 97 Appellation: Napa Valley Price: $85 Tasting Notes: Well balanced. trujillowines.com
Wallis Family Estate 2017 Seraphim Reserve Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Diamond Mountain District Price: $175 Tasting Notes: Stunning Great tannins;Perfection. 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Aged Category: Cabernet Sauvignon > $75.01 Award: Double Gold Score: 98 Appellation: Diamond Mountain District Price: $100 Tasting Notes: Tannins; dusty red fruit. wallisestate.com
Villa Maria New Zealand 2019 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Category: Sauvignon Blanc =< $20.00 Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Marlborough Price: $15 Tasting Notes: Fresh. Good New Zealand style. ste-michelle-wine-estates.com Villa Vallecito Vineyards 2018 Grenache Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation:
Calaveras County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Black olive;
killer classy. Rustic edge. Lamb is a good pairing. Black fruit. 2017 Grenache Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Grenache Award: Double Gold Score: 95 Appellation: Calaveras County Price: $40 Tasting Notes: Long lovely finish. Well integrated tannins and fruit. Balanced with spice and tobacco villavallecitovineyards.com
Appellation:
Sonoma Coast Price: $38 Tasting Notes: Coastal
aromas. Gorgeous; lush; soft. vivierwines.com
Willamette Valley Vineyards 2019 Whole Cluster Rosé of Pinot Noir Estate Bottled & Produced Category: Varietal Rosés Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Willamette Valley Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Big; juicy; ripe; generous flavor. Raspberries and Rainier cherries. wvv.com Wolff Vineyards 2018 Petite Sirah Estate Grown; Produced and Bottled Category: Petite Sirah Award: Double Gold Score: 96 Appellation: Edna Valley Price: $35 Tasting Notes: Elegant; huckleberry pie. wolffvineyards.com
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GOLD 1924 2018 Scotch Barrel Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $14.99; delicato.com 1881 Napa 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $40, boissetcollection.com 1881 Napa 2016 Founder's Red Score: 91; Price: $60; boissetcollection.com 2Hawk Winery 2017 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $46, 2hawk.wine
Abacela 2019 Grenache Rosé Score: 92; Price: $19; 2017 Tempranillo Fiesta Score: 92; Price: $25, abacela.com Adelsheim Vineyard 2016 Boulder Bluff Pinot noir Score: 92; Price: $85, adelsheim.com Adrice Wines 2017 Riveter Red Score: 93; Price: $45; 2017 Bare Knuckle Syrah Score: 91; Price: $30, adricewines.wine
Aimee 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $50, aimeewines.com Alamos 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $13, ejgallo.com Alexander Valley Vineyards 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon organically grown Score: 91; Price: $32; 2018 Homestead Red Blend Score: 90; Price: $24; 2018 Estate Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $34; 2018 Estate Syrah Score: 90; Price: $24; 2018 Estate Merlot Score: 91; Price: $23, avvwine.com Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2017 Quarry Butte Score: 93; Price: $26; 2019 Shepherds Mark Score: 90; Price: $28; 2017 a2 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $25, alexandrianicolecellars.com Amador Cellars 2016 Sangiovese Score: 91; Price: $30 amadorcellars.com
Score: 91
Ancient Peaks Winery 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $17; 2017 Malbec Score: 90; Price: $40; 2017 Oyster Ridge Score: 90; Price: $60, ancientpeaks.com
Appellation: Sierra Foothills Price: $25 Tasting Notes: Apple; pear; grapefruit. Mineral. Nice mouth feel.
Andis Wines 2019 Painted Fields Cuvee Blanc Score: 91; Price: $25 andiswines.com
Andis Wines 2019 Painted Fields Cuvee Blanc Category: Other White Blends Award: Gold
Apriori 2017 Chardonnay
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Score: 91; Price: $32 aprioricellar.com Archimedes 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $120 francisfordcoppolawinery.com Avenales Ranch 2016 Petite Sirah Score: 92; Price: $40 shellcreekvineyards.com B.R. Cohn Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $25; 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $35 vintagewineestates.com Balletto Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $20; 2018 RRV Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $29; 2019 Pinot Gris Score: 92; Price: $20, ballettovineyards.com Banknote Wine Company 2015 Allegiance Score: 93; Price: $60 banknotewines.com Barefoot NV Barefoot Hard SeltzerPineapple Passionfruit Score: 91; Price: $1.99; NV Moscato Score: 90; Price: $6.99; NV Barefoot Spritzer-Red Sangria Spritzer Can Score: 90; Price: $2.99; NV Merlot Score: 90; Price: $6.99; NV Rosé Score: 90; Price: $6.99; NV Sauvignon Blanc Score: 91; Price: $6.99; NV Barefoot Spritzer Rosé Spritzer Bottle Score: 90; Price: $5.99; NV Barefoot SpritzerSummer Red Spritzer Can Score: 92; Price: $2.99, ejgallo.com
Barefoot Bubbly NV Pink Moscato Score: 91; Price: $9.99; NV Peach Score: 90; Price: $9.99; NV Brut Rosé Score: 92; Price: $9.99, ejgallo.com Barefoot Fruitscato NV Strawberry Score: 91; Price: $9.99; NV Peach Score: 90; Price: $9.99, ejgallo.com Baron Herzog 2018 Aleph Score: 91; Price: $13 herzogwinecellars.com Barrister Winery 2016 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $33 barristerwinery.com Bayernmoor 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $27; 2018 Rosé Score: 94; Price: $15; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $29, bayernmoor.com Bee Hunter 2016 Pinot Noir Angel Camp Vineyard Score: 91; Price: $52; 2017 Pinot Noir Mendocino Blend Score: 93; Price: $42; 2017 Pinot Gris Filigreen Farms Score: 90; Price: $28, beehunterwine.com Belle Arte 2016 Belle Arte Teroldego Score: 90; Price: $38 bellefiorewine.com Benziger Family Winery 2017 Acropolis Score: 93; Price: $125; 2017 Ettas Blend Merlot Score: 92; Price: $47; 2017 Signaterra Pinot Noir; Bella Luna
