Zinfandel-based, ancient vineyards. Lovely richly-spiced, open style. Great vintage.

SIngle-vineyard wine since 1966. Zin-based, vines up to 125 years old. Natural winemaking, organic farming. Collectable classic, but gorgeous now.

Vinous Media 94+/100 (Previous Vintage) " fabulous wine.. Dense and powerful... striking depth and tons of character... superb quality and pedigree... cassis, graphite, lavender, mint ..."

All estate fruit from the original Monte Bello estate, from lots considered not inferior, but more suitable for early consumption rather than the grand vin's 30-yr window approach. So, effectively the 2nd wine of Monte Bello. Minimal intervention as ever, natural and organic. 20 months in air-dried American oak, half new. The first vintage from these vineyards was 1892, and the oldest vines making this wine were planted in 1949. Eric the winemaker, visiting us in Cambridge, tipped us off that this is a smart buy.

The cool and foggy Carneros region is known for producing grapes with a natural balance of acidity and ripeness. The fruit was hand-picked on a cool night to ensure it reached the winery in pristine condition. This elegantly balanced, medium-bodied wine is half barrel fermented and aged sur-lie. The wine displays inviting notes of tropical fruit and citrus blossom on the nose that gives way to peach and pear flavors on the palette.

The delicious 2018 Napa Valley Merlot has expressive aromas of cranberry, pomegranate and cherry followed by lovely hints of tobacco and toffee. This medium-bodied wine delights with rich cherry and blueberry flavours accented with hints of walnut and toasted oak across the long supple finish.

This delicious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays cranberry and briary aromas with hints of brown butter and clove. On the palate, the rich mix of cranberry and black currant flavours set against a beautifully integrated backdrop of lightly toasted oak, all leading to a smooth lingering finish of berries and butter. Full bodied 88% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Petit Verdot 3% Merlot 1,5% Cabernet Franc and 1,5% Malbec blend from Napa, USA.

Generations is a Bordeaux-style blend created to honor our family's past, present and future. The fruit is night-picked from our estate vineyards in Yountville and aged in new French oak barrels. Aromas of black cherry, coffee bean and blueberry segue to a full-bodied wine with a long finish of ripe berry and toasty crème brûlée. THE VINTAGE Napa Valley received a steady amount of rain during the winter months, saturating the ground and paving the way for the vintage to come. The early and mild spring saw a good berry set, while the rest of the season was marked by some significant heat spikes in June and August with one final spike over Labor Day Weekend, which all combined to make it one of the hotter years on record. While the harvest was slightly smaller than normal—with moderate berry and cluster size—the quality was exceptional.

At Duckhorn Vineyards, we have been making our Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc since 1982. Harvested from our estates and select Napa Valley vineyards, this rich and elegant Sauvignon Blanc was blended with Sémillon to add depth and complexity. Fermented and aged using both stainless steel and French oak, it offers ripe citrus and tropical flavors, refreshing acidity and Sémillon-driven silkiness.

This wine is made from grapes specially selected from the oldest section of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard located in the very cool Santa Rita Hills appellation. Au Bon Climat, quite rightly, consider this one of the truly great Pinot Noir vineyards of America. The nose of this wine is still restrained at this stage, full of tight, dark hedgerow berry fruit. The wine feels almost brooding and certainly needs time to unfurl its inherently beautiful fruit character. The palate is so pure and mineral; it feels almost like sucking a piece of pure limestone. However, behind that, a strawberry sweetness lurks, ready to roll over the palate when it is time. The core has a deeper, more savoury aspect to it and a chalky grip keeps the tannins tight and focused on the long, involved finish. This needs time but will reward patience and will be stunning in its prime. Drink 2024-2036.

This is a hugely refreshing wine on the palate. It is almost taut with a framework of freshness which almost dominates yet the mouthfeel is smooth and the tannins are chalky-fine. Tart redcurrants come through, lifting the darker fruit on the nose and the palate is balanced and harmonious. This is an invigorating style of Pinot Noir, extremely well made, and one that is full of energy with a true sense of place. Avni means ‘stone’ or ‘rock’ and refers to the volcanic geology of the Willamette Valley with its shallow red soils and basalt rocks. This wine certainly reflects the complexity of its terroir. It has a generous, deep, warm nose of blueberries and blackberries, mingling with redcurrants and cranberries behind. The aromas are fragrant and sightly hedonistic with a touch of violets and exotic spice.

