September Premium Club

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Baldacci Family Vineyards
Fraternity
Red Blend 2022
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

The 2022 Fraternity has notes of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry, accented by vanilla, cocoa, and sweet baking spices. The palate showcases layers of juice dark berry, cherry compote, and plum, balanced by hints of mocha and tea leaves. The wine’s velvety tannins and plush mouthfeel deliver a rich, rounded texture, while the long, polished finish highlights toasted oak and a touch of spice.

Varietal: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 12% Syrah, 8% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.5% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.7
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.0 g/L
Harvest Date: September 9th-October 24, 2022
Cooperage: Aged 16 months in medium toast French oak barrels
Bottling: March 19, 2024 – Bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its character. Natural sediment may occur.
Critical Acclaim:

96 points, Sunset International Wine Competition
92 points, Decanter

GROWING SEASON 2022:
The 2022 growing season began with early bud-break and was marked by warm, sunny conditions throughout the summer. While September brought some unpredictability, the season yielded red wines of impressive depth and balance. The vintage showcases vibrant fruit character alongside well-integrated structure, offering exceptional quality.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
“I enjoy the challenge and the creative expression of crafting red blends. The 2022 Fraternity continues to emphasize Cabernet Sauvignon as its backbone, sourced from 6 appellations and 7 vineyards to achieve a balance of power and finesse. Petit Verdot contributes depth and complexity, Syrah lends structure and intensity, and Merlot adds a plush texture and a subtle layer of red fruit that enhances the wine’s approachability. This vintage offers a bold, approachable expression of Napa Valley, crafted to delight Cabernet fans with just enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more.” – Michael Baldacci, Winemaker

ABOUT BALDACCI FAMILY VINEYARDS:
Baldacci Family Vineyards focuses on their organic and sustainable practices in everything they do. Their estate vineyards in both Stags Leap Districut and Calistoga are farmed in accordance with CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) standards. Some of their practices include manual pruning, suckering, fruit removal and harvesting with minimum tractor use to reduce gas-powered machinery. Their regenerative practices work in harmony with nature, using grazing sheep to cultivate under the vines and enrich soil health, while bird and owl boxes provide habitat for natural pest control. The family winery believes in caring for their land, their people and their community while producing the best wines possible. Learn more here.

Amulet Estate
2021 Amulet Estate ‘AE’
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This is classic Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon in a strong vintage. It’s a graceful wine with an enticing array of earth, herb and fresh fruit. Aromas of tobacco leaf and black cherry gently fill the glass. The wine expands on the palate with ripe mission fig, tart plum skin and fresh marjoram. It has a fine, silky texture and dark chocolate completes a lengthy finish.

Varietal: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 5% Malbec
Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
AVA: Yountville, Napa Valley, California
Soil: Gravelly loam and Cortina soils originating from the Franciscan Assemblage
Elevation: 100 feet

ABOUT AMULET ESTATE:
The word “amulet” comes from the Latin word “amulētum”, meaning an object that provides good fortune or a good luck charm. However, the true mark of the Amulet portfolio comes from their deep respect for the land and the pioneering spirit expressed in early Napa Valley viticulture. Each single vineyard is carefully selected to create a varietal that expresses the elegance of the Napa Valley terroir. Learn more here.

Join our PREMIUM WINE CLUB, enjoy amazing wines every other month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn more about our Premium Club >

2025 Winery Spotlight Series: Chalk Hill Estate

Posted on August 14, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery
Sonoma County, California

Fall 2025

This fall, join us for a wine tasting event featuring Chalk Hill Estate wines from California. We will be sharing their five wines below. To reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite. We hope to see you there!

Spotlight_Chalk_Hill_Bottles_Only_blog

Wines Tasted:

Chalk Hill Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill Appellation
Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast Appellation
Chalk Hill Estate Bottled, Chardonnay, Chalk Hill Appellation
Chalk Hill Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Appellation
Chalk Hill Estate Red, Chalk Hill Appellation

Chalk-Hill_winery_building_blog

About Chalk Hill Estate:
Founded in 1972 in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, Chalk Hill Winery lies within a small AVA which bears the same name; it is located at the convergence of three prominent AVA’s: Russian River Valley, Alexander and Knights, which offer a unique confluence of diverse meso-climates. With meticulous attention to detail, decades of clonal research, sustainable viticulture practices and a minimalist approach to winemaking, the Chalk Hill team is able to produce wines of character, richness and elegance. They are committed to creating terroir-drive wines from the diverse terrain of Sonoma County. Learn more here >

