Veterans Day: All California Reds and Whites on Sale!

Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Rosé — North Coast, California 2020

Schramsberg Vineyards has been crafting California’s finest Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines since 1965, and their Brut Rosé is one of the most celebrated bottles in the American sparkling canon — a wine served at White House state dinners and beloved by sommeliers and collectors alike. The 2020 is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, sourced from coastal vineyards stretching from southern Mendocino to northern Marin County. A portion of the Pinot Noir is fermented on its skins to add depth and subtle color, before the finished blend undergoes a second fermentation in bottle and approximately two years of aging on its yeast lees.

The result is a sparkling wine of real generosity and precision: fragrant, vibrant, and steely at the core. The nose offers raspberry, rose petal, and gingerbread, with fine, persistent bubbles and a fresh aromatic lift. On the palate, the wine is rich and complex — bright red fruit and spice from the Pinot Noir, structure and length from the Chardonnay — finishing long, zesty, and beautifully balanced. It is versatile enough for any occasion, from the dinner table to a backyard celebration.

“Generous yet steely at the core, with fragrant raspberry, rose petal and gingerbread accents that dance on the long, zesty finish.” — Wine Spectator, 93 pts

• Producer: Schramsberg Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: North Coast, California
• Blend: 66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Traditionnelle, ~2 years on lees
• Style: Brut Rosé (Dry)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, rose petal, gingerbread, bright red fruit, spice, zesty finish
• Best Paired With: Sushi, salmon, rock shrimp, roast chicken, pizza, caprese salad, charcuterie, red berry tarts

California’s most iconic Brut Rosé — Schramsberg delivers over 50 years of Méthode Traditionnelle mastery in a wine that is equally at home at a state dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Winemaker Description 

This wine has a unique freshness brimming with bright red berry fruit and hints of dried fruit. It is flavorful, yet restrained for a California Zin, with black peppercorn spice and hints of chocolate and nuts.

Memo Summary Notes

The Neyers Zinfandel "Vista Notre" 2021 is a distinct departure from the "jammy" style often associated with California Zinfandel. It is crafted with a French-influenced sensibility—focused on restraint, acidity, and lower alcohol—making it a favorite for those who enjoy food-friendly red wines.

Pair with its high acidity makes it perfect for Pasta with Artichokes, grilled lamb chops with salsa verde, or a high-quality grilled cheese sandwich.

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Napa Zinfandel with Finesse — From One of California’s Iconic Estates

Grgich Hills is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich — the winemaker behind the legendary 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Their 2019 Napa Valley Zinfandel is a departure from the overblown Zins of the past: elegant, fresh, and certified organic, with lifted acidity and fine-grained tannins that showcase what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

• Decanter — 92 pts: “Opulent and lavish nose of menthol, cassis and spice, palate of dark fruit, redcurrant, bramble and spicy oak.”
• Wine Review Online — 92 pts: “A breath of fresh air. An elegant medium ruby with strawberry jam, sweet cherry, vanilla, fine-grained tannins and lifted, fresh acidity. This wine showcases well what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.”

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills Zinfandel Napa Valley 2019 750ml

Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, with mixed red berries and lively tannins adding luscious texture through the mid-palate. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and superb freshness — built to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Zinfandel
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate
• Vintage: 2019
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile red — excellent with BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, pizza, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and spiced dishes.

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 92 Points: Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, alongside notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate, supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry reduction or herb-crusted chicken thighs.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary or pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Kendall-Jackson · Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay · California 2023

This 2023 California Chardonnay from Kendall-Jackson’s Vintner’s Reserve is offered in a 375ml half bottle.

The smaller format suits a modest pour, a tasting alongside other wines, or a table where a full bottle is more than you need.

• Producer: Kendall-Jackson
• Collection: Vintner’s Reserve
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: California, USA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 375ml half bottle

A California Chardonnay in a compact format for a smaller pour.

