2026 Wine Promoted
Quarter One
The first wine promoted in the new year was sent to me after reaching out to the winery inquiring about a less than stellar bottle. 2023 Drew Family Cellars Chardonnay Sandstone & Shale was purchased locally and was really off but not flawed. Drew ended up sending me one of their single vineyard wines and what a professional gesture. This is a wow Chardonnay.
- 2023 Drew Family Cellars Chardonnay Radiolaria – USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino Ridge (1/1/2026)
Day 1: Riedel Performance Chardonnay glass. 13.2% Alcohol. Outstanding quality. Chablis like with minerals, shells, saline, lemon, sour apple, spice and mild oak. Medium finish and nice acidity. A true gem in California Chardonnay. Great start to 2026 wine reviewing. 94 points
Day 2: For sure the first of many great wines in 2026. Wonderful with shells, saline, mild oak, sour apple, minerals, dust, white flowers and grapefruit. Nice acidity and medium finish. Really balanced wine. 94.5 points
Day 3: Excellent again. Everything I look for in a good domestic Chardonnay. Nice acidity, fruit, minerality and much more. The oak influence is there but does not dominate the wine like some Cali Chardonnays. This is a great effort. 94.5 points
Day 3.5: Well this is outstanding. Time, it is all about time and improvement on a wine. Shells, matchstick, lemon, lime, minerals, stone, white flowers, apricots, sour apple, mango and saline. Medium plus finish and so awesome it is hard to believe. 95+
Stats: 20% New French. 17 months in neutral oak Foudre & seasoned French Oak barrels. Dijon 76 & Dijon 548
Recommendation: Just achieved 95 and might even be better over time!!! (95 points)
2025 Wines Promoted
Wine of the Year: 2022 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Temperance Hill Vineyard This was an amazing year of tasting wines from around the world. A record amount of notes were written and I plan on doing even more in 2026.
Quarter One Wines Promoted
Quarter One: 2021 Januik Cabernet Sauvignon Quintessence, 2017 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah In the Rocks, 2008 Anderson’s Conn Valley Eloge, Result of a Crush 2017 & 2021 Syrah, 2020 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor, 2021 Idda Etna Rosso- Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC.
Quarter Two Wines Promoted
Quarter Two: 2020 Mark Ryan Merlot Little Sister,1998 Fox Creek Shiraz Reserve, 2020 Achával-Ferrer Quimera, 2011 Sheridan Vineyard L’Orage, 2023 Hartford / Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River Valley, 2012 MTR Productions Syrah Memory Found
Quarter Three Wines Promoted
Quarter Three: 2016 Buty Rediviva of the Stones Cailloux Vineyard 2022 Ceritas Pinot Noir Costalina 2021 The Standish Wine Company Shiraz The Standish 2007 Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Mysterious 2021 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Temperance Hill Vineyard 2022 Abbott Claim Chardonnay 2014 Result of a Crush Red Wine
Quarter Four Wines Promoted
Quarter Four: 2022 Abbott Claim Chardonnay Temperance Hill Vineyard 2019 Peay Vineyards Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard 2016 Elephant Seven Syrah Yellow Bird Vineyard 2024 Morét-Brealynn Rosé of Pinot Noir 2020 Torbreck Shiraz The Struie 2004 Two Hands Cabernet Sauvignon Aphrodite 2018 Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series