Score: 91; Price: $49, benziger.com Berryessa Gap Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon blanc Score: 91; Price: $24; 2019 Goza! Rosé of Tempranillo Score: 91; Price: $15, berryessagap.com Blagden 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $58, blagdenwines.com Blue Oasis 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $42, blueoasiswines.com Blue Quail 2019 Pinot Gris Score: 93; Price: $16, mcfaddenfarm.com Boatique Winery NV Bubbles Blanc de Blanc Score: 90; Price: $26; 2017 Petite Sirah Score: 90; Price: $26; 2019 Rosé of Malbec Score: 91; Price: $22, boatiquewines.com BoaVentura Deported 2014 DePorted Score: 92; Price: $39, boaventuravineyard.com BoaVentura Rosé 2019 Pepper's Rosado Score: 90; Price: $24, boaventuravineyard.com Bogle Vineyards 2017 Merlot Score: 90; Price: $10; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $10, boglewinery.com Bonterra Organic Vineyards 2018 Merlot Score: 94; Price: $16, fetzer.com Bouchard Aîné & Fils 2019 VDF Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $10 boissetcollection.com Brassfield Estate Winery 2019 Serenity Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $22;
2019 Pinot Gris Score: 90; Price: $22; 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $22; 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $28, brassfieldestate.com Breathless NV Blanc de Blancs Score: 91; Price: $34; NV Brut Rosé Score: 91; Price: $33, breathlesswines.com Brecon Estate 2018 Mourvedre Score: 92; Price: $58; 2019 Rosé Score: 90; Price: $32, breconestate.com Brian Carter Cellars 2015 Opulento Score: 93; Price: $25; 2015 Abracadabra Red Blend Score: 91; Price: $25; 2018 Abracadabra Rosé Score: 92; Price: $25, briancartercellars.com Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Grenache Score: 92; Price: $27, bricoleurvineyards.com Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2016 Estate Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $40; 2017 Estate Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $40, brynmawrvineyards.com Buckel Family Wine 2017 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $24, buckelfamilywine.com Buena Vista 2018 Chateau Buena Vista Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $40 2017 Chateau Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $50 2017 Attila's Selection Zinfandel Score: 91; Price: $42 2018 Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $35 boissetcollection.com Bunnell Family Cellar 2012 Syrah Score: 91; Price: $39
bunnellfamilycellar.com Ca' Momi Napa Valley 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $19.99, camomi.com Cabana Wines 2018 Cabana Wines Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $20; cabanawinery.com Cache Creek Vineyards 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $55, cachecreekvineyards.com CaliPaso 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $20 calipasowinery.com Cardella Winery 2019 Rosé of Sangiovese Score: 91; Price: $18 cardellawinery.com Carmenet 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $15.99 classicwinesofcalifornia.com
Chicken Dinner 2019 Chicken Dinner Red Category: Other Red Blends Award: Gold Score: 90 Appellation: Snake River Valley Price: $18 Tasting Notes: Black cherry and currant aromas. Medium bodied blend; notes of cherry and blackberry; lively spicy finish.
Carol Shelton Wines 2017 Rockin' One 2018 Wild Thing Score: 91; Price: $49 2 SUNSET_WINE_DIRECTORY_ADS.indd Chardonnay 2019 Mr Blanc Score: 93; Price: $19 Score: 91; Price: $19.99 2017 Rocky Reserve 2019 Roussanne Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $26 Score: 91; Price: $38 casswines.com 2017 Wild Thing Zinfandel Cazadero Winery Score: 91; Price: $19 2018 Chardonnay Parmeter carolshelton.com Score: 91; Price: $39 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Carruth Cellars Bei Ranch 2017 Cabernet Franc Score: 94; Price: $49.5 Score: 92; Price: $39.99 cazaderowinery.com 2017 Syrah Score: 91; Price: $43.99 Cellar No 8 carruthcellars.com 2019 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $12.99, Carys classicwinesofcalifornia.com 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $12.99 scheidvineyards.com Casa Wines 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $25 kellerestate.com Casillero del Diablo 2019 Reserva Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $12 fetzer.com Cass Winery 2017 Reserve Score: 90; Price: $125
Chateau Ste Michelle 2016 Cold Creek Vineyard 10/22/20 5:30 PM Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $30, ste-michelle-wineestates.com Chattan Groom 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $37.99, nakedwines.com Cherry Pie 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $22.99, vintagewineestates.com Chicken Dinner 2019 Chicken Dinner Red Score: 90; Price: $18, hustonvineyards.com
Char Vale 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $48.50, charvalewinery.com
Chronic Cellars 2018 Sofa King Bueno Score: 94; Price: $21.99, wxbrands.com
Charles de Fère NV Cuvée Jean-Louis; Blanc de Blancs Brut Score: 91; Price: $12, boissetcollection.com
Cinder 2019 Dry Rosé of Syrah Score: 93; Price: $23, cinderwines.com
Charles Woodson's Intercept 2017 Red Blend Score: 90; Price: $19.99, oneillwine.com
Cinquain Cellars 2016 Prose Score: 91; Price: $60; 2017 Petit Verdot Score: 91; Price: $60; 2017 Cabrador
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GOLD Score: 92; Price: $44, cinquaincellars.com
Score: 91; Price: $40, vintagewineestates.com
Clearwater Canyon 2018 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $28, cccellars.com
Clouds Rest 2014 Egoiste Score: 93; Price: $75, cloudsrest.com
Cliff Creek Cellars 2015 Claret Score: 93; Price: $30; 2015 Syrah Score: 90; Price: $30, cliffcreek.com
Columbia Crest 2016 H3 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $15, ste-michelle-wineestates.com
Clos Du Val 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $32, closduval.com Clos Pegase Winery 2018 Merlot
Comstock Wines 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $75; 2018 Viognier Score: 93; Price: $42, comstockwines.com
Concannon Reserve 2017 Stampmaker's GSM Score: 91; Price: $32; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $30, thewinegroup.com Cornerstone Cellars 2016 Benchlands Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $75, cornerstonecellars.com Corvidae 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $12.99, vintagewineestates.com Cougar Crest Estate Winery 2016 Block 11 Syrah Score: 92; Price: $29; 2014 Determination Score: 91; Price: $20; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $45; 2016 Reserve Syrah Score: 92; Price: $55, cougarcrestwinery.com Coventina Vineyards 2015 Tempranillo Score: 92; Price: $35; 2015 Tempranillo Reserve Score: 94; Price: $49.95, coventinavineyards.com Coyote Canyon Winery 2017 Merlot Score: 91; Price: $28; 2016 Mourvedre Score: 90; Price: $40; 2016 Rhone Blend Score: 93; Price: $27; 2017 Big John Cab Sauv Score: 92; Price: $45, coyotecanyonwinery.com
