Wine Reviews: California New Releases

This week, I have a handful of new wines from all over California worth getting excited about.

I’m a big fan of the dynamic wine scene in Paso Robles, so I was delighted to taste three new-to-me wines and chat about Paso with the winemakers over a Zoom meeting. They focused on the region’s well-known calcareous soils, and each winemaker (from Linne Calodo, Caliza and the aptly-named Calcareous Vineyard) spoke about the importance of these soils in their wines. The three wines I tasted are good examples of how that ancient ocean bed soil can result in some exciting wines.

Some value Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Nielson in Santa Barbara County also make an appearance, and a cool Chenin Blanc. Lastly, La Pelle’s new offerings continue to show why they are worth watching.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

White wines

2018 Caliza Winery “Sidekick” – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
SRP: $36
Rich yellow color. Aromas of rich apricots and baked apple, with tones of honey, graham cracker, with notes of flowers, honey and even some fresh chanterelles. The fresh acidity is really nice, surprisingly so, and it balances that classic, creamy texture. Flavors of apricot, baked apples and pineapple, rich fruit but it stays surprisingly fresh with tones of yellow flowers and honey, almond, white tea. Delicious, focused stuff. 90% Roussanne and 10% Viognier, aged in French oak. (90 points)

2020 Aperture Chenin Blanc – USA, California, North Coast
SRP: $30
Light yellow color. The nose pops with lemon, quince and yellow flowers, with interesting spicy, herbal, white floral elements. Crisp acidity, punchy texture, a citrus-infused delight with chalky, oceanic, crushed shell tones, with some white tea and minerals. Bright and fun but a lot of complexity, too. From a Clarksburg vineyard, this is aged six months on the lees in used French oak and stainless steel. (90 points)

2019 Nielson Chardonnay – USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
SRP: $16
Medium yellow color. Aromas show apricots and lemon drops with lemon verbena, light butter, some bright, sudsy, floral tones. Crisp but flesh on the medium-bodied palate with lemons and peaches, bright but not light on the flavor. Lemon drops and honey mix with some almond and some brighter floral tones. Approachable, fun, yummy, value-driven stuff. Aged eight months in French oak, stainless steel and concrete eggs. (87 points)

2019 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc – USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $45
Pale straw color. Wow, the nose pops with limes, kiwi and papaya, topped in floral perfume, daisies, lemongrass and sea salt. Pure and vibrant on the palate with a racy, stony presence and deep texture. Lemons, white peach and orange peel, crunchy fruit mixes well with stony, oyster shell and mineral tones, and elements of flowers and honey. This is nervy, vibrant and balanced Sauvignon Blanc, with a salty finish. A whole lot to ponder and enjoy in here, and it will reward patience in the cellar, too. (93 points)

Red Wines

2018 Nielson Pinot Noir – USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County
SRP: $19
Deep ruby color. Juicy strawberries and red cherries are met with rhubarb, rose petals and some cola. Fleshy, juicy strawberries meet with light tannins and vibrant acidity. Cherry rhubarb pie flavors mix with white pepper, black tea some oregano. Fun and fresh despite the juicy fruit, this has a smooth, accessible feel but shows solid complexity for the price as well. Aged 12 months in French oak. (87 points)

2018 Calcareous Vineyard “Lloyd” – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles
SRP: $65
Vibrant purple color. The nose shows a whole lot of spicy, earthy, savory tones, with mesquite and leather over top of cherries and lively currants, cocoa and anise. Full-bodied but so fresh and lively, it maintains a tanginess that is refreshing throughout. All sorts of plums and currants, the fruit deep but crunchy and mixed with complex tones of grilled herbs, black tea, black pepper, sage and leather. Highly delicious, but has lots of tricks up its sleeve and needs age, too. An estate blend of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in 40% new French oak. (92 points)

2018 Linne Calodo “Overthinker” – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles Willow Creek District
SRP: $95
Light purple color. Ooh, the nose shows deep cherries and currants with enticing notes of leather, mesquite, violet petals, black pepper and black tea. Full-bodied but moderated well by the acidity, and the tart plums and black cherries are deep but crunchy. Complex iron, meat, graphite and creosote tones add complexity. This really needs time to open up and show its floral, meaty and earthy tones. Give this a decant or a few years, but it’s exquisite. 55% Syrah, 38% Grenache and 7% Mourvedre. (92 points)

2019 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon ­- USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $80
Deep purple color. On the nose, it’s exciting the way the roasted red peppers, sage, tobacco and earth tones mix with tart currants and black cherries, with coffee and dark chocolate tones. Structured well with a solid backbone and vibrant acidity to support the tangy black currant fruit. Complex tones of roasted red peppers, savory spices, tobacco and earth, and elements of coffee and clove. There is a ton going on here, and it maintains a fresh, earthy, flinty mystique. This will do wonders in five or six years, but it’s impressive how balanced it is so young, too. Includes 2% Petit Verdot aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. (93 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist. 

