Matthew Jukes (18+)

The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish.

James Suckling (94)

This is best Othello I have had. Real earth, mushroom and dark-fruit character. Full body, melted tannins and a clean finish. Dialed in the fresh finish. Drink or hold.

The Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 is an exquisite fine wine, crafted in the heart of Sonoma County, California. This unparalleled vintage stands as a testament to Donelan Family Vineyards' commitment to produce wines of exceptional quality and character.

The Syrah berries, grown in two vineyard locations, were handpicked and carefully sorted to ensure only the finest grapes were fermented in small lots. Aged for 20 months in French oak, the 2012 Cuvee delivers an elegant, nuanced palate of dark fruit, pepper and savoury herbs, beneath a graceful structure.

The wine reveals a layered complexity, a testament to winemaker Joe Nielsen's expertise. Its full-bodied richness and smooth tannins make the Donelan Cuvee Christine Syrah 2012 an excellent partner to robust dishes. A limited production wine that embodies the essence of the cool climate Syrah in the best vintage years, it represents the pinnacle of Donelan's ongoing pursuit of excellence in winemaking.

The exquisite Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 is a superb embodiment of California winemaking excellence. Expertly crafted in the fertile soils of the Russian River Valley, this prestige vintage lends notes of exquisite complexity and depth that are emblematic of Kistler’s meticulous artisanal approach. An opulent medley of brambleberry fruit, underlined by a fine tannic structure, creates a richly layered and deeply satisfying palate.

Founded in 1978, Kistler Vineyards has continually risen through the ranks, establishing itself as a leading name in Californian fine wines. Employing Burgundian methods of viticulture, the team skillfully coax the grapes into revealing their full varietal character, making each bottle a testament to the terroir of the Russian River Valley.

Releasing only small quantities to ensure quality, the Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021 captures the excellence of the terroir and heralds an unmatched vinicultural experience. Truly a wine for the discerning palate.

The Kongsgaard Syrah 2019 hails from the picturesque terrains of Napa Valley, California, a land renowned for world-class wines. The Kongsgaard family is famous for their meticulously crafted, limited-production wines, and this vintage is no exception.

Employing traditional winemaking methods, the Syrah grapes used in this acclaimed red are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The rich purple hue of the Kongsgaard Syrah 2019 preludes its complex and heady aroma; dense with the scent of dark fruits and interlaced with hints of smoked meat and pepper.

On the palate, it presents layers of lush blackberries, rich dried fruit and exotic spices, underlined by finely grained tannins. It culminates in a long finish, providing a remarkable sensory experience that highlights the unique terroir of the Kongsgaard estate.

The Kongsgaard Syrah 2019 is a testament to the Kongsgaard family's commitment to excellence, reflecting their mastery and passion for winemaking.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Another head-turning wine from this project, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Project 18 got a handful of expletives in my notes. A plush, sexy, full-bodied 2018 delivering pure dark fruits, hints of menthol and tobacco, a deep, layered texture, and a blockbuster of a finish, it leans into the hedonistic end of the spectrum yet also has balance and class. Drink this brilliant effort over the coming 15-20 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Including small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RMS is a more supple, sexy red offering great cassis and almost blue fruits, notes of white flowers, spice, and a touch of minerality, full-bodied richness, and sweet tannins. It’s beautifully balanced, has building richness, and a wonderful sense of opulence paired with elegance.

Vinous (97)

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge, dark wine. Virile, imposing and massively structured in the glass, the 2013 is a wine for readers who can be patient. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive, with potent tannins and a real feeling of gravitas to back things up. Black cherry, game, smoke, gravel and licorice add to an impression of brooding intensity. In many ways, the 2013 reminds me of some of the great wines of the 1970s in its dark, imposing personality.

James Suckling (97)

Love the sweet berries, black olives, tile and fresh herbs on the nose with floral undertones. Oyster shell, too. Full-bodied with round, creamy tannins that are beautifully polished and refined. Very long finish. All about finesse and wonderful length. 68% cabernet sauvignon, 19% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Drink after 2023.

