R. GEOFFROY
“Expression” Brut NV
$40
As fresh and light as rarefied mountain air. Plus a texture that’s whipped cream. Expression is a good name for bubbles that are so expressive.
93 points KM
CHAPPELLET
“Pritchard Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
(Napa Valley, California) $210
Chappellet’s PH cabernets always have a dark, sexy personality. They’re majestic wines, tight and even angular when young, but always hugely expressive and delicious.
95 points KM
GROTH
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
(Oakville, Napa Valley, CA)
Groth is like the Margaux of Napa Valley—it can be depended on to be elegant, beautifully modulated, structured, classic cabernet in every way. Plush but never overdone.
95 points KM
CALERA
“Jensen Vineyard” Pinot Noir 2015
(Mt. Harlan, California) $90
When they first came out, the Calera pinots were among the first in California with cult status. This shows why. Complex, with lots of gravitas.
94 points KM
THREE STICKS
“Walala Vineyard” Pinot Noir 2015
(Sonoma Coast, California) $70
This pinot has sheer beauty plus a core of dark richness. Kinetically alive on the palate.
95 points KM
EISELE VINEYARD
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
(Napa Valley, California) $499
Breathtakingly expensive. But SO breathtaking as a wine. It has a lit-from-within ethereal quality that only the greatest cabernets possess.
98 points KM
RIDGE
“Monte Bello” Red Blend 2014
(Santa Cruz Mountains, California) $199
Beautiful foresty aromas reveal a cabernet that’s both tightly concentrated and wonderfully lifted and fresh at the same time. Sock it away for a decade.
95 points KM
WALT
“Savoy Vineyard” Pinot Noir 2015
(Anderson Valley, California) $75
Long, supple, earthy and spicy. The famous Savoy vineyard is known for exquisitely silky pinots.
93 points KM
GONET-MEDEVILLE
Champagne Premier Cru Brut NV
(Champagne, France) $42
Crystalline crisp, spicy and vivid. I love Champagnes that dance in your mouth.
93 points KM
FORCE MAJEURE
Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
(Red Mountain, Washington) $92
A force of Nature. Firm, powerfully structured, built to last. Nice rich core of blackberry fruit in the center.
92 points KM
