($26): This is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon that made California famous for that variety.  It’s balanced and discreet, with haunting herbal influences that complement the ripe fruit flavors.  Not overdone, over extracted or over oaked, the multifaceted flavors of Cabernet come through. … Read more

($46): Roederer Estate is my favorite California sparkling wine producer.  Their quality can be traced to the philosophy of the Roederer Champagne house — the mother ship — and their ownership in Anderson Valley of sufficient vineyards to supply their needs. … Read more

($26): This stylish Chardonnay shows restraint without sacrificing flavor.  It’s plenty creamy, yet crisp.  It manages to be full flavored without being heavy or ponderous. In short, it’s long and refined — and at a good price.
92 Michael Apstein Nov 3, 2015… Read more

($25): A cutesy name and equally unconventional label makes me skeptical.  But it’s important to taste.  Here’s a clean and bright Chardonnay with a slightly creamy element and a hint of pepper-like spice that adds brightness.  Thankfully, restrained, but not vapid, this is a refreshingly vibrant wine. … Read more

($27): It’s almost impossible to find this complexity in Pinot Noir at this price.  Not that $27 is inexpensive, but it is for Pinot Noir, a whine whose quality tanks quickly as yields go up in an effort to keep costs down. … Read more

($40): This Russian River Pinot Noir is fresh and vibrant with supple tannins, which create a suave texture.  Savory elements balance the fresh fruit notes.  Not overdone, this Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for current drinking.
90 Michael Apstein Oct 20, 2015… Read more

($35): This well-priced Pinot Noir delivers toasty black fruit notes complemented by savory nuances.  It’s a hefty Pinot Noir, to be sure, but it is not over the top.  A hint of sweetness and heat from alcohol peaks out in finish. … Read more

($35): You taste the Carneros pedigree immediately.  Lively and bright, red fruit flavors dominate but don’t overwhelm.  The unique character of Pinot Noir — flavor without weight — is apparent.  If only the heat of alcohol didn’t peek out in the finish it would get higher marks.… Read more

($40): The wines from Bouchaine, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District, according to their website, fly under the radar.   I certainly can’t explain it given the stature of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which show why Carneros is a prized area for those varietals. … Read more

($30): The grapes come from Monterey, Sonoma and San Benito Counties — hence the name of this cuvee.  It’s a sweet and lush expression of Pinot Noir ready to drink now.
87 Michael Apstein Oct 20, 2015… Read more

($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