Aubert “Eastside” Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019

Visiting us in Destin at our vacation rental from Charleston, fellow Pour Boy (our wine group) Bill C. brought from his home cellar several fabulous wines to share. We enjoyed some of our favorite labels from favorite producers - Dunn Howell Mtn Cab with grilled beefsteaks, and Hall 1873 and Oracle Napa Valley Cabernet with grilled tenderloin.

For pre-dinner sipping with a collection of artisan cheeses, Bill opened this highly acclaimed ultra-premium Sonoma County single vineyard designated Chardonnay. 

Aubert “Eastside” Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2019

This is from acclaimed winemaker, Mark Aubert who gained notoriety as winemaker at ultra-premium producer Peter Michael before launching his own label with wife and fellow winemaker Teresa in 1999.

He has become one of most highly acclaimed producers of classic Chardonnays - see https://www.aubertwines.com/accolades/.

Mark Aubert was raised in St. Helena, Napa Valley and has been producing Napa and Sonoma Valley wines since graduating college. He and Teresa produce a portfolio of ultra-premium Chardonnays including this single-vineyard designated label from Eastside Vineyard, a warmer site in Russian River Valley, composed of very rocky, gravelly soils, forcing the vines to really struggle. It is planted to Montrachet clone.

This was rated an extraordinary 99 points by James Suckling, 98 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous, 97 points and *Top 100 Wines of 2021, Highly Recommended*  by Wine Spectator, 

In their May 2024 review, Vinous wrote of this label, “The 2019 Chardonnay Eastside Vineyard is a wild, exotic wine. A rush of tropical passion fruit, mint, lemon confit, white pepper and jasmine captivates the senses. Deep and resonant, the 2019 is wonderfully dynamic right out of the gate. The intensity here is just off the charts. This is one the most extroverted, dense wines in the range of 2019 Chardonnays from Mark Aubert.”

Winemaker Notes - “The 2019 Eastside bursts from the glass offering intricate aromas of powdered citrus, green apple crumble, dried apricot, lemon thyme, and sorbet. Ripe stone fruits saturate the palate, complemented by mineral nuances, crushed rocks, and a telltale sense of place. A beam of natural acid gives cut and penetration to the long, defined finish. A faint green reflection on the edge of the glass is indicative of the health of this wine. This wine will age gracefully for 10 to 15 years. The wine is slightly hazy showing Aubert's commitment to minimal intervention winemaking.”

Upon initial tasting, I found this slightly obtuse and bit off-putting, but I was a bit under the weather and my tasting senses were off. Two days later, I tasted the remains of the bottle and it was fabulous, elegant and polished.

I would love a do over to revisit this paired with some seafood, salad or soft cheeses. Definitely a treat. 

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/3865331

https://www.aubertwines.com/

Tenuta Luce BYOB at Pazzo’s Destin

Tenuta Luce BYOB at Pazzo’s Destin

For the second time this month, our last night in Destin, we dined at Pazzo Italiano dining in Destin. We wrote earlier how we had overlooked Pazzo Italiano Ristorante & Bar, located a short six minutes from our vacation rental and intend to make it a ‘regular’. 

Pazzo Italiano is the partnership of Alfonso Di Bonito and Levente Tischler. Alfonso is an Italian native, an award winning pizza chef who learned his craft in a bakery in his native Napoli, Italy, as early as when he was 14. Levente is an entrepreneur from a small town in Romania, who also started his restaurant career as early as 14. He’s living his dream of operating his own restaurant.

Tonight, again, we had a fabulous dinner, in a wonderful atmosphere, with a great BYOB wine. 

As mentioned in my earlier post, Pazzo was awarded “Best in Destin Magazine Reader’s Choice Award” in 2023, 24, 25, and 26.

This time it was early dinner, we dined inside, and it was another wonderful, delightful evening - ambiance, food, service, and even the music. We love their ‘canned’ music playlist. 

They post the daily specials - food and wine, on the chalkboards overlooking the dining room … 

We sat at a booth opposite the bar … cozy and comfortable .,.. but maybe not so when the bar is bustling … we look forward to finding out ! 

