2018-2023 Mixed Case lot

“The Ornellaia 2019 with 62% has the most Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend since the 65% used in the 2001 and 2002 vintages. It is bold and bright on the nose, full of joyful blackberry, cream, and sweet spice. It is very much like the 2016 Ornellaia in terms of finesse and harmony but bigger, bolder, more youthful, and maybe on a larger scale in terms of the brightness of aromas and flavors. On standing the nose becomes much more nuanced and fragrant with blue flowers like iris and violet. There is great concentration on the palate, but it is held together within a very elegant, tight structure. This is a powerful style of Ornellaia but with the 2019 the tannins are more refined than ever and there is a thrilling acidity enlivening the palate! According to Axel Heinz, Director of the Estate, "I think we have learned to tame the tannins.” This 2019 Ornellaia is a beautiful, luxurious, and vivacious wine. (LPB)” (09/2022)

“A structured, graceful wine; the Giuseppe Verdi of Bolgheri for its concentration, density and controlled power. Bramble fruit and eucalyptus flavours are completed by clove, a touch of rose and balsamic chocolate depth, supported by dense woven tannins. There's huge mid-palate extraction and lifted yet moderate acidity. The finish is soaked with cassis, a whiff of bell pepper and blond tobacco, giving an amazing aftertaste. Despite the more moderate acidity of the 2018, 2019 and 2020 vintages - as reported by managing director Axel Heinz - with a tendency towards more sweetness than freshness, I personally find the return to the traditional higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (62% in 2019) a great option for Ornellaia. (AF)” (06/2022)

“There is more emphasis on the Cabernet Sauvignon in the 2019 vintage, with the highest percentage in the past 20 years contributing to 62% of the blend. Leaning more into the red-fruited spectrum, the 2019 Ornellaia is outstanding in its balance between its richness and its tension, with layers of fresh menthol, macchia (the Tuscan equivalent of the French garrigue), redcurrant, and fresh roses. It is full bodied and long, with blackberry, plum, dusty earth, and long fruit on the finish. In contrast to the 2020, it has a more angular and direct nature, with powerful mineral richness and purity of fruit. Full and structured without lacking for elegance, it should come as no surprise that this will be a wine to cellar and go the distance over the coming decades. (AF)” (01/2023)

“The aromas of blackcurrants, fresh basil and thyme, as well as cedar and sandalwood are so attractive. It’s full-bodied and very linear with tight tannins that draw you down the length of this young wine. Wet-earth and cool-stone undertones. It’s solid and so structured. A classic Ornellaia for the cellar.” (04/2022)

“This is a beautiful expression of coastal Tuscany and the sunny Mediterranean. The Ornellaia 2019 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia (a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot) pours from the bottle with a specific darkness that has elements of both inky saturation and ruby highlights. The wine is saturated and rich—this is something you notice off the bat—but it also reveals a pleasing lightness or grace that is transmitted to both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit, pressed blackberry and plum mingle with more substantial aromas of spice, leather and sweetly cured tobacco. The tannins are beautifully managed, and the wine sports considerable heft and density on the palate that drives a very long and pleasurable mouthfeel. (ML)” (05/2022)

“The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence. (AG)” (03/2022)

“This deeply hued, elegant red has enticing aromas suggesting ripe blackberries, juniper berries, purple flower and sandalwood. Firmly structured and boasting class and finesse, the palate is still young and austere, offering black cherries, currants, black pepper and tobacco. Tightly wound, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity keep balanced. *Cellar Selection* (KO)” (09/2022)

“A youthful red, concentrated and balanced, with blackberry, plum, earth and spice flavors gaining lift from the vibrant structure, while tannins envelop the lively fruit components. The finish is shored up by fine-grained tannins. This has all the components in the right place. *Collectible* (BS)” (09/2022)

“Sweet oak spice, generous black fruit and delicious black-tea aromas – there is ready complexity here, despite the youthfulness, and it wouldn't be a crime to drink this now. There is of course enough tannin and acid to age – and incredible persistence too. A great reflection of a great vintage. 18.5/20 points (RH)” (06/2022)

“The 2019 Vangone Cabernet Sauvignon is deep garnet-purple in color. It has a profound, powerful nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves, and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by hints of spice cake, lavender, fragrant soil, jasmine tea, and cloves. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and dense, with layer upon layer of black fruits and loads of sparks of exotic spices, supported by velvety tannins, finishing with epic length. (LPB)” (04/2023)

