Veterans Day: All California Reds and Whites on Sale!

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Slander delivers a medium ruby core with a lucid rim that's almost translucent. Aromatically, bing cherry, briar fruit and some raspberry give way to ripe strawberry and associated red fruits. Bright and enveloping on the entry, notes of fresh strawberry, watermelon, thyme and a hint of funk come through. Spicy on the finish, the wine closes with a flash of blue fruits and lift.

There’s a soul to this business and that soul isn’t just from the people who make wine, it’s from everyone who loves wines that make them feel something.” Dave Phinney

Winemaker Notes

Embodying the luxurious beauty of great Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this alluring wine draws you in with complex aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, and sweet baking spices. Supple, round tannins frame juicy layers of dark berries and chocolate, with sophisticated hints of white pepper and toasty oak on a long, resonant finish.

About the Wine

The Decoy Limited series represents a step up from the standard Decoy line — sourced from a single premium appellation rather than a broader California blend. This bottling showcases Alexander Valley, one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon regions, known for its warm days, cool nights, and gravelly benchland soils that produce rich, structured reds.

Backed by the Duckhorn Portfolio — one of Napa and Sonoma’s most respected wine families — Decoy Limited delivers serious quality at a fraction of the flagship price.

Tasting & Pairings

Black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, chocolate, baking spices, white pepper, and toasty oak. Supple and round with juicy dark fruit and a long finish.

• Grilled ribeye or NY strip — the supple tannins and dark fruit are built for steak night.
• Braised short ribs — the chocolate and baking spice notes complement slow-cooked, rich meats.
• Aged cheddar or Gouda — the oak and dark berry character pairs beautifully with firm, nutty cheeses.

Chateau Montelena · Chardonnay · Napa Valley · California · 2023 · 750ml

On May 24, 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay changed the wine world forever. In a blind tasting judged by a who’s-who of French food and wine critics — now known as the Judgment of Paris — it took first place over Burgundy’s most celebrated whites, announcing California as a serious fine wine region to a skeptical world. Nearly fifty years later, the Montelena Chardonnay remains the benchmark: a wine of extraordinary precision, minerality, and longevity that has never chased trends or compromised its identity. Winemaker Matt Crafton has described the 2023 vintage as one of the best in the last decade — a cool, mild growing season that produced wines of exceptional tension, acidity, and aging potential. At $69.99, this is a piece of California wine history in every bottle.

Brilliant pale gold in the glass with a vivid, pure nose of Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, white peach, and oyster shell minerality — linear, precise, and utterly compelling. On the palate: lush pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, and flinty minerals, with bright, racy acidity that gives the wine extraordinary shape and drive. Marcona almond notes add depth and texture through a long, elegant finish. Decanter called it “vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character… crisp, crunchy acidity provides shape and drive.” Winemaker Matt Crafton notes the mouthfeel is “just gorgeous with more gravitas and weight than I would have expected.” Drink now through 2035+, or cellar for a decade to watch it fully unfold. Pair with lobster, roast halibut, Dover sole, or aged Comté.

• Producer: Chateau Montelena · Winemaker Matt Crafton
• Wine: Chardonnay · Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Precise, mineral, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Certifications: Sustainable
• Notable: 1976 Judgment of Paris — 1st Place
• Press: Decanter — “Vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character”
• Drinking Window: Now–2035+
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, flinty minerals, Marcona almond, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Lobster · Roast halibut · Dover sole · Aged Comté

The wine that won the Judgment of Paris — Napa Chardonnay at its most precise and enduring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 92 Points Eric Guido | More savory than sweet and wonderfully complex, the 2019 Brut Rosé North Coast bursts from the glass with toasty notes of fresh baguette and almonds, giving way to crushed apples and gingery spice. This rushes the palate with an elegant bead of silken bubbles. It is creamy yet energetic, and mineral-tinged orchard fruits add further tension. The 2019 leaves the senses wonderfully refreshed through the long, crunchy finale, as white strawberry and spice cookie notes fade. The Brut Rosé is a pleasure bomb, yet it’s wonderfully balanced throughout.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.    

