Three Excellent Releases from Patz & Hall.

Patz & Hall Winery

Let me start by saying that these wines are available at the Winery only, that means you cannot go down to your favorite Fine Wine Store and pick up a few bottles of each. The release of limited amounts of cellar door only and library releases is because the winery has changed ownership, back to the original founder James Hall, and his wife Anne Moses. As the story goes, James’s wife Anne did not want to take his last name as she did not want to live in the shadow of the character Annie Hall. Cannot blame her.

Patz & Hall Durell Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Anyway, onto the wine, their Chardonnays are made to cellar. A close friend in the business visited there several years ago and tasted Chardonnay’s 20 years old and drinking beautifully. A testament to great winemaking.

This is an elegant refined Chardonnay sourced from the Durell Vineyard in Sonoma Valley and is made with a French influence.

The nose does not reveal as much as you would expect but the notes of honeysuckle, melon, apple, and spices are enough to entice you to take a sip.

The palate is rich and inviting with layers of baked apple, honeysuckle, pear, lemon, and spices. I get a sense that everything is intentional with this wine with a level of creaminess and intensity that I do not expect from Sonoma- but great grapes and winemaker make for a surprise. Throw in balanced acidity, some interesting minerality and a long finish and you have a winner.

This will cellar out to 2035 without a problem, be patient and expect improvements.  

Pairings should include Shellfish, scallops, Rich Fish dishes, Chicken, and Pork dishes.

Patz & Hall Burnside Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Grapes are sourced from Burnside Vineyard owned by the Martinelli Family, 4th generation growers in Russian River Valley, considered one of the best sites in Russin River Valley. Elegant and restrained is the name of the game.

Alluring aromas of bright dark cherries, raspberries and spices dominate the nose with just a hint of strawberries.

Silky smooth mouthfeel coats your mouth with delightful layers of dark cherries, raspberries, cola, and strawberries with just a hint of sweetness that feels like a ribbon around a gift, completing the package. There is wonderful depth and complexity

that almost goes unnoticed, distracted by soft tannins and excellent balance. This is Russian River Valley in a glass.

Cellaring out to 2030 and beyond will show improvements, but I should mention, it is drinking so impressively well now, you may be tempted to drink this sooner than later.

Pairings should include Salmon, Venison, Duck, Turkey, Chicken, Mushroom Risotto and Truffle mac ‘n cheese. 

Patz & Hall Moses-Hall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Owned by James Hall and his wife Anne Moses, this vineyard is planted with 5 different clones that produces this aromatic, bold Pinot with depth and complexity.

The fruits are on the darker and bolder side compared to the Burnside release. Aromas of dark cherries, dark raspberries, and blueberries heightens your anticipation.

The palate delivers weight and structure with a smooth but bold mouthfeel. All the dark fruits on the nose are here with secondary layers of plum, blackberries and cola.

This will cellar out to 2034 and beyond endorsed by exceptional balance.

Pairings should include Salmon, Venison, Duck, Turkey, Pork, and Lamb Chops.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: Aveta Sauvignon Blanc & Artemis Cabernet- made to Impress.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Aveta’ Sauvignon Blanc 2022

This is an awesome example of what I have been saying for 5 plus years. How good are Napa Sauvignon Blancs getting? Welcome this like a refreshing tropical breeze.

Loads of enticing notes of grapefruit, tangerine, lychee, and peach will emphasize your anticipation until you take a sip.

One sip, and you are sold on this wine, from the smooth elegant mouthfeel with balance, and mouthwatering acidity to the finely intertwined layers of grapefruit, tangerine, white peach, melon, and apples

with secondary notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and guava. An absolute delight to drink.

I am sure this will cellar out 5 years plus but it is drinking so well now.

Food Pairings should include shellfish, Chicken with lemon butter, and Salads with white fish or chicken. Fish Tacos, Thai Green Chicken Curry, and Goat’s cheese would also work well.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars ‘Artemis’ Cabernet 2021

At the risk of repeating myself, for the benefit of those who do not know, Artemis is the Greek Goddess of the hunt, reflecting the Wineries’ desire to hunt for the best grapes possible to go into this iconic Napa Cabernet. 

