2018 White Wine from North Coast

Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: With Philippe Melka and team now at the helm of these wines, this is amongst the first from the producer to source outside of the estate. From the great farmers that are the Sangiacomo family, this is a rich and...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90 points: The 2018 Chardonnay comes 95% from Carneros and 5% from Napa Valley. Barrel fermented in 33% new oak, it spent eight months on the lees, and 18% went through malolactic. It was bottled June 1, 2019. Slowly, it reveals...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 98 points: 98+ The 2018 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard has a medium ruby color and slowly opening perfume of garrigue, dried orange peel, prosciutto and rose petals with mineral-laced cranberry and red and black berry fruits. The...

Wine Enthusiast, 95 points: This robust, full-bodied white holds its weight and pedigree remarkably well, offering an intensely flavored, richly layered experience that seamlessly provides freshness along the way. Apple, cinnamon and nutmeg are...

jamessuckling.com, 97 points: Sliced apples and limes on the nose with grassy and chamomile notes. But then it turns to honeysuckle, chalk and minerals. Full-bodied with papaya, sliced-pear and green-pineapple flavors. Tight and fresh at the end...

jamessuckling.com, 91 points: A delicious, fruity white with aromas and flavors of sliced apples and pears. Medium to full body. Dried pear and apple flavors. Outstanding. Shows some structure, too. 97.5% sauvignon blanc with a dash of semillon and...

jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: Just as good, the 2018 Chardonnay Platt Vineyard, from a site in the Sonoma Coast, saw a similar élevage, spending 11 months in 15% new French oak. Rocking white peach, white currants, citrus, and floral notes all emerge...

Vinous, 95 points: The 2018 Chardonnay Haynes Vineyard is another stellar wine in this range. Deep and layered in the glass, the Haynes captures a striking interplay of textural richness, savoriness and energy. Lemon confit, sage, dried...

jamessuckling.com, 92 points: A delicious, bright and fruity white with sliced-apple and honey character. Medium body. Crisp acidity to the lovely fruit. Subtle and clean. Drink now. Screw cap.

jebdunnuck.com, 95 points: 95+ I was able to taste two Chardonnays from Failla. The 2018 Chardonnay Estate Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA and spent 11 months in 10% new French oak. This medium gold-hued 2018 has...

jebdunnuck.com, 94 points: A wine that goes out to distribution only (as opposed to the winery mailing list), the 2018 Chardonnay Wester Reach is a blend of the Ritchie, Heintz. Lorenzo, Dutton, and DuMOL Estate vineyards and was brought up in 35%...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 points: (92-94+ points) A barrel sample, the 2018 Chardonnay leaps from the glass with expressive white peach, lemon curd and pink grapefruit notes with touches of fresh ginger, marzipan and brioche. The palate is medium to...

Wine Spectator, 93 points: Big and rich, featuring a plush texture to the concentrated pear tart, apple pastry and dried apricot flavors. Viscous midpalate, with savory snap to the finish, which delivers minerally and toasty notes. Drink now...