The Wine Independent (100)

The Wine Independent (100)

Accentuate your palate's luxurious sophistication with the Hourglass Blueline Merlot 2020. This exceptional wine, crafted in Napa Valley, exemplifies the true calibre of the region's well-renowned viticulture. The producers, a family-owned winery established in 1997, dedicatedly harness their passion, extracting the quintessence of the unique Blueline Estate's terroir with precision and balance. The Merlot reveals a complex mélange of dark fruit flavours, enriched by subtle spice undertones, interactions of French oak, and elegant tannin structure.

Allured by red fruit aromas, your senses bask in the wine's enchanting richness. The Hourglass Blueline Merlot 2020 has been aged meticulously, marking it as a true reflection of artisanal winemaking lineage. The moment you sip this Merlot is a transcendental experience, a testament to the impeccable technique exercised by Hourglass. After all, a quality wine is more than a beverage; it's a symphony of the land's essence.

The Kistler Laguna Ridge 2020 is an extraordinary embodiment of fine wine craftsmanship. Hailing from the esteemed Kistler Vineyards located in Northern California’s Sonoma Coast, the Laguna Ridge 2020 is noted for its meticulous vinification process. Produced in small, carefully controlled batches, the wine undergoes native yeast fermentation and aged in French oak barrels, a process that imparts a delicate complexity to its profile.

The Kistler Laguna Ridge 2020 presents an exquisite olfactory experience with its bouquet of wild berry, mineral tones, and hints of earthy spice. The palette mirrors the nose, revealing a harmonious combination of concentrated fruit flavours, persistent minerality, and subtle oak nuances, harmoniously balanced with vibrant acidity and well-structured tannins. It's an embodiment of Kistler's commitment to producing single vineyard, site-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

An absolute delight for any fine wine connoisseur, the Kistler Laguna Ridge 2020 offers an exquisite journey from the vineyards of Sonoma Coast straight to your glass.

The Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020 is a truly sophisticated expression of Californian viticulture. Artisanally crafted in the acclaimed Kistler Vineyards, this heralded Pinot Noir showcases the exceptional terroir of the Russian River Valley. Known for their commitment to Burgundian traditions, Kistler uses traditional French winemaking techniques, ensuring grapes undergo meticulous hand sorting, native yeast fermentation, and extended French oak ageing. The 2020 vintage, regarded as exceptional by renowned wine critics, offers a complex, enchanting bouquet. Rustic yet refined, it teems with elegant layers of ripe cherry, cranberry, and warm spices, underscored by a whisper of forest floor. The palate enjoys a seamless blend of richness and acidity, culminating in a long, graceful finish. A discerning choice for fine wine collectors, the Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020 exudes delicacy, depth and distinction. Immerse yourself in the captivating charm and idyllic finesse of the Californian winemaking legacy with this extraordinary Pinot Noir.

The Kongsgaard Kings Farm Red 2020 is a liquid sonnet, masterfully crafted in the fecund vineyards of Napa Valley, California. The Kongsgaard family endows every bottle with half a century of winemaking tradition. Their selective cultivation yields a rich, concentrated blend dominated by a mosaic of dark, velvety fruit notes - with cabernet sauvignon playing a leading role in the symphony of flavour.

This single-vineyard red employs grapes ripened under the generous Californian sun, aggregated by hand at optimal maturity for impeccable balance. Following traditional winemaking techniques, the juice is fermented in native yeasts and subjected to prolonged barrel aging in French oak. The result is an opulent wine, enveloping one's senses and demonstrating an absorbing depth and complexity.

Every sip of this Kongsgaard Kings Farm Red 2020 unveils a new layer of its beguiling character, accentuating its pedigree as a testament to the Kongsgaard family's virtuosity in viticulture and enology.

Indulge in the sublime elegance of Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay 2020. Crafted by legendary winemaker John Kongsgaard in California's reputed Napa Valley, this opulent white wine is the pinnacle of meticulous attention to detail and unwavering respect for the land. Employing traditional winemaking techniques, the grapes are naturally fermented and aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, encompassing a deep conviction for authenticity. The result is a full-bodied, complex Chardonnay, teeming with rich, creamy flavours of apricot, apple and toasted almond entwined with sublime acidity and mineral undertones reflective of the soils of the Napa Valley. The Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay 2020 showcases hints of vanilla and spice on the nose and palate, a testament to the flawless French oak aging. Limited in production but unyielding in quality, each bottle articulates the Kongsgaard's unique mastery in creating award-winning wines. An exquisite embodiment of Napa Valley viticulture, the Kongsgaard Napa Chardonnay 2020 is truly exceptional.

