($60): Power and grace.  That sums it up.  Mike Grgich is the undisputed master of Chardonnay.  He proved that almost 40 years ago at the “Judgment of Paris” tasting when the Chardonnay he made for Chateau Montelena beat out top white Burgundies for first place. … Read more

($90): Grgich Hills, world famous for their Chardonnays, also produce stunning Cabernet Sauvignon.  This is the first release of a specially selected Cabernet that comes from Austin’s Vineyard, which surrounds the winery in Rutherford.  As you’d expect from a Napa Valley Cabernet, it’s full of flavor. … Read more

($40): Those consumers looking for “a glass of Merlot” before dinner should avoid this wine.  Those, however, who want to see for themselves the complexity that the varietal can deliver should embrace it.  There’s a hint of leafiness and earthiness that, frankly, a Merlot-based wine should deliver to accompany and complement the black fruit notes. … Read more

($75): Though Dave and Emily Miner founded their eponymous winery less than 20 years ago, they must be included among any list of the top tier of Napa Valley producers, at least judging from their current releases from there.  This Cabernet Sauvignon has the captivating — and paradoxical — combination of an almost chewy yet very polished texture. … Read more

($90): The packaging — heavy bottle, name starting with “The”– had two strikes against before I even pulled the cork.  But, as the saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover.  This luxurious Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is stunning. … Read more

($185): There’s no question that Grgich Hills’ Yountville Selection Cabernet ranks with California’s greatest red wines.  Once again, the winemaking team at Grgich Hills manages to convey great power without overdoing anything.  Indeed, the marvel of this wine is its elegance, which is in keeping with the Grgich Hills style. … Read more

($28): This refined Pinot Noir focuses on ripe, but not jammy, fruit flavors complemented by subtle spice and enough savory nuances to keep it interesting.  The mild tannins appear even milder because they are so polished, giving a pleasing overall texture. … Read more

($45): Merry Edwards consistently makes a stunning array of Pinot Noirs.  Four recent releases from the 2012 vintage continue her streak.  This one, a blend from grapes grown in several vineyards in the Russian River Valley, delivers a wonderful tension between ripe fruit flavors and smoky savory nuances. … Read more

($54): One of the things I admire about Merry Edwards’s Pinot Noir is that the single vineyard bottlings are different one from the other.  The 2012 Flax Vineyard is more muted and more fruit focused at this stage compared to the Klopp Ranch with less savory character. … Read more

($60): The 2012 Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir really sings.  The first whiff announces an exciting savory and earthy component that ultimately balances the ripe, but not jammy, California fruit component.  It’s more concentrated than her Russian River Valley bottling, but the increased power is not at the expense of elegance. … Read more

($57): At this stage — and I qualify it because this wine, like Merry Edwards’ other Pinot Noir, is still evolving even though bottled — combines attributes of her Klopp Ranch and Flax Vineyard bottlings.  Engaging aromatics grab your attention immediately, while a seamless combination of bright fruit flavors and savory nuances hold it. … Read more

($28): There’s not a lot of Albariño, a white grape that makes an aromatic and energetic wine in Rías Baixas (an area in northwest Spain’s Galicia area), grown in California.  Indeed, at last count (2013) there were just over 200 acres of the grape planted in the entire state. … Read more

($40): Petite Sirah is, of course, misnamed because there’s nothing petite about it.  And that’s its major attraction and, simultaneously, its major flaw.  Many Petite Sirah can be overwhelming — boisterous and alcoholic and nothing else.  Clayhouse Estate is robust and intense, yes, but it is balanced and not overdone considering the grape. … Read more

($55): Despite being one of the pioneer wineries in Napa Valley, ZD Wines, established in 1969 and named after the founders, Norman deLeuze and Gino Zepponi, flies under the radar of many consumers.  Originally focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Carneros, they added a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon a decade or so later. … Read more