The 2021 vintage was considered so great, that I was told by a winemaker you could feel the excitement in the Valley leading up to harvest. All this sets the stage for some exceptional wine releases in the future. Like everyone else, I was looking forward to tasting the 2021 releases, so my anticipation was high when this arrived.

It is a blend of fruit, sourced from the warmer northern section of the valley, contributing the black currant and blackberries to this wine, grapes from the cooler southern section of the valley contributing red currants, cherries, and of course, Stags Leap district that contributes a bigger, bolder, yet restrained style of Cabernet with dark fruits and herbs and cooking spices. This wine encompasses all these characteristics, with excellent balance, and all the depth and complexity you would come to expect.

The actual varietal blend is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, with just 1% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Malbec, and 0.5% of Merlot.

Enticing aromas pour from the glass, blackberries, boysenberries, and chocolate dominate with hints of plum and spices to round things out.

The palate is rich and silky smooth with seamless layers of blackberries, cassis, boysenberries, plums, dark chocolate, and vanilla with secondary notes of black currant, dark raspberries, dark cherries, and spices. I get the impression that everything is where it should be, very intentional.

Throw in some fine tannins, a long finish, excellent structure, and the ability to age 10 – 15 years and you have a winner that is an absolute pleasure to drink.

In its youth, you should decanter between 2 – 4 hours.

Food pairings should center around red meat dishes, make sure it is worthy of this wine.

From the Cellar- Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2017

Freemark Abbey Chardonnay 2017

Aromas of freshly baked apples combined with tropical fruits such as pineapple, guava, ripe banana will entice you to take a sip. Do not hurry, enjoy the moment.

The palate is fresh and lively with intertwined layers of banana, pear, white peach, with secondary notes of citrus, apple, almonds, toast, and spices to round things out.

The mouthfeel is creamy without being overdone displaying excellent balance, depth, and complexity. This wine has an allure that will seduce you quietly making you fall for this wine, in a big way. An absolute delight to drink.

I paired this with Lobster Ravioli with finely cut asparagus, and a drizzle of Italian truffle oil and it ended up being an awesome pairing. I considered, for just a second, a Loire Sauvignon Blanc but very happy with my choice in the end.

Cellar time: its seven years old now and was excellent. I believe it has got another 4 plus years. Unfortunately, it was my last bottle of 2017 on my cellar. I think it will be spectacular in 5 – 7 years.

Antigal Uno Wine Releases. – Wines that over deliver!

Firstly, congratulations to Antigal for being awarded New World Winery of the Year in 2023 by Wine Enthusiast, and to their Wine Maker Miriam Gomez, who is one of the talented and accomplished winemakers in Argentina. She combines a passion for science and winemaking with some exceptional results.

The Uno Malbec has been around for a while and is a favorite of so many people. Most people know it from the striking metal 1 on the bottle.

Antigal have launched two new wines in the US, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay and they are most definitely in the easy drinking, budget friendly category.

Uno Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Herbal notes, cut grass and tropical fruits dominate the nose with just a hint of wild white flowers.

Mouthwatering crisp acidity greets you with your first sip with enticing layers of grapefruit and passionfruit, with pineapple and subtle spices rounding things out. Nice balance and length on the finish. This is a wine to bring out at parties this summer- a definite crowd pleaser or enjoy by yourself in your happy place. Mine is under the shade of a tree in my courtyard.

Pair with your favorite white meat dish, salads, and semi hard cheeses.

This consistently gets 90 plus but no ratings yet for the 2023 vintage yet.

Uno Chardonnay 2023

Enticing aromas of tropical fruits greet you at the door and invite you into the party.

The palate will convince you to stay a while and enjoy delicate interwoven layers of pineapple, peach, apricot, and vanilla, with just a hint of ginger and sweet lime to finish things off.