Courtney Foley, Vintner

About Courtney Foley, Second Generation Vintner:
Courtney Foley, the youngest daughter of Chalk Hill Estate proprietors Bill and Carol Foley, is a second-generation vintner who has grown up immersed in the winery’s culture of fine wine, organically grown farm-to-table food, and strong ties to family and friends. Since her family acquired the iconic Sonoma County property in 2010, she has developed a deep respect for the estate and a keen understanding of its diverse vineyards, serving as Chalk Hill’s Director of Winemaking from 2018 to 2019. Today, she continues to champion the winery’s values while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, and serves on the Sonoma County Vintners Board of Directors. Learn more about Courtney here >

Darrell Holbrook, Winemaker

About Darrell Holbrook, Winemaker:
With nearly 30 years experience at Chalk Hill Estate, Darrell has assisted in many outlets of the winery from cellar master to enologist, to production manager and assistant winemaker before being promoted to Winemaker in 2019. He has also worked with world-renowned winemaker, David Ramey. Darrell was born and raised in Sonoma County, knowing the terrain very well and even worked with his dad at a local winery at just 12 years old. Learn more about Darrell here >

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together!

Contact your local participating WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery
2025

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

August Cheese Club: Iowa

Posted on July 31, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Blakesville Creamery
Pecuri in l Vigne
Sheep’s Milk
Wisconsin

Pecuri in l Vigne (Italian for sheep in the vineyard) is a fresh sheep’s milk cheese. These rindless disks are only about three days old when they’re enrobed in muscat wine-soaked grape leaves and vacuum sealed. Best served brushed with olive oil and grilled. The flavor is fresh, bright and lemony, with a hint of wood smoke.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs beautifully with a Chianti, whose bright acidity and earthy red fruit notes complement the cheese’s tangy, nutty profile. For a craft beer option, try a Belgian Dubbel—its malty sweetness and dark fruit flavors echo the richness and complexity of this semi-aged sheep’s milk cheese.

WINESTYLES: Fruit
BEERSTYLES: Malty

Central Coast Creamery
Hatch Chili Cheddar
Paso Robles, California

Indulge in the vibrant flavor of Central Coast Creamery’s Hatch Chili Cheddar. This cheese masterfully blends rich, creamy cheddar with the mild heat of roasted Hatch green chilis, offering a unique taste experience. This cheddar has a rich, buttery texture complemented by the subtle smokiness and sweetness of Hatch green chilis. Great pairing for summer grilled foods, especially on a grilled burger with a glass of Geyser Peak Merlot.

WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS:
Pairs perfectly with a Riesling—its off-dry sweetness and crisp acidity balance the cheese’s creamy texture and mild heat. For a craft beer pairing, go with a West Coast IPA, whose citrusy bitterness contrasts the richness and highlights the smoky warmth of the Hatch chiles.

WINESTYLES: Crisp
BEERSTYLES: Hoppy

ABOUT THE CREAMERY:
Central Coast Creamery’s story is uniquely rooted in experience and family. Founder Reggie began his dairy industry career in 1991, working in a cheese company’s quality lab before gaining expertise across the field—from whey refining to bacteria culture sales. He and his wife Kellie, a Cal Poly alumna, dreamed of starting their own creamery for years while raising their three daughters in Modesto, California. In 2012, the family made that dream a reality by relocating to Paso Robles—a place Kellie had loved since college—for its growing wine region and thriving community of craft beer, artisan spirits, and fine food. Today, their creamery reflects decades of industry knowledge and a shared passion for quality, family, and the Central Coast lifestyle. Learn more here.

Join our Cheese Club and bring home a match made in heaven!

Match Made in Heaven!

If you enjoy pairing cheese with wine, this is your club! Each month you’ll discover specialty and artisan cheeses to pair with your Wine Club. Monthly cheese selections are chosen by your local WineStyles participating location. It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing artisan cheese every month! Only $19.99/month and your wine won’t be lonely! Click to learn more >

August Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on July 29, 2025 by mcginnessalex

J Vineyards & Winery
Brut Rosé
Russian River Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This Brut Rosé opens with layered characteristics of ripe raspberries, rose petals and a savory note of slivered almonds. The palate is elegant and flavorful, with notes of fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries and crème fraîche. Lively acidity and steely minerality frame a crisp, lingering finish. Pair this elegant sparkling rosé with traditional Spanish seafood paella, salmon tartare or camembert with candied kumquats and lavender almonds.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
J Vineyards & Winery, located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, is renowned for its exceptional sparkling and varietal wines. Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, the winery is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation. It combines traditional winemaking techniques with sustainable practices across its estate vineyards, which are meticulously cultivated to highlight the unique terroir of the region. Learn more here.

