($19):  Many people in the wine trade tell me that they avoid Cabernet Franc because it can deliver vegetal flavors if not entirely ripe.  It can.  But it can also be the basis for a spectacular wine — think Bordeaux’s Château Cheval Blanc — by providing a needed savory component. … Read more

($45):  So much Merlot is consumed thoughtlessly as a pre-dinner drink — as in “I’ll have a glass of Merlot” — that consumers could be excused if they think grape is incapable of producing serious wine.  Chappellet’s 2015 Merlot should dispel that idea. … Read more

($18):  I was predisposed to dislike the wine because of its cutesy name.  But, just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you need to taste to fairly evaluate a wine.  This is a well-proportioned Syrah that brings black fruit, smoky and peppery notes together seamlessly. … Read more

($56):  I admire Jordan because they have never veered from their style of making refined and polished Cabernet Sauvignon.  They’ve avoided the “bigger is better” trap, and have remained focused on elegance and refinement.  Take this 2014 Cabernet.  From the moment you smell it, you know you’re in for a treat. … Read more

($34):  John Loeb, Jr, former Ambassador to Denmark, businessman and philanthropist, established Sonoma-Loeb in 1990.  The wines had always been made at Chappellet Vineyard and Winery, so when Chappellet purchased the property in 2011, nothing really changed — the wines are still top-notch. … Read more

($30):  Jed Steele has a long history of making fine wine in California so my enthusiasm for this wine is not surprising.  Steele purchases grapes from the Goodchild Vineyard which is located just across the river from the famed Bien Nacido vineyard (He also makes a Pinot Noir from grapes grown in that vineyard.) … Read more

($68):  Migration, yet another label of the Duckhorn Wine Company, focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Their first wine was the 2001 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.  Now they have ‘migrated’ to other regions of California, showing that the French do not have a monopoly of terroir — the concept that the place where the grapes grow determines the character of the wine. … Read more

($68):  This one, from a different vineyard in the Russian River Valley, is the boldest of this trio of Pinot Noir and delivers more black, rather than red, fruit character.  Similar to Migration’s other offerings, its suave texture makes it extremely appealing for current consumption, though its balance suggests it will develop nicely with bottle age.… Read more

($68):  Migration’s Pinot Noir from the famed Dutton Ranch in Russian River Valley has more oomph than their Sta. Rita bottling, no doubt from slightly warmer climate.  Still, it has a lovely lacey, almost, red fruit delicacy, which to my mind is another key component of Pinot Noir — its ability to deliver flavor without weight.… Read more

($40):  Ben and Jake Fetzer, grandsons of famed Barney Fetzer who made Fetzer Vineyards a household name in the 1990s, founded Masút Vineyard and Winery in 2009 to focus on Pinot Noir.  Their father had purchased 1,200 acres in Mendocino County, which the sons planted — they have 35-acres devoted to Pinot Noir — and eventually established the Eagle Peak appellation.… Read more

($14):  Unbelievable.  My first and second — and third — reaction to this wine.  Wine with real Pinot Noir character at $14 a bottle.  Fresh and clean, it’s a delicate, but flavorful wine that finishes ever so slightly sweet.  But fresh acidity keeps it balanced. … Read more

($20):  If you haven’t visited Buena Vista since the new regime came to town, you should definitely stop in and see what Jean Charles Boisset is up to with the restoration, and you can meet the Count while you’re there.  Make sure you ask him to taste you on his namesake’s wine — it’s a fitting tribute to the original Count Agoston Haraszthy, with a sassy spice profile joining bright red fruit. … Read more

($32):  Chardonnay lovers, listen up.  And those who think they don’t care for Chardonnay should also lend an ear.  There’s a delicacy to this wine that makes it very appealing.  Its fruitiness is enhanced by a hint of seductive oakiness.  It delivers richness without being overt, overdone or heavy handed. … Read more

($24):  Full disclosure, I’m not a fan of Zinfandel.  So, it’s a dilemma when I come across one like this.  I don’t personally like it, but that’s beside the point.  It’s really good wine — a fine expression of Zinfandel.  Sure, it’s bold — it is Zinfandel, after all — but tips the stated-alcohol scales at under 15%, which some would say makes it a bantam-weight for that varietal.  … Read more

($35):  A touch (5%) of Petit Verdot and Malbec enhance this delightful Cabernet Sauvignon.  Filled with dark fruit and olive-like savory notes, it’s ready to enjoy now because of its fine, polished tannins.  Juicy acidity in the finish keeps it lively throughout the meal. … Read more

($42):  Although lovely herbal notes appear in this Pinot Noir, the focus is firmly footed on fruitiness.  Suave mild tannins support the juicy red fruit nuances.  The finish has a touch of sweetness, which makes the wine useful as a stand-alone glass before a meal.… Read more

($40):  Another fruit-focused Pinot Noir with good weight and a suave texture.  Not overdone in the “Pinot Syrah” mode, it finishes a touch sweet, which I suspect is due in part to its 14.5% stated alcohol.  Ready to drink now.  I’d be sure to served it ever so slightly chilled to minimize the effect of the alcohol.… Read more

($84):  Though Goldeneye’s Pinot Noir from the Confluence Vineyard conveys more fruity elements than earthy ones, savory nuances appear and add complexity.  Supple tannins lend support without intruding and bright acidity keeps it fresh.  A touch of heat in the finish compared to their other single vineyard bottlings tempers my enthusiasm. … Read more

($84):  Goldeneye, one of Duckhorn’s many labels, has captured the delicacy and charm of Pinot Noir with this single vineyard bottling.  Delicate, red fruit flavors dance on the palate.  Beautifully balanced, subtle bitter notes in the finish complement the sense of sweetness from its fruitiness. … Read more