Ehret Family Winery 2016 Bella’s Cabernet Sauvignon Category: Cabernet Sauvignon $40.01 - $75.00 Award: Gold Score: 94
Cru Winery 2017 Vineyard Montage Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $25; 2018 Sierra Madre Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $50, cruwinery.com
Appellation: Sonoma County; Knights Valley Price: $60 Tasting Notes: Big cellar-worthy Blackberry cassis. Black olive and tobacco notes
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Crux 2016 Petite Sirah Score: 92; Price: $45; cruxwinery.com Crystal Basin Cellars 2016 Malbec Score: 91; Price: $28; crystalbasin.com D & L Carinalli Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $25; dlcarinallivineyards.com D & L Carinalli Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $20, dlcarinallivineyards.com Dancin 2018 Brise Score: 90; Price: $39; Dancin 2018 Ballerina Score: 94; Price: $39, Dark Star Cellars 2016 Anderson Road Score: 90; Price: $36, darkstarcellars.com Daryl Rex Groom 2018 DRG Wine with Heart Score: 91; Price: $12.99, Nakedwines.com Davis Bynum Winery 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $35, rodneystrong.com Day Owl 2019 Rosé Score: 90; Price: $14.99, oneillwine.com Delgado Family Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $39, delgadofamilyvineyard.com DeLille Cellars 2017 Four Flags Score: 91; Price: $70, delillecellars.com DeLoach Vineyards 2018 Russian River Valley Zinfandel
Score: 91; Price: $23; 2017 Estate Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $58; 2018 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $25, boissetcollection.com deLorimier Winery 2018 Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $44; 2018 Chardonnay; Sonoma County Score: 91; Price: $32; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $38; 2016 Mosaic Meritage Score: 92; Price: $70; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $42, delorimierwinery.com Denier-Handal Vineyards 2016 Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $29, denier-handal.com Dennen 2018 Vacationer California Rosé Score: 91; Price: $17; NV Constantine Vacationer Score: 90; Price: $17, smithdevereux.com Desert Wind Winery 2017 Ruah Score: 92; Price: $20; 2019 Chenin Blanc Score: 92; Price: $28; 2019 Rosé of Touriga Nacional Score: 93; Price: $28; 2017 Merlot Score: 93; Price: $40, desertwindwinery.com Disorderly Conduct 2018 Willful White Score: 90; Price: $13.7 District 7 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $17.99; scheidvineyards.com/ Dixie & Bass
2018 Red Blend Score: 92; Price: $16.99
Score: 92; Price: $34, dutchercrossingwinery.com
Score: 90; Price: $30, tomeddywines.com
Score: 90; Price: $23, ejgallo.com
Domaine Carneros 2017 Estate Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $44; 2016 Brut Rosé Score: 91; Price: $44, domainecarneros.com
Dutcher Crossing 2016 SIbling's Reserve Petite Sirah Score: 90; Price: $43, dutchercrossingwinery.com
En Garde 2018 Pinot Noir Starkey Hill Score: 93; Price: $60, engardewinery.com
Flocking Fabulous 2017 Red Blend Score: 91; Price: $50, standingsunwines.com
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger NV Cuvee de la Pompadour Brut Rosé Score: 93; Price: $44, domainecarneros.com
Eberle 2019 Cotes-du-Robles Blanc Score: 90; Price: $26, 2019 Cotes-du-Robles Rosé Score: 90; Price: $24; 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $26, eberlewinery.com
ess·eff wines 2018 Keller Estate Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $42, 2019 Oakmont Barbera Rosé Score: 91; Price: $24; 2017 Teldeschi Zinfandel Score: 90; Price: $38, esseffwines.com
Foppiano Vineyards 2016 Petite Sirah Score: 92; Price: $25; 2017 River's Edge Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $45; 2018 Della's Block Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $37; 2018 Estate Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $35, 2017 Gianna's Block Petite Sirah Score: 93; Price: $45, foppiano.com
Domaine de Broglie 2018 Pinot Noir Cuvee Score: 94; Price: $36 francisfordcoppolawinery.com Dorcich Family Vineyards 2017 Dolina Score: 91; Price: $44 dorcichfamilyvineyards.com Dressage 2019 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $13, castlerockwinery.com Dry Creek Vineyard 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 93; Price: $20; 2018 Heritage Vines Zinfandel Score: 94; Price: $26, drycreekvineyard.com Duck Pond Cellars 2017 Reserve Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $28; 2019 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $19, integratedbev.com Dumb Luck 2017 Grenache Score: 90; Price: $32, wilddiamondvineyards.com Durant & Booth 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $25, boissetcollection.com Dutcher Crossing 2017 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $42, dutchercrossingwinery.com Dutcher Crossing 2016 Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet
Echo Echo 2017 Benchland Score: 93; Price: $20, gunbun.com Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards 2019 Estate Rosé Score: 92; Price: $22, ecoterreno.com Ehret Family Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $58; 2016 Bella's Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 94; Price: $60; 2016 Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $98; 2016 Hillside Reserve Red Wine Score: 92; Price: $98; 2017 Pinot Noir - Estate Reserve Score: 92; Price: $40, ehretwinery.com Elaine 2017 Calypte Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $50, elainewines.com Elance 2018 Rosé Score: 91; Price: $22, wineshopathome.com Elkhorn Ridge Vineyards & Winery 2019 Pinot Blanc Score: 90; Price: $24; 2018 Legacy Score: 90; Price: $26, elkhornridgevineyards.com Elodian 2019 Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir Rosé
Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 2017 Frontenac Score: 91; Price: $40, Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards faithhopeandcharityevents.com Farmhand Winery 2017 Go 4 Red Score: 90; Price: $28, farmhandwinery.com Ferrari-Carano 2019 Dry Sangiovese Rosé Score: 92; Price: $15; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $23; 2019 Fume Blanc Score: 92; Price: $15, ferraricarano.com
2017 Merlot Score: 90; Price: $18, francisfordcoppolawinery.com
