California Wine Advisors

The 2019 Melanson Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Adversity Cellars is simply magnificent. It immediately starts off by displaying an impressive dark inky color, which is followed by seductive aromas of blueberry compote and ripe dark berries that are accompanied by fresh violets, dark chocolate, exotic spices, fresh sage, graphite and hints of loam that all...

Sampling this mesmerizing new white wine is like sipping liquid gold, easily one of California’s very most refreshingly delicious Chardonnays and this new vintage is once again a strong candidate for Boutique Chardonnay of the Year! The opulent bouquet boasts honeysuckle and jasmine aromas then features notes of succulent lemon tart, mandarin orange peel, ginger...

This refreshing nectar looks (and tastes) like golden honey, featuring an iridescent yellow-green glow of brilliance. Supremely delicious notes of pie crust, toasted almonds, candied lemon and orange zest. Enjoy every sip for a celebration now through 2030. Perfect with sushi, oysters and French cheeses. Wow, this is sooooo fun we’re already thirsty for another...

Hailing entirely from the rocky, elevated slopes of Howell Mountain, this 2018 Castiel Cabernet Sauvignon boasts aromas of fresh blackberry, baking spices, and fragrant black tea. On the palate, the immense structure of this wine is immediately apparent. A delightful core of fresh blueberries and cream lead to prodigious tannins that show density and strength....

Gaja Alteni di Brassica Langhe Piedmont 2018 is a vibrant beauty that captures your attention with aromas of white roses, exotic fruit, Star jasmine, and ginger bread. The mouthfeel is lean with crisp notes of pear, honeydew melon and a sexy finish that left us begging for more. This supremely delicious white wine is a...

This new Chardonnay discovery is outrageously delicious, reminding us of the finest Peter Michael or Aubert bottlings (before they were famous). The bold fruit is simultaneously gloriously refreshing, crisp, and lingering on the palate thanks to the overall balance. Captivating notes of honey-crisp apples, tropical fruit and Hawaiian macadamia nuts come alive on the front...

The Raphet Clos Vougeot 2019 is another triumph for this humble vigneron! Consistent with the top tier 2019 vintage reds, this majestic new import will provide flashy thrills tonight (after decanting) and mature into sublime pleasure over the next decade. This bold red features a luxuriously smooth texture plus a captivating array of succulent red...

Deep garnet colored, the 2015 Pedregal Cabernet boasts an alluring bouquet of creme de cassis, Christmas fruitcake, cedar wood, blackberries and Peruvian coffee. After five years of cellar time, we admired how the ultra-velvety texture and robust tannins frame an array of flavors including blackberry pie with touches of mocha, wood smoke, Cuban cigars and...

This is a head-spinning beauty and reminds me why I fell in love with Shiraz decades ago! Boasting mouth-watering notes of creme de cassis, blueberry cobbler, blackberries, hints of chocolate-covered espresso beans and then pipe tobacco on the minute-long finish. We particularly appreciate the hedonistic style that takes you to the edge of extravagance, but...

This brand new 2018 is 100% jammy, juicy, and gorgeous! The word “plinth” is defined as a “strong base of support” and certainly applies here since the winery’s precious Estate Cabernet grapes ‘support’ the velvety smooth, deeply satisfying dark fruit from a world-famous vineyard in Napa’s prized Oakville district. Deliciously ripe (but not overripe) with...