For pairing with dinner, I took from our Destin wine cooler cellar a Super Tuscan - Sangiovese Merlot blend for a fabulous food wine pairing, which amplified the enjoyment of both (the food and the wine).

The extensive menu has all the traditional Italian offerings. We each ordered one of our usual favorites - a point of comparison between restaurants. 

Once again, Linda ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana - marinara, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmagiano, Regianno and Béchamel sauce, (a classic French white sauce made from a butter-and-flour roux whisked with milk and seasoned with salt and nutmeg).

I ordered the Fettucini Bolognese - ground beef and pork, Pomodoro sauce, red wine … rich and delicious! 

Both entrees were absolutely delicious, as good as any, reminding us why Pazzo is definitely on our short list and must return for future dining in Destin. 

Our BYOB wine from our home cellar … a fantastic choice … perfect pairing with the Italian cuisine! 

Tenuta Luce ‘Luce della Vite’ 30a Vendemmia 2022 

This is the 30th anniversary of this label, as noted in gold lettering on the painted bottle front and the black tissue wrap packaging, the Tenuta Luce was a joint venture between two wine giants Vittorio Frescobaldi and Robert Mondavi. In those early days, wines were produced by their respective sons, Lamberto and Tim, both young oenologists.

Luce’s first harvests, in 1993 and 1994, were presented together in 1997, this label has long been regarded as a benchmark Super Tuscan. In 1998 they added Lucente, the second wine of Tenuta Luce and in 2003 Luce Brunello was added. The project continued to grow with an acquisition in 2001. 

The join venture with Mondavi ended in 2005 and Lamberto Frescobaldi took control directing the production. In 2015, Lux Vitis was added. 

From the Tenuta Luce vineyard in Montalcino, this is a blend of equal parts Sangiovese, the local native varietal, augmented with the roundness of Merlot.

It was aged in barrique with 80% new oak.

10,833 cases made, 900 cases imported

Winemaker Notes - “Luce 2022 appears a shimmering ruby red. The nose is redolent of crisp, red berry fruit, such as redcurrant and pomegranate, infused with delicate floral essences. The entry is immediately enfolding on the palate, where ripe, supple tannins perfectly complement a crisp, vibrant mid-palate, continuing through to a full-flavored, near-endless finish.”

This highly acclaimed release was rated 96 points by both James Suckling and Jeb Dunnuck, 94 points by Wine Advocate, 93 by Vinous and Decanter, and 92 by Wine Spectator.

Decanter wrote, “Needless to say, it needs time”. In his 96 point review Jeb Dunnuck wrote in February 2026, “It should age effortlessly for decades. Drink 2027-2057”. Wine Advocate said, “Luce della Vite remains a polished and crowd-pleasing classic.”

“Hauntingly dark”, inky black purple garnet colored, full bodied, brooding, tightly structured, concentrated, Suckling mentions it’s “huge extraction”, complex bramble balsamic blackberry and black plum fruits, notes of graphite, nutmeg, dark earthy cedar, sweet clove spice with firm gritty tannins on the “stern, assertive finish”. 

RM 95 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?5730774

https://www.tenutaluce.com/en/

https://www.pazzodestin.com/

Hall 1873 and Oracle Napa Valley Cabernet with grilled tenderloin

Hall ”Eighteen Seventy-Three” and Oracle Napa Valley Cabernet with grilled tenderloin 

With fellow ‘Pour Boy’ Bill, and Beth visiting from Charleston, we stayed in for the evening and Linda grilled beef tenderloin , served with ceasar salad, twice baked potatoes, haricot verts and garlic bread. 

With dinner we enjoyed two ultra-premium Napa Cabernets, Miner Oracle from our Destin wine cooler, and Bill brought from his home cellar in Charleston this Hall 1873. 

Hall ”Eighteen Seventy-Three” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Bill acquired this through his wine club allocation from one of our favorite producers of highly acclaimed Napa Cabernets, this label commemorates the founding year of their historic Napa Valley vineyard.

The property above St Helena was originally planted to grapes by Captain William Peterson back in 1873. It was further developed such that during the 1930’s and 1940’s, it produced nearly 40 percent of Napa Valley production. 

