California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
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(6x75cl) 2021Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Les Pavots is one of the most elegant and classy wines I have tasted from Peter Michael's Knights Valley estate. Deep, layered and substantial, the 2021 holds considerable promise. In most vintages, the Pavots is more aromatically expressive, but today it is quite closed. Dark red plum, mocha, spice, new leather and licorice all build in this embryonic Cabernet Sauvignon. In this tasting, the 2021 needed considerable decanting to show its textural breadth. It’s a gorgeous wine in every way.HK$10,915.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2018 Chardonnay Ma Belle-Fille is dense, powerful and tightly wound. I would give it a few years to come together. Ripe apricot, orange confit, baked apple tart and wild flowers infuse the 2018 with notable complexity to match its dense, packed personality.HK$1,385.00 -
(1x75cl) 2009Vinous (94+)
The 2009 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse PMW Estate bursts from the glass with heady scents of dark cherries, baking spices and flowers. This is a more immediate, open style than the Caprice. Layers of expressive, perfumed fruit caress the palate in this flashy, totally gorgeous Pinot. The clones originate from two of the most famous vineyards in the Cote de Nuits.HK$1,650.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017Vinous (96)
The 2017 Pinot Noir Ma Danseuse is laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, tobacco, menthol and lavender that add to the wine's strong, brooding personality. Ample and virile in feel, Ma Danseus shows the more potent side of the Sonoma Coast to great effect. The 2017 is presently quite tannic, but another few years in bottle should do the trick.HK$1,540.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017Unveiling an extravagant symphony of flavours, the Pharaoh Moans Westside 2017 is an exemplary production of the renowned California vineyard, Pharaoh Moans. Painstakingly crafted from a meticulously chosen blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes from the esteemed Westside region of Paso Robles, this wine is a true connoisseur’s delight.
Renowned winemaker Guillaume Fabre has expertly interwoven the complexity of the Syrah with the softness of Grenache and Mourvèdre, artistically maturing it for fifteen months in French oak barrels. The result is a wine that boasts intricate notes of black and blue fruits, intertwined with layers of herbs, spice, and a tantalising mineral undertone.
Pharaoh Moans Westside 2017 exhibits a flawless balance between robust character and elegance, encapsulating the very essence of the old world in a new world offering. This bottle is an investment to relish, embodying the prestige of its mighty namesake, the first Pharaohs, and the undulating vineyards of the Westside Paso Robles region.
HK$5,365.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is quite a bit nervier than I recall from previous tastings. That won’t be an issue for readers who can wait. Dried herbs, mocha, graphite and incense build nicely in the glass. My impression is that the 2008 is going through a phase of reticence. Some previous bottles have been much more expressive. That is certainly not the case here, but it is a reminder of the uniquely human quality of artisan wines. They can have their moods. I look forward to tasting this again in a few years’ time.HK$10,500.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is stunningly beautiful and seductive in its red fruit, mint and tobacco. This is a surprisingly accessible vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Today it looks like an excellent choice for readers who want to explore the wines of this iconic producer – as long as it doesn’t close down in bottle. Togni’s 2009 is notable for its exceptional elegance, finesse and pedigree. There is plenty of Spring Mountain structure, but today the 2009 is disarmingly sexy and radiant for such a young wine. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.HK$11,555.00 -
(12x75cl) 2012Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is racy and opulent, yet also medium in body. It was a vintage characterized by high yields and a late harvest that stretched into October, something that would not happen again until 2023. In this context, the 2012 comes across as super refined and elegant. There’s so much energy, complexity and drive here. Impressive.HK$12,820.00 -
(12x75cl) 2017Vinous (93)
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is one of the more open-knit Cabernets I have ever tasted here. Although the 2017 does not have the depth or dimension of the very finest years, in exchange, it will drink well pretty much upon release, which is highly unusual for this typically slow-to-mature Cabernet. Floral and savory overtones add shades of nuance to a core of expressive red-toned fruit in a sensual, totally alluring Cabernet from the Togni family.HK$9,450.00 -