Sterling Vineyards
Vintner’s Collection
California Brut
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The California Brut Sparkling is a classic Brut style with crisp acidity and a rounded profile. Pure and delicate citrus quality is the very first impression on the nose. Distinct Eureka lemon flavors on the palate entry are followed by a floral, fruiter Meyer lemon finish. Quite crisp and delicious.

Analysis: 11% alcohol / volume
RS: 10 g/L

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Founded in 1964 by longtime friends Michael Stone and Peter Newton, Sterling Vineyards was one of only 27 bonded wineries in Napa Valley at the time, helping shape the region into a world-class winemaking destination with its Bordeaux-inspired wines. The winery, modeled after the white stucco architecture of Mykonos, was the first in Napa to center its design around the guest experience, a tradition that continues today alongside a strong commitment to sustainability, now operating on 100% renewable electricity. Building on nearly six decades of winemaking excellence, Sterling Vineyards crafts approachable, high-quality wines from carefully selected grapes grown in diverse terroirs, capturing true varietal character and elevating everyday moments. Learn more here.

Bubbly Wine Club Learn more about our Bubbly Club >

Geyser Peak Walking Tree Merlot

Posted on July 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Geyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Merlot
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This Alexander Valley Merlot shines with attractive garnet hues and a bouquet of dark fruit, mature plums and hints of nutty Italian Panforte. The rich palate follows suit with warm spices and crushed raspberries. Ample tannins bring a wonderful presence to the palate, offering good body and grip, balanced nicely with a silky finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 94% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Analysis: 14.4% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.67
Residual sugar: 1.03 g/l
Total Acidity: 5.57 g/l
Critical Acclaim: 91 pts James Suckling 2019

VITICULTURE:
The vintage benefited from moderate weather and only saw a few heat spikes throughout the growing season. The majority of the season’s rainfall arrived shortly before budbreak, providing ideal conditions for the vines at a key time in their growth cycle.

VINIFICATION:
The grapes were hand-picked, followed by a cold soak and gentle pump-overs during fermentation. This produced a wine of substantial structure. The wine is then aged for 24 months in French Oak barrels.

INTERESTING FACT:
The Geyser Peak Walking Tree label honors the rich history of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. However, while exploring Bordeaux varieties for their flagship Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, the winemaker was inspired to make a varietal Merlot given the exceptional quality of fruit.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Geyser Peak Winery has a long and storied history. Founded in 1880, it became the 29th bonded winery in California, and was named for the tremendous view of Geyser Peak Mountain directly outside the winery’s window. The brand has seen a storied past of over 140 years, founded by a local family, changing hands multiple times including management by corporate interests. Today, Geyser Peak has proudly returned to its roots as a familyowned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed winegrowing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

Easy Chocolate Mousse

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups cold heavy cream, divided
1 cup good-quality chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate (6 ounces)
Garnish options: grated chocolate or crunchy toppings, such as chopped nuts, toffee, or brittle

DIRECTIONS:

Heat ½ cup of the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine. Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes for the chocolate to melt.
Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth. Set aside to cool while you whip the remaining cream.
Place the remaining 1 cup cold cream in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric hand mixer or with a whisk by hand until soft peaks form. Transfer ½ cup to a small bowl and refrigerate for topping the finished mousse before serving. Continue whipping the remaining whipped cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold the whipped cream into the cooled chocolate mixture with a large spatula in three additions. Work swiftly and gently and don’t stress if there are streaks of cream in the chocolate mousse.
Divide the mixture between 4 ramekins or cocktail glasses. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 before serving. Dollop with the reserved softly whipped cream and sprinkle with grated chocolate or chopped hazelnuts, if desired.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Walking Tree © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe courtesy of The Kitchn.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

Geyser Peak Walking Tree Chardonnay

Posted on July 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Geyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Chardonnay
Alexander Valley, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

The nose offers notes of tropical pineapple, jasmine and guava with secondary aromas of white peach and pear. The bouquet extends to the palate with its balanced acidity, moderate body and enticing richness.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Analysis: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Residual sugar: 1.5 g/l
pH: 3.52
Total Acidity: 4.9 g/l

VITICULTURE:
The Chardonnay grapes were picked from a vineyard along the Sausal Creek in Alexander Valley, California. The block came in approximately 2 weeks later than expected due to the cool summer and extended growing season.

