Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

For more than 4 decades, the Chappellet family has been crafting wines. Exposed to the fog and wind that funnel through the Petaluma Gap, Calesa is a cool-climate vineyard where Chardonnay ripens slowly, pale lemon with aromas of ripe stone fruits, citrus, honey and floral scents, aged in 35% new oak. On the palate complex layers of fruit, apple, lemon and peach with lively acidity and gentle toasty oak. Long finish ending with fruit and creamy oak, well balanced. Well done. Nice! — 12 days ago

Andrea Watt

9.1

Blackberry, earthy vanilla and black cherry. Rich and full for a Pinot. — 5 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.4

Crisp acidity and oak with limestone and lemon. Nothing harsh but big flavors and good structure. Delicious to drink on its own but will do right by your food. — 6 months ago

David Hale Smith

9.4

Balanced and crisp, more like a French burgundy. Such a grand style well made wine. Pure delight with a cheese plate including fresh lemon ricotta. — 13 days ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.4

A big Cabernet (83 percent) but not over the top. Great with a steak. Blackberry on the palate. Also has 8 percent Malbec, 6 percent Cab Franc, 3 percent Petit Verdot. At 10 years old, Tannins have smoothed a lot, but more aging possible. October 2023. — 2 months ago

Andrea Watt

9.0

Cherry, earthy oak, cedar, and blackberry. Dark and rich but maybe a touch sharp for me. — 6 months ago

heidi schlegel

9.3

Lovely fruit, a bit of tannin on the finish. Ready to drink now. — 7 months ago

Edward Nelson

9.4

Turkey Day wine while at Mike’s cabin. The Boy shot a button buck this morning. Best Turkey Day ever. — 17 days ago

Leigh Ritchie

9.0

46 years old when we opened this.
The cork crumbled but the wine, age considered has held up very well, still showing some structure, completely tertiary but a testimate to great wonemaking in a great region — a month ago

Nathan Renfro

9.1

Thought I’d try my first of the 2021 Napa vintage. Nice nose of plum, ripe dark fruit. Deep dark ruby. Nice mouthfeel. Ripe blackberry, baking spices, chewy tannins, with a medium plus finish. Should be a good wine for next 5 years. Enjoyable! — 5 months ago