100 Points

Featured Wine Review

CIRQ Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021

This is an awe-inspiring example of Pinot Perfection that simply must be tasted to believed. Three-dimensional aromas of ripe cherry, bright red berries, and spices. Layers of bright red fruit on the palate and a towering structure that puts this into a category of its own when compared to its peers. So much charisma in... Read Full Review →
Chateau La Grave a Pomerol 2016
97 Points

Chateau La Grave a Pomerol 2016

After six years of cellar time, this velvety rich Bordeaux is just beginning to enter the ideal drinking window. We were impressed by the plush tannins, sublime balance, plus savory notes of tobacco, truffles and herbaceous finish. Enjoy now (after decanting) through 2028+. Read Full Review →
Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2016
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2016

The abundance of the 2016 vintage has given us Impetuous, and we couldn’t be more delighted. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature bright cherry, raspberry and fresh blackberries entwined with baking spice. These warm fruit notes are layered with velvety rich chocolate and vanilla bean in a wine that’s full bodied and structured with approachable... Read Full Review →
Chateau Latour Le Pauillac de Latour 2020
97 Points

Chateau Latour Le Pauillac de Latour 2020

Bold dark fruit with an ultra-velvety, approachable profile. Very well-constructed with sexy notes of herbs and hints of dark cocoa. The texture is luxurious, silky on the palate with bright red fruit and pronounced minerality. – California Wine Advisors (7/2025) Tasting Notes from Chateau Latour A magnificent wine that reveals beautiful red fruit and blackcurrant... Read Full Review →
Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2017
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2017

In just the second vintage, this Impetuous Cabernet blend shows why we admire the talents of genius winemaker Martha McCllelan and Checkerboard’ mountain vineyards. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature fresh blackberries and mint chocolate entwined with baking spice. Black fruit notes are layered with velvety rich dark chocolate and vanilla bean in a Cabernet... Read Full Review →
Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2019
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2019

This intensely delicious Cabernet is a contender for bargain of the vintage thanks to deeply satisfying notes of red fruit, dark chocolate and hints of cashew plus coconut on the finish. The lingering pleasure is a bit reminiscent of Tobblerone. This beauty will impress all Napa fans now (decant prior to 2024) through 2029. Read Full Review →
97+ Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2013

This new show-stopper launches forth with alluring notes of caramel, monumental black fruit, deftly balanced tannins and hints of white chocolate across an ultra-silky texture. This immensely age-worthy winner features alluring hints of Mexican chocolate and walnut brownies on the voluptuous finish. Decanting recommended prior to 2020 and savor every sip of this dreamy red... Read Full Review →
97+ Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Blend Impetuous 2022

An irresistibly hedonistic Cabernet that over-delivers with pure, crowd-pleasing energy. Bursting with juicy blackberry and cherry fruit, it’s wrapped in a plush layer of vanilla cream and exotic coconut, giving the wine a decadent allure, yet without any sense of heat. Beneath the opulence there’s layered graphite, violets, and cedar, while chalky, well-balanced tannins provide... Read Full Review →
Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2015
97 Points

Checkerboard Cabernet Sauvignon Kings Row 2015

The new King’s Row is another thriller, reminiscent of the finest 2015 reds as it demonstrates the luscious nature of this vintage. Aromas and initial palate flavors feature bright cherry, raspberry and fresh blackberries entwined with baking spice. These warm fruit notes are layered with velvety rich chocolate and vanilla bean in a wine that’s... Read Full Review →
97 Points

CHEV Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2021

Another thriller straight out of the gates, the new 2021 vintage of CHEV boasts a flashy bouquet of fresh red fruit and alluring spices. The palate bursts with well-balanced Russian River fruit including pomegranate, prodigious red raspberries and juicy strawberries. The velvety smooth texture boasts luxurious tannins and vibrant freshness. Once again, this Pinot master... Read Full Review →