California New Releases: Cabs and Chards

Folks don’t seem to agree on much these days. There’s a lot of division out there. But I like to think the vast majority of wine-consuming Americans can agree on this – California Cabernet and Chardonnay are great. They’re classics for a reason.

And this week I’m focusing on some new releases from well-known California producers that deliver. Most of the wines are widely-available, and there’s a lot of value in here as well. And, these days, that matters a lot.

These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.

2022 La Crema Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County
SRP: $45
Deep purple color. A dark but vibrant and spicy aromatic display, with black currants and plums, mixed with anise, tobacco, black pepper, some graphite, and iron, dried violets as well. The palate sports smooth tannins and vibrant acidity, with pleasantly ripe currants, blackberries, and blueberries. The fruit blends nicely with elements of graphite, minerals, mocha, tobacco, and cedar nuances. A rich but elegant blend of fruit from Alexander Mountain and Valley, Dry Creek, and Bennet Valleys. A beauty for the upcoming colder weather, as it’s drinking great now. (91 points)

2021 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis - USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $85
Bold purple color. Exotic aromas of plum sauce, red and black currants, fig paste, with cool tones of eucalyptus, mint, chewing tobacco, along with some stony earth and mulch. The palate shows suave tannins, moderate acidity, and juicy, tangy fruits (blueberries, black cherries, figs). The fruit is accented by tones of mint, fallen leaves, black pepper, eucalyptus, and some earthy-stony tones. Classic vibes, lots to love, this is fun but complex and a great way to dive into Stag’s Leap Cabernet. (92 points)

2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
SRP: $65
Vibrant purple color. Beautifully deep and complex aromatic display – I get roasted figs, dark plums, black cherries and currants, so tangy and vibrant, along with clay and loam, clove, pepper, creosote, black tea. The palate shows structured but fine-grained tannins, met nicely with bright acidity for a refreshing and balanced appeal. The black and red currant fruit, blueberries, and plum fruit shows depth and tanginess. All sorts of non-fruit nuances are packed in here (charcoal, minerals, cedar, tobacco, mint, black pepper, black tea) but will need time in the cellar to show their full potential. Love the tangy, mineral and earth-laden finish. This is beautiful now but needs some serious TLC (time laying in cellar) to express itself fully. At the price, and given the aging potential, this is a crazy value. Includes some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this wine spends18 months in 65% new French oak. (94 points)

2023 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

SRP: $25
Deep yellow with a nose of juicy peaches, green and yellow apples, nectarines, backed up by notes of hay, honeycomb, along with a cool mix of cornbread and almond butter, with a hint of minerals. Pleasantly creamy with fresh acidity and a yummy mix of yellow apples, bruised pears, white peaches, and orange creamsicle. I get notes of bread crumbs, whipped honey, and some refreshing mineral tones as well. (88 points)

2023 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River Ranches - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $31
Rich yellow color. The nose shows a rich mix of white peaches, yellow apple, orange peel, along with scents of white tea, honey, some clove and mint. The palate is plush and bold but shows moderating acidity, with a delicious fruit salad of nectarine, yellow apples, papaya, white peach. The fruit is accented with notes of lemon pie with graham cracker crust, almond skin, mixed with welcomed nuances of chalk dust, minerals, and slate. Yummy, fresh, sporting solid complexity. (91 points)