Wine Reviews: Chile & Argentina

It’s been a while since I’ve delved into some wines from Chile and Argentina, so I’m excited to share some new offerings.

Three reds from Argentina make an appearance in this report, and the Mascota Vineyards Unanime brand show juicy, lively styles that are great for a slight chill on a warm evening.

Most of the wines in this report hail from Chile, and these producers are also touting their sustainability efforts. Koyle is a biodynamic producer that gets 40% of its power supply from solar panels. And Emiliana is one of the largest organic and biodynamic producers in the world. What I love is how some of these producers are able to utilize these methods and produce delicious, interesting wines at super reasonable price points.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2017 Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Vibrant but deep nose of black cherries and raspberries with rose petals, clove, cigar shop and sweet cocoa. Medium-bodied, smooth tannins, lively acidity. Tart blueberry meets juicy black cherries, and the fruit is topped in notes of mocha, tobacco, mint, rose petals. Nice earthy and tar tones, too. All Cabernet from estate vineyards, aged 18 months in French oak. (88 points)

2017 Mascota Vineyards Pinot Noir Unánime - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco
SRP: $25
Medium purple color. Smells of bright blueberries and black cherries, tossed with leather, tobacco, notes of iron, graphite and dusty earth. Structured well with round-edged tannins and vibrant acidity. Darker style but still fresh, with tangy black cherry fruit, which plays well of notes of potting soil, charcoal, graphite, leather, clay. A lot of complexity packed in here, and it gets more and more expressive with air. A Pinot Noir with this level of balance and depth at this price point is impressive, and from Argentina, no less. Aged 12 months in French oak. (89 points)

2017 Mascota Vineyards Malbec Unánime - Argentina, Mendoza
SRP: $25
Deep ruby color. The aromas pop with ripe plums and black cherries, deep fruit with notes of smoky earth, anise, warm fallen leaves, some vanilla, too. Medium-bodied, velvety smooth tannic structure, crisp acidity. A juicy but pleasant feel to the fruit (black cherries and figs), along with fallen leaves, cola, earth and some vanilla. Ripe but nuanced, this has a lot to offer. Aged a year in French oak. (89 points)

2019 Viu Manent Malbec Secreto - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $15
Medium purple color. Ooh, the nose cranks with spice (sage, pepper, grilled steak) along with plums and juicy black cherries. Medium-bodied on the palate, delightful acidity with smooth tannins. Tart currants and chew plums blend well with a host of pepper, charcoal-grilled meat and violet petals. There’s a nice depth of texture with lots of spicy and earthy complexity. I was shocked to see this price point. Includes a “secret” blend of 15% other grapes. (89 points)

2019 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva “Serie Riberas” Palo Santo Vineyard - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley, Marchigüe
SRP: $17
Vibrant purple color. Aromas of tart plums and currants, laced with oregano and mint, along with leather, campfire, dark chocolate shavings and some graphite. Full-bodied with nice grip and moderate acidity. Tart plums and rich blackberry fruit blends well with lots of delicious, spicy tones of bell pepper, sage and coffee. Notes of tar, graphite and vanilla add complexity. Rich but savory, nice and lively, this could even age. Really good stuff for the price. Includes some 5% combined Carmenere and Syrah, aged 10 months in 21% new French oak. (89 points)

2019 Viña Tarapacá Gran Reserva Organic Red Blend - Chile, Maipo Valley
SRP: $20
Light purple color. Nose pops with sweet plums and currants, cocoa, tossed with coffee, anise and spicy black tea. Jammy and rich on the palate with medium acidity and smooth tannins. Flavors of plum sauce and currant jam are whipped together with spicy pepper, mint, charcoal and violet petal and earth tones. Fun, accessible, grill-friendly wine that has a ripe appeal but also spicy, floral complexity. 31% Cabernet Franc, 26% Syrah, 22% Carmenere, 11% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 12 months in 20% new French oak. (87 points)