Experience the elegance of the Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020, a stellar representation of Californian precision in viticulture. Hailing from the revered Russian River Valley, renowned for its premium Pinot Noir, Kosta Browne is celebrated for producing expressions of unparalleled richness. This 2020 vintage demonstrates genius cultivation and winemaking techniques, with grapes gently hand-harvested at dawn to retain excellent varietal character.

Open a bottle and let the wine unfold, revealing notes of black cherry, cacao and exotic spices in each sip. This Pinot Noir is complex and exciting, with an excellent acidity balanced by a satin mouthfeel and impressively lengthy finish. Kosta Browne Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020 reliably embodies the producer's dedication to crafting acclaimed artisanal wines - truly a unique and indulgent experience for wine aficionados.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Decanter (93)

Vinous (91)

Vinous (92)

Indulge in the exceptional Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020, a sophisticated vintage crafted by the seminal Pisoni Family in the esteemed Santa Lucia Highlands of California. This illustrious winemaking family meticulously cultivates the Soberanes Vineyard, yielding an exceptional, full-bodied Chardonnay that critics laud as a perfect exemplar of new world terroir-driven wines. From its hand-harvesting process to its whole cluster pressing and fermentation in Burgundian barriques, every step of its creation reveres traditional winemaking techniques. This results in a complex wine with characteristic notes of richer golden apple and citrus peel, underscored by a minerality that reflects the region's granitic soils. The Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020's subtle oak inflection and balanced acidity make for a supremely elegant, layered palate experience. Renowned as a masterpiece vintage, it offers an unforgettable journey into the refined art of Californian winemaking. Discover the precision, passion, and pure indulgence encapsulated in every bottle of Lucia Chardonnay Soberanes 2020.

James Suckling (95)

In the world of refined viticulture, few embody perfection like the Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon CC Ranch 2020. This exquisite vintage, a product of California's famous Napa Valley, is the consummate blend of innovation and tradition from the esteemed Nickel & Nickel Winery. The CC Ranch Vineyard, located in Rutherford, is famed for its unique, gravelly loam soil and permits an excellent fruit expression in the wine.

Unveiling layers of dark ripe berries on the nose, with undertones of spice and herbs, the Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon CC Ranch 2020 also boasts an impressive palate. Its unique texture strikes an impeccable balance, commingling the lush, dark fruit flavours with a refined tannin structure. A wine conceived in the vineyard and perfected in traditional oak barrels, this vintage stands as a testament to dedication to quality, underlining Nickel & Nickel's unblemished reputation in the sphere of fine wines.

Savour the exceptional Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2020, a stellar offering from the heart of the highly acclaimed Napa Valley. Its esteemed producer, Nickel & Nickel Vineyards, is celebrated for spotlighting unique vineyard sites with single-varietal wines. This vintage brims with a decadently rich palate and layered complexity. The winemaking process embraces centuries-old tradition, using only Bordeaux varietals and meticulously hand picking the grapes to ensure superior quality.

Time-honoured fermentation techniques are complemented by 17 months maturation in French Oak barrels. The result is a delightful embodiment of the vineyard's qualities, boasting pronounced black fruit aromas enveloped in a velvety texture. The State Ranch’s alluvial soils impart distinct minerality, punctuating the intense dark berry flavours with brighter, more vibrant notes.

Sip and indulge in the Nickel Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch 2020 - a testament to the intricacies of this distinguished varietal and the epitome of Napa Valley's viticultural prowess.

Decanter (91)

The Paul Lato Il Padrino Bien Nacido Syrah 2020 is an exquisite representation of the viticultural prowess of the renowned winemaker, Paul Lato. Sourced from the prestigious Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, California, this Syrah stands as a testament to Lato's philosophy of harmonising the land's gifts with his zealous quest for perfect balance and purity. A fascination for Burgundian winemaking techniques, reflected in this Syrah, sees careful selection of hand-picked fruit, spontaneous fermentation using native yeast, and meticulous ageing in French oak barrels. This process reveals a wine of profound depth and complexity.

Its dark ruby hue unravels flavours of blackberry, plum, and a hint of pepper, wrapped by velvety tannins into a lingering finish. The Paul Lato Il Padrino Bien Nacido Syrah 2020 is an invaluable addition to any fine wine collection, embodying the elegance of Old World winemaking in the heart of California.

Derived from the renowned Santa Rita Hills of California, the Paul Lato Seabiscuit Zotovich Pinot Noir 2020 presents an enticing fusion of fine winemaking and terroir excellence. Acclaimed winemaker Paul Lato meticulously cultivates his 100% destemmed Pinot Noir grapes on the Zotovich Family Vineyard, employing traditional, manual techniques to ensure optimal quality.

This vintage offers an ambitious bouquet of cherry, black tea, and forest floor, climaxing into a rich palate of ripe red berries and a hint of earthiness. The precise balance between acidity and velvety tannins lends to an opulent texture and a commanding finish, hallmarks of its extended 18 months ageing in French Oak barrels.