Hall has become one of the premiere Napa Valley producers of ultra-premium Cabernets. We’ve visited the magnificent Hall Rutherford estate vineyards and winery several times as featured in these blogposts - 

Hall Rutherford Winery Estate Appellation Tasting, and 

Exzellenz and aged Robert Craig Mt Veeder for holiday celebration gathering.

Craig and Katherine Hall have built an extensive estate of vineyards that now encompass more than 300 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. They have been innovators in adopting  cutting edge technology to yield the highest quality grapes to produce a broad portfolio of highly acclaimed wines.

This label commemorates the founding of the first winery on the historic property back in 1873 when Captain William Peterson came to Napa and established a pioneering winery on their St. Helena property. Throughout the 1930’s and 40’s, the site grew to become Napa’s most important winery, producing nearly 40% of its entire vintage. 

This Hall ”Eighteen Seventy-Three” is a blend of fruit taken mostly from sites in the eastern hillsides of Napa Valley from the mountain slopes that frame Napa Valley along the northern edge of the Vacca Mountains from Howell Mountain to the north, Rutherford where the Hall Estate is located, and Atlas Peak to the South. 

We took this an earlier vintage of this label BYOB to a wine dinner recently that was rated 98 points by Wilford Wong of Wine.com, and 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, featured in these pages in this post - Preview Night Dinner at The Belmont Naperville. 

This release was rated 93 by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 points by Vinous and 91 points by Wine Enthusiast.

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Notes - “Deep garnet color. Complex fruit aromas of ripe blackberry, subtle warm oak and plum. On the palate, pronounced flavors of dark fruit, cocoa nib, wet stone, and baking spice are supported by firm, structured tannins and bright acidity round out the powerful finish.”

Dark blackish garnet colored, full bodied, round forward concentrated bright expressive vibrant rich ripe blackberry and black currant fruits with expressive notes of black tea and cinnamon with notes of creme de cassis, bitter dark chocolate, tobacco and oak with expressive plush tannins and bright acidity on a huge spicy finish. 

RM 93 points

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/2602610

https://www.hallwines.com/

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/3555904

Miner Family Winery "The Oracle" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend 2021 

This is another wine we have fun with since our son works for Oracle, the enterprise software giant. Also, Linda’s hometown, Delphi, Indiana high school mascot and sports teams were the Oracles. 

This wine's name pays homage to founder Dave Miner and his former career as a founder of Oracle Software, and the ancient Greek concept of an oracle as a source of inspiration.

We served and wrote about this Miner Family Winery flagship “Oracle” Cabernet which was a hit last spring at a neighborhood gathering in a blogpost at that time , excerpted here. 

Miner Family Winery was founded by Dave Miner with their first vintage in 1996. Dave was born in Chicago and then lived in Southern California for a number of years, graduating from the University of California, San Diego with degree in English and American Literature. It was during this time that he became interested in wine. 

Dave was working for then upstart Oracle in software sales when his uncle Bob Miner, who happened to be one of the co-founders of Oracle, was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer and passed away prematurely in 1994 at age 52. In his final days, Bob asked Dave to help him manage the operations at the family vineyards and winery Oakville Ranch, (predecessor to Oracle Family Winery). Dave quit his sales job and joined Oakville Ranch which at the time owned the property that is now Miner Family Winery. At the time they made a limited amount of wine and operated a custom crush facility. Miner Family Wines was one of their clients. We still hold several vintage labels of Oakville Ranch in our home cellar which we have featured in this blogposts such as this one - Oakville Ranch Vineyard Napa Cabernet.

In 1999 Dave and his wife Emily (who worked at Oakville Ranch) purchased the winery and accompanying 18 acres. They were not able to plant vineyards on their steep hillsides due to the county ordinance prohibiting new vineyards on slopes greater then 20%, they opted to install solar cells instead – some 1,750 panels. Miner Family only owns 1/2 acre of vineyards; a tiny vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in front of the winery. They source premium grapes for their wines from partner growers mainly in Napa Valley. 

