December 2025Wines of the Month

For the wine snob: At harvest, the fruit was hand-picked and gently processed using a state-of-the-art Pellenc sorting and destemming system. The pristine, whole berry fruit was fermented in a concrete tank fermenter after 15-30 days soaking on the skins. The finished wine was aged in 35% new, tight grained, French Oak barrels for 18 months.

For the rest of us: Dark aromas of ripe blackberries, currants and a hint of spice. This Cabernet Sauvignon coats the palate with dense layers of black cherry, cocoa nib, forest floor and soft hints of cedar. Full-bodied with broad structure, this wine carries through with vibrant acidity and delicate tannins.

For the wine snob: The wine is fermented in concrete tanks sur lies to impart a fresh aromatic profile. The wine is then aged in 3+ neutral French Oak barrels to subtly impart complexity. The cooler climate vineyard source coupled with the concrete vessels contribute to the lingering grip of acidity on the finish.

For the rest of us: Bursting with layers of lemon, nectarine and stone fruit, this beauty if iconic of expressive Napa Valley lushness balanced by a lingering acidity on the finish.

For the wine snob: The fruit is handpicked, sorted and cold-soaked immediately after harvesting. Following fermentation, this wine is aged in 35% new French oak. Offering dark, concentrated depth and character, this wine pairs with a broad range of foods from poultry, pasta and pizza to rich red meat dishes.

For the rest of us: Medium bodies, luscious, approachable and balanced. It is beautifully rich and integrated with flavors of ripe raspberry, black plum and baking spices. This wine is a lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

For the wine snob: The Chardonnay grapes are sourced from a single vineyard in Carneros, benefiting from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean. This cooler micro climate, coupled with concrete tank fermentation, imparts an expressive, yet bright and balanced mouthfeel on the palette. Limiting Malolactic Fermentation to less than 10%, the winemaker highlights the underlying quality fruit and minerality.

For the rest of us: Well framed with expressive citrus, delicate pear and green apple notes. It offers lovely aromatics and fresh acidity. The 2022 vintage reflects the complete expression of a picture-perfect vintage.

For the wine snob: The estate fruit was hand-picked and gently processed using a state-of-the-art Pellenc sorting and destemming system. The fruit was fermented in a combination of small lot stainless steel tank fermenters and open-top barriques. The total time on the skin was 15-30 days. Finally, the wine was aged in 65% new, tight grained, French Oak barrels for a total of 22 months.

For the rest of us: This Cabernet Sauvignon coats the palate with layers of dark cherry, cocoa nib, forest floor and soft hints of cedar. Full-bodied and well proportioned, this wine carries great length and focus on the palate.

For the wine snob: The Dutton Ranch’s “moon dust” vineyard provides purity and minerality. The wine is aged in 30% new French oak over 10 months. The wine is then bottled unfiltered and unrefined to allow its innate character to evolve.

For the rest of us: This Chardonnay reflects both complexity and sculpted longevity. Aromas of brioche, toasted almond, hazelnut and green pear. The palate delivers crisp green apple, poached pear, and lemon custard flavor.

This wine is so limited and exclusive that information on it is hard to come by. Wine details coming soon.

For the wine snob: Fermentation was carried out in a combination of stainless steel tanks and drums (75%), French oak barrels (7% new), and concrete eggs (2%). Eleven different strains of yeast were used to ferment the juice. Fermentation lasted for an average of 20 days at an average temperature of 58°F with no malolactic fermentation occurring. The wine aged in stainless steel tanks and barrels for 5 months. The barrels and stainless-steel drums were aged sur lies without stirring the lees.

For the rest of us: Aromas of pear, yellow apple, honeysuckle, white peach and tropical fruits. The palate offers flavors of lemon, green apple, Bartlett pear, grapefruit, honeydew melon, lemon custard, lemon grass and passion fruit. The wine finishes with vibrant acidity and a creamy texture.