It seems every release there is a wine that stands out among the crowd, and this year the Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon is indicating it’s ready to stand out. There are lovely aromas of eucalyptus, plum flesh, and perfectly ripe red cherries. As you allow the wine time to open in the bottle and glass you are greeted with chocolate (cocoa), tobacco wrapper, sage, thyme and tarragon. Structurally, the wine is present, but certainly not overwhelming. The wine has well integrated tannins, soft acidity, and a finish of mouth-watering caramel. This wine can stand up to a wide array of heavier foods such as roasted red meats, grilled heavier foods, or chiles/stews. Drink now – 2032.

A classic blend of the Rhone Valley, of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.

Bright red fruit explosive fruit on the nose that carries through on the pallet balanced with modest acidity and tannins. A fantastic expression of varietals that thrive inthe California Sierra Foothills. Great by itself and and an excellent food wine.

Gold Medal winner!

The 2021 vintage of the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir displays the terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands gracefully. The wine lifts with a bouquet of cinnamon oil, currants, cranberry, and sage. Structurally, the wine has fine tannins that are carried by a soft acidity and concludes with an integrated cedar and light tobacco wrapper coating. Over time the wine opens and becomes more fruit forward and starts to display dynamic notes of violets, rose petals, cardamom, and eucalyptus. The interplay of the tonality makes this wine a joy to drink. For food pairings I would consider something delicate like roast fowl, rabbit, or hard cheeses. Drink now – 2030, serve in large-bowl stemware, and serve at cellar temperature.

The inaugural Dry Creek Zinfandel from Integrity shows up-front notes of flint, pencil shavings, and plum skins. After some time, the wine evokes more floral and savory notes such as bee pollen and purple flowers and eucalyptus. The finish has prevalent tones of caramel, milk chocolate, cardamom, and clove. Texturally, grippy intensity upfront that evolves nicely to a soft, encompassing mouthfeel. 

The Integrity Amador County Zinfandel is a joyous experience that jumps out of the glass
with vibrant tonality of currants, fresh cherries, and alpine blueberry. The warmer undertones of the
wine round out the mid palate with a caramel-like texture and profile alongside notes of fresh maple
and rose petals. The wine is soft on the finish and effortlessly transitions to a pillowy, supple red-fruit
conclusion.