The Minor winery is located just above the valley floor – high enough in elevation that one has panoramic views looking over the vines to the west and the Mayacamas mountain range. 

This is the flagship of the Miner porfolio of Bordeaux and Burgundian wines, several Chardonnays and some Pinot Noirs. They also produce some Rhone style wines based on Rhone varietals, and some other varietal wines, not typically produced in Napa Valley.  These wines include Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese and Tempranillo, as well as the traditional Napa Valley Bordeaux varietals.

This flagship Oracle label is a Bordeaux blend produced from select premium Bordeaux varietals sourced from prime eastern Napa Valley hillside locations, including the renowned Stagecoach Vineyard and Volker Eisele Vineyard.

The 2021 release is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot.

It was aged 22 Months in 60% new French oak. 3,586 6-packs were produced. 

This released was rated 94 points by James Suckling and 93 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate.

Winemaker Notes - Miner Family's flagship wine, a full-bodied, red blend, grants a nod toward elegance. This Bordeaux-style blend is silky, reserved and supremely balanced. Lush aromatics of raspberry and dark cherry with a hint of eucalyptus, The Oracle is decadent, but with finesse. Earthiness and layers of dried flowers and cocoa integrate harmoniously into a finely balanced marriage between tannin and acid, providing the structure that ensures, like all impeccable beauties, this wine is sure to age gracefully.

Deep garnet-purple colored, full bodied, complex and concentrated, tightly structured yet elegant, nicely balanced and polished, black raspberry, blackberry and blueberry fruits accented by notes of cassis, dark chocolate, black tea, black olive and hints of leather and lavender, with firm, fine-grained tannins, on the long fragrant finish.

RM 92 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?5087056

https://minerwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/21Oracle.pdf

https://minerwines.com/

Chappellet and Rivers-Marie Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd

Chappellet and Rivers-Marie Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd 

Traveling to Destin, FL, visiting The Cove, our vacation rental home, we were joined by fellow Pour Boy Bill C, and Beth for a get away get-together. We introduced them to several of our favorite food and wine venues including lunch at Vin’Tij Food & Wine, Grand Blvd Destin. 

We’ve featured Vin’Tij often in these pages, in blogposts such as these - 

Wine tasting at Vin’Tij Grand Boulevard (San)Destin

David Arthur Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd

Delightful wine lunch at Vintij Grand Boulevard

We dined al fresco on the patio, enjoying the Florida autumn sunshine! 

Beth ordered the MARYLAND LUMP CRAB CAKE, Charred Corn-Black Bean Salsa & Lemon Caper Butter.

Bill ordered the Shrimp and Grits, House Made Andouille, Plum Tomatoes, Parmesan Basil Grits & Lemon Caper Butter.

Linda ordered her regular favorite, the SEARED TUNA, Marinated Cucumber Salad, Sriracha Kewpie Mayonnaise, Chili Oil & Ponzu.

I was a bit under the weather and went with the zesty soup, and then the WARM BLEU CHEESE & GRAPE TART - Red Wine Crust, Roasted Grapes, Roasted Red Peppers, Candied Walnuts & Balsamic Reduction.

We paired with our food a couple of hearty Chardonnays from the Vin’tij retail wine shop.

Chappellet Napa Valley Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros Chardonnay 2021

We all visited the Chappellet estate vineyards and winery, high atop Pritchett Hill, Napa Valley during our Wine Experiences back in 2009 and 2013. 

We’re big fans of Chappellet Cabernet wines but had never experienced any of their Chardonnay labels so this was a new discovery. 

Label from 2023

This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from the Sangiacomo Vineyard in Carneros AVA at the bottom of the conflucence of Napa and Sonoma Valleys.. 

The Sangiacomo family are master viticulturists and multigenerational winegrowers who have been farming since 1927. Their cool, windswept vineyard in Sonoma’s Carneros region is ideally located bordering San Pablo Bay, where the grapes slowly mature, developing intense varietal character, while retaining excellent acidity and finesse. 

