California – Wine Snob

August 28, 2024

Baxter Winery – Anderson Valley

Little pockets of excellence. This is what comes to mind when I reflect back on my trip to Anderson Valley.

Baxter Winery embodies this precisely. This was my first stop upon arriving and disappoint it did not. It set the bar pretty high for all other stops on my 3 day tasting itinerary.

It was a lovely, calm, sunny day at the tasting room. I was greeted with a sampling of their 2022 Rosé. As described, dry and refreshing, it was delicate, crisp, fresh and very nicely executed.

The main tasting flight consisted of an exquisite Chardonnay and three beautifully curated Pinot Noirs, poured in increasing body, depth and complexity.

When I do these tastings, I try to stay focused and select one or two wines to bring back with me and feature on the blog. Wines that I feel really channel the best of the winemaker’s craft while appealing to the broadest spectrum of palate. With Baxter wines, it was very hard to pick a favorite – they were all amazing – however after much deliberation and a couple revisits, I settled on the 2022 Rosé and the Oppenlander Vineyard Pinot Noir. These two edged ever so slightly ahead of the pack. I look forward to reviewing them here in the blog.

My visit to Baxter Winery was the perfect introduction to Anderson Valley. A rewarding experience after the long drive. Pinot Noir well worth the trip. I look forward to exploring more of their wines. Thank you the great wines and hospitality!

Baxter Winery is a small, quality-oriented Pinot Noir producer located on a coastal ridge-top above the Anderson Valley in Northern California. We produce 2000 cases of single vineyard wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay as well as some hard-to-find varieties), all using traditional techniques, neutral oak and wild yeast. We produce world-class wines that consistently gain excellent reviews.

Now in his seventeenth year of Baxter wines, Phillip Baxter studied winemaking at UC Davis before spending a six month internship at a winery in Burgundy, France. There he contributed to wines from 33 different vineyards from village to grand cru wines, ranging from Pommard to Gevrey-Chambertin. This experience heavily influenced Phillip’s approach to winemaking – he learnt traditional methods that he continues to use to this day. [Baxter Winery]

August 15, 2024August 16, 2024

Foursight Wines – Anderson Valley

Foursight Wines is a family owned and operated winery in the cool, coastal region of Anderson Valley. Founded in 2006 by Bill and Nancy Charles – long-time winegrowers – together with daughter Kristy Charles and husband Joseph Webb, we craft small lots of estate-grown Pinot Noir, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc each year. [Foursight]

Small family owned and operated boutique wineries are my happy place. I love their often times raw, real and unfiltered essence. Their passion for their wines and pursuit of purity and excellence is palpable. My visit to Foursight wines did not disappoint.

Upon arrival I was greeted by Kristi at the tasting room and hosted for a tasting outside, under a couple of old oak trees. The tasting flight was very well curated, the wines subtle, nuanced and very well executed.

Foursight wines presents a solid benchmark, a great reference point for anyone looking to explore the region (Anderson Valley) at large. I especially enjoyed their Pinot Noirs. Every wine was really well made, dry, great fidelity, with subtle but rich fruit and terroir expressions. I highly recommend for the intermediate to advanced palate.

Picking a favorite was the tough part, but I did settle on one of the Pinot Noirs and will be taking a closer look in the future.

Thank you Kristy, Joseph and the entire family for the great wines and hospitality. The lavender field was a lovely touch. I look forward to visiting again someday.

February 17, 2024August 16, 2024

2023 Winemaker of the Year

For what do we live if not for our dreams, our passions, our bliss – and if for nothing, then let it simply be for the opportunity to pursue and manifest them – against great odds, stiff currents the test of time? For those tenacious enough, the journey is the greatest reward. Behind the results, accolades and accomplishments hides the sweetest reward – the steady, realization and quiet manifestation of one’s life’s dream and work before their own eyes, decades in the making.

For most of us, we celebrate the end-result – great wines!

