There 11 products in this category
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Paul Hobbs
"The wine is a vibrant blend delineated from the regions cooling fog and warm afternoon sunshine to allow balanced ripening of lush varietal flavors and natural acidity that can be derived from our venerated vineyards." - Paul Hobbs Winery
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Joey Tensley Wines
"The 2021 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is one of the highlights among the 2021s I tasted from Joey Tensley. Vibrant and driving in feel, the Colson Syrah is endowed with tremendous character. Blue/purplish fruit, gravel, incense, menthol and lavender all take shape as the 2021 shows off its striking beauty. There is so much to look forward to." Antonio Galloni. 95pts
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Paul Hobbs
Decanter Panel Tasting 92/100 "Intense aromas of sweet cherry and strawberry with oaky and leathery notes. Crunchy acidity on the palate with polished tannins."
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Duckhorn Vineyards
A classic expression of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, this wine begins with enticing aromas of bright cranberry, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry, as well as savory hints of black tea, dried herbs, pennyroyal and saddle leather. The lush fruit notes are echoed on the flavorful palate, where they mingle with layers of moist earth and wild mushrooms, with firm tannins and bright acidity carrying the wine to a poised and polished finish. "Super-classy, elegance personified. Full and rich." Clive Pawsey
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Au Bon Climat
The 2018 La Bauge is a classic Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. It is a wine of great aromatics and character showing black cherry/cranberry fruit, rose petal, earth and spice. It has a lavish structure and rich wood scents. Balance is the key to this wine. A balance of oak and fruit, a balance of tannin and acid, and a balance of elegance and intensity. The "La Bauge" Pinots have a more integrated structure and suppleness early on, making them enjoyable now, though they will age well.
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Ramey
Serious classic, a benchmark of Burgundian style in California. Broad-boned, multi-layered savoury/saline/mineral complexity. Packs an impressive punch at the price.
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Au Bon Climat
From one of Californias top-rated vineyards, this outstanding Chardonnay displays fleshy brioche and ripe citrus flavours. Made in more of a Burgundian style rather than the big, rich, overly oaked examples that are becoming past fashionable. Beautifully constructed, fresh pear and white peach scents are sharpened by citrus notes. Great food wine, chicken or creamy cheeses pair especially well.
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Duckhorn Vineyards
From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavours of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.
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Hoopes
Made by all female star team of owner Lindsay Hoopes, Anne Vauter (ex Screaming Eagle) and Jennifer Rue this has richness and elegance in equal measure. Extended barrel ageing has softened the wine, as has some bottle age, making it exquisite to drink now. It will keep but why wait?
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Au Bon Climat
Au Bon Climats Hildegard is a recreation of the original varietal planting of the Corton Charlemagne vineyard in 800 A.D. Chardonnay was not part of the mix at the time, but rather Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Aligoté. The combination of this unique blend with long term barrel aging (2 years) made something special. It has a texture, complexity, and distinctiveness that cannot be found in a single white wine varietal. Hand harvested, whole cluster pressed and put into barrel to ferment. The 3 varietals age separate for 2 years in 100% new François Frères French oak barrels. Lovely aroma of vanilla and hazelnuts from the oak, and a mouth-coating richness, makes for a wine that seems like Chardonnay. But the fruit profile is more bruised apple and pear, and the aromas are more floral than Chardonnay. Minerally lavender and vanilla note from the fermentation/aging regime in top-notch barrels. Aromas of ripe stone fruit, contrast nicely with fresh herbal scent as the wine is initially evaluated.
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Au Bon Climat
From one of the great Pinot vineyards of the world. The wine has a nose of perfumed red and black cherries, star anise and earth. The palate is silky and expansive with nuanced, spice-laced berry flavor layers energized by lip-smacking acidity, with a long finish. Scored 95+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; 94 points Wine & Spirits Magazine; 92 points Wine Enthusiast; 90 points Vinous.