Bogle Vineyards Merlot — California 2023

The Bogle family has been farming the California Delta since the late 1870s, when Captain AJ Bogle traveled west from Tennessee after the Civil War and planted the first roots in the rich delta soil. Five generations later, the family still farms over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards — and their California Merlot remains one of the most consistent and honest values in American red wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded the prior vintage 90 points, calling it a wine of baked plum, coffee bean, and grippy, mouthwatering tannins. Vegan and gluten-free certified.

The nose opens with Bing cherries, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, supple red fruits — dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind — give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. The tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, with a finish that is approachable, food-friendly, and built to over-deliver for the price.

Wine Enthusiast 90 (Prior Vintage 2022) — "Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals. Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins." — Tonya Pitts

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards, California Delta, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Red Wine — Approachable, Medium-Bodied
• Certifications: Vegan • Gluten-Free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, cranberry, cedar, sweet herbs
• Best Paired With: Peking duck, roasted chicken, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, beef stew, mild cheddar, Brie

A 90-point California Merlot at an everyday price — Bogle's five-generation family estate is the benchmark for what honest American red wine can be.

Winemaker Description

Rich with tropical and pear fruit, displaying an outstanding, creamy core of elegance. Winemaker Phillip Titus combines the finesse of great Burgundy, with the ripe fruit of Sonoma county. Fantastic! 

Try with Halibut, Swordfish & Tuna.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Sonoma Loeb "Dignitary" Chardonnay is a significant release in the kosher wine world. It marks a "new kosher run" for the esteemed Sonoma-Loeb winery, bringing their high-end Sonoma County.

 It is specifically crafted for those who want a premium, buttery California Chardonnay.

Eight Generations of Farming — Mettler Family’s Lodi Cabernet

The Mettler family has farmed the same land in Lodi for eight generations — one of California’s longest continuous farming legacies. Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to that deep-rooted connection to place: elegant, accessible, and built for the long haul. Lodi’s warm days and cool Delta breezes produce Cabernet of exceptional ripeness and balance at an outstanding everyday price.

Winemaker Notes

Mettler Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi 2022 750ml

Deep garnet in color with inviting aromas of dark cherry and nutmeg. Flavors of dark cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla, perfectly paired with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. Elegant and accessible now, with the structure and complexity to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Producer: Mettler Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic California Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, roasted lamb, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes.

Joseph Phelps · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 combines lifted dark cherry and plum aromas with cedar, fresh herbs and supple tannins. A Cabernet-led Bordeaux-variety blend, it balances plush fruit and rounded texture with aromatic freshness and harmony.

Producer & Legacy

Joseph Phelps Vineyards describes its story as a relentless pursuit of excellence, honoring the past while exploring new possibilities. Across half a century and three generations, the team has carried forward Joe Phelps’s commitment to winemaking, gracious hospitality and sustainability efforts in its vineyards and wineries.

The winery’s reputation is closely linked to Insignia, introduced in 1974 as California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. Joe chose the name to represent the finest lots of each vintage, emphasizing blending rather than varietal designation as a measure of quality. Insignia’s 2002 vintage was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2005, and its 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2007 vintages received 100-point Wine Advocate scores. Robert Parker described it as “one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends.” These honors refer to Insignia, not this Cabernet Sauvignon bottling.

Joe built the winery’s early reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style wines. Its portfolio now spans Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards, giving the winemaking team opportunities to explore both regions.

Tasting Notes & Winemaking

Red and black fruits, dark cherry and damson plum are joined by cedar, vanilla, tobacco and graphite notes. The palate offers rounded texture, softly integrated tannins and an approachable character. The blend is led by 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, and is raised in French and American oak.

Expert Reviews · 2022

James Suckling, 94 Points
Bright, lifted, black and red fruits with aromas of dark cherries, damson plums, cedar box and fresh herbs. The full-bodied palate has a supple, rounded mouthfeel and softly integrated tannins. 91% cabernet sauvignon with smatterings of the other main Bordeaux varieties. Lively and approachable yet plush with plenty of years ahead.

Vinous Media, 92 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is terrific, especially for a wine of its level and production. Aromatic, medium in body and impeccably balanced, the 2022 is seriously impressive. It is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter than most years, but its balance and overall harmony are beyond reproach. This is a strong showing. New oak is 45%, 27% French and 18% American.