2018 Viña Maquis Cabernet Franc Gran Reserva - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $24
Deep ruby color. Ripe but tangy fruit on the nose (black cherries, plums) along with lots of spicy pepper, paprika, black tea, warm clay, violets – really inviting and complex. Medium-bodied, nice dusty tannic grip, fresh acidity – the balance is lovely. Tart plums and juicy red and black currants, suave and tangy, and this has a delightfully spicy mix of pepper, coffee grounds, tar, violets, roasted red peppers and potting soil. Seriously complex and vivacious, this is a gorgeous Cabernet Franc for an awesome price. Aged one year in French oak. (91 points)

2018 Viñedos Emiliana Coyam - Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $35
Deep purple color. The nose shows deep plums and blackberries along with smoky earth, graphite, warm rocks, sweet pipe tobacco and some smoked meat tones. Deep and suave on the palate with nice grip and vibrant acidity – so fresh. Tart currants and black cherry fruit, laced well with earth, iron, minerals, spicy pepper and pepperoni tones. Complex, deep but fresh, this is beautiful and should improve nicely over the next 42% Syrah, 39% Carmenere with Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Carignan, Tempranillo and Mourvedre. (90 points)

2019 Viña Koyle Carménère Gran Reserva ­ Chile, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley
SRP: $17
Deep ruby color. The nose is ripe and spicy with cherries and blackberries, mixed nicely with tar, chewing tobacco, freshly-paved road, and some cool soy and roasted red pepper tones. Crisp acidity frames this wine nicely, a dusty tannic feel, this is fresh and fun with cherries, raspberries and red plums, a tangy and bright approach with the fruit. Notes of black pepper, clove, dried rose petals, black tea and scorched earth adds complexity. Fun but complex and balanced wonderfully, this is a brisket-friendly Carmenere with 10% Tempranillo and 5% Petit Verdot, aged 14 months in French oak. (90 points)

2019 Viña San Pedro Cabernet Sauvignon 1865 Selected Vineyards - Chile, Maipo Valley
SRP: $15
Medium purple color. Lovely nose of black currants and blackberries, with tobacco, violets, warm clay, some vanilla and cedar. Silky tannins on the palate with vibrant acidity and a nicely balanced feel. Tart currants and smoky black cherries are woven together with anise, loamy earth, tobacco, with some dark chocolate shavings and coffee. Accessible and fun, but sports solid complexity for the price point as well. (88 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.

Thrilling Pinot and Chardonnay from Merry Edwards & Alma Fria

This week, I’m highlighting two Sonoma County producers who bring me joy. I, for one, could use a bit of joy these days. I’ve been a fan of both of these producers for a while now, and I was excited to revisit them through the new releases. While tasting, I was comforted but just how reliably delicious and honest these wines are.

Merry Edwards has always had my respect, from Merry’s groundbreaking spot in Sonoma wine history, to the fact that the wines continue to deliver, vintage-in, vintage-out. With winemaker Heidi von der Mehden at the helm, this slew of 2019 Pinot Noirs continues the winery’s strong legacy.

I’ve been following Alma Fria since their 2013 vintage, and found these wines to be consistently exciting. If you’re a fan of lower alcohol Pinots and Chardonnays, with more citrus on the Chard side and tangy red fruit on the Pinot side, you should really check these out. The single-vineyard Pinots, like the Doña Margarita Vineyard near Freestone and the Holtermann Vineyard near Annapolis, deserve some cellar time, or plenty of air to strut their stuff. Winemaker Carroll Kemp really rocks it with the entry-level Plural wines, which have some sourced fruit and serve as are a great introduction to the producer’s style. They’re honestly some of the most delicious and bang-for-the-buck Pinots and Chards I find from California.

These wines were received as samples, and the Merry Edwards Pinot Noirs were tasted single-blind, while the others were tasted sighted.