Winemaker’s Growing Season & Harvest Notes - “The 2021 growing season began with one of the driest winters on record, followed by a mild spring and summer with no adverse heat events. Due to the lack of precipitation, canopy growth was limited and the vines produced very small berries and clusters. To ensure ideal ripening and flavor development we closely monitored vine water stress and applied a highly targeted irrigation strategy.’

“While the drought conditions yielded a small crop, the long, temperate growing season combined with ideal weather during harvest produced exceptional quality Chardonnay, with lovely structure and concentration, excellent underlying acidity and soaring varietal flavors.”

Wine Notes and Statistics

Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus

100% Chardonnay; Robert Young, Hyde and Catarina Clones

Harvested Sept. 6 – Sept. 16, 2021

100% Malolactic fermentation, aged in 100% French oak, 35% new

Bottled July 2022 - 1,020 cases were produced

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes - “ Made from this coveted fruit, this mouth-filling wine displays beautiful layers of  stone fruits and citrus, as well as French oak-inspired layers of vanilla and spice. This tantalizing Chardonnay displays lavish aromas of honeydew melon, lemon zest, white peach, nectarine and tropical flowers, with sophisticated hints of vanilla, nutmeg, clove and brioche from aging in French oak. While the palate is creamy and rich, with lovely depth and structure, enlivening natural acidity adds poise and energy to the juicy citrus and stone fruit flavors as they glide to a long, vibrant finish.”

This release was rated 95 points and “Cellar Selection” by Wine Enthusiast, 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck,93 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and 92 points by Wine Spectator.

Golden straw colored, full bodied, full round complex, forward pear and peach fruits with nutty spices and brioche notes on a lengthy buttery finish. 

RM 92 points. 

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4458839

https://chappellet.com/

Rivers-Marie Sonoma County Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2021

This limited release label is from up and coming superstar winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. He founded ​Rivers-Marie in 2002 with Genevieve Marie Welsh, a boutique winery in Calistoga, California, renowned for its single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They focus on minimal intervention and sustainable practices, seeking to showcase the unique character of each vineyard and vintage. 

In 2010, they acquired the notable Summa Vineyard, from which they produce highly acclaimed Pinot Noirs.

Since 2016/2017 they have produced six select vineyard designated Chardonnays from the Sonoma Coast and Sonoma County. 

The Sonoma Coast vineyards for our Chardonnay program are closer to each other than any other varietal they produce.

This single vineyard designated label is distinctive, sourced from the Bearwallow Vineyard, from a small 1.5 acre block deep in Anderson Valley. Thomas says of this label, “The epitome of meticulous farming is what always comes to mind first when I think of Bearwallow. This deep end Anderson Valley site has been a part of our program since 2016 and we enjoy its different nature from all the tiny clustered Sonoma Coast vineyards that make up the majority of our program. This bottling always has a distinctive yellow fruited character complemented by a saline and roasted nut character. Our little 1.5 acre Wente clone block has matured into one of the unique coastal Chardonnays we taste every year.”

This release was rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck and 91 points by Vinous

Deep golden colored, full bodied, full round, rich concentrated and forward yellow apple, pear with notes of nuts and mineral and hints of apricot, herbs and floral with a sharp focused finish.  

RM 92 points. 

https://go.cellartracker.com/wine/4503440

https://www.riversmarie.com/wines/chardonnay/

https://vintij.com/

David Arthur Chardonnay Redoux at Captain Dave’s Seafood, Destin

David Arthur Chardonnay Redoux at Captain Dave’s Seafood, Destin

Traveling on to The Cove, our Destin, FL vacation rental home, we were joined by fellow Pour Boy, (our wine group), Bill C, and Beth who came over from Charleston. We dined at one of our favorite local eateries that we seek to frequent when in town, Captain Dave’s. Situated on the beach front at the Destin/Miramar Beach, Okaloosa/Walton city/county line, a short walk from our home.

Captain Dave’s On The Gulf is the oldest seafood restaurant in Destin, (FL), family owned and operated since 1968. It offers beach front views from the spacious high ceiling dining room overlooking the gulf. 

They feature the usual appetizers, soups, salads and sides. Their speciality is American seafood cuisine infused with a ‘contemporary Gulf Coast twist’. - the local fresh catch seafood dishes - Flounder, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Snapper and Refish as well as shrimp, lobster and salmon as well as steaks and chicken dishes. 