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is cut from the same cloth, with extraordinary aromatics, full-bodied richness, dazzling purity, and ripe, polished tannins. A wine that has everything, with ripe red and black fruits, some bloody, iron, floral, and savory nuances, and a stacked mid-palate, it's a "wow" wine that will benefit from just a few years in the cellar and cruise for over two decades.” (12/2023)

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon features slightly lifted, floral notes and bold cherries. A blend of blocks B and D, it's full-bodied and concentrated, falling between them texturally—something less than syrupy-creamy but more than simply velvety—with a lingering, complex finish that seamlessly blends flowers and fruit. (JC)” (01/2024)

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni, a blend of the best barrels in the cellar, is seamless and enveloping from the very first taste. Spice, new leather, tobacco, cedar and chocolate meld into a core of black cherry/plum fruit. The winery does not disclose the vineyards in this blend, but my guess is that there is a fair bit of both To Kalon and Piedras here. (AG)” (10/2021)

“Proprietor Alejandro Pedro Bulgheroni established this label in 2014. Entirely estate fruit, comprising beautiful rich berry scents, oak, crushed rocks and a saline minerality tinged with dark chocolate. Enveloping, full and broad-shouldered. Saturated dark berry fruit, chocolate layer cake, vanilla and dried herbs de provence round out this Cabernet with its fierce tannins that are nicely integrated. (JC)” (06/2022)

“The appellation 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Lithology Napa Valley is a rock-solid, unquestionably outstanding Cabernet that’s worth seeking out. Giving up lots of red and black fruits, notes of leather, loamy earth, and dried herbs, medium to full body, and beautiful balance on the palate, drink it over the coming 10-15 years. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in 61% new French oak. (JD)” (03/2022)

“Marking the entry point into the Lithology range, the 2019 Lithology Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is blended from several different lots. There's a slightly smoky, herbal note, plus plenty of ripe blueberry and cassis fruit on the nose. Full-bodied, rich and liquorous, it finishes with a velvety feel and notes of warm chocolate and Yemeni coffee. (JC)” (10/2022)

“As with the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sine Fine is made by Benoit Touquette and has a slightly darker, powerful style while still certainly playing in the sexy, opulent end of the pool. Blueberries, chocolate, flowers, espresso, and classy oak all define the nose, and it's a full-bodied, concentrated wine on the palate, with ripe tannins, a great mid-palate, and terrific overall balance. This floral, blue-fruited, seamless beauty offers loads of pleasure today yet will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age to integrate its oak and evolve for at least two decades. It's another brilliant wine in the lineup.” (12/2021)

“Paul Lato's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cavatina is a lovely Cabernet from Oak Knoll, matured for 19 months in 40% new French oak. Medium ruby-purple, it offers aromas of redcurrants, tobacco leaves, rose petals, cedar and pencil shavings with well-integrated new oak spices. The medium-bodied palate boasts seamless freshness, powdery tannins and detailed fruits, and it has a long, flavorful finish. 141 cases were made. (97+) (EB)” (12/2022)

“Lots of ripe cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, sage brush, and lead pencil notes emerge from Lato's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cavatina, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon release that spent 22 months in 40% new French oak. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's balanced, has solid structure, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Drink this elegant, balanced, seamless Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming 10-12 years.” (08/2022)

“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Cavatina (Napa Valley) is a pretty, mid-weight wine that shows the restrained, savory side of Oak Knoll and Napa Valley. Crushed flowers, herbs, orange peel and red berry fruit give this mid-weight, elegant Cabernet quite a bit of appeal. Old school Napa aromatics and plush, ripe fruit come together nicely, with enough energy to allow for at least a handful of years of fine drinking. (AG)” (08/2022)

“Tasted with Lisa and Philip Togni in their winery atop Spring Mountain in February of 2024. An absolutely riveting Cabernet showing a deep ruby-purple colour. Gorgeously fragrant at the cork's pull with terrific violets and loads of black currants and dark dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied with chiselled, precise tannins that build and build on the palate. At this early stage, the wine is full of ripe blackberry and black currant fruits that harbour impressive clarity of flavours, growing even more expressive with beautiful sagebrush nuances. Philipp Togni remarked that this vintage reminds him of St. Julien. Indeed, it is incredibly aromatic, elegant, and structured, and it is also a complete and seamless wine. (JC)” (02/2024)

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is an outrageously beautiful wine and also one of the wines of the year. A soaring, exotic bouquet makes a strong opening statement. Pliant and creamy, with mind-blowing textural finesse, the 2021 dazzles from start to finish. Hard candy, mint, lavender, Kirsch and spice linger on the close. The 2021 possesses mind-blowing purity and exceptional finesse. (AG) *#1 Wine of the Year, 2024*” (12/2023)