2018 Alma Fría Chardonnay Plural - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $35
Light yellow color. The aromas pop with lemon curd, orange peel, and a vibrant mix of sea salt, hay, flinty and mineral elements, and some almond skin and honey. On the palate, this is crisp and nervy with lovely texture, a perfect amount of salinity and oyster shell elements that carries this wine. Lemons for days with some apricot and white peach, tossed together with chalk dust, honeyed tea, such verve and depth here, especially when you consider the price. Complex and delicious stuff here, a Chardonnay for Chenin fans. (93 points)

2018 Alma Fría Chardonnay Campbell Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $50
Medium yellow color. Aromas are fresh and citrusy, with lemon curd and sliced pineapple mixed with these chalky, yellow floral tones. Pristine and fresh on the palate, with a nice balance between textural depth and salty, brisk vibes. Lemons and kiwi blend well with nuances of salted pecan, honey, minerals and chalk dusty. Pure, vibrant, nuanced Sonoma Coast Chardonnay here. (93 points)

2018 Alma Fría Pinot Noir Plural - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $40
Medium ruby color. Vibrant aromas of cherries, strawberries and red plums, along with rose petals, warm clay, some oregano and mint. Medium-bodied, silky tannins on the palate, with lively acidity. Ripe but fresh tones of strawberries, McIntosh apple and wild raspberries, tossed together with notes of clove, cinnamon, rose petals. Nice spicy tones round out the finish. Such a balanced and nuanced wine, with complexity that rocks at this price point. (92 points)

2018 Alma Fría Pinot Noir Holtermann Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $70
Bright ruby color. Such enticing aromas, spicy, airy, elegant, with raspberries and red apple peel, along with rhubarb, white pepper, tobacco and rose hips. On the palate, this Pinot is so silky and elegant, with a medium-bodied frame and crisp, focused acidity. Plush but tangy fruit (raspberries, strawberries, cherry), topped in complexities of rhubarb, white pepper, tobacco. With air these underlying notes of wet clay, mushroom and potting soil really start to shine. This is complex, nuanced, vibrant stuff. This vineyard is home to some very special grapes, and Alma Fria makes a beauty of a wine from them. (94 points)

2018 Alma Fría Pinot Noir Doña Margarita Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $70
Bright ruby color. Such an airy, floral, inviting display on the nose, with rose petals, rhubarb, some oregano and white pepper, over top of raspberries, pomegranate and red apple. Expressive and invigorating, which transitions onto the palate, which is crisp and vibrant with dusty tannins. Raspberries and tangy red plum fruit blends well with complex notes of dried roses, white pepper, warm desert rocks and oregano. This stuff is balanced and age-worthy, or give it plenty of air and watch it evolve and pop. (94 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $45
Pale lemon color. Gorgeous fruit on the nose (grapefruit, kiwi, green apple), topped in chalk dust, fresh mountain stream, and complex elements of honeysuckle, mint and sage. Zippy acidity frames the wine so well, balanced with deep texture, and plenty of salty, minerals, mountain stream tones. The lime, kiwi and ruby red grapefruit is juicy but tangy, and it all works well over these floral perfume, white pepper, cucumber slices, honey and chalk dust. I’ve tasted this wine a lot over the years, and there’s something about this vintage. Phenomenal stuff. This spends four months on the lees and is aged in French oak, 18% new. (95 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $60
Medium ruby color. So fresh and juicy on the nose with red plums and wild raspberry, over top of rhubarb, cola, violets, some nuanced cedar and sarsaparilla. Full but fresh with smooth tannins, a pleasantly chewy but vibrant feel with black cherries and raspberry jam fruit. Violets, rhubarb, white pepper, along with some earthy, dusty tones and herbal tea, add complexity to this juicy, fun Pinot. Aged nine months in 55% new French oak. (91 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Coopersmith Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $73
Deep ruby color. On the nose, this shows a nice mix of deep black cherries, ripe summer plums, cranberry relish, along with light roast coffee and herbal tea component, with savory spices mixed in, too. Medium/full-bodied with smooth tannins and vibrant, fresh acidity. Tangy blackberries, plums and cherries, darker, deeper fruit, but it maintains a tart edge. Roasted chestnut, toffee, violets, cigar box and some mineral undertones elevate the finish. Definitely one to cellar for at least a few years. Aged 10 months in 68% new French oak. (92 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Klopp Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $73
A solid core of ruby. The aromas are so fresh, with ripe cherries, pomegranate, strawberry, backed up by pepper, roses, warm clay, rhubarb, and a lot of floral depth with air. On the palate, this is silky but structured, with zesty acid, great balance, and a deep but tangy mix of cherry, pomegranate and raspberry fruit. Elements of thyme, pepper, dried rose petals, clove, dusty earth. The mouthfeel is fantastic, but this needs at least a few years to show its best. Aged nine months in 69% new French oak. (94 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Georganne Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $70
Light ruby color. A bright and elegant display on the nose of raspberries and red apple peel, rose petals, violets, with some cola, herbal tea and light roast coffee. Velvety, fresh and crisp on the palate, with delightful balance. The raspberry and chilled cherry fruit is delicious and fresh, mixed with notes of oregano, black tea, some clay and mushroom tones. Really exciting stuff that should do well with a few years in the cellar. Aged 10 months in 54% new French oak. (93 points)