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot brought up in French and American oak. Classy red and black fruits, vanilla oak, tobacco, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's ripe, rounded, and nicely textured, with good mid-palate density and a good finish.

The Wine Advocate, 90 Points
The Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by fruit from Yountville and Suscol; only 21% of the blend is from growers, as there's a push toward estate fruit. As always, there's some American oak in the mix, but that proportion is evolving downward. Redcurrants and cherries are joined by gentle dusty earth notes and hints of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is a bit more dusty and drying than the 2021, yet it remains soft and approachable.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled steak, roast lamb, braised beef or mushroom dishes to complement the dark fruit, cedar and savory notes.

Details

• Producer: Joseph Phelps
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Napa Valley, Napa County
• Primary grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot; remaining varieties Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot
• Type: Red wine
• Oak: French and American

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeous Cabernet aromas, clear and crystalline, some herbal notes with a cool blueberry and chalky element. Rose scents, dark cherries and cinnamon bark. Full and expressive, warming tones but great acidity that gives such lift. Lovely purity and drive, this has a great sense of confidence - nothing overdone, really pristine and finessed. If anything it’s not super heavy, but it’s the better for it. You get the Napa richness in the fruit concentration but it’s so well defined and still with a graceful power. Yum. 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Winemaker Description

Since 1993, Overture has been an expression of place across time. In keeping with an internal desire to underscore the importance of the growing season, Opus One has taken the necessary steps for Overture to become a vintage-dated wine. In doing so, Opus One intends to emphasize the diversity of our estate with a renewed focus.

Over the years our winemaker, Michael Silacci, and his team have come to deeply understand the individual blocks within the vineyards. Farming practices may then be adjusted at the block level to enable the vines to fully capture the quality of the estate.  The majority of our vineyards are planted in alluvial soils in the extreme western part of the Oakville, AVA, at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains. 

The fruit is harvested and vinified with the same care, precision, and attention to detail as Opus One. Unique aromatics, flavors, and textures are recognized as ideal for Overture — more red fruit, herbal characteristics, soft tannins, and creamy texture. 

#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 | #71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025

California Zinfandel That Stands Among the Greatest in the World

Ridge Vineyards has been one of California's most celebrated estates since the 1960s, and Lytton Springs — an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972 — is among their most iconic bottlings. The 2023 vintage blends 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. A cooler growing season delayed harvest by a month, delivering a wine of remarkable restraint, freshness, and structural elegance — built to drink beautifully now and evolve through 2035 and beyond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 98 pts: "Initial chewiness leads to fine tannins, with good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance. Enjoy now through 2033."
• Decanter — 96 pts: "Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, with a soft creaminess to the palate. Balanced and enjoyable now, with many years to evolve."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper, and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2035."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice, and spice. Full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. Explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender, and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk. Remarkable persistence and poise — clearly built for the long haul."

Winemaker Notes

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality, and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Vineyard: Lytton Springs Estate, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
• Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 100% air-dried American oak
• Drink: Now through 2035+
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rustic fare — exceptional with BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar sausage, aged cheddar, and wood-fired pizza.

Ridge Vineyards Geyserville · Alexander Valley · 2024

Ridge has championed site-driven California wines since its first Monte Bello in 1962 and first Zinfandel two years later. Geyserville brings Zinfandel and other red varieties together in an Alexander Valley blend with ripe fruit, savory detail and a long finish.

The winemaker note on this listing opens with cranberry and cassis, followed by focused dark bramble fruit, cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances the generous fruit and carries the wine toward an elegant finish. Bring it to the table with grilled or slow-roasted meats.

Winemaker description

Ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose. Focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances beautifully with opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish.

Ridge Vineyards · Winemaker description

Expert reviews · 2024 Vintage

Vinous, 97 Points; barrel sample: 95–97 — Tasted from tank just prior to bottling, the 2024 Geyserville is one of the very best Geyservilles I’ve ever tasted. It's weightless and elegant but supremely concentrated and packed to the gills with intense flavor. Rich blue fruit, incense, crushed rocks and deeply pitched spice tones march with gravitas from open to close. What a sensational edition of this wine. I can't wait to taste it from bottle.

