FMW 96 Points: “The 2021 Castalia Pinot Noir “Rochioli”  is a tiny production gem sourced from what is the equivalent of a “grand cru” vineyard in Burgundy. The wine shows a ruby, almost translucent color, and has intense notes of black cherries, plums, violets, and a whiff of earthiness. This youngster is a real crowd-pleaser, lush, yet elegant, with amazing finesse yet still powerful and intense. This is an amazingly well-made wine that will benefit from short-term cellaring, or a good decant,  and should cellar well for a good 10 years.

Vinous 97+ Points: The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is super-elegant and refined, but also somewhat closed following its bottling, which is not uncommon for mountain wines. That period of stubbornness seems to be part of the evolution here, as the wine tends to only blossom after a few years. Today, the 2019 is marked by its brilliant upper register, striking balance and vibrancy. It is another compelling wine from Cornell.”

Vinous 97 Points: “The 2021 Zinfandel Banfield Vineyard, from a site on Martinelli Road planted in 1880, is packed with varietal character. Muscular tannins wrap around a core of black fruit, licorice, spice, dried herbs and graphite. This virile, imposing Zinfandel packs quite the punch. I would cellar it for at least af ew years. Impressive.”

James Suckling 95 Points: “A structured and layered white with apple, light honey and acacia aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Creamy mouthfeel. Phenolic texture that runs through the wine. Flavorful yet subtle finish. Touch of flint and cedar. Drink or hold.”

TWI 94 Points: “The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cavatina comes from Oak Knoll and Howell Mountain and is aged in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black colored, it needs a little coaxing to bring out notes of fresh black currants, crushed blackberries, and wild blueberries, plus hints of pencil shavings, menthol, and cardamom. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly crafted, with lots of bright, crunchy black fruit layers and a lively backbone, framed by firm, grainy tannins, finishing long and lifted”

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: “A step up over the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is gorgeous juice, offering lots of cassis, tapenade, chocolaty oak, and spicy notes in a round, lush, sexy package. The tannins are first-rate, and this will last for 15 years. It’s well worth checking out.”

Robert Parker 99 Points: “Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard has a deep garnet-purple color, requiring a little coaxing before it spills out of the glass with fantastically showy blackberry preserves, boysenberries and cassis notes, plus hints of black raspberries, clove oil and potpourri, with a touch of tobacco leaf. The decadent, full-bodied palate sports a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins with beautiful freshness. All that generous black fruit melds seamlessly into a very long, mineral-laced finish.”

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “Hailing from Oakville, the 2019 Au Paradis is nuanced, with ripe redcurrant, fresh tobacco, and sweet baking spice. The palate is fully dry and has lift through its dark fruited profile. The midpalate is flush with roses and ripe red plum, giving way to a well-balanced, tannic structure. Drink 2024-2044.”

FMW 93+ Points:  Hayfork Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine shows off a  very deep purple hue.  On the nose you are greeted with bright scents of boysenberries, plum preserves, and cassis, This 2020 has a lush full-bodied palate, with bold fruit flavors, a touch of chocolate, a touch of spice, and tons of juicy black fruits leading in a long opulent finish.