2019 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $80
Deep ruby color. A warm aromatic compote of raspberries, cherries and cranberry relish, along with notes of warm clay, violets, some wild herbs and creosote tones – really nice. Full-bodied, solid structure but rounded tannic edges, deep but balanced with vibrant acidity. Suave plum, strawberry and cherry fruit play well off these notes of sage, paprika, pepper – a ton going on here. Broth, mushroom tones need time to come out. This needs time, but it is so, so good. Aged nine months in 83% new French oak. (94 points)

This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist. 

American Wines for the Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July to all the American readers out there. As has grown to be my custom, I take this time to highlight some recent American wines that came across the sample pile. And I have a fun, diverse group today.

I’ve long been a fan (and something of an evangelist) for Arizona wines. I can’t help myself, I love it out there, and there are some really cool people making really fun wines. Aridus, based in one of my favorite areas of Cochise County, is a good intro into AZ wines, and are more widely available than most.

From Oregon, Applegate Valley’s biodynamic stalwart Troon Vineyards delivers three summery, spritzy, crushable wines. They’re always experimenting, and I respect that.

And, of course, California wines make appearances. Ashes & Diamonds 2020 pink is about as complex and impressive a California rosé I’ve come across in a long time. A case buy kind of wine. Howell Mountain Cabernet comes out to show why this appellation is so excellent, and a few other legit Cab-based wines round out the mix.

Lastly, from Virginia, Monticello-based producer Stinson continues to deliver with their Tannat-based pink, and a Merlot and Meritage definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in Virginia wines.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

Black Kite Cellars' Exciting Chardonnays and Pinots

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir likely needs no introduction here. This Mendocino appellation is packed with well-known vineyards and producers, making quite a wide array of styles.

Among them, Black Kite Cellars has an impressive portfolio. Kicked off in 2003, Black Kite Cellars is the product of Rebecca and Tom Birdsall, and co-founded by Rebecca’s parents, Donald and Maureen Green. They bought the site that would become Kite’s Rest in 1995, and it was replanted to Pinot Noir in 1999. Divided into several blocks, the 40-acre parcel rises up from the Navarro River (River Turn), through gravelly loam (Stony Terrace), and up to the edge of the forest (Redwood’s Edge). The wines are made by Jeff Gaffner, formerly of Arrowood, who also has his own label, Saxon Brown.

They produce five different Pinot Noirs from their estate Kite’s Rest vineyard (their “home” Pinots), in addition to some “away” Pinot Noirs from other sites. The Pinot Noirs offers a great look into the differences between these sites. And their Chardonnays, sourced from some epic Sonoma sites, are delightful. Two are featured today.

These wines were received as trade samples and tasted single-blind.

California Wines for Summertime

It’s not officially summer in the Northern Hemisphere yet, but it sure does feel like it. Personally, I don’t handle any sort of heat and humidity well, unless I’m a stone’s throw from a beach or pool. So now that it’s regularly hitting 90+ degrees in DC, I won’t be popping too many red wines.

This Spring, I’ve received a lot of California wines that would do well to beat the heat, and I’ve compiled some white and pink wines that deliver. Smith-Madrone’s Spring Mountain Riesling does it again; it is consistently one of the most exciting California Rieslings I’ve come across. FEL represents Anderson Valley well with their three offerings, while Sonoma’s Notre Vue is a that’s putting out some exciting stuff.

Some eye-opening Sauvignon Blancs, a delicious Grenache Blanc and a few others round out this solid mix. These wines were received as trade samples and tasted sighted.