Wine Spectator, 94 Points — Densely structured yet retains a sense of style and finesse, with deep flavors of black cherry and raspberry accented by dark chocolate, orange peel and dark Asian spices. Finishes with big but refined tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points — Zinfandel-dominant, the 2024 Geyserville leads with 71% Zin followed by 19% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, and 2% Alicante Bouschet, spending 13 months in American oak. Sticky tannins wrap around full-bodied, concentrated layers of plummy black fruit, dried herb, and dusty tannins, textured but still young.

At a glance

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Region listed: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Style: Zinfandel-led red blend
• Size: 750ml

An expressive Ridge blend with dark fruit, spice and lift.

Awards & Accolades

Gold Medal | 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal | 2024 Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Challenge

Winemaker Description

Bogle's heritage Petite Sirah is celebrated for its concentration and jammy, luscious character. The nose opens with touches of cacao and roasted coffee bean, while blue fruits and boysenberry command the senses upon entry. Notes of black pepper and spice linger on the palate, and 12 months of aging in American oak has noticeably softened the ripe, textured tannins — yielding an incredibly well-structured yet approachable wine of great color and depth.

Aging: 12 months in American oak  |  Certifications: Certified Sustainable (California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing), Vegan Friendly, Gluten-Free

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary or braised short ribs with blackberry barbecue sauce.
• Cheese: Smoked Gouda or other bold, aged cheeses.
• Grilled: BBQ brisket, portobello mushrooms, or spiced lamb chops.

Winemaker Description

2019 embodies classic Hillside Select richness, vibrancy, and balance. The aromas push out of the glass, offering black cherry, cedar, cassis, and juicy red summer berries with lifted floral tones. Even at this youthful age, the complexity of the vintage is striking, merging dark fruit with tobacco, espresso, black olive, red plum, and black tea. The expansive mid-palate is complemented by ripe integrated tannins that add depth and structure, culminating in a long, profound finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).

98+ Points Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).

98 Points James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).

98 Points Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).

94 Points Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).

  Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, founded in 1992 by Rich Frank — former president of Disney Studios — with a singular focus on producing benchmark Napa wines. Their Carneros Chardonnay is a perennial critical favorite, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s most prized appellations for the variety. Carneros, situated at the southern end of the valley just north of San Pablo Bay, is defined by cool maritime breezes, morning fog, and clay-rich soils that produce Chardonnay of exceptional balance between richness and acidity.

The 2024 leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas tempered by notes of vanilla and caramel-covered apples. On the palate, delicious layers of nutmeg and crème brûlée seamlessly combine with hints of toasted oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity, leading to a bright, lingering finish. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling it “a very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay — well made, poised and stylish.”

James Suckling 92 — “A very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay with a good core of fruit and spices, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley (est. 1992)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, guava, vanilla, caramel apple, nutmeg, crème brûlée, toasted oak, bright acidity, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, brie, light butter and cream sauces

Carneros Chardonnay at its most poised — Frank Family delivers richness, elegance, and Napa Valley terroir in every glass.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Wine Advocate — 94 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. Matured in around 15% new French oak and bottled the spring after harvest. Continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile, and honey. The full-bodied palate bursts with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, lifted by a silky texture, succulent acidity, and a long, perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

L’Après-Midi (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon — which, according to Sir Peter, is a good time to start enjoying this wine. One of two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends, the grapes are grown alongside the red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude.

Whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in barrel, forgoing malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with just a touch of Sémillon.

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sémillon
• Vineyard: Les Pavots Estate
• Aging: 15% new French oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Rosé — 1.5L Magnum

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. The 1.5L magnum format — equivalent to two standard bottles — makes it the perfect choice for entertaining, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing pour.

Bright aromas of grapefruit, strawberry, and watermelon lead the way, with a light-bodied palate of juicy citrus and fresh red fruit, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, crisp finish. Serve well chilled at around 50°F for best results.