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A delicate, graceful rosé, with refined strawberry, fresh ginger and yeast roll tones that glide on the supple finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now.  

Winemaker's Notes

Kendall-Jackson · Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc · California · 2023

Kendall-Jackson's Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc is built for drinkers who want the crisp, expressive character of California Sauvignon Blanc without the usual alcohol and calorie load. At just 9% ABV, it delivers the quality Kendall-Jackson is known for at under 100 calories per serving.

At 9% alcohol, the Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc delivers the quality you know and love with less than 100 calories per serving. This crisp white wine showcases notes of citrus, pineapple, and guava.
— Kendall-Jackson

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points — This wine is clean and crisp, with aromas of apple, guava, citrus blossom and dried herbs. The flavors are papaya, kumquat, white grapefruit and chervil, with a savory dry finish.

Specs

• Producer: Kendall-Jackson
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 9% ABV (Low Alcohol)
• Nutrition: 85 calories, 3g carbs, 0g sugar per 5oz serving
• Dietary: Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Keto & Vegan-Friendly
• Size: 750ml

Hirsch · The Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir · Sonoma Coast 2024

This 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a generous, youthful Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir built for the table. Cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis lead, followed by plum skin, wet stone and a note of redwood forest as the wine opens in the glass. Its juicy, mouthwatering palate makes it an easy companion to roast chicken, salmon or mushroom dishes.

Producer Description

The Bohan-Dillon is an authentic, handmade Pinot Noir that is delicious young and effortlessly food-friendly. The 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a charming, exuberant wine with lots of personality and character. It opens with a bouquet of cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis. With air, notes of plum skin, wet stone and redwood forest emerge. On the palate, it’s juicy and mouthwatering, with an easy, irresistible drinkability. Delicious upon release and effortlessly food-friendly, this wine can be enjoyed young and pair with a wide variety of foods.

Hirsch · Producer Description

Expert Review · 2024 Vintage

Purity and freshness with sliced strawberries, minerals and hints of flint. Some volcanic undertones. There’s an edge this year that gives it energy.

James Suckling · 94 points

About Hirsch

Hirsch describes its vineyard practices as Biodynamic, organic and regenerative. Since 2011, the estate says it has farmed its 72 acres of vines, along with gardens and orchards, using those practices, with work focused on bringing each vine into balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Hirsch
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Decoy Featherweight is a refreshing lower-in-calorie* and lower-in-alcohol* Sauvignon Blanc, delivering delicate citrus notes of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, and lime; complemented by lush, tropical fruit flavors and a long, crisp finish. 

With uncompromising quality, Decoy Featherweight is crafted from the current vintage of Decoy Sauvignon Blanc, utilizing the same premium California fruit sourcing. 

*Compared to Decoy Sauvignon Blanc. Serving facts per 5 fl oz.
Production

Serving Facts (per 5 fl. oz serving) – Calories: 80, Protein: <1g, Carbs: 1.3g, Fat: 0g

Winemaker Description 

Experience the dark side of Ménage a Trois with Midnight, a luxurious dark red blend sure to satisfy your deepest desires. Voluptuous black cherry and berry flavors with hints of mocha and exotic spice play across your lips, urging you to turn out the lights and savor the pleasures of the dark.

Winemaker Description

A youthful nose of fresh berries, cherry, and floral aromas, finishing with a soft texture and a hint of sweetness — designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and enjoyed within four years.

This is a fruitier style of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of sweetness, perfect for those who prefer a softer, more approachable red wine.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Rosé

Woodbridge is Robert Mondavi’s everyday California label — built on the same commitment to quality and approachability that defined the Mondavi name. The Rosé is a light, refreshing California blush crafted primarily from Syrah and Tempranillo, cold-fermented to preserve its fresh, vibrant aromatics. Delicate floral aromas lead the way, with crisp, refreshing flavors of strawberry and watermelon, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, dry finish. Serve well chilled. Screw cap for easy opening anytime.