Forager 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $19.99, scenicroot.net Forefathers 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $20, goldschmidtvineyards.com Foris 2017 Tempranillo Score: 93; Price: $20, foriswine.com
Fess Parker Winery 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $19, fessparker.com
Fortant 2019 Coastal Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $10, boissetcollection.com
Fillmore West Vineyards 2019 White Rabbit Score: 90; Price: $32, fillmorewestvineyards.com
Four Lanterns Winery 2017 Cabernet Franc Score: 90; Price: $48, fourlanternswinery.com
Fine Disregard Wine Company 2018 Sonoma County Grenache Score: 92; Price: $30, finedisregardwine.com Flambeaux 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $60, flambeauxwine.com Flat Top Hills 2019 Rosé Score: 90; Price: $13.99, Fleur de Mer 2018 Rosé Blend
Four Lanterns Winery 2017 Kharis Score: 90; Price: $62, fourlanternswinery.com Foxcraft Hard Cider NV Blood Orange Score: 92; Price: $7.99; NV Pear Score: 93; Price: $7.99, foxcraftcider.com Francis Coppola Diamond Collection 2018 Pinot Grigio Score: 91; Price: $16; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $16;
Francis Coppola Director's Cut 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $21; 2017 Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $27, francisfordcoppolawinery.com Franzia NV Dark Red Blend Score: 90; Price: $6.99; NV Rich & Buttery Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $16.99; NV Pink Moscato Score: 91; Price: $6.99, thewinegroup.com Frei Brothers 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 93; Price: $20, ejgallo.com Fritz 2017 Fritz Reserve Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $45, fritzwinery.com Furthermore 2016 Graton Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $55, furthermorepinotnoir.com Gallo Signature Series 2017 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $33, ejgallo.com Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery 2017 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $45; 2017 Russian River Selection Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $35; 2016 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $55, garyfarrellwinery.com Gilpin Estate 2018 Reserve Cabernet Score: 91; Price: $90; 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $45; 2018 Reserve Merlot Score: 91; Price: $75, gilpinestate.com
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GOLD Girasole Vineyards 2019 Pinot Blanc Score: 91; Price: $14, barraofmendocino.com; girasolevineyards.com Glory Cellars 2017 Hero's Blend Score: 91; Price: $45, wineshopathome.com Goose Ridge Vineyards 2019 Rosé Score: 92; Price: $24, gooseridge.com Gracianna 2016 Estate Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $68, gracianna.com Granville Wine Co. 2018 Farmhouse Cuvée; Pinot noir Score: 91; Price: $28, granvillewines.com Gratus 2016 Red Wine Score: 91; Price: $80, gratusvineyards.com Gravel Bar 2017 Cabernet sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $17.99, classicwinesofcalifornia.com Great Bear Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $22, greatbearvineyards.com Gruet NV Sauvage; Blanc de Blancs Score: 92; Price: $19.99; NV Brut Rosé Score: 92; Price: $17.99, preceptwine.com Guenoc 2019 CA Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $10, foleyfamilywines.com Gundlach Bundschu Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
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Score: 91; Price: $55, gunbun.com Hahn 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $15, hahnwines.com
Hess Select 2018 Hess Select Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $12.99 2018 Hess Select Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $19.99 hesscollection.com
Halleck Vineyard 2019 Not Your Mother's Dry White Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $29, halleckvineyard.com
Hirsch Vineyards 2018 Hirsch Estate Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $60 hirschvineyards.com
Halter Ranch 2017 Ancestor Estate Reserve Score: 92; Price: $65, halterranch.com
Hitching Post Wines 2017 Perfect Set Score: 92; Price: $54 hitchingpostwines.com
Haraszthy Family Cellars 2017 Old Vine Zinfandel Score: 93; Price: $14.99, classicwinesofcalifornia.com Harbinger Winery 2016 Grenache Score: 90; Price: $40, harbingerwinery.com Hedges Family Estate 2017 Estate Red Wine Score: 90; Price: $30, hedgesfamilyestate.com Helwig Winery 2015 Gold Country Red Score: 90; Price: $18, helwigwinery.com Heron 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $18 heronwines.com Herzog Special Reserve 2017 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $44 herzogwinecellars.com Hess Collection 2017 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $32 hesscollection.com
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Homefire of Sonoma 2017 Firework Reserve Score: 90; Price: $18.25 homefirecellars.com Hoopla Wine 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $20 hoopesvineyard.com Hoyt Family Vineyards 2014 Petite Sirah Score: 90; Price: $40 hoytfamilyvineyards.com Hummingbird Estate 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $40 hummingbirdestate.com Hunter Glenn 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $30 2017 Red Wine Score: 92; Price: $45 hunterglenn.com Husch 2018 Renegade Sauvignon Blanc Score: 91; Price: $18 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $15 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 91; Price: $15 2018 Old Vines Zinfandel Score: 90; Price: $25 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $25 huschvineyards.com
Huston Vineyards 2018 Malbec Score: 90; Price: $29 hustonvineyards.com Idlewright 2016 Opulent Red Score: 92; Price: $23.99 Idlewright NV Rosé of Sangiovese Score: 91; Price: $21 Imagery Estate Winery 2018 White Burgundy Score: 90; Price: $32 2017 Sangiovese Score: 92; Price: $42 2019 Viognier Score: 90; Price: $29 imagerywinery.com
J. Rickards Winery 2018 Carignane Score: 90; Price: $34 2018 Malbec Score: 90; Price: $34 2019 Rosé of Grenache Score: 93; Price: $26 jrwinery.com JCB By Jean-Charles Boisset NV #21 Score: 91; Price: $25 NV #69 Score: 91; Price: $25 boissetcollection.com Jordan 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $58 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $35 jordanwinery.com
J Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $31 ejgallo.com
Jose Hernandez 2019 Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $19.99 nakedwines.com