Every time I open one of Cindy’s wines, I am overwhelmed by thoughts of the past four years of her journey alone, watching from the sidelines as she puts out small batches of perfection. Quietly obsessing over every last detail. It is then that I realize, this truly is her passion, bliss and life’s dream she is sharing with us all.

Every year I think of a winemaker who’s work I’ve been following closely. A winemaker who’s work has influenced me, contributed to my journey through wine. A winemaker who’s dedication to excellence is inspiring.

Our 2023 The Winemaker of the Year is Passaggio Wines. Cindy’s execution is precise, nuanced, balanced, and faithful while crafting her own interpretations of varietals that often times offer cause for pause and reflection. I very much look forward to many more vintages of Cindy’s wines.

Thank you for all great wines!

Explore more Passaggio Wines on WineSnob

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January 9, 2023January 15, 2023

2019 Grenache by Sierra Vista, El Dorado CA

2019 Grenache by Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery, El Dorado CA

Deep ruby color. Out of the bottle the air fills with bright berries. Strawberry, raspberry, and red cherries over a backdrop of damp hay, herbs and sweet tea.

Body shows good balance, greeting the palate with a touch of sweet citrus. This draws good tension across a soft, silky if not creamy body of raspberries and cranberries. A subtle sweet vanilla caramel softens an otherwise dry body, elevates the fruit and rounds out crisp, fully integrated tannins. Well played. Hints of spice warmth accompany the experience. Lips are rendered parched in a long dry finish for a Grenache.

Overall a subtle, nuanced wine. Great composition and restraint while remaining approachable to a broad spectrum of palate. I recently had the pleasure of tasting with winemaker Ryan. His style is a bit of a departure from the norm in the region. I look forward to exploring his wines with you. Check them out!

The folks at Sierra Vista are winesnobs themselves and would love to share with you. Use code WINESNOB30 and get 30% off.

** This content is not sponsored or paid for in any way.

August 14, 2022November 30, 2022

Top Three Chardonnay Wines (2022 Edition)

In a recent conversation with one of you WineSnobs, I asked what kind of content they would like to see more of. They made a great suggestion – do a Top Three wines series for different categories and/or varietals. I thought it was a great idea. It also prompted me to reflect over all the amazing wines I’ve encountered so far and come up with a short list of three wines I can recommend that would further advance your journey, adventure and discovery of wine as a whole.

So without further ado, here are the top three Chardonnay wines I recommend for 2022. No matter your taste – oaked, un-oaked, dry, light, buttery or acidic – these three Chardonnay are sure to change how to look at and appreciate this varietal. Be sure to share your thoughts and notes with me on social media or in the comments below.

Tara by Ventisquero Wines, Atacama Desert, Chile

Subtle, creamy white cherries. Full, lush, silky, luxurious, weighted mouth feel. leathery terroir notes remain front and center. Chalky slate finish. Unlike most chardonnay which leave your palate dry and tingling with spice, this one’s hallmark is an absolutely drenched, wet, moist (read drooling) palate. At 12.5% ABV, you can take your time and enjoy it without experiencing any palate fatigue.

A fine wine by all accounts. An impressive feat considering it was fermented in whole clusters using only naturally occurring yeast and pressed by foot! Unfiltered! Wild!

Read my full review of the 2016 vintage here

Chardonnay by Panther Creek Cellars, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Soft, restrained nos of mild citrus and under-ripe peach, damp slightly mineral leather, white cherries linger. Subtly firm, viscous body, slightly weighted mouth feel, good tension. White pepper, subtle citrus zest, under-ripe white cherries, crisp, refined caramel and a spice tingle.

If I were to open a Chardonnay on any given day, this would be it.

Read my full review of the 2017 vintage here

Chardonnay by Morgan Winery, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Supple, slightly crisp nose with notes of damp hay, light citrus, cantaloupe, pomegranate white cranberry which evolve into peach stone fruit. Take your time because hours later this becomes a truly magnificent wine. Beautifully balanced from front to back. Soft silky if not viscous mouth feel. Sweet citrus up front with a touch of zest. The palate is rendered moist through the finish. The body quickly fades across the palate leaving hints of honeysuckle, ripe cantaloupe and cola.

