The Russian River Valley bottling from Merry Edwards continues to be a stunning, standard-setting example of California Sauvignon Blanc. Barrel fermented in French oak, this wine is on the fuller-side, but is still zippy enough to keep it refreshing. The palate bursts with tropical fruit like pineapple and passion fruit with notes of lime zest and grapefruit that add freshness. The oak aging adds a layer of vanilla and a rounded mouthfeel.

From the winery's flagship vineyard planted in 1997, this is a complex and delectable wine. So much umami on the nose—black olives and soy with dark fruit underneath. On the palate there’s richness, refreshing acidity and tension, with flavors of bitter chocolate and juicy oranges in the long finish.

A rich and dark-fruited wine with complex aromas of brooding black cherries, resinous herbs and mint. The palate is juicy, with broad tannins and flavors of cherries, sage and black tea. Medium- to full-bodied. Drink or hold.

California Pinot Noir with a French touch. This single-vineyard wine is big and juicy with notes of cherries, oak, and a nice balance on the palate. It has good depth with supportive acidity and not a tannin in sight. It is extremely smooth.

The 2022 vintage of Albariño from Pazo Barrantes is a lovely wine. As I mentioned in my note last year on the 2021 version, the wine is given nine months aging on its fine lees, with a small percentage of the cuvée aged in acacia barrels, rather than stainless steel tanks. The 2022 version offers up a bright and complex bouquet of lemon, tart pear, salty soil tones, wild fennel, citrus peel and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied, focused and complex, with a lovely core of fruit, excellent soil signature and grip, fine balance and a long, precise finish. Good juice. 2025-2035.