James Suckling (95)

Very attractive aromas of dried apricot, citrus rind and cooked apple follow through to a full body with a creamy, layered palate that shows tension and intensity. Really enjoy the phenolic focus and length. Almost chewy. like a red wine. Just a hint of dried peach and nuts at the end. Drink now or hold. Maybe even decant.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Dramatically better, the dark ruby/plum/garnet-hued 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate exhibits a subtly herbaceous nose with hints of sweet raspberries and black currants in the background. More backward than other great vintages such as 2007, 2005, 2004, 2002 and 2001, this medium to full-bodied, substantial 2008 needs 3-4 years of cellaring and should age for 15-20+ years. Although it is not one of his greatest classics, it is still a very fine effort, and will be very long-lived.

Vinous (92)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill is soft, succulent and inviting, all of which make it a super-appealing wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. The radiance and fruit intensity of the year comes through nicely, and yet the wine retains its classic, mid-weight sense of structure and overall feel. Crushed flowers and sweet spice add lift in this gracious, pretty wine from Togni.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard is another gorgeous wine. In almost any other range, it could be the highlight, but the Rivers-Marie 2018s are brilliant across the board. In the glass, the 2018 offers a striking balance of floral intensity, fruit and structure. All of that makes the Summa the most complete and satisfying wine to drink in the early going. Rose petal, mint, exotic spice and earthy tones add complexity throughout.

Jeb Dunnuck (97-100)

From a great site in the foothills of Howell Mountain, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb Vineyard is going to flirt with perfection on release. Possessing full-bodied richness and depth as well as massive concentration, it’s nevertheless as graceful as they come, with stunning purity and finesse in both its tannins and texture. Offering exotic black fruits, green tobacco, olive, and subtle background oak, I suspect 4-5 years of bottle age will be warranted, but this is a special wine in the making.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

I've always loved the Chardonnay from this team, and their 2019 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has that classic richer, full-bodied style while staying balanced and light on its feet. Buttered lemons, tangerines, green almond, and toasty notes all make an appearance, and it's incredibly textured, with nicely integrated acidity and one heck of a finish. This powerful Chardonnay is going to impress right out of the gate.

Treasured amongst oenophiles, the illustrious Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to dedicated craftsmanship. Sourced from California's acclaimed Napa Valley appellation and produced by Silver Oak Cellars, this prestigious red wine possesses an alluring complexity.

Comprised predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon with a nuanced addition of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this offering was matured for two years in new American oak. The result is a beautifully textured wine, boasting aromas of black cherry, cassis, and mocha. On the palate, traces of dark fruit intermingle with subtle oak nuances, framed exquisitely by well-integrated tannins.

Exhibiting the winery's commitment to sustainable farming, the Silver Oak Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 offers an exceptional fusion between California terroir and meticulous viticultural practices. Elegant, full-bodied yet perfectly balanced, it earns its reputation as a majestic Napa Cabernet.

Vinous (91)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Lyndenhurst is pliant, supple and inviting. Dark cherry jam, plum, chocolate, spice and new leather are pushed forward in this racy, succulent Cabernet Sauvignon. A wine with no hard edges and plenty of allure, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. In the Lyndenhurst, readers will find an affordable Cabernet that showcases the best 2015 has to offer, in its peer group, naturally.

From the heart of California's Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, the idolised Wayfarer WF2 Pinot Noir 2020 is a paragon of meticulous viniculture. Its grapes are grown on the sun-soaked Wayfarer Estate vineyard, a jewel nestled in the cooling coastal fog. Reflecting the distinctive maritime terroir, this fine wine offers a vibrant bouquet of wild strawberry, rose petal, and fragrant spice.

Structured and concentrated, each sip dances with notes of red and black fruits, ending with a streak of minerality showcasing the wine's exceptional pedigree. Masterfully created under the discerning hand of winemaker, Bibiana González Rave, the wine is aged for 15 months in French Oak, further enriching its already profound complexity.

The Wayfarer WF2 Pinot Noir 2020 is a testament to the art of wine-making. A collector's dream, this fine wine encapsulates the unique grace and power of Californian Pinot Noir, destined to delight the palate for many years to come.