A very gentle, terroir driven Chardonnay with a beautiful, full bodied expression.

Read my full review of the 2020 vintage here

August 11, 2022August 13, 2022

2020 Chardonnay by Morgan Winery, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA

2020 Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands) by Morgan Winery, Salinas, CA Supple, slightly crisp nose with notes of damp hay, light citrus, cantaloupe, pomegranate white cranberry .as it opens up these notes turn into more of a peach stone fruit. Take your time because hours later this becomes a truly magnificent wine. Body is beautifully balanced from front to back, greeting the palate with a soft silky if not viscous mouth feel immediately. Sweet citrus up front with a touch of zest. Hints of white cranberries. There’s a noticeable minerality that lends a slight bitter in the background and renders the palate moist through the finish. The body quickly fades across the palate leaving hints of honeysuckle, ripe cantaloupe and cola. This a very gentle, terroir driven Chardonnay with a beautiful, full bodied expression. I love this wine maker’s work. Great philosophy and execution. Explore more Morgan Winery on WineSnob.

Wine.com affiliate links are provided for your convenience. WineSnob.blog may receive a commission when you use the affiliate link below. See Affiliate Disclosure page for more info. Shop Morgan wines on Wine.com

July 11, 2022July 14, 2022

2012 Syrah (Double L Vineyard – Santa Lucia Highlands) by Morgan Winery, Salinas CA

Tonight’s Occasion: 2012 Syrah (Double L Vineyard – Santa Lucia Highlands) by Morgan Winery, Salinas CA Deep dark intense semi-opaque color. It appears clear and free of suspension. Out of the bottle nose is a little restrained for a syrah but very much present. Up front ripe dark plums, blackberries, dark cherries over a backdrop of old dusty, woody leather. Hints of black licorice punctuate the nose. Fruit and earth go hand in hand here. A deep, dark, brooding syrah. Body is balanced from front to back. Bone dry. Thin plum skins carry over to greet the palate . Tannins are crisp, fairly restrained and fully integrated into the body. Slightly under-ripe blueberries. Barely noticeable acidity provides a gentle tension across the palate. Towards the back a gentle spice warmth slowly takes over the transition to finish, along with thin black currants. With each sip, a gentle grip builds upon the lips one delicate layer at a time. As it breathes, old barnyard woody leather and licorice intensify.

Following the nose I expected a massive beast of a Syrah however this is the complete opposite. Body is very delicate and gentle on the palate. There is a certain classic, understated simplicity to its expression and execution. This should make for a great benchmark Syrah in any cellar/collection. It is now that I have to remind myself that this is Santa Lucia Highlands and what a difference this climate/terroir makes with this otherwise massive varietal. This winemaker has done a great job of shepherding these grapes and chanelling everything that is great about this vineyard, and region at large.

Tech Sheet

2012 Double L Syrah by Morgan Winery
From Winemaker:	2012 Double L Syrah Tech Sheet.pdf
Terroir:	Vineyard: Double L Appelation: Santa Lucia Highlands Soils: Arroyo Seco & Chualar Loam Climate: very cool, Region 1 (UCD)
Composition:	Rootstock: 110-14, 420a Clones: 383 & 470
Aging:	1 3 months in 100% Bordeaux barrels
Analysis:	Alcohol: 14.4% Acidity: 6.7 G/L PH: 3.54

Total Production:	Approximately 75 cases

I would also like to say a Special Thank You to the Morgan Winery family and crew for digging into their limited library and making this limited production and beautifully crafted wine available. It’s truly a pleasure and honor to explore your life’s work.

Explore more Morgan Winery on WineSnob. You can purchase Morgan wines directly from their website linked above or through wine.com (limited availability) below.

