This Week's Must-Try Wines from Vinous
Chanin
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard emerges from the original parcel of own-rooted vines planted in 1971. Crushed rocks, sage, mint, citrus and white flowers lend nuance to a bright, airy Chardonnay that is all understatement. The 2020 is not an obvious wine, but for readers who enjoy subtlety and nuance, this is very hard to beat. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Brewer-Clifton
Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020
The 2020 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is fabulous. In fact, the appellation wine is my favorite Pinot in this range. The combination of the sites, and a bit less stem influence than the vineyard designates, works so well. There's a bit more fruit, more mid-palate sweetness and better balance overall, in my view. All the elements are so well put together. All of this fruit is from Machado and Hapgood. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Tensley
Colson Canyon Vineyard Syrah 2020
The 2020 Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is a dense, potent wine. The purity of the fruit is remarkable. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2020 is still incredibly primary. Inky red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and rose petal open with a bit of coaxing. All this needs is time and a bit more polish. As always, the Colson Canyon Syrah is one of the most distinctive wines in Joey Tensley's range. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Cambria Estate Winery
Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2020
The 2020 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is bright and wonderfully saline, with plenty of mineral and savory accents. Citrus peel, mint, white pepper, chalk and dried flowers open nicely with a bit of time. There's terrific energy and plenty of cut. Most of this fruit is sourced from the own-rooted vines first planted in 1971. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
A Tribute to Grace Wines
Santa Barbara Highlands Grenache 2020
The 2020 Grenache Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard is airy, gracious and ethereal. Sweet dried cherry fruit, tobacco, leather, spice and rosewater give the 2020 its eccentric feel. The aromatics are especially vibrant owing to healthy amount of whole clusters. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Sine Qua Non
Distenta I Grenache 2019
The 2019 Grenache Distenta I is gorgeous. It offers up effusive aromatics, bright, punchy varietal fruit and fabulous balance. There's an extra dimension of fruit plushness, vis-a-vis the 2019 that is so alluring. Plush, silky tannins wrap things out in style. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Sandhi Wines
Bentrock Chardonnay 2020
The 2020 Chardonnay Bentrock is redolent of slate, crushed rocks, white pepper, mint and lemon peel, along with a hint of reduction that adds character, but without dominating the balance, as has at times been the case here. Readers who like focused, taut Chardonnays won't want to miss the Bentrock. It is world-class. A second bottle, tasted far away from the winery and vineyards, was every bit as impressive. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Au Bon Climat
"Isabelle" California Pinot Noir 2019
The 2019 Pinot Noir Isabelle is bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence and fine balance. Sweet red cherry fruit, orange peel, spice and dried herbs open first, followed by a host of perfumed floral notes that lead into the mid-palate and finish. The 2019 is silky and quite elegant, all it really needs is another year or two in bottle to come into its own. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2020 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a terrific appellation-level wine. Hints of pear, mint, lemon peel and white flowers all grace this expressive, sculpted Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton. My only quibble is a slightly aggressive edginess that hopefully will soften over time. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2022)
— 2 years ago