Wonderful round mouthfeel and an easy to drink attitude makes this you’re not so typical Chardonnay that is worth drinking at least once, or twice. It may even become your favorite ‘patio pounder’.

Cellar potential is 3 years but, like the Sav Blanc, I would drink it now.

Pairings should include your favorite white meat dish, Creme pasta, and firm cheeses.

Uno Malbec 2021

The nose is all blackberries, plum, violets, and vanilla.

The palate is rich and juicy with soft tannins and a smooth mouthfeel. Layer of blackberries, plums, black currants, and blueberries coat your mouth while secondary layers of dark raspberries, cassis, vanilla, milk chocolate, and sweet tobacco fill in any gaps that might be present. An overall smooth wine that leaves you wanting more. This is as good as any previous vintage I have tasted.

This will cellar out until 2029 without a problem.

Pairings should include red meats, Pasta with red meat sauces, and Tapas.

Jean Luc Colombo ‘Les Ruchets’ Cornas Syrah 2018

It’s rare I get caught off guard, happens once or twice a year if I am lucky.

This 100% Syrah from the Cornas region of Cote du Rhone has done just that. Jean Luc Colombo and his wife Anne’s commitment to Syrah is legendary, and this, their iconic flagship wine displaying all the elegance and finesse you would expect. The Cornas appellation is one of the smallest in the Cote du Rhone region spanning only 375 acres.

“For their significant life-long contributions to their country, both Jean-Luc and Anne have been awarded the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian award. Today, Jean-Luc Colombo’s wines express the typicity of their terroir with elegance and character, from the northern Rhône to his Provençal roses” Source: Winery.

The 2018 is an exceptional vintage reflecting all the hard work and commitment that has gone into making this wine since its initial release in 1987 from, then, 90-year-old vines. The vineyard has been certified organic in 2016.

The enticing aromas of dark fruits, violets, and a hint of spices only elevates your level of anticipation.

One sip, and that anticipation is exceeded. There is an indefinable quality about this wine that starts with a silky-smooth mouthfeel that reflects impressive depth and complexity, beautiful balance, and panache.

Seamless layers of blackberries, black currant, raisins, violets, and plums, with secondary notes of blueberries, white pepper and cooking herbs do everything in their power to get you to take another sip.

That is not a hard task. The fruits are neatly wrapped in tannins now, so if you are planning to drink this soon, please allow 3 – 4 hours decanting to allow this to open so you can fully appreciate what it has to offer.

Cellar time: 2030 and beyond without a problem.

Food Pairings should include NY strips, beef, juicy half pound burgers from the grill, and game including rabbit, deer, turkey, and duck.

Pali Wine Co. Pinot’s plus.

Pali Wine Co. Pinot Noir 2020.

This blend combines 65% Santa Barbara and 35% Sonoma Coast, with each region adding to the overall complexity and flavor, resulting in a delightful wine. The 14.5% alcohol content is well-integrated and does not dominate.

Enticing aromas of cherries, cranberries, and raspberries with just a hint of cola, spices, and forest floor, indicating what is to come.

The palate shows depth and complexity with impressive balance. Layers of bright red fruits- cherries, cranberries, and black raspberries with secondary notes of plum, cola, earthy forest floor, mushrooms, and a thin coating of vanilla over the acidity. A very well-made wine with everything in its place with a nice hint of sweetness on a long finish.

Cellar time should extend out to 2028 plus.

Pairings should include pork, turkey (think Thanksgiving) chicken and of course salmon.

Pali Wine Co. Huntington Pinot Noir 2022

This is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from their Santa Barbara vineyard and is estate-grown fruit and has been owned by the family since 2005. Again, the 14.5% alc. is in check.

Seductive nose of bright red cherries, black raspberries, cola, spices, and earthy notes.

Layers of red cherries, black raspberries, spices and plum dominate, impress, and distract you from the secondary note of forest floor, spices, dried thyme, cola, and vanilla.

Cellar time is 2030 without a problem.