VINIFICATION:
The grapes were split into two distinct lots. Although both were fermented in 100% French oak Burgundy barrels, each saw different yeasts – one from Burgundian origins and the other from Italy. This allowed for a nuanced blend. The primary fermentation lasted three weeks, followed by spontaneous malolactic fermentation, all at cool temperatures in 25% new French oak. Bâtonnage was done every two weeks for four months, then allowed to settle naturally until its first racking in late May of 2024.

INTERESTING FACT:
Ancient oak trees dot the landscape of Alexander Valley. Walking Tree takes its name from one of these majestic trees that remarkably “walked” down a steep grade vineyard during heavy rains, all while remaining upright and very much alive.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Geyser Peak Winery has a long and storied history. Founded in 1880, it became the 29th bonded winery in California, and was named for the tremendous view of Geyser Peak Mountain directly outside the winery’s window. The brand has seen a storied past of over 140 years, founded by a local family, changing hands multiple times including management by corporate interests. Today, Geyser Peak has proudly returned to its roots as a family-owned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed winegrowing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

Crab Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound lump crab meat
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 large egg beaten
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ cup Panko bread crumbs unflavored
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon Kosher salt or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
¼ cup canola oil
lemon wedges for serving

DIRECTIONS:

Check the crab meat for any hard and sharp cartilage, remove, and discard.
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, beaten egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Old Bay seasoning.
Add crab meat, bread crumbs, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gently fold to combine, being careful not to break up the crab.
Gently press to shape into 6-8 crab cakes using ⅓ cup each, then place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick over medium heat. Cook the crab cakes 3-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Serve immediately with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

Information & Photos © Geyser Peak Winery and © Quintessential – All Rights Reserved.
© Recipe and video courtesy of Spend with Pennies.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

August Wine Club Pairing Recipe

Posted on July 28, 2025 by mcginnessalex

AUGUST WINE CLUB:

Geyser Peak Winery
Walking Tree
Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

A deep garnet with amethyst refections in the glass. Aromas of dark berries, ripe raspberry and flint follow through to the balanced palate. Bright acidity is supported by the addition of Petit Verdot, adding great roundness. Silky tannins extend on the persistent finish.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Alexander Valley, California
Analysis: 14.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.75
Residual sugar: 0.4 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/l
Critical Acclaim: 92 pts James Suckling 2021

VITICULTURE:
This vintage marks the 16th release of the Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit for this wine is sourced from two excellent Alexander Valley vineyards. The different soils, exposures, and microclimates of these two vineyards adds enticing complexity of aromas and flavors to the finished wine.

VINIFICATION:
Following traditional fermentation methods, the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot were fermented separately and expertly blended.

INTERESTING FACT:
Ancient oak trees dot the landscape of Alexander Valley, California. Walking Tree takes its name from one of these majestic trees that remarkably “walked” down a steep grade vineyard during heavy rains, all while remaining upright and very much alive.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Geyser Peak Winery has a long and storied history. Founded in 1880, it became the 29th bonded winery in California, and was named for the tremendous view of Geyser Peak Mountain directly outside the winery’s window. The brand has seen a storied past of over 140 years, founded by a local family, changing hands multiple times including management by corporate interests. Today, Geyser Peak has proudly returned to its roots as a family-owned-and-operated business, sourcing fruit from famed wine growing regions of California. The essence of California terroir can be tasted throughout the range of their Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more here.

Barbecue Ribs

INGREDIENTS:

4 pounds pork spareribs
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup chile sauce
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup rum
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 dash ground black pepper
cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut spareribs into serving size portions; wrap in double thickness of foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 ½ hours. Unwrap and drain drippings (drippings can be frozen to use later in soups). Place ribs in a large roasting pan.
Mix brown sugar, chile sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rum, garlic, mustard, and pepper together in a bowl. Coat ribs with sauce and marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Position the grate 4 inches above heat source; grease the grate with cooking spray.
Cook ribs on the preheated grill for 30 minutes, basting with marinade.

Join our WINE CLUB and enjoy these amazing wines and pairing recipes each month. Plus, you’ll receive 10% off all retail wine purchases!

Learn about our Memberships >

July Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on June 25, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Buena Vista Winery
La Victoire Brut Champagne
Champagne, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This champagne opens with elegant and complex aromas of grapefruit followed by rich honey and brioche notes. A crisp and intense palate offers flavors of white stone fruits, peaches and pears. The wine’s impressive mouthfeel is full and rich but well balanced, leaving delightful freshness on the palate.

Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Aging: 3+ years
Dosage: 8.7 g/L
Awards: Silver – March 2018 Texom International Wine Awards

WINEMAKING NOTES:
“In partnership with the largest family-owned proprietors of vineyards in Champagne, Buena Vista is proud to present our La Victoire Brut Champagne. This classic Champagne is made in the traditional style and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Elegantly crafted, it offers the heritage of an incomparable style created to delight and make all great occasions special. Made up of 70% Pinot Noir, from Premier Cru vineyards from the Montagne de Reims, and 30% Chardonnay, mostly from Grand Cru Mesnil sur Oger and Chouilly, the wine received a dosage of 8.7 g/L. By law in Champagne, aging is 15 months minimum for non-vintage wines. Our La Victoire was aged more than 3 years.” – Buena Vista Winery

ABOUT BUENA VISTA WINERY:
Nestled in Sonoma on its original historic grounds, Buena Vista Winery was founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy, the charismatic self‑proclaimed “Count of Buena Vista”. It was California’s first premium winery, renowned for its bold spirit and vibrant innovation. After decades of legacy and preservation, the property was lovingly revived in 2011 when it became part of Boisset Family Estates, under the stewardship of Jean‑Charles Boisset, who honored its colorful past while reinvigorating the estate. A pivotal milestone came in 2012, when the winery celebrated a grand reopening, welcoming guests back to its storied site after extensive restorations. Today, Buena Vista stands as a bridge between its rich 19th‑century heritage and contemporary winemaking, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both history and the evolving legacy of California wine. Learn more here.

Bubbly Wine Club Learn more about our Bubbly Club >

July Collector’s Club

Posted on June 25, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Round Pond Estate Winery
2021 Louis Bovet
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

This striking Cabernet opens with concentrated aromatics featuring black cherry notes, allspice, cocoa nibs and a hint of coffee. Mouthwatering flavors of blackberry, plum and mulberry lead to a touch of black pepper spice and dried herbs on the finish. Firm tannins envelop the palate and are beautifully balanced by the acidity, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Home Ranch
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Alcohol: 14.8% alcohol / volume
Aging: 20 months in 70-85% new French oak
Winemakers: John Wilson & Jeff Plant
Consulting Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
Release Date: July 2023
Health Considerations: Vegan friendly, gluten free, sustainably farmed
Accolades (from the 2021 vintage):

94 pts Jeb Dunnuck
94 pts Wine Enthusiast
93 pts Wine Advocate
92+ pts Vinous
91 pts James Suckling

WINEMAKING NOTES:
The Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon embodies a sharp focus on aspects of Rutherford terroir. It comes from the most expressive blocks on their Rutherford estate vineyard and from the best lots in the winery, these vineyard blocks grow in gravelly and sandy soils in our Rutherford vineyard’s eastern edge. These vines grow small, intensely concentrated grapes which translate to dark fruited, structured wines. A true magnifying glass showcasing what the estate can produce, this wine is complex and layered, with rich fruit profiles showcasing the ultimate in finesse and balance. This wine is age worthy and deserving of a place of honor in your cellar and on your table.

VINTAGE & VITICULTURE:
The 2021 vintage was marked by a second season of drought. The temperatures remained relatively mild, however the dry conditions resulted in smaller, more concentrated grapes with lighter yields and one of the earliest harvest windows to date. Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties are planted on loose, alluvial soils derived from the volcanic Vaca Mountains and the “California sprawl” trellis systems provide excellent vine balance and diverse sun exposures.

ABOUT LOUIS BOVET:
Bovet is Co-Founder Jan MacDonnell’s maiden name, and with this wine she is honoring her grandfather Louis. His passion for home winemaking and creating a self sustaining estate for himself and his children inspire Jan every day at Round Pond Estate. The icon on the label depicts the old wooden stamp that Louis used on the label of his homemade wine and the three bands on the capsule depict the three generations of family currently living on the property.

ABOUT ROUND POND ESTATE WINERY:
Round Pond Estate, owned and operated today by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, is a 468 acre Rutherford farm and winery that specializes in the creation of pure, expressive wines, artisan foods and unforgettable experiences, all from the heart of Napa Valley. In addition to a state-of-the-art winemaking facility and 362 acres of Rutherford vineyards, their estate includes 5 acres of gardens, 12 acres of olive orchards, and one of only two olive mills in the region. The family also owns a special 10 acre vineyard in the famed Oakville bench. Learn more here.