Food Pairings

Light salads, pasta, seafood, soft cheeses, and charcuterie. A versatile everyday rosé for any occasion.

Blend: Primarily Syrah & Tempranillo
Appellation: California
Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
Format: 750ml | Screw cap

Robert Mondavi spent a lifetime making the case that California could produce world-class wine. Woodbridge is his legacy made accessible — a range built on the same principles of quality and consistency, offered at a price that puts a well-made California white within reach of any table.

The Sauvignon Blanc is bright, fruit-forward, and immediately inviting — the kind of wine that works as well on its own as it does alongside food. Sourced from California vineyards selected for the variety’s natural vivacity, it is vinified to preserve freshness and aromatic lift: crisp citrus, tropical fruit, and a clean, refreshing character that makes it one of the most versatile whites on the shelf.

On the nose, citrus blossom and tropical aromas open with energy and clarity. The palate follows with bright lemon, lime, and a touch of white peach, carried by lively acidity to a clean, dry finish. Serve slightly chilled and enjoy without overthinking it.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Origin: California, United States
• Style: Crisp, fruit-forward white
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings: Seared scallops, grilled fish, oysters, crab cakes, spring salad with chèvre, and light chicken dishes. An ideal warm-weather white.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.

Winemaker Description 

Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.

Winemaker Description

The 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch is a refreshing, vibrant Chardonnay characterized by its lush, glass-filling aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and exotic fruit. On the palate it offers a graceful balance of energy and richness, with flavors of white melon, apricot, ripe pineapple, flint, honey, and Crème Brûlée. With its pure, Chablis-like acidity this vintage offers effortless structure and elegant balance with a long, delightful finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | All elegance and silk, this beautifully balanced wine offers a lively texture, with subtle lemon, toast and kiwi flavors on a full body. The mouthfeel is graceful and mouthwatering, backed by acidity that perfectly meets the generous fruit flavors. Making a wine of this caliber in thousands of cases is quite an accomplishment.

James Suckling 96 Points | A vibrant, agile and poised Chardonnay with aromas of pears, apples, sweet spices, jasmine and hints of stones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with precise definition on the palate. Fresh acidity and crunchy fruity at the center and a velvety touch to the edge, bringing volume and a voluptuous character throughout. Lively and long finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | I love the 2022 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. It's a richer, broad, yet still fresh and lively Chardonnay with ripe citrus and pineapple fruits, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and terrific toast, brioche, honeysuckle, and lemon oil aromatics. It will keep for 4-6 years, if not longer, but I love it today.

Bogle Vineyards · Essential Red · California · 2023 · 750ml

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento Valley since 1968, and the Essential Red is the wine that best captures their philosophy: exceptional quality at an honest price. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning Dunnigan Hills, Clarksburg, and Lodi, the 2023 vintage benefited from a long, temperate summer and extended hang time that allowed for slow, even ripening across all varieties. The blend — 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, and 9% Zinfandel — is aged for twelve months in a combination of American and French oak, adding warmth and structure without sacrificing the wine's natural generosity. Certified by the California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. At $9.78, this is one of California's most compelling everyday reds.

Deep, boldly colored ruby in the glass with an expressive nose of bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, and black currant, layered with warm accents of vanilla, mocha, and a hint of tiramisu from the oak aging. On the palate: generous and full-bodied, with an enveloping mouthfeel and a long, composed finish marked by refined, chalky tannins that provide structure while keeping the wine approachable. Pair with barbecue ribs, seared duck breast, rich pasta with truffle oil and parmesan, or anything off the grill.