Pairings should include pork, turkey (think Thanksgiving) chicken and of course salmon. Its ‘big’ enough to pair well with Venison, Veal, and strip steak from the grill.

Pali Wine Co. Tower 15 Red Blend 2020.  

This is a blend of 42% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Zinfandel, and 8% Dornfelder, all sourced from Central Coast Vineyards. It also sits at a whopping 15% alc.

This is also one of 27 different wines in the Tower 15 range. This is a big bold red and should be handled carefully. If you like Caymus, or Orin Swift this is for you.

The Syrah, Cab and Zin are fighting it out to dominate the aromas. Loads of ripe dark fruits, cassis, plum, oak, and dark chocolate dominate.

The palate is all Blackberry jam, black currant, blueberries, plums with layers of dark chocolate, oak, vanilla, and subtle baking spices buried deep, but still evident. Impressive balance and loads of reasons to add this to the cellar. There is a general impression of sweetness with this wine, but tannins are evident and keep it in check.

Cellar out to 2030 with improvements coming, you will lose some fruit thought.

Food pairings should include any red meat from the grill, NY Strips, Pepperoni Pizza, Beef, and any other cut of red meat you can think of. Get the picture? Venison, Veal, and at a stretch, Chicken Cacciatore.

Pali Wine Co. ‘White Wines’

Pali Wine Co Charm Acres Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018

Nose is loaded with baked apple and pear enticing you to take a sip. Very much Sonoma Chard and one sip confirms it.

Palate is smooth, rich, and approachable with a caramel creme brulee and baked apple thing dominating with secondary notes of pear, white stone fruits, pineapple, and spices. Nice balance and acidity. The 2018 vintage has 6 years under its belt and has gained from the aging, that I might add has already done for you. Drinking very well with a nice long finish.

No need to cellar it- it is done for you. I would drink in the next two to three years

Pairings should include something rich, preferably white meats with a citrus, mushroom or garlic and butter sauce. Alfredo Chicken Pizza, or firm cheeses with a herb cracker.

Pali Wine Co Skin Contact White Wine 2023

This is a blend of 55% Gewurztraminer and 45% Pinot Noir, and, despite the branding, this feels more like an orange wine. I have been asked in the past if Orange Wines are a fad. The truth of the matter is the wine technique of skin contact white wine has been around for centuries. A fad? I do not think so. Will it rise and fall in popularity? Like most things, I guess the answer is yes but that does not reflect on the wine, only the fickleness of the public.

The nose displays enticing delightful floral notes and tropical fruits.

The mouthfeel has a playfulness about it- Gewurztraminer balancing the more ‘serious side’ from the Pinot Noir. This could be your next favorite summer wine.

Tropical fruits, strawberries and cherries dominate wrapped in a hint of sweetness with notes of apricot, papaya, and mandarin.

Pairings should include salads, chicken, and seafood from the grill, and given the hint of sweetness, something with a little spicy kick to it. Chicken Pad Thai or spicy Chicken Burrito come to mind.

Two Tuscan Gems- one from the descendants of the Father of Chianti plus …

Morellino Di Scansano Tuscan Red 2021

This delightful Italian Red comes from Morellino di Scansano which lies in the Maremma region of coastal Tuscany. This region of Tuscany could just be the most over looked, underappreciated wine regions in all of Italy.

It must be a minimum of 85% Sangiovese which is the basis for all Tuscan wines. This one is 90% and 10% other.

The wine maker jokingly says Morellino really means “more Sangiovese please”. One sip and you will agree. With an hour or two’s decanting an enticing nose of cherries, dark plums, and herbs unfolds.

Rich and smooth on the palate with ripe cherries, dark raspberries, dark plums, with secondary notes of cooking herbs, dark chocolate, expresso coffee, and olives. Restraint is evident, with depth and complexity confirming just how much this over delivers. Nice acidity and balance.

Cellar this out to 2030 without a problem.

Pairings should include beef, lamb, veal, and chicken, especially with generous amounts of Italian cooking herbs. Do not forget Pepperoni Pizza for a casual evening meal.

Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG 2018

That should be enough for you to want to drink this, but this is a wine review after all.

It was their ancestor Ser Lapo known as the ‘father’ of the Chianti wine appellation who first coined the phrase in a document on December 13th, 1398.  

This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.

A heady nose of bright red fruits- cherries and cranberries.

The palate is smooth and inviting, well-balanced with some gritty tannins reminding you it is Tuscany and needs an hour or two decanting as well as some sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty loaf.

Layers of alluring cherries, raspberries, and cranberries with secondary notes of cinnamon, cooking herbs, and an earthy note on the finish. There is a nice level of sweetness through the mid-palate and a long finish that makes this even more interesting.

Cellar this out for another 10 years- 2034.

Pairings should include Beef, Osso Buco, Pasta, Pepperoni Pizza, and of course sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty Italian loaf.

Ellena Winery- Piedmont does it like only Piedmont can.

If you talk with a travel agent, they will tell you there are dozens of things to do and places to see in the picturesque commune of la Morra, with wine tasting at the top of the list. These rolling hills with rows and rows of vineyards and centuries-old hilltop villages with snow-capped mountains in the background certainly make for an awesome vacation spot.

The Ellena Winery is 15 hectares with only five under vine and eight hectares of hazelnuts, and, from 1966 sold their grapes to local co-ops. That all changed when Matteo took over in 2009. Today, three generations of Ellena’s work side by side producing impressive wines combining the old and the new.

Nascetta 2021

It was very popular until the late 1960s when plantings started to dwindle to a mere 10 hectares in 1995. These guys have been championing the varietal for decades and have increased plantings to match their enthusiasm for the varietal. 

I had my first Nascetta a few weeks ago and was given a bottle to review.
A delightful, aromatic white wine from the Piedmont Region in northwestern Italy, a region known predominately Reds- think Barolo and Barbaresco.

Enticing aromatics of wildflowers, apples, tropical fruits, and honey.
The palate showcases citrus, apple, tropical fruits, and honey with subtle spices—impressive depth and complexity with an inviting mouthfeel balanced with crisp acidity.

Yes, my ‘first date’ with Nascetta will not be my last—an absolute delight to drink.

Cellar out to 2028

Pairings should include Fish, seafood, scallops, and fish- get the picture. It would also work well with rich chicken dishes, especially with fresh garden herbs. Also, consider salmon caviar and butter on a crusty French loaf.

Lange Nebbiolo 2021

This is what the region is known for, the noble Nebbiolo grape. The ruby red color shimmers in the glass enticing you to take a sip.

Lovely aromas of old-world charm wrapped in floral notes, cherries, orange peel, and fresh herbs draw you in.

The palate is inviting and elegant with layers of red cherries, red currant, and raspberries with fresh herbs and spices to round things out. There is a sense that everything is where it should be, with fine but grippy tannins, great balance, and a nice earthy/mushroom/tobacco note to finish. All this makes you want to take another sip. Go ahead, enjoy.

Cellar out to 2030 with confidence.

Pairings should include beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, and venison. Any dish with cooking herbs, and fresh tomatoes will work.

Barolo del commune di La Morra 2019

One whiff and you know its old world, if you are familiar with Italian wines, you will know its Barolo.

Intoxicating nose of interwoven layers of cherries, herbs, and floral notes. La Morra in all its glory. This has attitude and should be decanted 2 – 3 hours.

The palate is elegant and restrained with exceptional balance and complexity. Dried herbs and floral notes greet you before the seamless layers of cherries, cranberries, and dark raspberries take over. There are interesting notes of balsamic, earthy spicey cedar box that feature on a long finish. Definitely Barolo, definitely a pleasure to drink.

Cellaring to 2035 will reward your patience

Pairings will be like their Nebbiolo- beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, and venison. Any dish with cooking herbs, and fresh tomatoes will work.

Four Excellent Wines from a 600-year-old Winery- Mazzei.