(1x75cl) 2018Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Taking lots of air to show at its best, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a brilliant, classic, age-worthy wine from this great estate. It certainly shows the more structured, vibrant style of the 2018 vintage with lively acids, yet it has utterly classic Cabernet crème de cassis and almost blue fruits as well as Bordeaux-like notes of lead pencil, cedarwood, tobacco, and assorted floral nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it brings rock-solid intensity, perfectly ripe yet building, firm tannins, and again, the vintage's freshness, purity, and elegance. It reminds me of a top Saint-Julien and is a classic, old school, structured Cabernet that will reward bottle age. It needs 7-8 years to hit maturity (it's approachable today with a healthy decant), and I have no doubt this will be a 30- to 40-year wine.HK$1,680.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Taking lots of air to show at its best, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a brilliant, classic, age-worthy wine from this great estate. It certainly shows the more structured, vibrant style of the 2018 vintage with lively acids, yet it has utterly classic Cabernet crème de cassis and almost blue fruits as well as Bordeaux-like notes of lead pencil, cedarwood, tobacco, and assorted floral nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it brings rock-solid intensity, perfectly ripe yet building, firm tannins, and again, the vintage's freshness, purity, and elegance. It reminds me of a top Saint-Julien and is a classic, old school, structured Cabernet that will reward bottle age. It needs 7-8 years to hit maturity (it's approachable today with a healthy decant), and I have no doubt this will be a 30- to 40-year wine.HK$6,915.00 -
Vinous (96-99)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is off the charts. What a wine. The 2019 captures all the Togni signatures, but with both more fruit richness and energy than is the norm. A Cabernet of gravitas and consequence, the 2019 is shaping up to be one of the wines of the year. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice and incense build into the palate-staining finish. The 2019 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, all co-fermented. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. All I can say is: Wow!HK$4,780.00 -
Wine Advocate (98+)
Possibly the best wine produced here since the terrific 2001 or 1991, Togni's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes across as rather cool and fresh, with gentle grace notes of mountain sage lending nuance to the predominantly red-berried fruit, tinged with cassis, mint and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and firm, with silky tannins and refreshing acids providing ample structure and amplifying the lingering, elegant finish.HK$18,370.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tanbark Hill is soft, succulent and inviting, all of which make it a super-appealing wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. The radiance and fruit intensity of the year comes through nicely, and yet the wine retains its classic, mid-weight sense of structure and overall feel. Crushed flowers and sweet spice add lift in this gracious, pretty wine from Togni.HK$8,000.00 -
(12x75cl) 2021Piedrasassi PS Syrah 2021 embodies the pinnacle of meticulous winemaking from the esteemed Piedrasassi estate in Tuscany's renowned Maremma region. Crafted from hand-selected Syrah grapes harvested from high-altitude vineyards, this vintage benefits from optimal sun exposure and well-drained soils, imparting profound depth and complexity. Fermented in stainless steel vats with natural yeasts, the wine undergoes a controlled maceration process to extract intense flavours and robust tannins. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, Piedrasassi PS Syrah 2021 develops elegant nuances of dark berries, black pepper, and subtle hints of leather and spice. The producer, renowned for their dedication to sustainable viticulture and traditional techniques, ensures each bottle reflects the terroir's unique character and the Syrah varietal's expressive potential. This Syrah offers a harmonious balance of power and finesse, making it a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection.
HK$3,030.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier 2023 exemplifies the artistry of Pine Ridge Winery, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, South Africa. This exquisite blend combines the vibrant acidity of Chenin Blanc with the aromatic finesse of Viognier, meticulously hand-harvested from sustainably managed vineyards. The grapes undergo a gentle fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, preserving their delicate fruit profiles and enhancing their natural purity. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in neutral stainless steel tanks to maintain its fresh and lively character, allowing the varietals to harmoniously integrate without overpowering oak influences. Pine Ridge’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and precise winemaking techniques is evident in every bottle, resulting in a beautifully balanced wine with notes of ripe orchard fruits and floral undertones. Perfect for discerning palates, Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier 2023 is a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and excellence.
