Wine & Spirits

Maggy Hawk Skycrest Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 Review Eighty miles north of San Francisco, near Mendocino, Anderson Valley is known mostly for its sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. Of course, Chardonnay is a bubbly ingredient and Maggie Hawk shows us a nice example of what still wine from this grape can achieve here. Stone fruit and wafts of white pepper populate the nose. It has bright acidity that is perceptible but is mostly doing work keeping the wine in balance. It allows the fruity to have some depth but keeps it creamy. The alcohol is kept in check, filling the gaps with depth.

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DESCRIPTION Dehlinger's Altamont Pinot Noir celebrates the hilltop sections of the vineyard, where red, clay-rich soil dominates. The Altamont Pinot Noir showcases darker fruit flavors and enticing baking-spice aromas, and the inclusion of a small amount of whole clusters in the fermentation lends greater structure and enhanced aging potential in this sought-after wine.

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The 2018 Brothers Blend is an apt entrée into the Ellman line-up of wines. Approachable, and then some, it offers a deep, opaque violet cast, billowing with intense aromas of crème de cassis, blackberries, espresso and cigar box. On the palate, complexity abounds with lush red and black fruits, from cranberry and raspberry to black cherries and plums, giving way to notes of cacao, as well as hints of herbal and floral notes such as rosemary and violet. Incredibly soft and polished, it packs excellent density without a rough edge in sight. With mouth-coating tannins giving way to a fresh finish, it pairs instantly with your favorites on the grill from a nice boerewors or Presa Iberico, to the garden’s bounty, like summer squash and zucchini.  

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Winemaker Notes Layers of tropical fruits and floral aromas invite you into this intriguing and dynamic Sauvignon Blanc. Notes of fresh lime and grapefruit add tension and bring freshness on the approach, while yellow and white peach intermingle with subtle oak and a creamy meringue mid-palate. Hints of minerality and saline contribute to its long finish and complete this complex wine. Medium bodied, layered, and refreshing! Blend: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Sémillon Critical Acclaim COMMENTARY: The Spottswoode Sauvignon Blancs have always found a special place on my palate. The 2021 vintage is, once again, at the top of its class. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of dried herbs, ripe melon, and lemon peel. Pair it with a bowl of steamed clams in light garlic, jalapeno, and black peppercorn broth. (Tasted: June 9, 2022, San Francisco, CA)

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Part of Spottswoode’s storied history inspired the name Lyndenhurst, a tribute to the fragrant linden trees that still bloom in the gardens today. Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon is a dynamic and inviting wine made from grapes grown in our Estate Vineyard blended with those from other acclaimed family-owned vineyards. The relationships we have cultivated with our fellow farmers allow us to learn about and explore other appellations throughout Napa Valley. These collaborations have also allowed us to share our enthusiasm and commitment to organic farming, with the vision of encouraging positive change in our winegrowing community. Our long history as a family-owned winegrowing estate, along with our deep winemaking legacy, enables us to craft this Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, whose every vintage is authentic and compelling. Winemaker Notes: Fresh notes of crushed bramble, cassis, and red cherries underpin subtle aromas of lavender, cedar, and spruce. Mineral nuances of wet slate add structure, while the tannins remain silky and supple despite the wine’s youth. A beautiful wine to be enjoyed now and for years to come.

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Jayson Woodbridge applies his signature brand of genius to this new project from very old vines. 85-90-years-old, to be more specific. Around 92% Cabernet Sauvignon is bolstered by a proprietary selection of red varieties tucked into the vineyard. Deep in color and flamboyant in presentation, the nose is rich with redcurrant preserves, cassis, dark chocolate and roses, plus hints of Indian spices and a hard line of iron ore. The palate is pure velvet, beautifully fresh and loaded with spicy layers. Fans and followers of Hundred Acre will want to scoop up this well-priced endeavor from such a renowned winemaker.

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From Robert Parker The Wine Advocate, “Jayson Woodbridge calls this a “21st Century Claret.” The blend is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with a good dollop of Merlot and a dash of Petite Sirah. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon The Diplomat comes skipping out with bright notes of Morello cherries, mulberries, and black raspberries, over a profound core of warm cassis, hoisin and blackberry pie, with wafts of licorice and unsmoked cigars. The generous, full-bodied palate is soft and plush, featuring a powerful black fruit core with a lively backbone and loads of layers on the earthy finish…” ROBERT PARKER 96 POINTS

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This wine is dusty and weighty in blue fruit, leather and polished grippy tannin. With a touch of that grip on the texture, it shows as complex and robustly ripe and full bodied, offering an explosive concentration of up-front succulence and savory underbelly. --Soumya Nair

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Winemaker Notes A dense, richly fruited core of blueberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant commands attention, with subtler notes of graphite and baking spices adding dimension. Powerful and fresh, this full-bodied wine sustains spicy blueberry, clove and sweet dried mint aromas through a satisfying finish. Critical Acclaim Sporting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon comes galloping out of the glass with energetic scents of ripe black cherries, fresh black berries and blackcurrant cordial plus nuances of unsmoked cigars, cedar chest and pencil lead with a waft of wild sage. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the palate is beautifully poised with bags of freshness countering the concentrated flavors and a fine-grained frame, finishing long with a minty kick. --Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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“Sourced from the original 1969 planting of the Rued clone of Chardonnay, which is known for its somewhat tropical aromatics - some even refer to it as the Muscat clone of Chardonnay. Brilliant light golden straw in color with beautiful fruit aromas reminiscent of asian pear, green apple, pineapple, and citrus zest, with complementary notes of honey and crème brulee. A touch of toasty French oak enhances the aromatics and fruit flavors across the palate. The mouthfeel, texture and flavor profile is just delicious, with nicely balanced acidity and richness. Reminiscent of a white Burgundy or Chablis with its fresh and refined style.” - Heidi Peterson Barrett

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The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso is cut from the same cloth, offering beautiful purity and richness. It’s slightly more pure and darker than the spicier 2017 and has notes of cassis, redcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, and violets. Full-bodied on the palate, it has silky tannins, terrific overall balance, and just loads of character and charm.

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Color: clear, golden yellow Aroma: butter, oak, vanilla, banana, cream, honey, peach, apple, pear Flavor: oaky and oily note on nose, tropical and tree fruit flavor on palate, long legs, rich body Had at Higashikawa Hokkaido

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