J Vineyards and Winery 2018 Pinot Gris Score: 92; Price: $20 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $40 ejgallo.com
Keller Estate Winery 2018 La Cruz Vineyard Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $55 kellerestate.com
J. Lohr Cuvee Series 2016 Cuvee PAU Score: 92; Price: $50 jlohr.com J. Lohr Estates 2018 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $17 2018 Falcon's Perch Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $17 jlohr.com J. Lohr Vineyard Series 2017 HILLTOP Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $35 jlohr.com
Kennedy Shah 2019 Picnic Blend Score: 91; Price: $20 twwe.com Kerr Cellars 2017 Kerr Cellars Reserve Red Score: 91; Price: $195 kerrcellars.com King Estate 2018 Domaine Pinot Gris Score: 90; Price: $29 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 94; Price: $20 kingestate.com Kings Mountain Vineyards 2016 Clone 13 Score: 90; Price: $65 kingsmountainvineyards.com
Kitson Wines 2017 North Coast Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $30 2016 Black Knight Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $36 kitsonwines.com
Le Vigne Vineyard Series 2016 Riservato Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $60 levignewinery.com
Knuttel Family 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $22 williamknuttel.com
L'Ecole No 41 2017 Perigee Score: 92; Price: $55 2018 Semillon Score: 93; Price: $15 lecole.com
Korbel 2017 Natural' Score: 91; Price: $15.99 NV Blanc de Noirs Score: 92; Price: $13.99 korbel.com Kriselle Cellars 2019 Albarino Score: 91; Price: $28 krisellecellars.com La Prenda 2019 Rosé Score: 92; Price: $20 La Rochelle Wines 2015 Rechereché Reserve Chardonnay Ferrington Vineyard Score: 92; Price: $75 lrwine.com La Storia 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $22 2018 Cuvee 32 Score: 91; Price: $26 2017 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $23 trentadue.com Laguna 2017 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $35 ejgallo.com Lake Chelan Winery NV Exclusive Red VII Score: 90; Price: $45 lakechelanwinery.com Lanza Family 2018 Barbera Score: 93; Price: $26 woodenvalley.com Le Mulet Rouge Vineyard and Winery 2016 Reserve Syrah Score: 92; Price: $35 2017 Cuore della Vigna Score: 91; Price: $45 levignewinery.com
Ledson 2016 Petite Sirah Score: 92; Price: $46 2017 Caudalies Score: 90; Price: $56 ledson.com Leftie NV White Blend Score: 92; Price: $10.99 ejgallo.com Lewis Grace 2017 Mourvedre Score: 90; Price: $30 2016 Syrah Score: 92; Price: $28; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $30; 2017 Zinfandel Score: 94; Price: $28; 2016 Cabernet Franc Score: 91; Price: $30, lewisgracewinery.com Lifevine 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $14.99; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $14.99; 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $14.99, integratedbev.com Line 39 2019 Rosé Score: 93; Price: $10.99; 2018 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 93; Price: $10.99, oneillwine.com Linguist Estates NV Rosé of Sangiovese Score: 90; Price: $25; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $19.99, Liquid Sky Vineyards 2017 Syrah Score: 92; Price: $65, lsvwines.com
Locatelli Vineyard & Winery 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $45, locatelliwinery.com Long Barn 2018 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $11.99, fiordisole.com Longboard Vineyards 2019 Watergirl Rosé Score: 92; Price: $28, longboardvineyards.com Lost Slough 2019 Wild Chenin Blanc Score: 91; Price: $24, dancingcoyotewines.com Lucienne 2018 Pinot Noir Lone Oak Vineyard Score: 94; Price: $50; 2018 Pinot Noir Smith Vineyard Score: 92; Price: $50; 2018 Pinot Noir Doctor's Vineyard Score: 93; Price: $50, hahnwines.com Lula Cellars 2018 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $45, 2018 Costa Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $45, lulacellars.com Luna Black Label 2017 Sangiovese Score: 91; Price: $42; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $48; 2016 Petit Verdot Score: 91; Price: $70; 2017 Mille Baci Late Harvest Score: 91; Price: $46, lunavineyards.com LVE: Legend Vineyard Exclusive 2018 Cotes de Provence Rosé Score: 93; Price: $25, boissetcollection.com Lyeth Estate 2018 California Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $14; 2018 California Red Blend Score: 91; Price: $11, boissetcollection.com
Macchia 2018 Mischievous Score: 90; Price: $22; 2018 Vivacious Score: 91; Price: $24, macchiawines.com MacMurray Estate Vineyards 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $38, ejgallo.com
Mazzocco Sonoma 2018 Grenache Chemise Score: 91; Price: $36; 2018 Zinfandel Reserve Smith Orchard Score: 90; Price: $54, mazzocco.com
MaisonJussiaume 2017 Maison Jussiaume Blanc de Blancs Score: 90; Price: $65 maisonjussiaume.com Maker Wine Company 2019 Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $7 2019 Viognier Score: 92; Price: $8 makerwine.com Martin Ranch 2016 Thérèse Vineyards Malbec Score: 91; Price: $42 martinranchwinery.com Matchbook 2019 Rosé of Tempranillo Score: 91; Price: $12 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $15 2018 Old Head Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $15, matchbookwines.com Matrix Winery 2017 Zinfandel; Boschetti Family Vineyard Score: 91; Price: $38; 2017 Pinot Noir; R. Buoncristiani Vineyard Score: 91; Price: $52; 2017 Zinfandel; Forchini Vineyard Score: 90; Price: $38; 2017 Zinfandel; Russian River Valley Score: 91; Price: $34, matrixwinery.com
Meadowcroft Wines 2018 Speedy Creek Vineyard Sangiovese Score: 92; Price: $50; 2017 River Trace Score: 93; Price: $50; 2019 Louvau Vineyard Roussanne Score: 90; Price: $36; 2018 Cru de la Ruche Malbec Score: 92; Price: $36, meadowcroftwines.com Menage a Trois 2019 Pinot Grigio Score: 91; Price: $12 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $14.99; NV Sparkling Rosé Score: 92; Price: $14.99, tfewines.com Mercer Brothers 2017 Mercer Bros Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $19.99, mercerwine.com Merriam Vineyards 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $25, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Gloeckner-Turner Ranch Score: 92; Price: $65, merriamvineyards.com Metzker Family Estates 2019 Rosé of Syrah Score: 93; Price: $30, mfewines.com
Matthew Joseph 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $20; 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $27, michaelpozzanwinery.com
