California Wine Advisors

The 2020 On The White Keys Artists Reserve is truly astounding as it offers aromas of jasmine and gardenia wafting from the glass…then leading to an exotic cornucopia of flavors including peaches, nectarines, chamomile, spice, mint and toasted almonds. The blend of Sémillon here reminds us of favorite white Bordeaux such as Cheval Blanc. The...

This flashy + refreshing white wine delights from the start with a bouquet of alluring scents of lemon oil, honeysuckle and papaya. The creamy palate showcases exotic flavors of honeydew melon, hibiscus, and a subtle hints of both coconut and toasted oak. We loved the silky smooth texture and hints of pink grapefruit plus orange...

Though it is relatively unknown, Arkenstone’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc is up there with the very best expressions of this varietal in the Napa Valley, and the 2022 vintage is spectacular. Though it is always refined and glossy in texture, the 2022 is so silky and seamless due to an extra dollop of Semillon to go...

The 2014 Barrett & Barrett is deep dark ruby in color, almost black in the glass. It shows intense deep aromatics of concentrated blackberry, currants, sage and hints of caramel coupled with cocoa powder and allspice. After a decade of library time, this treasured red displays a seamless balance of flavor and structure: everything needed...

This supremely silky new discovery waltzes out of the glass with a bevy of enticing fruit flavors and a certain ‘X’ factor that demanded our attention. Voluptuous layers for dark fruit (blueberry, blackberry, plums) are impeccably balanced with notes of graphite, espresso bean tobacco leaf and mouth-coating tannins on the seductive finish. Enjoy this vibrant,...

This Bernard Magrez 2016 is one of the purest expressions of Napa’s best undiscovered gems today. Immensely hedonistic and satisfying on many levels. This flashy new release shows superb concentration and purity of dark fruit deftly melded together with exotic notes of mocha, espresso, and spicy oak. The palate, supported by a velvety smooth structure...

The 2022 DB4 is an ethereal expression of the estate that is lifted, elegant, and quietly complex. Cocoa emerges immediately on the nose, followed by glimmers of blueberry and red apple. On the palate, it’s creamy, layered, and beautifully composed, revealing waves of floral notes, polished fruit, and a supple textures. The balance is exceptional,...

The 2022 is another impressive edition of this Napa benchmark that does not seem to be resting on its laurels with current vintages. Satisfyingly timeless appeal with captivating flavors of cassis, graphite and dark chocolate in perfect proportion. The luxurious mouthfeel reminds me of classic Napa reds from years past, but the concentration and ripe...

A beautifully expressive, fruit-driven white that immediately captivates with aromas of ripe peach, apricot, and a touch of tropical nuance. The palate is vibrant and refreshing, revealing layers of stone fruit, hints of banana and exotic citrus. There is a lovely interplay here between ripeness and energy, with a supple, rounded texture balanced by a...

This deeply satisfying Brunello is super intense and age worthy, with layers upon layers of ripe red fruit, smoky oak, flowers and chocolate. The palate is delicious and fresh, with red and black cherries, tobacco, dried flowers, spices and olive tapenade. Wonderful acidity and firm tannins to balance well with rich pasta ragout or grilled...