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards (est. 1968, Sacramento Valley)
• Wine: Essential Red · California
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Dunnigan Hills · Clarksburg · Lodi, California
• Blend: 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, 9% Zinfandel
• Oak: 12 months · American & French oak
• Style: Full-bodied, approachable California red blend
• Certifications: Sustainable · Vegan-Friendly · Gluten-Free
• Drinking Window: Now–2027
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, black currant, vanilla, mocha, tiramisu, chalky tannins, long finish
• Pair With: BBQ ribs · Seared duck breast · Truffle pasta · Grilled meats

Sustainable farming, Sacramento Valley soul — California's best-kept everyday red.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This ripe and generous wine smells like a cherry pie and tastes like warm raspberries and cherries dusted with cinnamon and ground cloves. It’s a welcoming, almost-sweet Pinot that is comfy in texture and alluring in flavor.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Juicy and elegant, with a savory edge to the mix of gently mulled raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, revealing a sous-bois accent as they move through the finish. Drink now through 2027. 342 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a deep youthful red hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve is ripe and expressive on opening, offering loads of black cherries, sweet herbs, forest floor, and cola. Medium-bodied, it retains good levity on the palate while keeping a ripe feel, with ripe tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Description 

Ripe cherry and plum aromas open to a complex mix of rhubarb, forest floor, creamy oak and exotic dark floral tones. The fruit flavors continue a smooth, full bodied palate with forest floor, vinous and dark cherry flavors, finishing with supple volume and balance acidity.

Enjoy this wine now with sweet and spicy Moroccan roasted carrots, truffle risotto or cellar for enjoyment over the next few years.

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic, deep red color, rich with cherry and blackberry flavors with a hint of oak and a long, silky finish for a perfectly balanced wine.

Winemaker Description 

This affordable Merlot is medium-bodied with a hint of oak and flavors of cherries and plums. It is rich in the mouth and ends in a soft fruit filled finish!

Matchbook The Arsonist · Dunnigan Hills · 2021

From the Giguiere family's Matchbook label in California's Dunnigan Hills, The Arsonist 2021 is a boldly styled red blend led by Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec round out a wine built for a hearty table and a long conversation.

The Wine Enthusiast review on the existing listing describes concentrated dark berries, violet and clove on the nose, followed by boysenberry, black currant and a dry, grippy finish. Pair it with braised lamb, barbecue brisket or a pepper-crusted ribeye.

Expert review · 2021 vintage

The Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points — This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.

At a glance

• Producer: Matchbook
• Wine: The Arsonist Red Blend
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Dunnigan Hills, California, United States
• Blend listed on the existing page: 52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec
• Size: 750ml

A dark-fruited California red blend with enough grip for the grill.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Hahn Estate S.L.H. Chardonnay — Santa Lucia Highlands 2021

Hahn Estate’s S.L.H. Chardonnay is one of California’s most compelling cool-climate expressions of the variety — and the 2021 vintage delivers with exceptional clarity and energy. Sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, one of Monterey County’s most celebrated appellations, the vineyards sit at elevations between 1,200 and 2,200 feet, where cool Pacific winds and dramatic diurnal temperature swings preserve natural acidity and build genuine complexity. The result is a Chardonnay of viscous texture, welcoming acidity, and layered fruit — earning 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and representing outstanding value at this price.

The nose is inviting and aromatic: lemon peel, lychee, wet rock, citrus, stone fruit, and hints of banana and vanilla. On the palate, it lands with clean, brisk energy — lime peel, rounded ripe melon, stone fruits, apple, and a touch of spice — with a viscous mouthfeel and a finish that is fresh, focused, and satisfying.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — “Lemon peel, lychee and wet-rock aromas converge on the nose. The palate lands with clean, brisk energy, offering flavors of lime peel with rounded, ripe melon.”

• Producer: Hahn Estate, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Elevation: 1,200–2,200 feet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, lychee, wet rock, stone fruit, banana, vanilla, lime, ripe melon, apple, spice
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses

Cool-climate precision at a warm-hearted price — Hahn’s S.L.H. Chardonnay is the Santa Lucia Highlands at its most approachable.

Producer Description 

Our Napa Valley Merlot opens with lively bright red fruits and a soft, lush texture. Delicate floral aromas combine with ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.

Deep ruby in color, the 2019 Napa Valley Merlot features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite.

Producer Description 

Our 2023 Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, white flowers, white peach, lemon grass, and orange peel. On the palate are aromas of pineapple, guava, tropical fruit, Asian pear, candied lemon, and green melon. The wine has a bright acidity and wonderful texture on the mid-palate.

