California Wine Advisors

WOW! This monumentally satisfying Brunello is a show-stopper, just now approaching its drinking window after a few years of cellar time. Launching forth with a fanfare of savory herbs plus layers upon layers of ripe red fruit, smoky oak, flowers and chocolate. The palate is luxuriously rich, with awe-inspiring notes of red and black cherries,...

The magical, boutique-production (about 8 barrels total) ‘Reserve’ Cabernet 2019 dazzles from the start with an alluring bouquet of black currant, plum, chocolate covered cherries and walnuts. Core notes of black cherry, ripe blackberry, and vanilla toasted oak convert to rich mocha and sweet and velvety smooth tannins. Seemingly endless layer upon layer of gorgeous...

The new Marcassin 2016 commands immediate attention with a flamboyant bouquet full of fresh flowers (red roses, star gazer lilies, etc) and Provençal herbs. Succulent notes of bright strawberry,sarsaparilla, maraschino cherry compote, and cassis gracefully waltz across the palate like a ballerina. Flawlessly balanced hints of vanilla bean, cotton candy, and hints of blueberry cream...

Wow! This Pinot is an ultra-rich and luxurious new success that commences with an alluring bouquet of warm Christmas spices leading to a velvety smooth texture. The magical flavors include pomegranate, kirsch, nutmeg, pipe tobacco, and a provocative finish (60+ seconds) that offers savory hints of creamy oak plus black truffles. This new discovery reminds...

Bravo! 2019 is just the fourth vintage of this exclusive, best-of-the-best vintage bottling of Chateau La Nerthe’s rarest red (merely two barrels crafted for the entire world). The monumentally impressive experience commences with a bouquet of fresh lavender and saltwater taffy. Awe-inspiring flavors commence with kirsch, framboise, black cherry, blueberry and a tantalizing finish with...

TOR Beckstoffer To-Kalon 2019 is truly remarkable! We’ve had the good fortunate of judging the last 15 vintages of this coveted bottling and this new edition is our favorite since TOR’S legendary 2009 (our all-time favorite). Superb balance, tannins and sexy dark fruit meld together in a dazzling experience. The addition of 15%Cabernet Franc (highest...

This is California boutique Chardonnay at its best! With just a few years of cellar time, the 2017 Bure Family Ritchie is now even more ultra-rich and opulent, yet gloriously refreshing with dazzling bright fruit. Flamboyant notes of butterscotch and Hawaiian macadamia nuts come alive on the palate intertwined with notes of fresh peaches, vanilla,...

TOR Beckstoffer To-Kalon 2019 is truly remarkable! We’ve had the good fortune of judging the last 15 vintages of this coveted bottling and this new edition is our favorite since TOR’S legendary 2009 (our all-time favorite). Superb balance, tannins and sexy dark fruit meld together in a dazzling experience. The addition of 15% Cabernet Franc...

Reminiscent of the highly rated Harlan or Scarecrow vintages, this nearly flawless behemoth embodies the triumvirate that one looks for: historic vintage, spectacular vineyard (in high-rent neighborhood), and a renowned winemaker hitting his stride! Built like a skyscraper yet lithe on the palate with cashmere-like texture, the galaxy of complex aromas and flavors includes dark...

TOR’s 2018 Cabernet Melanson Vineyard offers an enticing bouquet of fresh morning espresso and dark, fresh fruit tarts. Vibrant notes of black cherries, blackberries, violets and cedar with hints of lavender, chocolate truffles and pipe tobacco meld together brilliantly across a cashmere-like texture. This majestic, mountain fruit (across from Colgin Cellars and next to Continuum)...