Meyer Family Cellars 2017 Donnelly Creek Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $28; 2017 Spitfire Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $54; 2017 Fluffy Billows Cabernet Score: 92; Price: $54, mfcellars.com
MauiWine NV Hula o Maui Score: 93; Price: $22, mauiwine.com
Michael Pozzan 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $25, michaelpozzanwinery.com
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GOLD Mikami Vineyards 2017 Zinfandel Score: 90; Price: $39, mikamivineyards.com Miletta Vista Winery 2018 Edelweiss Score: 90; Price: $17, milettavistawinery.com
Score: 91; Price: $18, matchbookwines.com Murrieta's Well Estate Vineyard 2017 The Spur Score: 92; Price: $35, wentevineyards.com
Mina Mesa 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $10.99, scheidvineyards.com
My Italian Cousin 2016 My Italian Cousin Eugenio - 2016 Score: 93; Price: $60, myitaliancousin.com
Miner Family Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon; Oakville Score: 91; Price: $90, minerwines.com
Native Flora 2017 Serving Time Score: 91; Price: $48, nativeflora.com
Miriam Alexandra 2019 Chenin Blanc Score: 92; Price: $18.99, nakedwines.com Miro 2018 Cuvee Sasha Score: 92; Price: $24; 2018 Miro aCURE eSTATE Vineyard Score: 92; Price: $28; 2017 Miro Cabernet Sauvignon Pine Moantain Reserve Score: 91; Price: $40, mirocellars.com Monte Ferro 2019 Pinot Noir Blanc Score: 90; Price: $22, winesbymonteferro.com Montpellier Vineyards 2018 Viognier Score: 92; Price: $6.99, 2019 Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $6.99 classicwinesofcalifornia.com Moravia Wines 2019 Symphony Score: 94; Price: $20, moraviawines.com Mossback 2018 Chardonnay
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New Clairvaux Vineyard 2019 Albarino Score: 90; Price: $17; 2019 Syrah Rosé Score: 90; Price: $16; NV Red Table Wine Lot 13 Score: 91; Price: $19, newclairvauxvineyard.com Nichelini Family Winery 2018 Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $37, nicheliniwinery.com Nicholson Vineyards 2017 Nicholson Vineyards Score: 93; Price: $38, nicholsonvineyards.com Noboleis Vineyards NV Owner's Reserve Cuvee Score: 90; Price: $37, noboleisvineyards.com Oak Farm Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $16; 2019 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $19; 2018 Zinfandel Score: 91; Price: $22, oakfarmvineyards.com Obelisco Estate 2016 Cabernet Score: 91; Price: $55, obelisco.com
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Optio Vineyards 2017 Grenache Score: 90; Price: $45; 2017 Tempranillo Score: 93; Price: $45, optiovineyards.com Oregon Territory 2017 Tempranillo Score: 94; Price: $19.99, paulobrienwines.com Owen Roe Winery 2017 Yakima Valley Red Wine Score: 94; Price: $28, vintagewineestates.com Pacific Redwood Organic 2019 Syrah Score: 90; Price: $14, freywine.com Palazzo Wine 2014 'Right Bank' Reserve Proprietary Red Blend Score: 92; Price: $90, palazzowine.com Paradise Ridge 2015 Zinfandel /The Convict Score: 91; Price: $49.99; 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $54; 2019 Rosé Wine Score: 92; Price: $26; 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 91; Price: $28, prwinery.com Peachy Canyon Winery 2018 Especial Score: 90; Price: $42, peachycanyon.com Pedroncelli 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $26, pedroncelli.com Peju 2015 Cabernet Franc Reserve Score: 90; Price: $150; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Score: 91; Price: $65; 2017 The Experiment Score: 92; Price: $110, peju.com Peltier 2018 Preeminence Score: 90; Price: $28, peltierwinery.com Pennyroyal Farm 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $39; 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $59; 2018 Muscat Score: 94; Price: $59; 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $59; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $35, pennyroyalFarm.com Poggi 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) Score: 91; Price: $75, 2015 Cabernet Dominant Bordeaux Style Blend Score: 91; Price: $75, poggiwines.com Pope Valley Winery 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 90; Price: $20 popevalleywinery.com Prescription Vineyards 2018 Clarksburg Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $20 lloydcellars.com Proof 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $45 punchvineyards.com Prospect 772 Wine Company 2018 Black Tie Charlie Score: 93; Price: $27 prospect772.com Punch 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $100, punchvineyards.com
Pure Ugly 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $15, artfarmwine.com Qupe 2018 Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $22, vintagewineestates.com Ragtag Wine Co. 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $56; 2019 Rosé Score: 94; Price: $28, ragtagwineco.com Rakes Point Merroir 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 91; Price: $16.99 Ranchita Canyon Vineyard 2016 Divin Score: 93; Price: $34, ranchitacanyonvineyard.com Rancho de Philo NV California Triple Cream Sherry Score: 93; Price: $42.95, Rascal 2019 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $14, integratedbev.com Raymond Vineyards 2017 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $135, 2017 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $45, boissetcollection.com Replica Wines 2018 Chardonnay Score: 94; Price: $20, integratedbev.com Retzlaff 2018 Merlot Score: 93; Price: $37; 2019 Merlot Rosé Score: 90; Price: $26, retzlaffwinery.com
Sea Phantom 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 94; Price: $29.99, scheidvineyards.com
Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2017 Tempranillo Winemaker's Reserve Score: 91; Price: $42, reustlevineyards.com
Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $17; 2016 Alexander Valley; Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $28, rodneystrong.com
RISK 2015 RISK Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $100, cabanawinery.com
Rosa-Lucca Estates 2015 Port Style Dessert Wine Score: 90; Price: $16, rosaluccawines.com
Sean Minor 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $21.99; 2018 Pinot Noir Sangiacomo - Roberts Road Vineyard Score: 92; Price: $47.99, seanminorwines.com
Rivaura Estate Vineyards & Winery 2018 Grenache Score: 91; Price: $38, rivaura.com
Rosétta 2019 Dry Rosé' Score: 92; Price: $17, woodenvalley.com
Seavey 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $55, seaveyvineyard.com
