96+ Points
Blue Farm 2020 Sonoma Coast

Blue Farm Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2020

Bright, lively aromas of fresh berries and spices lead to a rich palate boasting intensely delicious raspberry, savory strawberry, cherry, black tea and baking spices climaxing with creamy vanilla on the finish. The supremely silky texture makes this winner a delight to drink anytime now through 2027+…and candidate for Sonoma’s top Pinot Bargain once again.
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96 Points
Domaine Francois Gaunoux 2019

Francois Gaunoux Pommard 1er Cru Les Epenots 2019

Shows an immensely complex bouquet loaded with rich red berries, spice, and earth. We were enthralled with the bright notes of bing cherries, blackberries and fresh field strawberries. The hints of lavender, fennel and pipe tobacco led to a compelling finish. The palate is medium-bodied, broody but fresh, with a long, spicy and lifted finish...
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96 Points
Domaine Bouard-Bonnefoy 2020 Burgundy

Domaine Bouard Bonnefoy St. Aubin 1er Les Combes 2020

Intense aromatics of pear, white peach, and a hint of mint waft from the glass and continue gracefully on the palate to include light tropical and floral notes along with hints of spice. The palate is extremely elegant and with a refreshing core of minerality, citrus fruit and a hint of tangy vanilla oak on the finish. This is extremely...
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99 Points
Institution 2019 Napa Valley

Institution Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard 2019

A true BLOCKBUSTER from this up-and-coming boutique winery. The alluring bouquet charms with blueberry liqueur, espresso, and pipe tobacco plus toasted oak. This regal wine launches forth with massive notes black forest cake, blue fruit, mocha, exotic spices, graphite and creamy vanilla extract. This is a deeply satisfying + FUN example of young Cabernet Sauvignon....
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99 Points
Vineyard 29 2018 Napa Valley

Vineyard 29 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2018

The new 2018 vintage is another masterpiece and the most impressive new release we’ve ever judged from this acclaimed Estate. Bravo! Dark purple-colored, this nectar offers a hypnotic perfume of lilacs and red roses plus Darjeeling tea. The texture is weighty – – think heavy corduroy – – and delivers an array of captivating dark...
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99 Points
Walson Holland 2019 Santa Rita Hills

Walson Holland Pinot Noir Duvarita 2019

This ultra-polished, velvety smooth Pinot is guaranteed to dazzle fans of California’s rarest {think Sea Smoke or Kistler} as well as Burgundy from top vintages. Offering up alluring aromas of wild strawberry, mint tea and baking spices. This boutique gem expresses a sensational intensity of fruit flavors including raspberries, strawberries plus exotic spices and a...
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97 Points
Shibumi Knoll 2018 Sonoma Coast

Shibumi Knoll Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018

A delightfully fresh and bright new Pinot release that displays a level of sophistication reminiscent of collector favorites (e.g. Kistler) that trade for significantly higher prices. Spicy dark fruit, black tea, and savory herbs impress now after decanting. This under-the-radar gem will pair quite well with an array of menus featuring grilled meats (beef, chicken...
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96+ Points
Favia 2018 Napa Valley

Favia Cabernet Blend Carbone 2018

This oh-so silky & rich new release from Napa’s acclaimed 2018 vintage offers sumptuous aromas of plum, cassis, blackberry and sage evolve on the palate to include dark chocolate and baking spice with some graphite and background oak. It is full-bodied and has a layered, multi-tiered mid-palate (tangy baking spices) leading to a distinguished finish...
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97 Points
Kenzo 2019 Napa Valley

Kenzo Cabernet Blend Napa Rindo 2019

Destined to be another BIG collector favorite, this new 2019 edition features ULTRA  velvety tannins and rich dark fruit. Hints of Toblerone chocolate, caramel, and espresso bean combine with notes of pipe tobacco on finish. Pair this gem with a juicy steak tonight (decant prior to 2024) and enjoy the thrill ride through 2030!. Worthy...
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99 Points
Boars' View 2016 Sonoma Coast

Boars’ View Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016

What a joy to re-taste this gorgeous Pinot now that it has benefitted from just a few years of cellar time! The fragrant bouquet fragrant reminds us of strolling through a red rose garden. The  velvety rich texture leads to dark berries, black plum, pomegranate, and fig jam all perfectly woven together. Just approaching its...
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