As with all Paul Lato creations, the Seabiscuit Zotovich Pinot Noir 2020 manifests the passion and mastery of its producer, promising wine enthusiasts an unrivalled viticultural experience.

The Paul Lato Solomon Hills Pinot Noir Suerte 2020 is a remarkable creation by esteemed winemaker, Paul Lato. An exquisite embodiment of Californian Pinot Noir, this wine originates from the celebrated Solomon Hills vineyard in Santa Maria Valley. Hand-harvested and matured in French oak barrels, this red wine is burgundy in colour and offers an enthralling blend of cherry, blackberry and lavender aromas, augmented by a complex palate of dark fruit, spice and minerality. Underpinned by Paul Lato's commitment to quality and detail, this rich, well-structured wine carries a lengthy finish and robust acidity, exemplifying the winery's distinctive approach to winemaking.

Accolades bestowed upon this wine by critics enumerate its distinctiveness, further emphasising Paul Lato as a vanguard of fine wines. To experience the captivating magic of the Paul Lato Solomon Hills Pinot Noir Suerte 2020, consider it a fine addition to any serious wine collector's cellar or the perfect accompaniment to a sophisticated dinner.

Immerse yourself in the exquisite bouquet of the Paul Lato Space Cadet 2020, a wine that exudes sophisticated charm. This remarkable Californian red wine, crafted by noteworthy artisanal winemaker Paul Lato, marks a sensational standout in the world of fine wines. Renowned for his meticulous craftsmanship, Paul Lato utilises traditional, handcrafted winemaking methods, laying emphasis on minimal interference to showcase the natural elegance of grapes sourced from world-class vineyards in Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills.

Ruby-red in colour, the Paul Lato Space Cadet 2020 unveils layered nuances of ripe cherries, pepper spice, and smoky cedar that elegantly transition into a smooth velvety finish on the palate. Aged for 18 months in high-quality French oak barrels, it predicates harmonious ageing potential. The attention to detail during vinification and Lato’s commitment to sustainable farming practices are discernible in each sip. Allow yourself to succumb to the alluring allure of the majestic Paul Lato Space Cadet 2020.

Vinous (91)

The Wine Independent (96)

Treat your palate to the exquisite Racines Sta. Rita Hills Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2020, a mindfully crafted wine that echoes the sophistication of its origin. Born from the diverse soils of Sta. Rita Hills in sunny California, this Chardonnay is meticulously cultivated in the famed Bentrock Vineyard by renowned winemakers Justin Willett, Étienne de Montille, and Rodolphe Peters.

This complex bottle beautifully layers refined flavours and aromatic notes. Expect to find an enchanting blend of ripe apple and citrus, gently complemented by toasty oak and a graceful whiff of minerality. Brimming with an untouched purity, nuances of coastal influence are captured through the winemaker's conscientious process, favouring organic practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard.

The Racines Sta. Rita Hills Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 presents a harmonious balance of the quintessential Chardonnay’s richness and Sta. Rita Hill’s tangy acidity, offering a palate-pleasing drink that is uplifting and refined. An absolute gem for any wine aficionado.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Indulge in the elegance of Racines Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020, an esteemed product from California's revered Sta. Rita Hills. Cultivated in Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, one of the region's oldest and most treasured vineyards, this outstanding Pinot Noir exhibits the sophisticated symbiosis between ancient marine soils and the cool maritime climate. Acclaimed winemakers, Étienne de Montille and Brian Sieve meticulously harvest alongside Racines' co-owners Justin Willett and Rodolphe Péters to create this limited-edition piece. Awarded a sensational 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, expect a refined palate rich with opulent red berry flavours, harmonised with delicate notes of earthiness and minerality. Aged in French oak, this exquisite Pinot Noir showcases a sophisticated balance of fruit vigour and soft tannins, giving it an extraordinary finish. Sipaway and enjoy the symphony of the Racines Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020, a testament to transcendent terroir expression and winemaking finesse.

Experience the distinguished elegance of Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2020, a white wine of exceptional calibre from the renowned viticultural region of Santa Barbara, California. Carefully crafted by winemaker Justin Willett, this illustrious wine is a testament to both Racines' commitment to organic farming and the exclusive Wenzlau family vineyard's unique terroir. The 2020 vintage is full-bodied and luxurious, displaying an exquisite palate of crisp apple, white flowers, and the opulent infusion of French Oak for 12 months. Refined minerality and a well-honed acidity provide an enchanting balance, ensuring a journey of flavour that is both complex and delightfully enduring. Unquestionably, Racines Wenzlau Family Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 exemplifies the art of winemaking and the grace of its origin, making it an enchanting addition to any wine collection.

Vinous (88)