 While the core of this wine is Sauvignon Blanc, the Musqué, Sémillon, and Viognier add a lot of floral notes and viscosity to this vintage. We captured these wonderful floral notes by fermenting each variety separately in concrete eggs, stainless steel drums, and tanks.

The French oak barrels, in which 10% of the wine aged in, were very lightly toasted to preserve the delicate fruity aromas and provide a creamy texture to the mid-palate of the wine.

Producer Description 

Our Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Enjoy its smooth flavors with Grilled Pork Chops with Apples or Rosemary-Braised Lamb Shanks.

Hahn Estates SLH Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2023 750ml

Hahn Estates is one of Monterey’s most respected producers, and the SLH bottling is their flagship Pinot Noir — estate-grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate AVAs. The SLH sits at 1,200–2,200 feet elevation in the mountains above Monterey Bay, where the famous “wind-gap” effect funnels cold Pacific air and morning fog through the valleys each afternoon. The result is a long, slow growing season that builds extraordinary flavor complexity while preserving the bright acidity that makes great Pinot Noir possible.

The 2023 SLH is a standout — generous, deep, and deeply Californian, with a richness of fruit that is beautifully balanced by savory complexity and silky tannins. A clear step up from the standard California tier and a wine that punches well above its price.

"So generous, deep and flavorful, offering crushed raspberry and baked-cherry notes on soft tannins. Savory nuances of black tea, mushrooms and forest floor." — James Suckling, 93 pts. (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Hahn Estates, Soledad, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
• Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Elevation: 1,200–2,200 ft — Pacific wind-gap effect, morning fog
• Tasting Notes: Crushed raspberry, baked cherry, red plum, blackberry, black tea, mushroom, forest floor, allspice, silky tannins, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, or soft ripened cheese
• James Suckling: 93

Estate-grown Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir at a rock-bottom price — Hahn SLH 2023 is the kind of discovery that makes you buy a case before it’s gone.

St. Francis Old Vines Zinfandel — Sonoma County, California 2022

St. Francis Winery is one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated producers — a winery whose commitment to old-vine Zinfandel has made it a benchmark name for the variety in California. The 2022 Old Vines Zinfandel is sourced from Sonoma County’s most storied Zinfandel vineyards, where ancient, deeply-rooted vines produce fruit of remarkable concentration, complexity, and character. Bright, lively, and generous, this is a Zinfandel built for immediate pleasure without sacrificing structure — earning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, 90 Points from VinePair, and 88 Points from Wine Enthusiast, and overdelivering at its price point.

The nose is vibrant and inviting: red raspberry, wild blackberry bramble, cranberry, licorice, and barrel spice, with an abundance of berry aromas. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with roasted plum, cinnamon, and earth, set in a framework of barrel structure with well-integrated tannins and a long, smooth, lingering finish. It is approachable, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying — the kind of old-vine Sonoma Zinfandel that disappears fast at the table.

"Aromas of wild blackberry bramble, licorice and barrel spice dominate the nose. On the palate, flavors of roasted plum, cinnamon and earth sit in a framework of barrel structure that lingers into the finish." — Tom R. Capo, Wine Enthusiast, 88 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: St. Francis Winery, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Zinfandel (Old Vines)
• Aging: Barrel-aged for blackberry, cinnamon & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Awards: Double Gold — San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | VinePair 90 pts | Wine Enthusiast 88 pts
• Tasting Notes: Red raspberry, wild blackberry, cranberry, licorice, roasted plum, cinnamon, barrel spice, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, blue cheese burgers, grilled sausage, braised short ribs, aged cheddar

Sonoma’s benchmark old-vine Zinfandel at an honest price — St. Francis is the standard for what concentrated, barrel-aged California Zinfandel can deliver.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Producer Description 

Livingston Cellars Rhine is a pleasantly sweet California Rhine that balances a crisp mouthfeel with bright fruit flavors. Livingston Cellars offers affordable award-winning wines that consistently exceed expectations.

