California Wine Advisors

Deep, dense and unapologetically dark, the new vintage of Dark Matter Cabernet once again proves Howell Mountain is in a league of its own. Structured and cellar-worthy, yet already remarkably expressive, this is mountain Cabernet with both muscle and polish. The texture is captivating with a velvet-lined grip that glides seamlessly across the palate. Layers...

This nectar ranks atop our short list of the best Sauvignon Blanc we’ve judged (ever) and must be tasted to believe the harmonious blend of ultra-fresh citrus fruit across a sumptuous and silky texture. Ethereal aromas of lemon meringue pies and honeysuckle lead to delightful notes of caramelized grapefruit slices, crème Brule, vanilla pudding, and...

Once again, this magical elixir tops our list of America’s most refreshing white wine (& finest Sauvignon Blanc on the planet) and must be tasted to believe the gloriously balanced blend of ultra-fresh citrus fruit across a sumptuous and silky texture. An alluring bouquet of star jasmine and honeysuckle leads to delightful notes of key...

A truly vibrant white wine, delivering a refreshing fireworks show of exuberant flavors. The bouquet is immediately captivating with sea-breeze minerality wrapped around honeysuckle, lemon zest, and golden delicious apple, with tangy flintiness that snaps the wine into focus. On the palate, there is striking depth here—lime oils, crushed herbs, white flowers, and a faintly...

This exceptionally smooth (like cashmere!) effort features similar flavors as noted above but even more lavish dark fruit and perfectly balanced tannins to create a Cabernet built like a skyscraper and equally age-worthy. The distinguished finish lasts a full minute with savory notes of Valrhona chocolate and truffles. This has cult written all over it!....

Monumentally delicious with a sense of luxurious style, this is a stunning new Napa discovery! Showcasing Napa’s celebrated 2021 Napa vintage, this virtually flawless Cabernet blend dazzles from the start with a velvety-rich texture and scents of dark cocoa. The palate of this majestic beauty boasts notes of exotic spices and truffles intermingled with deeply...

This new boutique Cabernet from the most coveted source in America is immensely satisfying! Similar to other top tier Cabernet from Napa’s acclaimed 2018 vintage, this release boasts a cashmere-like texture and depth of glorious flavors tightly packed now and promising to age gracefully for at least a decade. This new discovery reminds me of...

Our tasting panel literally erupted with jubilation (!) when we initially sampled The 2017 Kenzo Murasaki, a modern-day classic in the making! Sophisticated and powerful, this oh-so velvety smooth, Bordeaux blend offers up a charming bouquet of red currant, black plum, allspice, and cedar. This delivers a graceful expression of opulent dark fruit richness, hints...

The 2015 Kenzo Ai is a masterpiece in the making and candidate for a potential triple digit score in the next few years! Sophisticated and powerful, this Cabernet offers cashmere-like silky tannins that bode well for long-term enjoyment with a dazzling core of dark, juicy fruit that promises to evolve gracefully through 2030+. Sumptuous notes...

After just a few years of cellar time, this masterpiece is simply breath-taking as it dazzles with a galaxy of flavors including molten chocolate ‘lava’ cake at its core. The wide array of alluring flavors includes dark fruits (plums, currants, blackberry), savory herbs, and hints of hoisin. The captivating, 60 second finish features intriguing notes...