This is definitely an above-average Pinot Grigio, and very much appropriately-priced. The nose is floral and refreshing, and there's nice depth on the palate with rounded green apple and pear fruit flavors. That depth and weight is always what distinguishes classy wines from cheap ones. This wine is fermented in stainless steel and matured on the yeast lees to add a bit of body. Well made and recommended, it's perfect for a bit of calamari or caccio e pepe. (88 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
This is definitely not your average Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. It is much more tense and focused than it is lavish. It shows nervy cherry, raspberry, and rhubarb notes with focused acidity as well as a slightly saline, savory side. Kenneth Juhasz makes both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that are decidedly Burgundy-inspired, and this is perfectly representative of that style. It could use a little more minerality, but that isn't really what the loamy soils of Russian River Valley typically deliver. It is, however subtle, silky, and seductive. Made from the famed Calera 'suitcase' clone and Dijon 115 clone. Winery direct, presumably, and I can't even find an image of the label on the interweb. (92 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
This is a pleasant, taut, focused Oregon Chardonnay with jasmine, white peach, orange zest and light hazelnut notes. It's certainly a well-made wine and a nice contrast to the many California Chardonnays that I drink regularly, but as a value proposition I'd rate it just ok, because it leaves me wanting just a bit more depth. You won't be disappointed, though.
- Tim Teichgraeber
Supple and rich, this Aaron Pott-made Napa Cab has velvety cassis, red currant, graphite and vanilla notes. It's a very impressive, utterly delicious wine, but I don't think it has as much focus and structure as the 2018 vintage from Hoopes, but that's consistent with all appraisals of the vintage, so just think of this one as better suited for shorter-term enjoyment within the next ten years or so. (93 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
I have to say that I kind of marvel at the price of some California sparkling wine. So much of it is incredibly well-made, quite affordable, and often at least as good as any foreign competition at the price point, most of it clocking in at $20 to $25 a bottle, sometimes less on sale. Paula Kornell's wines are some that I find myself recommending to friends more and more. They're technically tight and precise, they deliver all of the tart, fine bubby nature that you want from sparkling wine, and they have a little depth and richness that sets them apart. I won't go into depth on the descriptors here. Let me just say that this is DELICIOUS bubbly at a great price. This brand delivers. (91 Points)
-Tim Teichgraeber
This vineyard block is named for the family dog, Dante. The wine is dark and concentrated in the glass, with rich cassis, sage, chocolate and vanilla aromas. It comes on like a Napa Cab freight train, but it actually has a remarkable freshness and grace on the palate that's a pleasant surprise. It isn't sappy, sweet, or blundering. It doesn't speak of the minerally higher Oakville bench or the hillside, but it has that undeniable signature of the Oakville strike-zone climate. Hoopes' wines are made by esteemed winemaker Aaron Potts, and there's some serious craftsmanship at work here. It might not be a value proposition, but this is a damn good Cabernet by any standard. It is also worth noting that Lindsay Hoopes is a second-generation Napa grower and a very successful lawyer, who is working very hard to defend the rights of similarly-situated small growers and wineries in Napa Valley to do business freely in the very restrictive Napa Valley. (95 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
Pure class. The nose is minerally, almost Chablis-like, but a bit sunnier and richer. Aromas of wet stone, apricot and green apple give way to generous, savory stone fruit on the palate. There's no pronounced new oak flavor, which is just fine with me. There's just a whiff of smoke and vanilla on the finish. Just a lovely, very versatile, food-friendly Chardonnay. (94 Points)
- Tim Teichgraeber