“Possibly the best wine produced here since the terrific 2001 or 1991, Togni's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes across as rather cool and fresh, with gentle grace notes of mountain sage lending nuance to the predominantly red-berried fruit, tinged with cassis, mint and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and firm, with silky tannins and refreshing acids providing ample structure and amplifying the lingering, elegant finish. (JC) 98+” (07/2024)

“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 15% Merlot and traces of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of blackcurrant jelly, juicy black plums, and wild blueberries followed by hints of crushed rocks, cardamom, licorice, and tar plus a fragrant touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with black fruit and mineral layers, framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with loads of ferrous and earthy sparks. (LPB)” (06/2024)

“Densely packed and reserved in style, offering a tightly coiled core of red and black currant fruit wrapped in a sheath of iron and backed by savory, menthol, rose petal and iris notes. The seriously grippy finish shows taut but fine-grained tannins working in unison alongside fresh acidity. This will need considerable time to unfurl, rewarding those with patience and a love of this mountain-hewn, old-school style. *Collectible* (JM)” (07/2024)

“Absolute pure perfection in wine, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium comes from the Weitz Vineyard in Oakville and is all varietal raised in mostly new barrels. It's deep, saturated purple hue is followed by a kaleidoscope-like array of black and blue fruits, chocolate, gravelly earth, and tobacco, and it picks up an undeniable sense of minerality with time in the glass. Full-bodied and incredibly concentrated, with a stacked mid-palate and building yet perfect tannins, this magical effort blends power and elegance flawlessly.” (02/2024)

“Sourced from the Weitz Vineyard in the hills of eastern Oakville, Maybach's 2021 Materium Cabernet Sauvignon is a near-perfect rendering of the variety and place. Intense aromas of cassis and black cherries waft from the glass, while in the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, rich and concentrated, without being heavy. Focused, long and mouthwatering, with a finish lined by soft, plush tannins, this is the real deal from consultant Thomas Rivers Brown. (JC)” (01/2024)

“From a single hillside block on the Materium Weitz Vineyard, a site on the eastern end of the Oakville AVA. Aged in Darnajou, Taransaud, and Ramon French oak. Its super-aromatic nose tempts with pure blackberry fruits, sagebrush, candied orange peel, and toasty cedarwood. On the palate, this red has a linear quality fueled by intense, racy, and expressive acidity interlaced with ripe, focused black cherry, blackberry, and spiced plums. A tapestry of very smooth tannins weaves itself around the succulent fruit. It segues into an intensely long finish of earth and graphite-like minerality, with pops of bright blue and purple florals and a serious saline minerality. (JC)” (03/2024)

“A darker ruby/magenta color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has the stamp of the man here and offers notes of pure cherry liqueur, cigar box, pine needles, and crushed flowers. Medium-bodied, it’s a crowd-pleaser and has all the classic notes of the Russian River Valley while keeping polished and pure. (AF)” (06/2024)

“The 2021 CHEV Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley showcases beautiful dark berry fruits with rich conifer notes, subtle underbrush nuances, and a hint of clove. Medium-bodied, it balances very fine-grained tannins with fresh forest berries and savoury deep wood notes, leading to a lasting slate-stone mineral finish. The wine underwent fermentation in 85% stainless steel open tops, 6% concrete open tops, and 9% wood open-top tanks. It was then aged for 15 months in 42% new French oak, 20% once-used French oak, 35% several-times-used French oak, and 3% wood tank. CHEV is a project from Kosta Browne co-founder Michael Browne and his wife, Sarah Browne. The label was introduced in 2013, after they established CIRQ, focusing on Pinot Noir from their stunning 6-hectare estate and winery in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In 2024, Cabell Coursey joined the team to further elevate their craft. (JC)” (08/2024)

“A broad, rich and complex wine with abundant fruit, engaging earthy and mushroomy notes and a long, lingering finish. Full-bodied, aged in 40% new oak but very subtle, with layered and detailed flavors and freshness that lasts.” (07/2024)

“This sports a tasty core of punchy kirsch and damson plum notes backed by lively red tea and a hint of singed anise. The gently toasted finish lets the finish keep a little racy edge. (JM)” (04/2024)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is fresh, bright and inviting. This is an especially perfumed, aromatic Pinot for the appellation. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, cinnamon and orange peel lend notable aromatic presence to this charming, mid-weight offering from Michael Browne. (AG)” (01/2024)

“A dense and rich pinot with strawberry pie and juicy fruit. Some chocolate and cedar undertones. Full and layered with nice framing and length.” (06/2023)

