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2014 County Line, Rose of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley. Eric Sussman’s County Line wines are some of the best deals in the state for quality varietal wines, especially his Pinot…

1964 Carl Sittmann, Silvaner, Oppenheimer Brunnchen, Spatlese Cabinet, Rheinhessen Germany. The star is fading on this most unique wine, but it certainly merits mention and was a highlight of a…

2012 Rochioli, Valdiguie, Estate, Russian River Valley. A trip to Sonoma County and or the Russian River Valley is not complete without a visit to Rochioli, one of California’s great…

2013 Sheldon, Graciano, Ripken Vineyard, Lodi California. The Sheldon’s have found a wonderful niche, making Graciano, and the 2013 edition is maybe the best yet for this Rioja grape. This…

2012 Alberto Nanclares, Albarino, Salnes, Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain. This is the single most thrilling Albarino I’ve ever tasted, period. Alberto Nanclares has crafted a masterpiece with his tiny production…

2012 Bodegas Bernabe Navarro “Tragolargo” Garnacha, Alicante, Spain. I just couldn’t help but love this unique high elevation Grenache from Spain far south, from mountain vines in the Alicante region,…

2011 Samsara, Syrah, Melville Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills. Sometimes wines make you rethink your opinions and change your view, especially humbling when you’ve already made a judgement or two, and…

2012 Patton Valley, Pinot Noir, The Estate, Willamette Valley, Oregon. This beautiful and open Pinot Noir is fantastically detailed and pleasing with gorgeous red fruits, silky texture and lengthy finish,…

2013 Domaine Gramenon, Cotes du Rhone, La Sagesse, Rhone Valley, France. The Domaine Gramenon by Michèle Aubèry-Laurent and her talented son Maxime François is one of the finest organic Cotes…

2012 Beaux Freres, Pinot Noir “Upper Terrace” Beaux Freres Vineyard Estate, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, Oregon. The unfined and unfiltered Upper Terrace from Mike Etzel of Beaux Freres is one…