Source: Wine & Spirit • April 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard
Year's Best US Pinot Noirs
Source: Wine & Spirit • April 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard
Year's Best US Pinot Noirs
Source: Wine & Spirit • April 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley
Year's Best US Pinot Noirs
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard —Estate
Dark-cherry and black-raspberry aromas meet with loads of crushed slate and dried loam as well as hibiscus and rosewater on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The palate is also very rocky and mineral-driven, while showing darker plum and purple-flower flavors.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley —Estate
Deep, dark and sharp aromas of black raspberry and crumpled lavender are coated in a slate-like minerality on the nose of this appellation blend. The purple -lower focus is pure and intense on the palate, where a bright acidity opens toward cinnamon and vanilla on the finish.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Chardonnay, Bee Sweet Vineyard
Hints of coconut, meringue and light nectarine make for a suavely integrated nose on this bottling. It's pure and crisp on the palate with citrus-peel and tart apple flavors, leading into warmer spices on the finish.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Bright on the nose with fresh lime blossoms, lemon-zest, crisp nectarine and light oyster-shell aromas, this is a solid appellation blend by veteran Stephen Ross Dooley. A pithy grip frames the sip, where richer hints of browned butter and dried apple emerge against the brisk citrus elements.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County
This countywide blend begins with wet slate, dried herb, cinnamon spice and tart cherry aromas on the nose. There is a riper thickness to the palate, where black-tea, mace, dried lavender and boysenberry flavors align.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2019 Albariño, Spanish Springs Vineyard
Subtle on the nose at first, this brisk bottling opens toward green pear, lime-peel and mossy stone aromas, with a bit of air. Zesty acidity and a chalky mouthfeel deliver what's most needed in a white wine of this style, with fresh flavors of grapefruit rind and flesh popping as well.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2019 Sauvingnon Blanc, Edna Valley
Briny aromas of kelp and other seashore elements meet with pasilla chile on the intriguing nose of this bottling. The texture is taut and engaging, allowing the mossy flavors to be spiced up by tangy lime and green peppercorn.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2020
2017 Grenache, Bee Sweet Vineyard
Light in the glass, this is a delicious wine, starting with aromas of blistered strawberry, creamy rose petals and a touch of hibiscus. There's a compelling snap to the sip, where Montmorency cherry and strawberry flavors are wrapped in light leather and game, finishing on a fruit-punch kick.
- Matt Kettmann