Matthew Jukes,MatthewJukes.com, 5th February 2021 "Of course one has to be prepared for a full-framed style when dealing with Californian Chardonnay, so I was impressed to see that under the expressive, cool-climate, Russian River-influenced fruit there is a beating heart of refreshing acidity which electrifies this dynamic wine. Made from a blend of fruit from three vineyards, each with their specific microclimates, this is a seriously fascinating new release and I was fully prepared for a fifty-pound price tag attached to this terrific flavour. So, if you are searching for a top-flight Californian Chardonnay which doesn`t cost the earth then here it is and if anyone puts you on the spot, I can assure you that you have nothing to worry about!"

Family owned and made since 1981, organic since 1988. Admirably natural approach to everything! Co-planted and co-fermented with a dash of Petite Sirah and Carignan to temper the Zin. A super-charming, restrained Napa Zin.

Ramey certainly one of the best, most stylish Chardonnay-makers in CA. Jeb Dunnock. 97 pts "More tropical and citrus notes emerge from the 2017 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard, which has a beautiful chalky minerality as well as medium to full-bodied richness, bright, racy acidity, a crisp texture, and a great finish. With remarkable purity of fruit as well as a chiseled mouthfeel, it's another magical Chardonnay from this estate that will stand up to any Grand Cru White Burgundy out there. It has plenty to love today yet will be best with 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for over a decade."

Ramey certainly one of the best, most stylish Chardonnay-makers in CA. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 95pts "The 2018 Chardonnay Woolsey Road Vineyard was aged 20 months in 25% new French oak. It's a lovely, mineral-driven style, with scents that segue from iodine and dashi to spiced apples and quince. The palate is silky, featherweight and minerally, finishing very long and lifted."

Decanter 90 pts. Classic California! Ripe, fruit-forward and jammy with blueberry, raspberry and bing cherry flavours laying the groundwork for zesty white pepper spice, subtle tannins and a lively acidity. This is a go-to Friday night wine, perfect for burgers, pizza and charcuterie.

The estate has a specific emphasis on small lot winemaking, particularly of Pinot Noir. This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir opens with inviting aromas of raspberry, strawberry and a touch of vanilla. Ruby red in colour, the wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe red fruits and spicy herbal notes. The medium bodied palate is redolent of strawberry, cherry and black liquorice, complemented by silky tannins and bright acidity.

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?

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."

"The 2013 Grenache Besoleil has slightly more Syrah, with the final blend being 49% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 16% Cinsault, 9% Mourvedre and the rest Counoise. Aged 11 months in a combination of different sized barrels, 25% being new, it's a elegant, medium to full-bodied, Provencal-styled effort that has lots of sweet red and black fruits, garrigue and hints of cured meats. It's a total charmer that will have 10-12 years of overall longevity." Robert Parker 92 pts

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

Lush, energetic and intense, this gorgeous Cabernet begins with aromas of blackberry, huckleberry and chocolate, as well as hints of mint, cardamom, clove and graham cracker. On the palate it displays lovely brightness, with firm, resolved tannins framing flavors of boysenberry and black currant. As it evolves in the glass, subtle sweet and savory notes are revealed, carrying the wine to a long, focused finish. Duckhorn have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978. Blending fruit from estate vineyards and top Napa Valley growers, this wine embodies the complexity of the valley, while offering a seamless balance between fruit, oak and tannins. To add nuance, the Cabernet is blended with Merlot, yielding a wine that is approachable in its youth, yet worthy of cellaring.

Winemaker Tasting Notes: "Pale, sun-bleached straw color with aromas of fresh lemon zest, green apple, wet stone, and honeysuckle flowers. Creamy texture on the palate with juicy acidity, notes of salinity, and citrus blossom and pineapple on the finish."

From one of California’s 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.

Ramey certainly one of the best, most stylish Chardonnay-makers in CA. The 2017 Rochioli is full of white fruit, pear and lovely florality / hint of honey on the nose. It has a medium bodied palate and is energetic and yet has a smooth depth of yellow plum fruit, butter. This is deep and layered – a delicious Chardonnay. Powerful and a touch closed at the moment and so id give it another 3-5 years in bottle at least.

Parker 94+ "...Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills opens with savory notions of leather, graphite and tobacco with a core of red and blue berry fruits. The palate is medium-bodied with concentrated, incredibly spicy flavor layers, firm and super fresh, and it finishes very long and flavorful."

Made by all female star team of owner Lindsay Hoopes, Anne Vauter (ex Screaming Eagle) and Jennifer Rue this has richness and eleganc 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?

Made with incredible craft and passion by owner Byron Dooley, this wine is made from 100% Luminous Hills fruit and is built for early approachability as a richer wine, but with backbone and vibrancy.

Au Bon Climat’s “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.

