Reviews

Black fruits and creamy mocha flavors fill the mouth, layered by sweet oak spices and an aromatic lift. Friendly, concentrated and persistent, this wine has ample presence and lots of intensity. —E.C.B

A sleek, intense red hallmarked by a beam of pure cherry flavors. While the cherry and red berry fruit, spice and stony mineral elements are locked up by the muscular structure, this is long and resilient on the finish. Best from 2028 through 2045.- Bruce Sanderson

A spicy red, this exudes cherry, sandalwood, vanilla and floral flavors, with an underlying vein of minerality. Bracing and vigorous, with midpalate intensity and a punchy aftertaste that expands for at least a minute. Best from 2027 through 2042. - Bruce Sanderson

Expressive, from the effusive aromas of rose, sandalwood, wild strawberry and cherry to the silky texture and the aftertaste of floral, fruit, spice and mineral influences. Harmonious, alluring and complex, this is hard to resist now, yet all indications suggest this has excellent aging potential. Best from 2027 through 2043. - Bruce Sanderson

An ethereal red, offering aromas and flavors of rose, peony, wild strawberry, cherry, sandalwood, stone and toasty oak. Sleek and silky, with beautifully integrated tannins and a complex, well-delineated aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2042. - Bruce Sanderson

Fragrant and supple, exuding strawberry, cherry, rose, sandalwood and cardamom flavors. Elegant in feel, harmonious and charming. - Bruce Sanderson

An intense red, with macerated cherry, strawberry, graphite and floral flavors wrapped in toasty oak, underscored by a muscular structure. - Bruce Sanderson

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga features pretty straightforward cherries, cedar and vanilla notes—clean, correct, fruity and forward. Medium to full-bodied, it's supple, almost creamy in feel, even if it's not overly concentrated, then finishes with some silky, tea-like tannins. - Joe Czerwinski

Another strong performer from the Elizabeth Spencer winery, sourced this time from long-term partner grower Hendricks Vineyard among other top Sonoma Coast sites. “Very fresh and inviting on the nose: raspberry, fresh cut flowers, black plum, with fruity crunch and real charm,” the judges said. “Some smoke and meat and tobacco notes on the palate, elegant oak, juicy wild strawberries and great length. One for the Burgundy lovers, this is classy, elegant, and restrained – a stunning Pinot Noir.”

Elizabeth Spencer’s success in Napa Valley soon led to curiosity about neighbouring areas such as Mendocino. “With its super-primary nose, with a strawberry coulis, fruits of the forest edge, this is bright and fruit-driven with plenty of ripe tannins,” the judges said. “Sunny, smiley, accessible and unashamedly rip California Cab at a decent price.”