Food Pairings

• Light salads and pasta
• Goat cheese and soft cheeses
• Seafood and grilled shrimp
• Charcuterie and wine & cheese boards
• Perfect as a pre-meal aperitif

Blend: Primarily Syrah & Tempranillo
Appellation: California
Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
Style: Dry Rosé, cold-fermented
Format: 1.5L Magnum (= 2 standard bottles)

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Nicky Hahn California 2024 750ml

The Nicky Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon is Hahn Estates' flagship everyday red — a California Cabernet that delivers serious character at an honest price. Sourced from sun-drenched California vineyards and crafted by winemaker Adam LaZarre, this is a rich, generous, and well-structured Cabernet built for the table. Deep ruby, almost black, with vivid crimson highlights, it opens with a beautifully balanced nose and a palate that rewards every sip.

The wine delivers dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy, finishing with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins anchored by a bright acid core — the kind of California Cabernet that overdelivers at its price point.

"Opens with a striking nose of black cherry, anise, olive, and cedar. Rich, ripe, and generous on the palate with dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy. Finishes with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins." — Winemaker Adam LaZarre

• Producer: Hahn Estates, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, anise, olive, cedar, dark fruit, raspberry, tobacco, firm tannins
• Best Paired With: Rack of lamb with sundried cherry sauce, beef medallions with cranberry Dijon chutney, grilled ribeye, aged cheddar

A benchmark California Cabernet at an everyday price — the Nicky Hahn is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

Daou Vineyards Chardonnay Paso Robles 2025 — Paso Robles, California

Daou Vineyards is one of Paso Robles’ most celebrated estates, founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou on a dramatic hilltop site in the Adelaida District. Best known for their benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou also produces a Chardonnay of genuine character — aged 7 months in 30% new French oak, striking a stellar balance between tropical richness and focused acidity that sets it apart from heavier, over-oaked California styles.

The 2025 opens with enticing aromas of pear, passion fruit, pineapple, and honeysuckle, with hints of white peach, nutmeg, and buttered toast, rounded out by nuances of crushed hazelnut, hibiscus, papaya, and vanilla. On the lush, vibrant palate, tropical flavors of mango, kiwi, and pineapple mingle with golden apple and clover honey, while suggestions of casaba melon, citrus zest, and toasty oak persist on a clean, balanced finish.

Tropical, vibrant, and beautifully balanced — Daou Chardonnay at its most expressive.

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Oak: 7 months in 30% new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, passion fruit, pineapple, honeysuckle, white peach, mango, kiwi, golden apple, clover honey, citrus zest, toasty oak
• Best Paired With: Grilled halibut, lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, brie, crab cakes

Paso Robles Chardonnay with tropical soul and Burgundian restraint — Daou delivers every time.

Producer Description 

Paso Robles is the home to many dreamers and self-starters, those who have a spirit and the drive to create their own destiny. Paso Robles entices those individuals to be their best, create the best from the land and all that it produces. This wine is a tribute to those who believe in Paso Robles and all of its greatness, just like our winemakers. 

Our fourth release of AUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon remains focused on our goal to produce a wine true to ‘Paso Robles’. On the nose savory aromas intertwine with rich dark fruit nuances. On the palate, flavors evolve into layers of juicy blackberry, spicy nutmeg, toasted coffee and fresh vanilla bean. This medium to full bodied wine is finished with refined tannins and a distinguishable zing of acid to balance.

Memo Summary Notes

The Austin Cabernet Sauvignon "Barrel No. 23" is a premium, multi-vintage (non-vintage) release from the Austin Hope family in Paso Robles.

By blending across multiple vintages, the winemakers achieve a consistent, ultra-smooth profile that is ready to drink the moment you pull the cork.

Food Pairings

• Hearty Meals: Classic ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, or a rich beef stew.

• Casual Favorites: It is surprisingly versatile with wood-fired pepperoni pizza or a gourmet blue cheese burger.

• Small Bites: Aged gouda, smoked nuts, or even dark chocolate truffles.

Groth · Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon · 2022

Groth’s roots in Oakville reach back to 1981, when Dennis and Judy Groth chose a 121-acre property to pursue their dream of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. The 2022 bottling is an Oakville red with dark fruit, cedar and a polished structure, suited to a lingering dinner or time in the cellar.

