Reviews

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.”

Elizabeth Spencer has two distinctive Cabernet Sauvignons in this year's California Collection line-up. The first hails from Napa and is sourced from a variety of sites across the valley, with the blend aged in 20% new French oak. It "surprised" the judges "with a delightful freshness". One added: "This is a good-looking bottle; it has layers of complexity and a fantastic finish. I can't help but think it needs some time in the cellar to really come alive."

Flush with warmed cassis and plum reduction notes, this is inlaid with violet, cocoa, humus and singed alder accents. Generous in feel, with enough cut on the finish to match its heft. Best from 2025 through 2036. 16,000 cases made. - James Molesworth

In partnership with master distiller Ashby Marshall of SpiritWorks Distilling, this blend of 65% organic rye and 35% malted grains aged for seven years in new charred American white oak, then finished for seven months in Buena Vista Cream Sherry casks. Creamy, caramel-rich, and lush on the palate, it exudes marzipan and blackberry pie. 93 proof. - Virginie Boone

Made from a distillate of Barbera and Ugni Blanc grapes, this is a combination of 40% column-distilled brandy aged in used, charred American white oak and 60% alembic-distilled brandy aged in French oak wine casks that’s cellared for a minimum of ten and up to 20 years. Opening with vanilla, nutmeg, and citrus, it is lush and luxurious on the palate, flecked with dark coffee, nutmeg, and baked fig. 83 proof. - Virginie Boone