Category Archives: USA – California

William Hill Estate Winery, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon “Bench Blend” 2010

($45): William Hill’s Bench Blend Cabernet Sauvignon represents a blend of wines made exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon grown in their best vineyards, according to Ralf Holdenried, their winemaker.  Similar to their Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which contains a dollop of other varieties, this Bench Blend is dense and dark with a harmonious interplay of herbs and black fruit and an appealing bitterness in the finish. … Read more

Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard 2011

($62): The age of the vines — the vineyard’s 40 years old — shows in this wine’s complexity and refinement.  It combines the brightness and liveliness character of Edwards’ Sonoma Coast bottling with the intensity of her Georganne Pinot Noir.  What’s most amazing is the way it unfolds in the glass, revealing more and more pleasure over a couple of hours. … Read more

Merry Edwards, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2011

($39): Merry Edwards shows that the French have no monopoly on the concert of terroir.  Her Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is refreshingly different from her Russian River bottlings.  It delivers bright berry-like flavors intermingled with spicy and earthy nuances.  It’s a lively and invigorating wine that combines succulence and spice without being overdone. … Read more

Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir Georganne Vineyard 2011

($57): From her youngest vineyard, which was planted in 2006, Edwards’ Georganne is a bigger and weightier wine than her Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir bottling.  Conveying more black than red fruit-like flavors, it has an attractive burly presence.  Almost chewy, Edwards magically prevents it — and all her Pinot Noir — from being heavy. … Read more

Clos du Val, Napa Valley (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2012

($24): With this Sauvignon Blanc, their first commercial offering, Clos du Val shows they are as talented with their whites as with their terrific reds. Pleasantly pungent with a marvelous balance of creaminess, it has lovely depth while avoiding heaviness.  Though spicy and bright, it still doesn’t shake you by the lapels but rather awakens your palate and makes you want to take another sip. … Read more

Clos du Val, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

($38): Thankfully, Clos du Val retains their hallmark style of restraint and elegance with their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon.  And they do it without sacrificing intensity or weight. This wine amazes with its plethora of flavors.  There’s the expected mix of black and red fruit flavors, but there is also alluring nuances of herbs, savory notes and even olives. … Read more

Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley (California) To Kalon Vineyard Fumé Blanc Reserve 2011

($40): Decades ago Robert Mondavi coined the name Fumé Blanc for his wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It has always been one of California’s most distinctive, and the Mondavi 2011 continues that track record.  The grapes have traditionally come from the famed To Kalon vineyard near the winery and they’ve opted to now put the vineyard name on the label. … Read more

Isabel Mondavi, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir Estate 2009

($30): The Michael Mondavi Family Estate, who produces this wine, was founded after the family lost control of the Robert Mondavi winery. Though Michael, one of the sons of legendary winemaker Robert (and an extraordinarily talented winemaker in his own right), is involved in a series of projects, such as the wines under the Isabel Mondavi label, his son Rob Jr.… Read more

MacPhail Family Vineyards, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir Toulouse Vineyard 2009

($45):  James MacPhail runs a small winery that focuses on Pinot Noir.  He owns no vineyards, but that doesn’t prevent him from making top-notch wine.  He doesn’t make Burgundy.  He makes Pinot Noir that is a quintessential expression of California.  In this one from Anderson Valley, a captivating perfume is followed by beautifully intertwined earthy and red fruit flavors. … Read more

Clos La Chance, Central Coast (California) JoLi Estate Vineyard ‘Meritage Red Wine’ 2007

($50):  Named after their grandchildren, Joseph and Lila, this is a gorgeous Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (59%), Merlot (27%), Petit Verdot (9%) and Malbec. Though each varietal adds character, it’s a seamless blend with no one component dominating.  Juicy and succulent fruit flavors are interwoven with earthy mineral notes. … Read more