The 2019 Melange Rouge is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Graciano and Petite Syrah. A rich boisterous wine, the 2019 packs plenty of punch. Super-ripe red/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice, rose petal and menthol all run...

An intense, linear wine. So bright, tangy and cherry-like, with great acidity lifting raspberry, cranberry, sage, chalk and rooibos tea flavors. Made with 100% whole clusters. Drink or hold.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a terrific base appellation release, with redcurrants, framboise, peppery herbs, and floral nuances on the nose. Medium-bodied, pure, supple, and well-structured on the palate, it...

Melville's Estate Pinot Noir combines 17 different Pinot Noir clones from its Sta. Rita Hills AVA estate. Nearly half of the fruit was fermented as whole clusters, with just over half de-stemmed into small open-top...

The 2019 Relevant Cabernet Sauvignon matured for 20 months in new, once- and twice-filled French oak barrels. Deep ruby, it features pure aromas of cassis, grilled meats, warm chocolate, dried herbs, roasted peppers and...

The 2021 Pinot Noir Block M is scented of raspberry and blackberry preserves, blood orange, aniseed, tobacco and wildflowers with amaro-like undertones. The medium-bodied palate has a concentrated core of fragrant fruit...

This wine has a feral edge to it, as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and bit players come together in a 10-variety ‘kitchen sink’ blend. Pungent floral aromas give way to dark chocolate, mint, and wild mountain blueberries...

This bristles with a bright, savory streak that fully permeates the core of bitter cherry and damson plum, while sage, green tea and pepper notes dart around. The long, taut, pinpoint finish leaves a lingering twang of...

(94 + points) The pale ruby-purple colored 2021 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard features alluring red currant jelly, lavender oil, and spearmint scents, leading to hints of red cherries and raspberry leaves, with...

Leading off the reds, the 2022 Pinot Noir Presqu'Ile Vineyard comes from a cool-climate site just outside of Santa Maria and was completely destemmed and brought up in barrel. Bright cherry, mulberries, forest floor, and...

Aromatics of ripe berries and lively dried spices leap out of the glass from this wine a selection of four blocks across the Bien Nacido site. White and green peppercorn, dessert scrub and wild strawberries mark the...

Based on 100% Syrah fermented with 100% whole clusters and brought up in neutral oak, the 2022 Syrah Donna's Block is slightly deeper ruby/plum in hue and offers up blackberries, pepper, bouquet garni, orange blossom, and...

The fruity strawberry, cherry and raspberry notes are firm and inviting, gaining depth and persistence. Ends with gripping tannins and a stemmy note. Drink now through 2022. – JL

Bold aromas of black cherry, dark plum and woody herb show on the nose of this block-designated bottling. The palate pops with acidic energy that bisects the dark fruit and rich woodspice flavors. MATT KETTMANN

Black cherries, assorted darker berries, leafy herbs, sage, rose, and hints of iodine all emerge from the 2022 Pinot Noir Estate, a medium-bodied, complex, pretty, almost racy Pinot Noir that has solid depth of fruit, as...

Aromas of forest berries with some subtle cloves. Fresh thyme and sage. Full to medium body. Very fine tannins. Crushed stone and herbs. Hints of spicy dark chocolate. Drink or hold.

Looking at the three Syrahs, these are all incredible efforts that go screaming past anything else even close to this price point. The 2012 Syrah Estate Verna’s offers a vibrant purple color to go with a full-bodied...

Currants and fresh herbs such as thyme and sage. Blackcurrants. Lead pencil. Metal shavings. Medium-bodied with fine velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Hints of walnuts. Very refined. Drink or hold.