HK$1,885.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (90)
Brought up in 60% new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has a healthy ruby/plum hue as well as perfumed aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with pretty spice, dried flower, and incense nuances. It's balanced, medium to full-bodied, plush, and pleasure-bent.HK$2,840.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 exemplifies the pinnacle of South African viticulture. Grown in the esteemed Stags Leap District, the vineyards benefit from a unique terroir combining schist soils and a maritime climate, which imparts exceptional depth and complexity to the grapes. Hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, the Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes meticulous fermentation in French oak barrels, allowing for nuanced tannin structure and elegant integration of oak nuances. The 2021 vintage showcases intense dark fruit flavours, complemented by hints of cassis, plum, and subtle spice undertones. The winemakers at Pine Ridge, renowned for their commitment to sustainable practices and traditional techniques, have crafted a wine with remarkable balance and a lengthy finish. Ideal for pairing with red meats and robust cheeses, Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is a testament to sophistication and mastery in winemaking.
HK$7,340.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96+)
Another brilliant wine from this family, the 2021 Chardonnay comes all from the estate Pisoni Vineyard in the southern part of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Unfortunately, it's made in tiny quantities, but I consistently think it ranks with the finest Chardonnay in California. Honeyed lemon, pear, flowers, crushed stone, and a beautiful kiss of toasted walnuts define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, vibrant, and elegant, with a liquid rock-like sense of minerality on the finish. It plays in the more elegant, focused, lengthy style of the vintage and is slightly closed and tight at present. Give bottles another 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy through 2031. It's a beautiful Chardonnay.HK$3,780.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Tasting like a top Puligny (or Chassagne?), the 2022 Chardonnay sports a vivid light gold hue as well as a vibrant perfume of ripe citrus, freshly crushed stone, honeyed pears, and white flowers. As always, this cuvée has a riveting sense of minerality and an almost salty character on the palate. With air, it picks up a kiss of grilled toast and green almonds, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a vibrant, racy, pure style, bright yet integrated acidity, and a beautiful finish. Despite coming from a warmer year, the overall profile here is one from a cooler year. Give bottles 2-3 years if you can and enjoy though 2034. It’s a classic, age-worthy, beautiful Chardonnay from this team.HK$3,780.00 -
Vinous (98)
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Auction 25 - Lot 23 is a one-off charity wine blended by Rosemary Cakebread, Cathy Corison, Dawnine Dyer and Diana Snowden for Premiere Napa Valley. It is a positively riveting wine. I don't use those words lightly. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, graphite, lavender, sage and mint all soar out of the glass in a Cabernet that marries Napa Valley opulence with a classic sense of structure. Sadly, there are just twenty cases, all of them headed to London. Readers lucky enough to find a bottle or two are in for a real treat.HK$20,310.00 -
The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 is an exquisite, one-off vintage. Matured for two decades, it exudes complexity and depth. This full-bodied Cabernet hails from the renowned Pride Mountain Vineyards, nestled atop the Mayacamas mountain range straddling Napa and Sonoma counties. Characterised by its rich dark fruit profile with anise and chocolate nuances, it demonstrates the unique terroir influence of hilltop vineyards.
Pride Mountain, a family-run operation, adheres to sustainable viticulture practices, yielding wines of exceptional quality and elegance. The 1997 vintage showcases the highest expression of their endeavour, with its exquisite balance, smooth tannins, and a long, lingering finish. As the wine has aged, it has developed a complexity and maturity that amplifies its charms.
The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 is a treasure. A contiguous blend of both Napa and Sonoma fruit, it genuinely celebrates viticulture at the mountain's peak.
HK$8,740.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92+)
Saturated purple-ruby. Restrained but complex aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, licorice, bitter chocolate and minerals. Juicy and very firmly built; conveys a stronger impression of acidity. Black fruits complicated by mocha and dark chocolate notes. Less broad than the reserve claret but subtler and longer. Finishes with nobler tannins and slowly mounting, extremely persistent flavor.HK$9,055.00 -
The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 is a truly exquisite vintage, masterfully crafted by Pride Mountain Vineyards. Situated high atop Spring Mountain District that transcendently straddles Napa and Sonoma counties, this winery is acclaimed for its exceptional, full-bodied Cabernets. The sought-after 1999 blend reveals a harmonious unity of robust, multifaceted flavours. Decant this vintage to appreciate the intense, inky-purple hue, accompanied by captivating aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, and fine-grain oak.