Russian River Vineyards 2016 Landy Vineyards at Sweetwater Springs Score: 93; Price: $55, russianrivervineyards.com
Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery 2017 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $17.99, foleyfamilywines.com
Rutherford Road 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $40, michaelpozzanwinery.com
Sei Querce 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $65; 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $65; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $65, seiquerce.com
Robert Hall 2017 Syrah Score: 91; Price: $45, oneillwine.com Robert Hall 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $19.99; 2019 Vermentino Score: 93; Price: $24; 2018 Carignan Score: 91; Price: $45; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $17.99, roberthallwinery.com Robert Young Estate Winery 2016 Thomas Meek Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $95; 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $56; 2016 Silas Score: 94; Price: $145; 2016 Scion Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $70, ryew.com Rock and Clay Wines 2018 Namesake Score: 91; Price: $30; 2016 Redwing Score: 91; Price: $45, rockandclaywines.com Rocky Pond 2017 Double D Vineyard Syrah Score: 91; Price: $39, rockypondwinery.com Rodney Strong Vineyards 2017 Chalk Hill; Estate Vineyard Score: 91; Price: $22; 2015 Symmetry; Red Meritage Score: 91; Price: $55; 2018 California
Sangiacomo 2017 Roberts Road Vineyard Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $70; 2017 ViMaria Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $80; 2017 Roberts Road Vineyard Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $70, sangiacomowines.com Schmidt Family Vineyards 2019 Reserve Riesling Score: 90; Price: $24, sfvineyards.com Schug Carneros Estate Winery 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $35; schugwinery.com Scribner Bend Vineyards 2019 Rosé Score: 91; Price: $24, scribnerbend.com Sculpterra Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $40, sculpterra.com Sea Bird 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $49.99, seabirdwines.com Sea Bird 2017 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $24.99, seabirdwines.com
Seka Hills 2016 Tannat Score: 92; Price: $35, sekahills.com Sentivo Vineyards 2015 Tribute Red Wine Blend Score: 91; Price: $28, 2015 Mista Red Wine Blend Score: 91; Price: $28, sentivovineyards.com Seven Bridges 2016 Malbec Reserve Score: 91; Price: $38; 2016 Echo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Score: 93; Price: $58, sevenbridgeswinery.com Shadybrook Estate 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 94; Price: $125, Sharecropper's 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $16.99, vintagewineestates.com Shaw Organic by Charles Shaw 2019 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $4.99, classicwinesofcalifornia.com Signor Vineyards 2018 Montepulciano Rosé
Score: 91; Price: $38 signorvineyards.com
Sonoma Collection NV Thinnings Score: 90; Price: $12,
Silvan Ridge 2017 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $26 silvanridge.com Silverado Vineyards 2017 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $56 silveradovineyards.com Simi 2019 County Series Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $13.99 2018 County Series Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $24.99 simiwinery.com Skagit Cellars 2017 Syrah Score: 92; Price: $38 skagitcellars.com Skinner Vineyards & Winery 2019 Rosé Score: 93; Price: $24 2018 Syrah Score: 92; Price: $60 skinnervineyards.com
Soquel Vineyards 2019 Pinot Grigio Score: 90; Price: $15; 2016 Russo Red Score: 91; Price: $34, sorellewinery.com South Hill 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir Score: 94; Price: $40; 2019 Petale de Rosé Score: 92; Price: $25, southhillvineyards.com Sparrow Hawk 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $60, sparrowhawkwinery.com Spellbound Wines 2018 Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $14.99; 2017 Merlot Score: 93; Price: $14.99, spellboundwines.com St. Amant Winery 2018 Bootleg Port Score: 90; Price: $18, stamantwine.com
Small Vines Wines 2019 Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $35 smallvines.com Smith Devereux 2016 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $55; 2017 Ibex Single Vineyard Merlot Score: 91; Price: $45; 2017 No. 3 California Red Blend Score: 93; Price: $20, smithdevereux.com Soda Rock 2017 Primitivo Lytton Station Score: 92; Price: $34 2016 Lord Snort Score: 92; Price: $32 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Five Star General Score: 93; Price: $65 sodarockwinery.com Sol Duc 2015 Estate Meritage Score: 91; Price: $55, gooseridge.com
Sonoma-Cutrer 2019 Rosé' of Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $21.99; 2017 Les Pierres Score: 91; Price: $42, sonomacutrer.com
St. Anne's Crossing 2018 Zinfandel Score: 91; Price: $60; 2018 chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $34; 2018 chardonnay Score: 94; Price: $34; 2018 Zinfandel Score: 90; Price: $45; 2017 cabernet sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $38; 2018 Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $38, stannescrossing.com St. Audette Nuit 2019 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $20.99, St. Francis 2018 Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $17; 2017 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $22; 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $45, stfranciswinery.com
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GOLD St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery 2018 Moscato Score: 90; Price: $25, stsupery.com Starborough 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $15, ejgallo.com Stonehouse Cellars 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Sticky Monkey Score: 91; Price: $65; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Oak Series: French Score: 94; Price: $120; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Bonaria; Barrel 3 Score: 90; Price: $150; 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon; Oak Series: American Score: 91; Price: $120, stonehousecellars.com Storrs 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $36; 2018 Chardonnay Score: 92; Price: $36; 2017 Zinfandel Score: 91; Price: $26, storrswine.com Stubbs VIneyard 2018 Stubbs Marin Estate Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $429, stubbsvineyard.com Subsoil 2017 Subsoil Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $19.99, mercerwine.com
