California Wine Advisors

This first-ever ‘best of the best’ {as described by the world-famous wine team} bottling showcases an array of bright fruit flavors and complexity including cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, subtle spice and notes of herbal tea. Burgundian in profile with red plum and savory wild mushroom, with polished tannins, this will age effortlessly over the next 7...

Own-rooted vines are very uncommon and Nicolas-Jay’s Own-Rooted Pinot Noir is a uniquely sumptuous take on Pinot Noir that is thrilling to taste. Bold, ripe dark-red fruit opens the palate, but the wine’s real charm emerges in its interplay of richness and tension with vibrant red fruit keeping everything lifted and impeccably balanced. Sarsaparilla, earth,...

This is another classy release from Steve Kistler. The bouquet launches with rose petals, fresh red fruit and savory notes. The palate impresses with Bing cherry, raspberry, currants, and pomegranate. Every bit as serious tasting as we would expect from this legendary vintner. Decant prior to 2025 and enjoy through 2029.

A beautifully expressive wine that showcases both concentration and freshness. The nose is lifted with vibrant aromas of ripe red fruits, including cranberry and black cherry, interwoven with delicate florals of rose and a hint of blood orange zest. Subtle notes of blueberry add depth, while a savory herbal character brings complexity. Bright and juicy...

Elegant and inviting aromas of strawberry cream and spicy notes. The generous texture is soft and velvety with concentrated layers of dark red fruit flavors amid a backdrop of spices, flowers and toasty oak. An absolute standout in this lineup and one of the best Pinots I’ve tasted from this producer.

This racy new Pinot is intensely satisfying, displaying bright red fruit (pomegranate, raspberry, and strawberry) combined with a panoply of sensual flavors including Darjeeling tea, truffles, and a hint of cassis on the exotic finish. This provocative young release will enthrall both Burgundy aficionados as well as longtime ‘Cult’ Pinot enthusiasts. Enjoy now (after decanting)...

Paul Lato remains one of California’s master craftsman of balance and finesse with Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay), with ripe strawberry and fresh raspberry tart perfectly balanced by savory baking spices and subtle hints of creamy vanilla on the finish. A sense of fresh fruit plus velvety smooth tannins make this an alluring Pinot already impossible...

The Solomon Hills Pinot Noir is succulent, bright, and finessed, with notes of fresh strawberry, boysenberry, red cherries, and sweet baking spice, translating to a palate that is a perfect balance of sweet ripe fruits, savory herbs, oolong tea and silky tannins that establish a firm backbone. Delicious now but will really come together in...

Wow! This new 2021 Lato Pinot Noir Suerte Vineyard is a majestic beauty! Ultra-velvety and rich notes of fresh strawberry, raspberry, red cherries, and cinnamon, finishing with spicy fruits that is a guaranteed Home Run for fans of best-sellers by Williams Selyem or Kosta Browne. Delicious now with a wide array of menus including creamy...

An exquisite, finely tuned bouquet bursts with precision and lift. The palate is beautifully supple yet powerful, with a core of dark berry fruit interwoven with pomegranate, blood orange, and subtle savory notes. The texture is seamless, the structure impeccable, and the finish lingers with energy and grace. A dazzling debut that marries purity with...