Immaculately fermented, this wine showcases the rich, high-quality grapes, nurtured from the estate’s unique, high-elevation vineyards. The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 offers an unforgettably velvety palate, where ripe plum, cherry, and dark chocolate notes merge with articulated tannins to proffer a long, complex finish. This vintage epitomises the winemaking craftsmanship that has positioned Pride Mountain Vineyards as a premier producer in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
HK$8,550.00 -
The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 is a truly exquisite vintage, masterfully crafted by Pride Mountain Vineyards. Situated high atop Spring Mountain District that transcendently straddles Napa and Sonoma counties, this winery is acclaimed for its exceptional, full-bodied Cabernets. The sought-after 1999 blend reveals a harmonious unity of robust, multifaceted flavours. Decant this vintage to appreciate the intense, inky-purple hue, accompanied by captivating aromas of blackcurrant, tobacco, and fine-grain oak.
Immaculately fermented, this wine showcases the rich, high-quality grapes, nurtured from the estate’s unique, high-elevation vineyards. The Pride Mountain Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 offers an unforgettably velvety palate, where ripe plum, cherry, and dark chocolate notes merge with articulated tannins to proffer a long, complex finish. This vintage epitomises the winemaking craftsmanship that has positioned Pride Mountain Vineyards as a premier producer in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
HK$14,110.00 -
(3x75cl) 2009Vinous (94)
The 2009 Promontory is just beginning to show the early signs of aromatic development. Sweet tobacco, licorice, menthol and new leather are all laced throughout. A classically proportioned wine, the 2009 Promontory finds more freshness and aromatic lift with time in the glass. Dark red cherry, plum, rose petal and mint develop nicely, but as always, Promontory is a wine of structure above all else. Still somewhat tannic in feel, the 2009 will only benefit from further time in bottle. Once again, the comparison between the 2009, the second vintage off the property, and more recent wines, is illuminating.HK$20,435.00 -
(3x75cl) 2010
Wine Advocate (98+)
The 2010 Promontory appears to be a killer wine. It ratchets up the level of concentration, but does not reveal as much of the La Mission Haut-Brion personality as the 2009. It exhibits more creme de cassis, sweet earth, truffle, new saddle leather and background vanilla and barbecue notes. Full-bodied, rich, pure and multidimensional, this wine is a kissing cousin of the great Harlan Estate located five to six miles due north on a similar latitude in the lower Mayacamas Mountains overlooking the Oakville Corridor, whereas Promontory overlooks Yountville. This is another 25-30-year wine from the winemaking team of Harlan Estate and Bond.HK$23,100.00 -
(3x75cl) 2011
Vinous (95)
Soaring aromatics and beams of tannin give the 2011 Proprietary Red its signature feel. The 2011 is never going to be a huge wine, but it is vivid and exceptionally beautiful. A host of pine, menthol, tobacco, licorice and savory herb nuances lift to this soaring, exquisite hillside Cabernet Sauvignon.HK$19,360.00 -
James Suckling (100)
This is incredibly complex and complete with white and black-truffle aromas, as well as wet earth and blackcurrants. Then, it changes to tobacco, cedar and wild forest fruit. Dazzling complexity in both the nose and palate. Full-bodied, yet tight and harmonious. The tannins melt into the wine. Drinkable now, but one for the cellar. This estate could one day rival Harlan, which shares its ownership.HK$17,430.00 -
Wine Advocate (99)
The best wine so far (although I suspect the 2015 may ultimately enter the picture as well) is the nearly perfect 2013 Promontory Estate. It is simply richer and fuller, with greater integration of tannin, and tastes spectacular. With an opaque, dense purple color and notes of graphite, wet rocks, blackberry and blueberry fruit, some charcoal, and again, loads of spice and loamy soil nuances, the wine has great intensity, a full-bodied texture, and finely grained, sweet tannin. This is a stunner and again, accessible, but its best days are probably a good decade away, as this could very well turn out to be a 40- to 50-year wine.HK$14,880.00