Kosta Browne
Appellation Series
2022 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, California

BOLD WINE STYLE

On the nose, this wine highlights notes of dark cherry, raspberry and elderberry that intertwine with intriguing hints of fresh basil and pomegranate. On the palate, delicate fruit flavors unfold, showcasing remarkable acidity with dynamic structure and an enduring finish.

Analysis: 14.1% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.71
Total Acidity: 5.69 g/L
Fermentation: 78% stainless steel, 14% oak, 8% concrete; 5% whole cluster
Élevage: 38% New French oak, 45% neutral oak and 17% oak foudre/cask for 16 months; 5% whole cluster

VINEYARD DETAILS:
Appellation: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
Vineyard: Gap’s Crown, Marshall, Pratt-Sexton, Balletto, Bacigalupi
Clones: Pommard, Mt. Eden, 777, 828, 115, 23, 113, 114, 2A, 828, 667
Trellising: VSP
Soil: Mainly Goldridge loam

APPELLATION SERIES:
Kosta Browne’s Appellation Series wine embodies their unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.

SONOMA COAST APPELLATION:
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to ocean and heavy rainfall – producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors. Kosta Browne’s Sonoma Coast vineyards span the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation. This distinctive blend is made from 11 different clones, fermented in predominantly stainless steel, and aged for 16 months in 38% new oak. Fact of note – this Sonoma Coast blend was the longest to ferment in stainless steel from their Appellation Series.

ABOUT KOSTA BROWNE:
Kosta Browne is a celebrated California winery renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1997 by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne, the winery began as a passion project and evolved into one of the most sought-after producers of premium wines from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands. With an unwavering commitment to site-driven winemaking, Kosta Browne sources fruit from esteemed vineyards, blending tradition with innovation to craft wines of depth, elegance, and balance. Today, the winery continues to honor its roots while pushing the boundaries of excellence in California winemaking. Learn more here.

Love to collect amazing wines?
Learn more about our quarterly Collectors Club > click here

2025 Winery Spotlight Series: Coppola Diamond Collection

Posted on June 9, 2025 by mcginnessalex

Winery Spotlight Wine Tasting
Francis Coppola
Diamond Collection
California

Summer 2025

This summer, join us for a wine tasting event featuring Francis Coppola Diamond Collection wines from California. We will be sharing their seven wines below. To reserve a spot and attend the wine tasting, please contact your local participating WineStyles store, or reserve your tickets on their local Eventbrite. Please join us!

Wines Tasted:

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Rosé of Pinot Noir
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Noir
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Claret

About Francis Coppola Winery:
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection is a tribute to perseverance and the pursuit of excellence, reflecting the life journey of its founder, Francis Ford Coppola. Born in 1939, Coppola overcame polio as a child and later attended UCLA’s film school before directing The Godfather in 1972—one of cinema’s most celebrated achievements. Framed by the belief that “it takes time to make a diamond,” the collection represents the blend of nature, craftsmanship, and storytelling behind each bottle. These wines are crafted from carefully selected vineyards across California, designed to be both elegant and approachable, embodying a cinematic sense of character and place. Learn more here.

Senior Winemaker, Andrea Card:
Andrea Card is the Senior Winemaker at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, where she oversees all wine programs. A fourth-generation Sonoma County native, her winemaking roots trace back to her great-grandparents in Alexander Valley. After earning a B.S. in Agricultural Business from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Andrea completed the Winemaking Certificate Program at UC Davis and is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. She began her career at Benziger Family Winery, spending nearly 20 years in roles ranging from lab technician to winemaker, with a strong focus on sustainability and Biodynamic® practices. She later held winemaking roles at Ravenswood and The Prisoner Wine Company before joining Coppola. Andrea also serves on the Board of the Alexander Valley Winegrowers in Sonoma County. Outside of winemaking, she competes in Logging Sports as a member of the U.S. Women’s Team and enjoys time outdoors with her family in Santa Rosa.

Wine Pairing Recipe:

Coppola’s Diamond Collection offers a wide range of great wines to pair with your summertime grilling. Enjoy with this recipe below for Pork Tenderloin with Tomato and Grilled Focaccia Panzanella paired with Coppola’s Merlot Diamond Collection wine – fire up the grill tonight!

Baldacci Family Vineyards Fraternity Red Blend 2022 Napa Valley, California

Amulet Estate 2021 Amulet Estate ‘AE’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California