July 6, 2022July 14, 2022

2018 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) by Lusso Della Terra

2018 Zinfandel (Paso Robles) by Lusso Della Terra, Fiddletown, Amador County, CA

Intense clear ruby color. Out of the bottle nose is restrained, especially for a Zinfandel with notes of straw, slightly ripe berries. That signature raisin is barely noticeable, almost nonexistent. Swirling vigorously adds ripe dark cherries, pinewood sawdust and honey beeswax. These all conspire to create a subtle anise essence. Rich. This is not your typical zinfandel.

Body is nicely balanced, greeting with a subtle acidity that lends good tension up front. This is followed immediately by a thin lightweight, dry body of blackberries and dark cherry skins. Tannins are crisp, heavily restrained and fully integrated into the body. A crisp, unobtrusive oak caramel softens this otherwise crisp, sharp body. Hints of stone fruit (especially dried apricots) linger in the distant background. Mouth feel is light, dry, smooth, especially for a Zinfandel. Midway a warm spice heat emerges and eventually dominates the entire palate. Ahhh yes, you can only tame Zinfandel so much. The palate is left fairly neutral in short order with little more than a warm spice heat from front to back and down deep into the chest.

This is a highly understated Zinfandel. It has really benefited from the more gentle climate of this region. The winemaker has done a great job of creating a very mature, classy interpretation of this varietal. In the right hands, Zinfandel can be so much more of a sophisticated wine. Nicely done Ed!

Explore more Lusso Della Terra wines on WineSnob.

June 30, 2022July 7, 2022

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon by Louis Martini, Napa Valley

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) by Louis Martini, Napa Valley, California Deep dark ruby color. Out of the bottle, ripe plums, and blackberries over a subtle backdrop of sawdust. Swirling vigorously unleashes bursts of sweet pinewood, ripe dark cherries, licorice and a faint freshness akin to mint/eucalyptus. Yummy. Body is fairly balanced up front. A touch of acidity and fine grain dusty tannins greet the palate with mild tension. This is quickly followed by slightly ripe plum, dark cherries and red apple skins so faint you’d likely miss it. The fruit quickly dissipates as the fine grained tannins precipitate into an ever thickening coat of grit upon the palate. Hints of cola, currants and spice emerge as it transitions to finish. Lips are rendered parched shut under a thick dusty tannic grip and smoldering spice heat. I seldom indulge in Napa wine country but when I do, I stop by Louis Martini. You’ve likely driven by this unassuming and understated Napa Winery. Its custodians have done a great job of documenting, preserving and continuing its legacy. It’s grounds and experience follow form and function, the tastings focused but casual and thoughtful. Louis Martini should provide a great benchmark for the Modern Day Napa Cab in any cellar. Explore more Louis Martini on WineSnob.

June 28, 2022July 7, 2022

2018 19 Block Mountain Cuvée by The Hess Collection, Napa Valley

2018 19 Block Mountain Cuvée, The Hess Collection, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley Slightly ripe plums and dark cherries over a backdrop of sawdust and subtle pinewood. Swirling vigorously intensifies these notes, adding hints of black licorice. Overall the nose is fairly restrained. As it breathes, a soft butterscotch emerges along with a subtle eucalyptus both so faint you’d likely miss them. Body greets with a subtle tension in the form of slightly unde-ripe blackberries. This is quickly taken over by herbal freshness which is in turn overlaid with a noticeable oak (reminiscent of new oak). It’s not off balance but fairly prominent. This compensates well for its relative dryness while accentuating the fruit. Tannins are fully integrated into the body, and slowly precipitate layer by layer eventually coating the entire palate with an almost waxy dry lingering grip. A gentle of spice tingle caps the finish.

This is a medium bodied Cuvée with a desirable composition that should appeal to a broad spectrum of palate while still remaining enjoyable if not interesting to the more discerning snob. It has more of a new world modern style and execution. A well made, quality wine. Explore more Hess Collection on WineSnob.