Isabelle is always a blend of the best barrels from the best vineyards at Au Bon Climat, whose aim is to ‘achieve a supple, rich, harmonious, and complex wine’ whilst demonstrating geographic diversity, the exoticity of different clonal possibilities and Jim Clendenen’s preferred winemaking style for Pinot Noir. The 2019 certainly succeeds in that intention with its restrained nose of ripe strawberries and almost pavlova quality to the aromas. However, the impression of sweetness is brought into check by a sensation of redcurrant and cranberry tartness, along with a twist of pink grapefruit to add focus. Mmmmmm, there is depth and complexity on the palate, around which gentle red fruit and earthy raspberries twist with the intensity and smoothness of a python. There is a textural sweetness here and impressive concentration of fruit, yet the tannins are fine and provide a firm grip. Sweet strawberries draw out the long finish alongside notes of autumnal leaves on woodland walks. This is definitely not a shy, retiring type of wine but it is a mouth-coatingly lovely, gentle and characterful Isabelle. Drink 2023-2036.

JancisRobinson.com: 'Aged in 50% new Francois Frères French oak barrels. The wine was racked in the spring and then aged another 20 months (24 months total). ‘Estate bottled’ is emblazoned on the front label. Fairly subtle aroma of violets and a very dry finish. Serious wine that is still in its infancy.'

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.

A refreshing, dry white with citrus lemon/lime notes, flinty minerality, and crisp finish. In the mouth the wine is rich and textural, from the time spent on lees in the barrel. This is a great match with shellfish of any kind, or richer white meats such as turkey or duck.

"The lighter ruby-hued 2017 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and is all varietal that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. A classic wine from this team, it offers lots of spiced red fruits, brambly herbs, flowers, and sandalwood in an ethereally textured, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant package. While it has bright acidity, it's beautifully balanced, has supple tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for blockbuster Pinot Noir, but it shines for its complexity, elegance, and nuances." Jeb Dunnock. 95 pts

"The lighter ruby-hued 2017 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and is all varietal that spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. A classic wine from this team, it offers lots of spiced red fruits, brambly herbs, flowers, and sandalwood in an ethereally textured, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant package. While it has bright acidity, it's beautifully balanced, has supple tannins, and a great finish. It's certainly not for those looking for blockbuster Pinot Noir, but it shines for its complexity, elegance, and nuances." Jeb Dunnock. 95 pts

Chateau Montelena’s Napa Chardonnay showed that the new world could create classically balanced and complex wines in its own voice, and that from the right sites and with perseverance, the results could equal anything made the world over. Through fads and trends, Montelena has never changed in its philosophy of bringing the sunshine of California in a style that is structured, balanced and age worthy. In 1976, in what is now memorialized as “The Judgment of Paris”, Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay was the top-ranking wine against four white Burgundies and five other California Chardonnays in a blind tasting with a who’s-who of the French food and wine industry judging. And as they say, the rest is history. The wine opens with fresh peach, apricot, and honeydew amidst citrus blossom and rose water. The diversity of aromas in this vintage is astounding as the floral characteristics begin to take center stage with time in the glass along with ample fresh pear and cinnamon. The palate is lush viscous, and driven by lemon curd, the palate leans toward creaminess but with enough bright acid, green apple, and toast to bring balance and finesse. The ripeness of the vintage drives the mouthfeel as the flavors exude freshness and vibrancy, a unique combination. The finish is concentrated and persistent, again stone fruit appear, albeit in candied form, along with a hint of white pepper and plenty of orange zest.

Steve Kistler, started as a winemaker at Ridge (long-term fave of ours and true California royalty) in the 1970s. He and his dedicated long-standing team founded this winery in his favourite coastal one in eastern Sonoma, cool and perfect for gloriously complex, aromatic Pinot Noir. His skill and dedication are peerless, his wines a sensual joy. Very rare, we only get a few dozen a year from the tiny UK allocation. A must-try Parker "The 2018s from Occidental are simply magnificent" "While everyone knows of Steve Kistler’s remarkable chardonnays, I believe his pinot noir will ultimately prove even more historic." - ROBERT PARKER, JR.

The 2017 is one of our best vintages. Rich and powerful, this well structured wine has a darker ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of cherry, dried cranberry, earthy forest floor, ground herbs, smoked earth. Named after Jim Clendenen's son. Scored 94+ Jeb Dunnuck.

"The 2017 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard comes from a Grand Cru site in the Santa Maria Valley and was fermented and aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. This Burgundian beauty gives up lots of caramelized citrus, toasted bread, and spice-driven aromatics and shows medium-bodied richness on the palate, with bright acidity and some classic Santa Maria salinity and seaside-like nuances. You can drink bottles today, yet they'll also keep for over a decade." Jeb Dunnock 94pts