2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Benedetto, 94 points
Sourced from Moulds Family Vineyards, a Napa Valley Grower of the Year for 2018. The grapes were harvested on 16 September 2020, followed by a three-day cold soak, a 10-day primary fermentation, a 14-day extended maceration, and malolactic fermentation in barrels aged 22 months in 50% new and 50% neutral French oak barrels. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an absolute knock-out for 2020. Not only is it fashionable, easy-drinking, and offers loads of upfront appeal at the pull of the cork, it is rife with classic red-toned fruit, graphite minerals, and fine cedarwood, all of which carry through on the medium-bodied palate where it marries more crunchy red fruit with sweet-scented fine-grained tannins and a long mocha-tinged finish.
2020 Cabernet Franc, 94 points
Cabernet Franc clones 332 were planted on 110R and 5BB Rootstock atop Hambright Complex and Guenoc Series soils. The grapes were harvested on 21 September 2020, then underwent a four-day cold soak, followed by a 13-day primary fermentation and a 12-day extended maceration period with malolactic fermentation in barrels. Aged 22 months in new and neutral French oak. 96% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petite Verdot. It has that iron fist in a velvet glove quality, leading with vivid dried herbs, ironstone minerality, and elegant cedar notes. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins, chocolate-tinged black cherry and plum fruits, and warm river stone minerality.
2022 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, Rodgers Creek Vineyard, 94 points
From the Rodgers Creek Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Super fragrant yellow apple, pear, and lemon candy lead to a medium-bodied Chardonnay with excellent tension and a foundation of saline minerality balanced by ripe orchard and stone fruit notes, a nuanced by vanilla-laced coriander and sweet and spicy Hyacinth. Founder Fred D’Amato works with winemaker Patrick Saboe, a veteran of Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Hanna Winery, and Keller Estate.
2022 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, Linday’s Vineyard, 93 points
From Lindsay’s Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. A totally pleasing and straightforward Pinot from the appellation. Candied red cherry fruit, dusty minerals, and toasty cedarwood aromatics. Medium-bodied with round, soft, and gentle tannins, an undercurrent of zippy acidity, and loads of cumin, coriander, and brown-sugar aromatics fueling a flashy finish. Founder Fred D’Amato works with winemaker Patrick Saboe, a veteran of Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Hanna Winery, and Keller Estate.