New Arrivals

94 Points! A blockbuster in a showy, rich style, with bolts of iron grounding a lush stream of chocolate, cherry and blackberry. Mesquite and sandalwood smoke notes linger through the smooth finish, which is flecked with spices, herbs and salt. A long bolt of graphite adds to the well-built feel. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. - Wine Spectator

93+ Points! Aged in demi-muids, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet is drawn exclusively from la Crau, a blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah. The nose is toasty and cedary but balanced by scents of red raspberries and strawberries, while the mouth is full-bodied and supple, finishing smooth, sexy and long. It's already approachable, but the wood should integrate nicely over the next several years. - Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com

The Rossi Vineyard is a 5-acre parcel on Madrone Avenue in St. Helena across the street from Spottswoode, planted in 1905. It was sold to the Rossi Family in 1937 and several years ago Carole Meredith of UC Davis tried to identify the vines. There were 11 different types, five of which could not be identified, but were possible clones of Syrah or Petite Sirah.

Stylistically it is indeed its own thing, full of deep black fruits, baking spices, plums, chocolate thin mint girl scout cookies on the nose. But on the palate, the mint character recedes, and the voluptuous fruit and spice take hold, a caressing black raspberry character with hints of potpourri, rhubarb (?) and roasted meats. The wine is a frigging meal unto itself! The flavors explode on the palate, leaving behind ripe luxurious tannins in its wake. The half a bottle remaining we kept around to look at the next day tasted even better after 24 hours.

Owner/winemaker Stephen Searle's 'day job' is as winemaker at Jaffurs but he gets to make a few cases on the side of some terrific Rhone-inspired wines. The Cuvee Amiliana is a 50/50 Grenache Blanc and Viognier blend from a biodynamic vineyard in Alisos Canyon.

99 Points! From a warm site and a hot vintage, the 2009 Ermitage le Meal Blanc was harvested on the August 28, and aged in 100% new French oak. Flirting with perfection and a full-bore, exotic, almost over-the-top expression of Marsanne, it has less minerality than the 2010, yet more of everything else with boatloads of caramelized fruits, buttered citrus, white flowers, honey and crushed rocks all soaring from the glass. Rich, layered, exuberant, unctuous and exotic, with stunning freshness despite it's thickness and weight, drink this incredible white anytime over the coming 30-40 years. - Jeb Dunnuck