2017 Smith-Madrone Riesling – USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
SRP: $34
Light yellow color. Aromas of gorgeous limes, orange peels, exquisite fruit mixed with white flowers, new tennis balls, wild mint, with chalky and saline tones. Pristine acidity, zesty, a chalky and salty appeal with white flowers, white pepper and wild green onion tones. Lime, orange and kiwi fruit provide generous support for this intense but refined wine. Perfume, focused, dry yet ripe, this is complex and age-worthy, and a consistently spectacular California Riesling. (94 points)

2019 Priest Ranch Grenache Blanc – USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena
SRP: $22
Pale straw color. Wow, so bright on the nose, with lemon, lime and kiwi fruit, topped with seashells, oyster brine, chalk and notes of green olive. Racy on the palate but lovely depth of texture, with bright acidity and an essence that reminds me of mountain streams meeting crashing ocean waves. Limes, kiwi and pineapple fruit mix with tones of sea salt, orange peel, white tea and oyster shell. Really exciting stuff, expressive, vibrant, complex, and absurdly good for the price. Stainless steel fermentation, native yeasts, aged on the lees for eight months. (91 points)

2019 Grieve Family Winery Double Eagle – USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $48
Pale lemon color. Aromas of limes, papaya, topped in honeysuckle, daisies, wild mint and fresh basil – really vibrant and bright. Crisp and delightful texture, with limes, peach and papaya fruit on the palate. Complex notes of salt, chalk dust, ocean spray, with bright floral and white tea tones. Deep but lively, focused but lots of complexity, and a racy, mineral-laden finish. All Sauvignon Blanc Aged sur lie in a mix of concrete eggs and French oak. (91 points)

2017 Castello di Amorosa Spumante Brut – USA, California, Napa Valley
SRP: $39
Deep yellow color. Perfume and bright on the nose with chalk dusty, white flowers, celery seed, over top of limes, kiwi and red apple peel. Bright and zesty on the palate, this is a clear and focused sparkler with limes, lemons and green and red apple fruit. Flinty and steely with floral perfume, chalk dust, saline and some spicy herbal tones. A brunch and seafood-friendly wine. A mix of 73% Chardonnay and 27% Pinot Noir. (88 points)

2019 Cormorant Cellars Sauvignon Blanc – USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley

SRP: $24
Deep yellow color. A natural but focused aromatic display of preserved lemon, melon rind, with honey, clover, white pepper, and interesting notes of tobacco barn and dried green herbs. Crisp acidity on a deeply-textured frame, with a mouthfeel that combines a bit of waxiness with some brininess, lots of mineral and saline tones. Orange peel and dried pineapple fruit mix with nots of green olive, oregano and mint. Equally fascinating and delicious. This grapes are sourced from the Gio Martorana Vineyard, fermented in stainless steel and French oak, no fining, filtering, minimal SO2, this is as clear, focused and exciting a Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc at this price point I’ve come across in a long time. (91 points)

2020 Ram’s Gate Sauvignon Blanc – USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $38
Light yellow color. The aromas pop with zesty lime and generous white peach, topped in notes of honeysuckle, celery seed and sea salt. Crisp and nervy on the palate, this has a pretty, pure and mountain stream kind of feel, with limes, lemons and white peach. Focused and clear with notes of hay, lilies, floral perfume, with notes of minerals, crushed shells and limestone. A lean but lively Sauvignon Blanc that brings a lot to the table. Aged five months in a mix of oak (10% new, 80% neutral) and stainless steel. (89 points)

2020 Ram’s Gate Pinot Blanc – USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $38
Light yellow color. Aromas of lemons and kiwi, so fresh and also so floral, with daisies, honeysuckle, clover and clean laundry. Racy acidity frames the wine well, lovely texture. Flavors of lemons, green apple and orange peel on the palate, this is spritely and vibrant, with notes of minerals, sea spray, chalk, along with freshly-cut rose stems, sliced cucumber and oregano. Great hot weather wine, but complex as well, and so versatile. Aged five months in all neutral barrels. (90 points)

2018 Bouchaine Chardonnay Estate Vineyard – USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $32
Rich yellow color. The nose shows nutty and honeyed elements, with yellow apples and lemon curd, along with some almond and white tea. Plump texture on the palate, moderating acidity, this wine sports apricot and orange marmalade fruit mixed with elements of honey, graham cracker, cinnamon sticks, with some hay and salted almond tones. Ripe and delicious, but stays focused, too. Aged 10 months in 85% oak, 15% new, 50% maloactic fermentation. (89 points)