Winemaker Description · 2022 Vintage

The 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine that presents a deep, purple-ruby hue. It offers an elegant bouquet on the nose, with layers, of toffee, blueberry pie, and raspberry compote, complemented by delicate vanilla bean, macerated cranberry, and shortcrust pastry. Herbal notes of bay leaf and tarragon add complexity, enhancing the wine’s refined character. On the palate, vibrant flavors of cherry reduction sauce, tart red plum, wild cherry, and fresh strawberry come to the forefront, while hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and fresh pomegranate juice bring depth and intrigue. The wine finishes with fine, grippy tannins, offering structure and a lively, energetic experience.

Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

An impressive value for an Oakville AVA Cabernet, Groth's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit reticent and slow out of the chute, but aeration brings out nice aromas of black cherries and subtle cedar notes. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, it's medium- to full-bodied but streamlined and silky, showing impressive length and elegance for the vintage. The new-oak component comes in at 45%, imparting just enough structure to ensure a decade's worth of drinkability.

The Wine Advocate · 92 points

This young wine is impressively concentrated, tannic and tight at this stage of its development, but it carries the proper amount of dark fruit, dark chocolate and heady oak spices to gain complexity with age.

James Suckling · 92 points

At a Glance

• Producer: Groth
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
• Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, per The Wine Advocate
• Size: 750ml

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

DuMOL · Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2024 · Russian River Valley · 750ml

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir brings together valley vineyards and cooler western ridges in a layered expression of the Russian River Valley. The 2024 combines cherry and raspberry fruit with floral perfume, dried herbs, and spice, balancing depth of texture with a bright, lingering finish.

Character & Style

Winemaker Andy Smith describes a medium-bodied wine with rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry, and dark raspberry. The supplied critics highlight refined texture, red-toned fruit, mineral detail, and refreshing acidity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 95 Points
A pleasing mix of wild berries and red and black cherries with hints of cola and spices. Medium-bodied, plush and refined, showing orange black tea and a little anise in the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a youthful rub -red hue and is more red-fruited, minty, and floral in profile, with the highest percentage of estate fruit to date. Medium-bodied, with spicy pomegranate fruit, refreshing acidity, and excellent structure.

Vinous · 91 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a very pretty, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and crushed rocks are finely drawn in this nervy, taut Pinot Noir. The 2024 is a wine of detail and nuance. Give it a year or two to soften a bit.

Winemaker Description

Andy Smith · Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner
Our “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm vines. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed or harvested for thirty years. Comprising three of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.

The 2024 season saw a wet winter, a mild spring, and a hot July. Fortunately, harvest temperatures were gentle and mild, allowing steady progression to perfect maturity. Irrigation was not required, but we needed to crop thin to bring the vines into balance. Harvest took place over a stress-free three-week period. Berry size was moderate, so the wines have obvious concentration with an intense fruit core and fresh balancing acidity.

Aromas and flavors akin to rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry and dark raspberry. An edge of dried herb and Asian spice. Medium-bodied with deep layers of texture and lovely fruit purity. Turns sleek and succulent on the bright lingering finish. Drink between 2026 and 2034.

Vineyards & Winemaking

• 33% Flax Estate Vineyard
• 26% Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard
• 21% Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard
• 20% Occidental Road Vineyard
• Harvest dates listed: August 21–September 12
• Fermentation: Native yeasts, 25% whole clusters
• Aging: 11 months in 228L French oak barrels, 30% new, followed by 3 months in tank
• Bottled unfiltered
• Production listed: 4,500 cases of 750ml

Additional Press Mention

The supplied producer material also lists 94 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent. No accompanying review text was supplied.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow time in the glass. Try with roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, or herb-roasted chicken. The winemaker’s suggested drinking window is 2026–2034; Vinous recommends allowing a year or two for the wine to soften.

