The 2021 Pinot Noir Palmer Creek Vineyard has soft scents of red cherries, tea leaves, bitters and earth. The light-bodied palate offers an understated core of fragrant fruit structured by vibrant acidity and grainy tannins, and it has an easygoing finish. 298 cases produced.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard has soft scents of red cherries, cranberries, autumn leaves, mushrooms and bitters. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with a core of crisp red fruit and an easygoing finish. 443 cases produced.

Silver metal in 2024 Royal Queensland Wine Awards

Hartford Court has been making pinot noir from these blocks for nearly a decade, but this is their first vintage of chardonnay from the site. It’s crisp and tart, with scents of orange oil and salty lees. Firm if a bit shy in the middle palate, its lean finish to go up against blue crab. —P.J.C. (100 cases)

Dark and bold cherry, baked strawberry and rose-candy aromas draw the nose deeply into this bottling. There's a decent snap to the start of the palate before the richer red fruit, clove and nutmeg flavors arise.

Cranberry, black cherry and sage aromas waft from the glass of this Pinot. The palate is rich and plush, with flavors of kirsch, cola, black tea and tangerine zest, plus plenty of acidity to balance the tannin and the oak regime.

The 2017 Chardonnay Pas de Nom opens with touches of matchstick and candle smoke before revealing orchard fruit and hazelnut aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers expansive, savory fruit, fresh acidity and a long finish. It has plenty of life ahead.

The 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley has ringing scents of lemon, yellow apples, citrus blossoms, beeswax and almonds. The light-bodied palate balances a gently creamy texture with vibrant acidity, and it has a long, pure finish. 614 cases were made.

The 2015 Blanc de Blancs was disgorged in February of 2022 after about six years en tirage. Yellow apples, fresh bread and iodine waft from the glass. The light-bodied palate is dry and refreshing with pure apple fruit, luxuriously creamy mousse and a long finish. 150 cases were made.

A stylish version, with lightly mulled tea, red and black cherry, and iris notes that glide atop a silky structure. A warm sous-bois accent echoes through the finish. Drink now through 2029. 274 cases made.

A fragrant white, offering honeysuckle, peach cobbler and lemon bar notes on a tangy frame, with fresh ginger, lemongrass and lime zest details. Shows plenty of intensity on the juicy finish. Drink now. 130 cases made.

Ripe youthful ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is from several sites anchored around Barbieri Vineyard and is aromatic of ripe red cherries, fresh roses, forest herbs, and cola spice. Pure, juicy, and medium-bodied, it has fine tannins and a clean feel with a lot of charm. Drink it now or over the next 4-5 years.

A brilliant silver/green-tinged hue, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County comes from multiple sites in Alexander Valley, Knights Valley, Dry Creek, and the Russian River Valley and is fermented both in barrel as well as in stainless steel. Aromatic with a fresh, tropical perfume of guava, melon, chive, and grapefruit, it offers an elegant and delicately rounded feel, with a kiss of candied citrus and its floral perfume lasting on the finish. It’s a very charming wine to enjoy over the next couple of years.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Sable Mountain Vineyard comes from the eastern slopes of the Anderson Valley and was aged for 8 months in 34% new French oak. In the glass, it pours a ripe red ruby color and offers expressive aromas of wild raspberries, candied roses, sweet earth, and sappy fresh herbs. Medium-bodied and juicy, it takes on an earthy spice note, with ripe tannins and a juicy, floral finish. It’s a charming, ripe wine to drink over the next 5 years.

Pouring an opaque purple/red hue, the 2019 Syrah Outer Limits spent 20 months in 34% new French oak and is very ripe in the glass, showing a touch of development in its notes of baked fig, tarry earth, leather, and black olive brine. It’s an opulent red, with sweet tannins, a rounded mouthfeel, and a dark, brooding, savory finish. It is showing well now, though I would prefer to drink this over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028.

Matanzas Creek Winery has been making Merlot in Alexander Valley, Sonoma since 1984. This wine is a testament to their experience. This bottle is a blend sourced from its higher elevation sites. The nose is a bit shy but shows some cherries and maybe a hint of cassis. The palate is soft and supple with great fruit depth.

The backbone of the estate’s Riserva comes from La Porta vineyard, from Sangiovese planted between 1998 and 2000. Cabernet Sauvignon grown at an altitude of 485 metres is blended in for mid-palate structure. Matured in second- and third-passage barriques, the 2021 displays intense blackcurrant nuanced by spicy green herbs. The palate is well padded with red and black currants, and accents of espresso and mint enhance it. The tannins have a slightly dusty, gravelly character yet remain refined. Well mannered and affable.

The big, expressive and lively nose of this wine gives a ton of juicy cherry, mushroom, orange peel and sage. Plenty of raspberry, barrel spice, caramel and cola arise on the powerful palate before a finish that lingers with some warmth. 

This spicy and classic Sonoma Coast Pinot gives aromas of dried cherry, raspberry compote, black tea and orange peel on the nose. The palate is plush and textured, with a berry freshness and pleasant crunchiness at the finish.

Shows a lovely mix of candied ginger, lemon bar, caramelized pineapple and peach cobbler on a smooth, lush and mouthwatering frame, with accents of nutmeg and clove. Drink now. 700 cases made.

Well crafted and quite versatile in styles, this wine rings true to Cabernet's reputation for rich, robust flavors while finishing with sufficiently soft structure. Aromas and flavors of blackberry and dark cherries are pure and appealing, and the firm tannins lack a drying effect.

The 2021 Koplandsteen Chenin Blanc, from 35-year-old dryland bush vines planted on shale, offers a waxier texture than its sibling. This wine stands out with more weight and enhanced mineral tension. It displays less dusty florals but more spiced citrus, creating a vivid and dynamic profile. Medium to full-bodied, the wine provides firm phenolic bitterness complemented by a kiss of tannins that will pair effortlessly with a wide array of dishes. Only 1,850 bottles were produced.

Brisk and lively, with expressive lemon and lime flavors that zip along the vibrant finish. Drink now. 900 cases made. -T.F.

Impressive for its intensity and harmony, with caramelized pineapple, ripe Bosc pear, papaya and apricot flavors at the core, accented by touches of wildflower honey, brown sugar and vanilla. Mouthwatering acidity keeps everything in focus. Drink now. 60,000 cases made. From California.—M.W.

Appealing for how all of its pieces fit together, offering notes of salted butterscotch, peach preserves, mango and orange blossoms, with a thread of baking spices. Shows vibrant acidity and a seamless texture on a generous frame. Drink now. 347,082 cases made.