William Kelley is better known as the Wine Advocate's mould-breaking wine critic. Yet he is also a very gifted winemaker and now, winegrower. Kelley’s micro-Burgundy project released its first wines from the 2019 vintage, and the ambitious pricing has not dampened the fervour—the wines are as remarkable as they are rare. Yet Kelley’s first foray into winemaking did not start in Beaune, Pommard or Gevrey-Chambertin but in the quiet, pastoral AVA of Clarksburg on the outskirts of Sacramento. Rolling back to 2016, Kelley recalls that he and friend-slash-business partner Frank Ingriselli were looking for organically farmed old vines in Californian sub-regions where variety aligned with climate, which led them to Chenin in Clarksburg. “We then applied artisanal French winemaking techniques and sort of waited to see what happened,” he recalls. What happened is that Beau Rivage promptly reset the conversation around the potential to craft world-class Chenin Blanc from Californian soils. Made in Calistoga, this increasingly impressive Chenin Blanc is drawn from some of Clarksburg’s oldest vines, planted in the 1960s and sourced from a long-term organic grower. The grapes are picked in two lots: those from the sunny side of the vine were crushed to release extract, while fruit from the shadier side was pressed as whole clusters using a very long, firm cycle. The musts are fermented with indigenous yeasts and were raised in eight-year-old, low-toast Burgundy barrels. William Kelley uses more and more solids each year, with the wine building texture and drive from its time on lees. Expect a tension-filled and chalky white marrying the engaging texture of well-ripened Chenin Blanc with lovely clarity, fine-boned texture and impressive length. It doesn’t seem too early to call this out as a new Californian benchmark for the variety.

The 2018 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Colesworthy Beckstoffer Las Piedras is a bold and powerful expression of California Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown at an elevation of 1500 meters in the prestigious Beckstoffer Las Piedras vineyard, this wine exudes elegance and complexity. The deep ruby color allures with its rich hues. On the nose, it reveals intense aromas of black currant, blackberry, and dark cherry, complemented by subtle hints of vanilla and cedar. On the palate, this full-bodied wine delivers a seamless integration of flavors, with layers of ripe dark fruit, mocha, and earthy notes. The tannins are firm yet refined, providing a balanced structure and a long, lingering finish. This 2018 vintage is a testament to Schrader Cellars' commitment to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of California. Enjoy now, or cellar for years to come.

The 2017 Realm Cellars Houyi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from California, USA is a captivating expression of the varietal. Deep ruby in colour, this wine offers a complex bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, dark cherries, and hints of cedar and cocoa. On the palate, the flavours are rich and concentrated, with layers of dark fruits, spices, and a touch of vanilla. The tannins are firm yet silky, providing a velvety texture and a long, lingering finish. This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon is well-balanced and showcases the exceptional quality of the Houyi Vineyard. With its elegant structure and bold flavours, this wine is a true representation of the impeccable craftsmanship of Realm Cellars. Enjoy it now or cellar it for a few years to allow it to fully develop its potential. An excellent choice for a special occasion or to pair with hearty dishes.

The 2017 Realm Cellars Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from California, USA, is a true masterpiece. On the nose, this wine presents a bold and complex bouquet of dark fruits, including blackberry, cassis, and plum, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla from 22 months of aging in French oak barrels. The deep ruby color is alluring, hinting at the wine's rich and robust palate. On the palate, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a symphony of flavors, with layers of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, and spice, balanced by firm tannins and a long, silky finish. This vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the renowned To Kalon Vineyard, and it is a testament to the skill and dedication of Realm Cellars. Enjoy now or cellar for years to come.

The 2018 Schrader Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III is a true representation of the stunning terroir of Napa Valley, California. With a deep, opaque ruby color, this wine exudes elegance and power. The nose is an aromatic bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, and dark chocolate, with subtle hints of cedar and tobacco. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with layers of blackberry, plum, and espresso flavors that linger on the finish. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance to the rich fruit flavors. The 2018 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the grapes from this renowned vineyard, and the skilled winemaking of Schrader Cellars. This is a truly exceptional wine that will continue to evolve and improve with time.

The 2018 Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Cabernet is a beautifully crafted wine from the esteemed Hundred Acre Cabernet Sauvignon Kali Morgan, based in the sunny hills of California, USA. This vintage exudes a deep, rich ruby hue with a nose of fresh blackberries, cassis, and dark chocolate. On the palate, the wine reveals notes of ripe plums, vanilla, and a touch of spice, all wrapped in velvety tannins. The balance and structure of this wine are impeccable, showcasing the impeccable craftsmanship of the winemaker. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant hint of cedar and oak. This is a wine that will continue to evolve and delight for many years to come. Enjoy it with a hearty steak or roasted game for an unforgettable experience.