There is so much history with this family, it’s crazy. Established in 1435, they have been making wine in Tuscany for nearly 600 years. Can you imagine for a minute the same family nurturing the same vineyards for 25 generations? That is a serious commitment.

As a matter of interest, their ancestors were the first to name, and use ‘Chianti Classico’ as seen on the documentation on their Ser Lapo release, but we will get to that later.

They have since expanded into other regions in Italy as seen by the diversity in their wines. Estate vineyards total over 1,100 hectares with 225 hectares of some of the best vineyard properties in four appellations.

Villa Marcello NV Extra Dry Prosecco Treviso DOC

Villa Marcello is in Prosecco adjacent to Conegliano and blends modern advances with age-old traditions. This is a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Bianco and is a non-vintage Estate grown Prosecco that most certainly raises the bar for others to aim for.

This is an Extra Dry which means it is not as dry as Brut but there is only a touch of sweetness.  

The first thing you notice about the palate is how welcoming it is. Refreshing delicate bubbles and a smooth mouthfeel give way to layers of apples, pears, stone fruits, and honeysuckle. This would work really well in Mimosas, but it’s almost a shame to mix it, no matter how good the end result is. The hint of sweetness is a plus that lingers after you have finished your last sip.

No need to cellar this, this is available all the time.

Pairings should include Caviar, firm cheeses and crackers, Shellfish, and most white fish.

Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Reserva DOCG 2018- the Father of Chianti.

That should be enough for you to want to drink this, but this is a wine review after all.

It was their ancestor Ser Lapo known as the ‘father’ of the Chianti wine appellation who first coined the phrase in a document on December 13th, 1398.   

This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.

A heady nose of bright red fruits- cherries and cranberries.

The palate is smooth and inviting, well-balanced with some gritty tannins reminding you it is Tuscany and needs an hour or two decanting as well as some sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty loaf.

Layers of alluring cherries, raspberries, and cranberries with secondary notes of cinnamon, cooking herbs, and an earthy note on the finish. There is a nice level of sweetness through the mid-palate and a long finish that makes this even more interesting.

Cellar this out for another 10 years- 2034.

Pairings should include Beef, Osso Buco, Pasta, Pepperoni Pizza, and of course sliced meats, cheese, and a crusty Italian loaf.

Philip Toscana IGT Cabernet 2020- be surprised.

I know what you are thinking, a single varietal Cabernet from Tuscany, really?

This wine is dedicated to Philip Mazzei, a patriot, and a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. “The great doctrine, All men are created equal” incorporated into the Declaration of Independence was paraphrased from the writings of Philip Mazzei.

The nose is a potpourri of red and dark fruits, cooking herbs, and a hint of plum.

The palate is enticing layers of cherries, blackberries, plums, and herbs with some interesting notes of dark chocolate, espresso, vanilla, licorice, tomato leaf, and tobacco. Decant for an hour or two and you will discover a velvety smooth mouthfeel, great structure, and balance, with elegance beyond its price point- under $50.

I would consider cellaring this to 2035.

Pairings should include NY Strips, Beef, Lamb, Osso Buco, Meat pasta, Pepperoni Pizza, cured meats, and Chicken Cacciatore.

Zisola Doppiozeta Noto DOC 2014 – Aged to perfection for your enjoyment!

This estate is in Southeast Sicily, the birthplace of Nero d’Avola, in the heritage-protected region of Noto, and was acquired in 2003 after an exhaustive 5-year search. The vineyards are surrounded by olive, citrus, and almond trees.   

This is a blend of 65% Nero, 25% Syrah, and 10% Cab Franc.

The enticing nose displays aromas of blackberries, black currant, and ripe black cherry.  

The palate is all blackberry jam, black currants, blueberries, and dark chocolate-covered cherries. Wrapped in a restrained level of sweetness, reminiscent of an Amarone, there are hints of tobacco, cedar, and plum that grab your attention on the finish. An absolute delight to drink.

This will cellar out another 3 – 5 years but is great drinking now.

Pairings should include Beef, Lamb, Meat Pasta, and Mushroom Risotto.