Stag's Leap · Napa Valley · 2021

Petite Sirah | Napa Valley, California | United States | 750ml

Producer & Place

The Stags’ Leap estate has a colorful Napa Valley history, with grape plantings dating to 1872. Its historic manor, wine caves and sensory garden offer a backdrop to this Napa Valley Petite Sirah.

Tasting Profile

The reviews retained below describe blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry alongside stone and ink, with richly spiced notes of cinnamon, clove, fig and dates. A generous, structured red for the dinner table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling, 94 Points: Lots of blackberry, stone and ink aromas that follow through with blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry notes. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of flavor but not overdone. Shows balance and beauty. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points: This mouthwatering and structural Petite Sirah is built to accompany juicy cuts of steak, mushroom risotto or richer pastas. The flavors are bright, mouthwatering and also richly spiced with cinnamon, clove and candied ginger. Notes of fig and chopped dates emerge with further sipping.

Food Pairings

Serve with juicy steak, mushroom risotto or richer pasta dishes, as suggested in the Wine Enthusiast review.

Wine Details

• Wine: Stag's Leap Petite Sirah
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Country: United States
• Varietal: Petite Sirah
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Aged for 10 months in new French oak and neutral barrels, this rich and lush wine displays Notes of lemon custard and honeyed apple blossoms, with a touch of warm vanilla butter cookies. Vibrant and expressive palate, rich, full mouthfeel, with a luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description

While the 2021 vintage is defined by concentration and fine tannins often found in warm, dry vintages, it is nuanced by the freshness and liveliness typical of this cool growing region. The balance of elegant, forward profiles from the Bearman Bend Vineyard with the structured, spice-driven qualities from Monument Tree Vineyard come together to create a compelling snapshot of the Anderson Valley. Aromas of ripe wild strawberry rose and cedar on the nose are complemented by supple tannins and a long, lifted finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Nicely deep in black fruit and savory flavors, this well-balanced wine offers excellent focus, depth and length. It’s medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and delicious. Stays fresh with good acidity from the first sip to the lingering finish.

Decanter 92 Points | A Pinot Noir blend of grapes from Bearman Bend, the Twomey estate in Anderson Valley, along with Ferrington Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard fruit. Lovely, bright, crunchy red fruit, rich cedar spices, dried floral notes, and dusty minerals. Satiny fruit races across the palate, along with plump tannins, electrified by terrific acidity. The fruit concentration is penetrating but never overpowering and is framed by a clove powder and cedarwood dusting on the long finish. Director of Winemaking Justin Hirigoyen has moved the program further away from whole cluster fermentations to avoid too much vintage variation, and readers should expect a consistent fruit-forward, structured style in Twomey's Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Description

Exclusively crafted under the meticulous care of the Herzog family and Herzog Wine Cellars’ head winemaker, David Galzignato, the Yesod wine series features three ultra-premium single-vineyard wines. Each wine is sourced from some of the most acclaimed vineyards in Napa Valley, California, and are a testament to the family’s rich history and the ambitious vision for Herzog Wine Cellars.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker 95 Points | Brilliant aromas of black cherries and cassis jump from the glass, as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard bursts with fruit. All Cabernet Sauvignon, from a site that neighbors Stagecoach Vineyard, this is a medium to full-bodied, densely concentrated example of mountain fruit, yet it's one that is not harsh or tough, with well-ripened tannins and a plush, lingering finish. Bravo. 

Jeb Dunnuck 94+ Points | All varietal, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak Edcora Vineyard is another deep purple-hued wine in the lineup with tons to love. Pure cassis, graphite, leafy herbs, and damp earth-like nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, integrated, yet ample tannins, and a great finish. It offers pleasure today, yet I see no reason this shouldn't evolve for 15+ years if well stored. It's another gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon in the vintage. 

The Wine Independent 97+ Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the single-varietal 2021 Peak Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon charges out of the gate with bold notions of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and boysenberry preserves followed by nuances of dark chocolate, camphor, and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit and savory layers, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing on a lingering minty note.