“Matured in 38% new oak for 11 months, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is loaded with alluring scents of raspberry, red cherry, orange peel, tea leaves and chaparral. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and energetic with pretty streaks of allspice accenting its generous fruit, and it has a long, flavorful finish. (EB)” (06/2023)

“Medium ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is fresh and ripe with red plum, baking spice, and forested earth. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a soft texture, it has good richness of fruit, with baked cherry, graham cracker, and red flowers. It’s a great value with a lot of classic appeal and an approachable feel. Drink it over the next several years. (AF)” (07/2023)

“The Cuvée Catherine is consistently the most savoury and earth-driven of the Occidental wines. Sourced from the northern section of the estate vineyard, where the first blocks were planted in 2012, this site delivers a terroir like no other. The 2022 vintage is incredibly complex, with layers of aroma that go from forest floor to savoury herbs like bouquet garni, seaweed, porcini powder, and a gentle lift of dried lavender. On the palate, crunchy red fruit, blueberries, and pluots mix with a splash of salty blood orange, all wrapped in fine, well-integrated tannins. It’s a wine with presence, depth, and a strong sense of self. Stunning. Tasted from bottle C1428. (ACQ)” (03/2025)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine is a deep ruby red hue and comes from a site behind the ranch at the top of the property. So pretty on the nose with notes of black raspberries and kirsch, it’s briny and savory with the sanguine brightness of orange oils and dark windswept herbs. Salty but entirely different, it’s marked by a pronounced signature of what this winery does, with power, compact brightness, and energy, as well as the umami richness and depth this wine delivers.” (07/2025)

“Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvee Catherine needs a little swirling to coax out evocative scents of fresh cranberries and red currants, leading to an undercurrent of lavender, wet slate, chalk, and wild thyme with a touch of damp soil. The light to medium-bodied palate is charged with electric red berry energy, supported by very fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and minerally. (LPB)” (01/2025)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine is an archetype of what is possible on the West Sonoma Coast. Bright and explosive, yet also light on its feet, the 2022 soars out of the glass. Red/purplish fruit, blood orange, rose petal, spice and savory notes are all beautifully lifted. Clean mineral tones extend the finish. The Cuvée Catherine is a wine of subtlety and nuance above all else. (AG)” (01/2025)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Running Fence Vineyard Cuvée Catherine offers a strong sense of place with aromas reminiscent of both the forest and the ocean: mushrooms, nori, saline and autumn leaves complement a core of pomegranate and wild berry, and it becomes more floral as it opens in the glass. The palate derives power from highly concentrated, nuanced flavors, a sense of delicacy from taut, lacy tannins and energy from vibrant acidity. It opened dramatically over several days and will benefit from long-term cellaring. (EB) 95+” (01/2025)

“This juicy red is packed with dark plum, black cherry and mulberry notes, all backed by licorice snap, hibiscus and potpourri nuances on the finish. Shows the underlying energy for the cellar, even though its forward fruit profile makes this accessible already. (JM)” (09/2025)

“The killer 2023 Condrieu La Doriane boasts gorgeous orange blossom, honeyed flowers, toasted spice, and grilled peach aromatics that build incrementally with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, focused, and pure, this brilliant effort spent 9 months in 100% new French oak and represents the crème de la crème of the vintage. I'd recommend drinking bottles over the coming 7-8 years, although it will keep longer.” (05/2025)

“The 2023 Condrieu la Doriane is one of the high points of the range, unfurling in the glass with notes of citrus zest, toasted nuts, smoke, almonds and ripe orchard fruits. Full-bodied, satiny and multidimensional, it’s concentrated and layered, with a dense and complex core of fruit, concluding with a resonant, perfumed and endless finish. It delivers even more controlled power than the 2022, supported by a vibrant acid line that extends the finale. Give it at least 20 years in the cellar.(YC)” (11/2025)

“How can you resist the fresh honeycomb, honeysuckle and toasted brioche aromas and controlled extravagance of this high-end Condrieu? Rich stone fruit aromas on the expansive, medium- to full-bodied palate, where the freshness of the vintage deftly lifts the long, generous finish. (SP)” (04/2025)

“Matured for 9 months in 100% new French oak, the 2023 Condrieu La Doriane takes off with toasty subtleties, mingling pristine white peach, apricot and jasmine with a touch of honeysuckle. Packing elevated flavor concentration on the dense palate, the 2023 is an outgoing, articulate La Doriane. Round and complex, it walks off the stage with a touch of lemon flesh and wet stone on the long, nuanced finish.(NG)” (01/2025)