Aston Estate was founded in 2001 by Fred Schrader, founder of Schrader Cellars, Chuck Sweeney, co-founder of Vine Cliff and Thomas Rivers-Brown. Several years ago TRB bought out the other two founders and became the sole owner. Aston Estate is located near the remote township of Annapolis, approximately five miles from the coast. I was on the mailing list early…
Founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Arista Winery specialized in small-lot, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for high-quality, cold-climate wines, the winery was managed by sons Mark and Ben McWilliams from 2012, with Matt Courtney serving as winemaker. The winery is unfortunately concluding its operations with a final 2024 vintage release in…
One of the most collectible Pinot Noirs made in all of Oregon is from a winery you’ve probably never heard of: Thomas Winery. Located in Carlton, Oregon, winemaker John Thomas has been releasing small amounts of wine from the Thomas Vineyard since 1988. I don’t recall ever seeing ratings from the Wine Advocate or the Wine Spectator, and I don’t think…
Black Kite Cellars, a family-run winery, specializing in block-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded by Donald and Maureen Green in 2003, Black Kite is named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. Jeff Gaffner of Saxon Brown is the consulting winemaker. The Stony Terrace Block is one of the three foundational, four-acre…
Morét-Brealynn is a boutique, eponymous label founded in 2021 by Morét Brealynn Chavez. Based in Sonoma County, the winery focuses on small-lot, vineyard-driven wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Adam Lee is a consultant for the winery. Lakeview Vineyard is situated in the Green Valley portion of Russian River Valley. Ruby red in color. 14.4% ABV. Beautiful nose of red fruits, cloves,…
Founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Arista Winery specialized in small-lot, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for high-quality, cold-climate wines, the winery was managed by sons Mark and Ben McWilliams from 2012, with Matt Courtney serving as winemaker. The winery is unfortunately concluding its operations with a final 2024 vintage release in…
Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…
Founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Arista Winery specialized in small-lot, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for high-quality, cold-climate wines, the winery was managed by sons Mark and Ben McWilliams from 2012, with Matt Courtney serving as winemaker. The winery is unfortunately concluding its operations with a final 2024 vintage release in…
Morét-Brealynn is a boutique, eponymous label founded in 2021 by Morét Brealynn Chavez. Based in Sonoma County, the winery focuses on small-lot, vineyard-driven wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Adam Lee is a consultant for the winery. Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. Bottled under a screw cap. Beautiful nose of red fruits, baking spices and rose petals. Medium to full bodied with…
Young Hagen produces wines of distinction from carefully selected vineyard sites. Committed to crafting wines that tell the story of each vineyard’s unique site expression and vintage. In addition to Young Hagen, winemaker/proprietor Tim Beranek is Director of Winemaking at Thomas Rivers Brown Winemaking. After selling Williams Selyem Winery in 1998 to John and Kathe Dyson, Burt Williams purchased the 40-acre Morning…