Wine Details

• Producer: DuMOL
• Cuvée: Wester Reach
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Origin: California, United States
• Bottle size: 750ml

Frog's Leap · Napa Valley, California · 2023

Frog's Leap is one of Napa Valley's most celebrated organic estates, farming without pesticides or herbicides since 1981 and dry-farming their vineyards to encourage deep root systems and natural vine stress. Their Shale and Stone Chardonnay takes its name from the ancient fractured shale soils beneath their Napa Valley vineyards — a terroir that imparts a striking minerality and stony tension rarely found in California Chardonnay. Vinified entirely in concrete with extended sur lie aging, this wine is crafted without new oak, allowing the fruit and soil character to speak for themselves.

The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley delivered ideal growing conditions — warm days, cool nights, and a late harvest that built exceptional concentration while retaining the freshness that defines this bottling. In the glass, spiced apples and ripe pears open alongside hints of citrus peel and raw almonds. The palate is taut yet generous — medium to full-bodied with a compact, lightly phenolic texture, vivid acidity, and a long, lingering mineral finish. Drink now or hold through 2028.

"Spiced apples and pears with hints of citrus peel and raw almonds on the nose. Tense and juicy with medium to full body and a compact, lightly phenolic texture. Vivid and lingering."
— James Suckling, 91 Points.

"The 2023 Chardonnay Shale and Stone, from Truchard in Carneros, is all class. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine peel, tropical fruit and a kiss of French oak grace this exotic, dynamic Chardonnay from Frog's Leap. Airy and gracious, with stunning balance, the 2023 is fabulous in every way." - 96 Points VINOUS

• Producer: Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Dry-Farmed
• Vinification: Concrete aging, extended sur lie, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced apple, ripe pear, citrus peel, raw almond, stony minerality, vivid acidity
• Food Pairings: Grilled halibut, roast chicken, oysters, goat cheese, vegetable risotto

Napa Chardonnay at its most honest — organic, unoaked, mineral-driven, and built to last.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines the Silver Oak Legacy

Silver Oak has been one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet producers since 1972, celebrated for a house style that balances power with elegance and approachability. The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, and 0.38% Malbec, aged in American oak seasoned 24 months and toasted 90 minutes — is a benchmark expression of the estate: structured yet silky, complex yet immediately rewarding, with the depth to cellar through 2047.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Beautifully compact with complex aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate with expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices. Fine-grained structured tannins, a crisp, lively, energetic finish. One to cellar. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with lux black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. Drink or hold through at least 2030."

Winemaker Notes

Expressive and lively on the nose with black cherry and huckleberry aromas laced with dry floral notes. Integrated oak adds a light note of sweet nutmeg. Ruby in color, with a fruit-forward entry, silky tannins that build across the mid-palate, and a long, balanced finish. Structured while still approachable — true to the signature Silver Oak style. Will continue to improve through 2047 with proper cellaring.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Vintage: 2019
• Oak: American oak, 24-month seasoning, 90-minute toast
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Napa-style entertaining — exceptional with prime ribeye, lamb rack, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and mushroom-crusted filet mignon.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is California’s most trusted everyday wine brand, crafted in the tradition of Robert Mondavi’s commitment to quality and approachability. This 1.5L Magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — is the perfect format for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Vibrant aromas and flavors of pear, apple, peach, oak, and toast. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a rich, toasty finish. Approachable and food-friendly.

Food Pairings

Light appetizers, grilled chicken, pasta with cream sauce, seafood, and soft cheeses. A versatile everyday Chardonnay for any occasion.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Medium-bodied, lightly oaked California Chardonnay
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Frey Vineyards Mendocino Chardonnay Organic 2023 — Mendocino County, California

Frey Vineyards is a true American original. Founded in 1980 in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, Frey became the first certified organic winery in the United States — and has remained one of the country’s most committed producers of organic and biodynamic wine ever since. Their wines are made with no added sulfites (NSA), no synthetic pesticides, and no chemical additives, offering a pure, unmanipulated expression of the grape and the land.

This Mendocino Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel with minimal oak exposure, preserving the grape’s natural freshness and fruit character. The result is bright and approachable: hints of apple, pear, and a touch of caramel on the nose and palate, with clean acidity and a light, refreshing finish. No sulfites added — ideal for those with sulfite sensitivities or anyone seeking a cleaner, more natural wine experience.