Swanson Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $35, vintagewineestates.com
Three of Cups 2019 Le Voeu Score: 90; Price: $18, threeofcups.com
Sycamore Ranch Vineyard & Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $50; sycamoreranch.com Syncopation 2018 Rhythmic Blend Score: 91; Price: $14.99, noboleisvineyards.com T. Berkley Wines 2017 Ophelia Score: 91; Price: $45, tberkleywines.com
Three Sticks 2018 Gap's Crown Vineyard Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $55 2018 Durell Vineyard Pinot Blanc Score: 90; Price: $50 threestickswines.com
Tackitt Family Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $45, tackittfamilyvineyards.com Tentadora 2017 Malbec Score: 90; Price: $24, williamknuttel.com Terra d'Oro 2019 Chenin Blanc/ Viognier Score: 92; Price: $16, tfewines.com Tessier Winery 2019 Femme Fatale Rosé' Score: 90; Price: $26; 2018 Syrah Score: 91; Price: $32, tessierwinery.com Thorn Hill Vineyards 2017 Big Magic Score: 91; Price: $40, thornhillvineyards.com
Summit Lake Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $89, summitlakevineyards.com
Three Fat Guys 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $110, threefatguyswines.com
Sutro 2017 Merlot Score: 91; Price: $40, sutrowine.com
Three Finger Jack 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 90; Price: $19.99, delicato.com
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Tinto Rey 2019 Rosé Score: 92; Price: $16 2016 Tempranillo Score: 93; Price: $16 matchbookwines.com Tom Mackey Cellars 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $45 tommackeycellars.com Topophilia Wine Co 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $55 Tormaresca 2019 Calafuria Rosato Score: 93; Price: $15 ste-michelle-wine-estates.com Trattore 2018 Estate Roussanne Score: 91; Price: $45 2018 Tractor Red Score: 91; Price: $40 Trecini 2016 Rockpile Zinfandel Score: 92; Price: $35 2015 Barbera Score: 91; Price: $28 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $28 2019 Rosé of Grenache Score: 93; Price: $13.99 2019 Sauvignon Blanc Score: 92; Price: $13.99 trecini.com
Trefethen Family Vineyards 2017 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $45 trefethen.com Trione Vineyards & Winery 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 92; Price: $42 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir Score: 90; Price: $28 trionewinery.com Trollop 2019 Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $34.99 daylightwineandspirits.com Trotter 1/16 Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $85 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 91; Price: $95 116wines.com Truckee River Winery 2018 Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $56 truckeeriverwinery.com TruthTeller 2016 The Confidante Score: 93; Price: $55 truthtellerwinery.com Tuck Beckstoffer Estate 2018 Mad Hatter Score: 91; Price: $50 tuckbeckstoffer.com Two Bad Labs Vineyard NV Summer White Score: 90; Price: $17 twobadlabs.com Uphill Vineyards 2014 Tempranillo Score: 93; Price: $30 uphillvineyards.com Uproot Wines 2019 Grenache Rosé Score: 90; Price: $28
drinkuproot.com Verde Vineyards 2017 2017 Tess' Estate Blend Score: 90; Price: $46 Verde vineyards.com Viaggio Estate and Winery 2015 Tempranillo Score: 92; Price: $25 viaggiowinery.com Villa Vallecito Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Franc Score: 91; Price: $40 2017 Payaso Score: 91; Price: $36 villavallecitovineyards.com Vina Robles 2019 Rosé Score: 93; Price: $17 vinarobles.com Wallis Family Estate 2017 Wallis Denali Estate Vineyard Score: 94; Price: $125 wallisestate.com Walport Family Cellars NV Twisted Vines Score: 93; Price: $35 wfcellars.com Wattle Creek Winery 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Score: 90; Price: $42 2017 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel Score: 90; Price: $34 boissetcollection.com Weibel Family Winery 2019 Chardonnay Score: 91; Price: $20 weibel.com Weinstock 2019 White by W Score: 90; Price: $10 herzogwinecellars.com
Wente Vineyards 2018 Morning Fog Chardonnay Score: 90; Price: $18 wentevineyards.com Westbrook Wine Farm 2015 Fait Accompli Score: 91; Price: $120 westbrookwinefarm.com Westside Crossing 2016 Pinot Noir Score: 93; Price: $28 moshinvineyards.com
Score: 92; Price: $33 wildwoodoakwinery.com William Hill Estate Winery 2017 Chardonnay Score: 93; Price: $27 ejgallo.com
Whipstitch 2019 Chenin Blanc Score: 92; Price: $21.99
Wilson of Dry Creek 2017 Sydney Score: 92; Price: $60 2017 Sydney Score: 92; Price: $42 2017 The Terraces Score: 92; Price: $36 2017 Heartland Score: 92; Price: $42 2017 Treborce Score: 92; Price: $42 2017 Cypress Ridge Score: 92; Price: $42 wilsonwinery.com
Wild Diamond Vineyards 2016 Merlot Score: 91; Price: $42 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 93; Price: $42 2016 Cabernet Franc Score: 91; Price: $42 wilddiamondvineyards.com Wildwood Oak Winery; Inc. 2018 Chardonnay
Windsor Vineyards 2017 Viognier Score: 90; Price: $16 vintagewineestates.com
Windwalker Vineyard 2014 Merlot Score: 92; Price: $24 windwalkervineyard.com Wine O'Clock 2018 Semillon Score: 93; Price: $18 bunnellfamilycellar.com Wise Villa Winery 2018 Barbera Score: 93; Price: $39.37 2017 Tannat Score: 91; Price: $34.47 2017 Cabernet Franc Score: 90; Price: $34.47 wisevillawinery.com Woodside Vineyards 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Score: 92; Price: $30 woodsidevineyards.com Wy East Vineyards 2018 Chardonnay
Score: 90; Price: $24 2018 Pinot Noir Blue Chip Score: 92; Price: $26 wyeastvineyards.com Youngberg Hill 2016 J Block Pinot Noir Score: 91; Price: $60 youngberghill.com Z. Alexander Brown 2018 Pinot Noir Uncaged Score: 90; Price: $17.99 delicato.com Zeitgeist Cellars 2019 Trousseau Gris Score: 90; Price: $28 Zuidema 2016 Grenache Score: 92; Price: $42 zuidemawines.com
THOMAS J. STORY
Westwood Estate 2017 Twenty-One Red Blend Score: 92; Price: $105 2017 Westwood Estate MourvĂ&#x192;¨dre Score: 91; Price: $72 2017 Westwood Estate Syrah
Score: 91; Price: $82 2018 Sangiacomo Chardonnay Roberts Road Vineyard Score: 93; Price: $55 westwoodwine.com
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Thank you for enjoying the first-ever Sunset Wine Guide. We appreciate your support. Illustration by HANA BAE
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