2019 Notre Vue Chardonnay – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $49
Medium yellow color. The nose shows yellow apples and apricot and orange peel, mixed with honey, crushed shells, pistachio and honey. Precise acidity keeps this lip-smacking, while the deep texture offers creaminess and juiciness. Yellow apple, apricot and lemon curd fruit is lively and ripe, and tossed together well with notes of candied ginger, honeycomb, peanut shell, along with mountain stream, minerals and chalk. Nuanced and balanced, highly delicious. (91 points)

2018 Gary Farrell Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
SRP: $45
Medium yellow color. Aromas of oranges, yellow apples, lemon curd, with notes of honey, almond, with vanilla, also white tea and dandelion notes. Medium-plus-bodied with gorgeous texture, balanced with vibrant acidity. The fruit is like a mix of orange peel, kiwi and lemon curd, blended with richer notes of graham cracker, vanilla and nougat, but also this brisk, mineral-infused feel. Bold but vibrant, with this nuanced and fresh approach. For the price especially, yeah, this rocks. (92 points)

2020 FEL Pinot Gris – USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
SRP: $28
Light yellow color. So peachy and fresh, like an open field of spring wildflowers and an herb garden of goodness over top lemon and orange peel. Zippy acidity, nice texture, this is focused and balanced on the palate with oranges, peaches and limes. Accents of white tea, clover, fresh laundry and honey add complexity. Lively, bright, spritely but complex stuff. Fermented in a 900-gallan French oak tank and aged five months on the lees. (90 points)

2019 FEL Chardonnay Anderson Valley ­- USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
SRP: $32
Ripe yellow color. Fresh and floral on the nose, a nice mix of airy tones with deeper, honeyed, almond tones, over ripe yellow pears. Crisp acidity is a pleasure on the palate, with a moderately rich texture, and a chalky but honeyed balance. Lemon curd and apricot mix with honeycomb and light graham cracker mixed with crushed chalk and mineral tones. Harmonious, complex, a blend of some Anderson Valley vineyards, fermented in neutral oak and aged on the lees for ten months. (90 points)

Rosé wines

2019 Notre Vue Sparkling Rosé of GSM – USA, California, Sonoma County, Chalk Hill
SRP: $45
Medium copper color. Aromas of white cherries and wild raspberries, along with chalk dust, sea salt and some spicy green herbs. Crisp and zesty but nice depth, too. Tangy white cherries and wild raspberries, tangy red apple peel. Aromas of sea shells, talc and minerals with some saltine crackers. Brisk and bright but solid complexity. 52% Syrah, 32% Grenache and 16% Mourvedre. (89 points)

2020 Ram’s Gate Rosé – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
SRP: $38
Medium pink color. A lovely brightness on the nose, with a nice mix of raspberries, white cherries, McIntosh apple skins, along with saline, hay, sliced cucumber and lemon verbena. Fresh and crisp on the palate, but this shows solid textural depth as well on a plump but racy frame. Wild raspberry, strawberry and red apple fruit mix well with complexities of dandelion, nettle, floral perfume. Solid complex, really vibrant, with a complex mineral-laden finish. 61% Grenache, 30% Pinot Noir and 9% Syrah, fermented five months sur lie in neutral oak barrels. (90 points)

2019 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Noir Rosato Cresta d’Oro – USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley
SRP: $39
Pale salmon color. Aromas of lemons and white cherries, and a field of daisies edged in honeysuckle mixed in, with some celery seed and mint, too. Fresh and vibrant acidity with a plush texture and flavors of white cherries, wild raspberries and McIntosh apple, juicy but crunchy fruit. White flowers, rose petals, a brisk, quinine and mineral essence, too. Very pretty, floral and focused. All Pinot Noir, dry, fermented and aged in concrete eggs. (91 points)

2020 Bouchaine Pinot Noir Vin Gris of Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard – USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
SRP: $29
Pale copper color. The aromas show salty, floral goodness, with yellow and white flowers overtop of peaches, green melon and cantaloupe. Zesty on the palate with a nice, round, creamy texture. Punchy but racy feel with plump raspberry and strawberry meeting tart white cherry. Notes of lemongrass, honeysuckle, chalk, and minerals add complexity. Nice cut, quite complex, delicious summer pink. All estate Pinot Noir from Napa’s southern portion of Carneros, 95% whole cluster pressed, all stainless steel. (89 points)
This post first appeared on the daily wine blog Terroirist.