America’s first certified organic winery. No sulfites added. Pure Mendocino Chardonnay.

• Producer: Frey Vineyards, Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California (est. 1980)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendocino County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Biodynamic
• Sulfites: No Sulfites Added (NSA)
• Vegan: Yes
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, pear, caramel, light acidity, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Pumpkin risotto, honey-glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh goat cheese

Organic, honest, and genuinely delicious — Frey Chardonnay is the benchmark for clean California white wine.

Blue Quail | Potter Valley Unoaked Chardonnay | Mendocino County | 2025 | Certified Organic

Blue Quail's Potter Valley Chardonnay is a deliberate departure from the California norm — no oak, no malolactic fermentation, no butter. What you get instead is a bright, dry, fruit-forward white that lets the cool-climate character of Potter Valley speak clearly. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in one of Mendocino County's highest-elevation and most temperature-variable sub-appellations, this is Chardonnay built for the table rather than the trophy shelf.

Potter Valley sits at the northeastern edge of Mendocino County, separated from the warmer coastal valleys by the Mayacamas Mountains. The combination of warm days and cool nights preserves natural acidity and extends the growing season, allowing the Chardonnay to develop ripe orchard fruit flavors without losing freshness or structure. Organic farming across the estate reflects a commitment to soil health and clean, expressive fruit.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel and sees no oak contact and no malolactic fermentation — a deliberate choice that keeps the palate crisp, linear and food-friendly. The result is a Chardonnay with genuine verve: fresh and bright on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, apricot and white peach, accented by wildflowers and a touch of flint. The palate is lively and well balanced, with flavors of young peach, citrus, pineapple and white fig, carried by mouthwatering acidity through a clean, mineral-tinged finish.

Highly versatile at the table. Pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, grilled trout, shrimp, sushi, Thai green curry, General Tso’s chicken, asparagus risotto, roasted root vegetables and fresh cheeses. Equally at home as a standalone aperitif.

• Producer: Blue Quail
• Appellation: Potter Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel; no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Style: Unoaked, dry white wine
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Silver Oak built its reputation on a single, deliberate choice: age Cabernet Sauvignon in American oak, not French, and do it at a winery with its own cooperage. That decision — made in 1972 and never abandoned — is what gives Silver Oak its signature: wines that are immediately approachable, generous with fruit, and possessed of a smooth, polished texture that makes them as enjoyable now as they are over a decade in the cellar.

The 2022 Alexander Valley is blended before barrel aging — another Silver Oak hallmark, allowing the components to integrate on the basis of terroir and varietal character before oak influence shapes the final wine. The blend is anchored by 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged 24 months in American oak barrels from their own cooperage, The Oak.

The 2022 vintage shows Silver Oak at its most expressive: plum, anise, black cherry, and sweet spice on the nose, with a mid-palate that is juicy and structured without being heavy. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity carry a flavorful mix of red and black fruit through a long, clean finish. Fresh and drinkable now, with the structure to age elegantly through 2035 and beyond.

• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
• Aging: 24 months in American oak (Silver Oak cooperage)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

95 James Suckling — “Pleasing aromas of plums, anise, black cherries and sweet spice box… very fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, showing the pretty side of cabernet. Fresh and drinkable now but will age elegantly.”

Food Pairings: Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hard cheeses.

Napa Valley's Most Iconic Cabernet

Since its founding in 1972, Caymus Vineyards has become one of Napa Valley's most recognized and consistently celebrated estates. The Wagner family's signature style — dark, rich, and opulent, with ripe tannins that make the wine as approachable in youth as in maturity — has earned Caymus a devoted following among Cabernet lovers worldwide.

The 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from across Napa's diverse sub-appellations, from Coombsville in the south to Calistoga in the north. Valley floor fruit contributes lushness and generosity; hillside fruit provides structure and backbone. The result is a wine of layered complexity and seamless balance.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Layered aromas of cocoa, cassis, and ripe dark berries
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with plush, ripe tannins and flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla
• Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying — approachable now, with the structure to age gracefully

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-appellations: Coombsville, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Calistoga
• Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, CA
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic match for prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional alongside rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.