Out of all the California wines being presented at the Expo, the following selection didn’t necessarily align with my personal preferences, but they were certainly the most intriguing. I was taken aback, however, when one of my favorite winemakers (Heitz Cellars) failed to meet my expectations. As a distinguished Napa winemaker renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality, I expected their “entry-level” premium wine to be nothing short of exceptional.
Banshee Ten of Cups NV Sparkling Wine
To be fair, I tasted this wine immediately after indulging in a glass of PX. My palate needed something with crispness and bubbles to cleanse the lingering flavors. Much to my delight, this wine proved to be quite impressive. It not only fulfilled my need for a refreshing palate cleanser, but it also surprised me with its quality.
50% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier
Ferrari Carano Fume 2021- CA Sustainable
The wine begins with a bouquet of pineapple, mango, peach, lemon grass, and lychee. On the palate, ripe fruit flavors intermingle with crisp citrus notes, such as pear and lemon. Good bright acidity and crisp freshness are probably from the wine’s stainless steel tank fermentation process, while still showing a subtle oak character.
100% Sauvignon Blanc
$21
Ferrari Carano Chardonnay 2021 – CA Sustainable
A fragrant bouquet of citrus, pear, and vanilla. On the palate, it offers a well-balanced blend of vibrant, rich flavors, such as baked apple and cinnamon. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering toasted oak notes that round out the wine’s profile.
100% Chardonnay
$27.
Flowers Chardonnay 2021 – organic practices
The wine was exceptionally aromatic and floral, boasting citrus peel and rose petals. On the palate, however, I found the wine to be a bit flat. I remember this wine having a bit more life to it. Usually clean citrus notes and crisp acidity. Perhaps the win had been open too long???
100% Chardonnay
$45.
Flowers Pinot Noir 2021- organic practices
The Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir wine boasts an array of flavors, including dried currants, rose petals, and black tea. The dark cherry notes are well-balanced with fresh acidity. It exhibited a freshness and a lifted finish, which added depth and complexity to its character.
100% Pinot Noir
$55.
Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – certified organic
As I said above, this wine failed to meet my expectations. As a distinguished Napa winemaker renowned for their unwavering commitment to quality, I expected their “entry-level” premium wine to be nothing short of exceptional.
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
$75.
Alexander Valley Wines Cyrus 2018 – Sustainable Practices
Compared to the Heitz, I found myself enjoying this wine more. It places it into the category of high-priced “drink now” wines hailing from Napa. Its slight mention of sustainable farming practices makes me wonder. The rich, dark purple color immediately catches the eye, while the complex aromas pique the senses. Notes of cassis, blackberries, sandalwood, and chocolate blend together to create a lovely bouquet. On the palate, the wine unfolds with luscious, fresh plum and blackberry flavors that lead to a toasty finish, leaving a lasting impression.
Cabernet Sauvignon 58%, Merlot 21%, Cabernet Franc 16%, Malbec 3%, Petit Verdot 2%
$75.