The 2019 Jackson Estate Merlot Jackson Hills, matured for 20 months in 55% new French oak, has intense aromas of red and black cherries, bacon fat, mint leaves, bitter chocolate and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is opulently styled with ripe, spicy fruit, grainy tannins, bright acidity and a long, layered finish. 407 cases produced.

From vines planted over 100 years ago, the 2021 Zinfandel Hartford Vineyard was matured for 10 months in 56% new French oak. It has gregarious aromas of blueberry jam, peach, pipe tobacco, tea leaves and lilac. The light-bodied palate is soft, juicy and restrained with an easygoing finish. 200 cases were made.

From vines more than 100 years old, the 2021 Zinfandel Highwire Vineyard was matured in 50% new French oak for nine months. It has understated aromas of blueberry, apricot and bergamot. The light-bodied palate is soft and spicy with gently tangy acidity and an easygoing finish. 325 cases produced.

The 2021 Chardonnay Russian River Valley was barrel fermented and matured for 10 months in 28% new French oak. It’s scented of red apples, apricot, toast, nutmeg and flint. The palate is broad and refreshing with soft allspice and cedar tones and a spicy finish. 19,000 cases produced.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Warrior Princess comes from several different blocks in the Zena Crown Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Matured in 27% new French oak for 15 months, it takes plenty of air to reveal scents of red cherries, potpourri, tobacco leaves and dried herbs. The light-bodied palate is soft and tangy with ethereal fruit and an herbal finish. 442 cases produced.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Truly Rita comes from the Dierberg Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. Matured for 15 months in 27% new French oak, it’s scented of blackberry, blueberry, black tea leaves and graphite. The light-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with dark, broody flavors and a pleasantly herbal finish. 97 cases were made.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has a layered perfume of raspberries, tangerine peel, rose petals and mossy bark. The light-bodied palate is fragrant and earthy with a gently chalky texture, bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. 500 cases produced.

What’s not to love about an aromatic combination of Bing cherries, cheesecake and a bittersweet dark chocolate? Things flip on the palate, with tarter red cherries and cacao nibs dueling with spicy nutmeg and balsa for flavor supremacy. Fortunately, a muscular set of tannins is up to the task of standing up to all that fruit.

A darker and more savory style of Pinot Noir, this wine shows aromas of shiitake, black cherry and fresh herbs and earth on the nose. The palate gives a streak of raspberry-lemon acidity to balance some grippy tannins and cola spice flavors on the finish.

Toasted aromas of seared marshmallow, apricot jam and caramelized pecan show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is creamy in texture with more marshmallow, vanilla and brioche flavors.

Richer aromas of guava, melon-laced spa water and tropical shampoo draw the nose into this bottling. The palate is smoother in texture, offering coconut and plumeria flavors that align with the tropical nose.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a step up, with more purity and precision. Black cherries, leafy herbs, leather, and some sappy floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and has a great finish. It’s a good value in top-notch California Pinot Noir.

La Crema 2022 (375 ml) is the perfect size for one to enjoy with dinner. Dry, medium-bodied and fresh on the nose and palate with ripe yellow apple, pear, baking spice, caramel and vanilla flavours silky smooth and balanced with bright acidity, it is very delicious now. Drink or hold to 2028.

A dead ringer for cherry cola on the nose, this wine is classic Russian River Pinot. The palate gives plenty of juicy cherry-raspberry fruit, along with cinnamon-spice mélange and enough tannin to handle roasted meats or accompany richer salmon dishes.

Aromas and flavors of cherry, cherry bark, clove and other warming spices are carried by persistent, firm acidity and supple tannins. Cranberry persists and deepens the tone of this wine from Napa Valley’s classic, cooler climate of Carneros.

For consistent quality, the grapes are sourced from four different Sonoma regions. Classic flavor and aroma profile of white peach, honeydew, pear, and honeysuckle. A personal favorite.

The 2022 Syrah is all from Perilune, done with 100% stems. Aromatic and gracious, the 2022 is a charmer. This is an especially floral, delicate Syrah, with lovely aromatics and a distinctly red-toned fruit profiles as opposed to the darker leanings of past releases, which reflects the shift to all Perilune fruit.

The 2022 Pinot Noir 459 emerges from blocks in Machado and Hapgood planted with Jura clone. It offers lovely aromatic presence to play off its generally lighter personality. I find the finish a bit short. Othervise, it’s nicely done.

The value-priced 2022 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard comes from a site in the Santa Maria Valley and was brought up in 22% new French oak. Its translucent ruby hue is followed impressive notes of ripe cherry and strawberry fruits supported by pretty spice, flora, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. A wine that would hand many a Village Burgundy its ass, it's well worth buying and drinking over the coming 3-5 years.

Offers a seamless mix of peach preserves, fresh apricot and lemon curd on a plush frame, with a touch of salted caramel, plus details of nutmeg, dried mango and lemon meringue on the long finish. Drink now. 750 cases made.

Remarkably balanced, with details of fresh, crisp apple, citrus and pear that mingle with salted butter pastry and touches of brown sugar on a supple, creamy frame. Reveals a touch of lemongrass on the finish. Drink now. 70,000 cases made. –MW

The 2021 Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton is savory and sweet, with a blend of grilled herbs and flowery underbrush giving way to plum sauce and dark chocolate. It’s soft-textured and round, with lifting acidity and ripe wild berry fruits contrasted by hints of inner sage. The 2021 finishes with medium length and a subtle tinge of spice, ending with a trace of black currant.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Upland has intense aromas of red cherries, blood orange, cinnamon and autumn leaves. The light-bodied palate is soft and bright with crunchy fruits and a long, spicy finish. It's delicate, pretty and approachable.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard has autumnal aromas of cranberries, forest floor, dark spices and orange peel. The light-bodied palate is vibrant and transparent with crunchy fruit and a long, spicy finish.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley has very pretty scents of cranberry, blueberry, Earl Grey tea leaves and gravel dust. The light-bodied palate is refreshing and perfumed with grainy tannins and an easygoing finish.