A highlight is “Captain Dave’s Faves”, signature dishes artfully prepared with imaginative preparations featuring their signature homemade sauces such as their Parmesan Italian Cream Sauce. Our server, Dee, provided prompt attentive gracious and friendly service. 

DAVE’S FAVES

CAJUN REDFISH - BROILED BLACKENED REDFISH TOPPED WITH FRIED BABY SHRIMP, DICED BELL PEPPERS AND A CAYENNE PEPPER LOBSTER SAUCE

GROUPER & GRIT CAKE - CHARGRILLED BLACKENED GROUPER OVER SEASONED TURNIP GREENS AND FRIED SMOKED GOUDA GRIT CAKES

GROUPER PONTCHARTRAIN - BROILED GROUPER TOPPED WITH A WHOLE SOFT-SHELL CRAB, SWEET BASIL BEARNAISE SAUCE

MAHI PARMESAN - MAHI BROILED IN A HOMEMADE PARMESAN ITALIAN CREAM SAUCE TOPPED WITH PARMESAN CHEESE

From Dave’s Favs menu, Bill and Beth both ordered …  

STUFFED SHRIMP PARMESAN - SHRIMP WITH CRABMEAT STUFFING BROILED IN HOMEMADE PARMESAN ITALIAN CREAM SAUCE TOPPED WITH BABY SHRIMP AND PARMESAN CHEESE

Linda ordered from the starter menu the Coconut Shrimp as her entree.

Coconut Shrimp - Lightly sautéed and dusted with coconut with Dave’s homemade orange marmalade dipping sauce 

I ordered my regular favorite Grouper in the Parmesan Italian Cream sauce. This is featured on the menu as the Mahi Parmesan but I substituted Grouper in place of the Mahi Mahi, Grouper broiled in Captain Dave’s homemade Parmesan Italian Cream sauce topped with Parmesan cheese - a plate size filet of Grouper basking in an incredibly delicious Parmesan butter cream sauce with shallots and scallions.

We took BYOB another vintage of this Napa Chardonnay from our our favorite producers.

David Arthur Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022

This extends a mini-vertical (tasting multiple vintages of the same label) that began with the 2018, then the 2021 vintages, featured in these blogposts … David Arthur Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd, and Seafood and David Arthur Chardonnay BYOB at Waterway Cafe in Palm Beach Gardens.

I wrote about this label and producer in earlier blogposts … excerpted here … 

A highlight and targeted visit of our Napa Wine Experience 2013 was our visit to David ArthurNapa Valley Estate Vineyards and Winery. I wrote about that day in this blogpost - David Arthur Napa Valley Estate Vineyards and Winery.

As written in earlier posts, we've been collecting and enjoying David Arthur wines since the late nineties since the 1997 vintage but have been pacing our consumption as we watch this wine age and achieve its true potential. The property is situated up at the end of Long Ranch Road up atop Pritchard Hill in the Vaca Mountain range. The drive up offers some spectacular vineyard views and vistas of the Napa Valley below. The adjoining vineyards represent some of the premier producers of Napa Valley wines - Brand, Bryant, Colgin, Continuum, Montagna, the new Del Dotto property Villa Del Lago, and Ovid. Not (yet) designated an appellation, never-the-less, it is fast becoming one of the premiere wine growing areas of Napa Valley.

David Arthur wines represent the unique terroir of the mountain with its rough rocky terrain. They have 21 acres on their Pritchard Hill estate (left) planted in the Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, as well as Sangiovese and Nebbiolo which go into their unique Meritaggio.

We first discovered this wine when we purchased a case back of the 1997 vintage release and still hold about half of those bottles, but we quickly turned and became fans of their Cabernet Sauvignon and their flagship wine Elevation 1147, creatively names for the vineyard site situated 1200 feet above the valley floor. All are crafted 100% from estate grown grapes. This visit offered us the opportunity to experience (and acquire) their latest vintage releases as well as their new Three Acre and Old Vines labels Estate bottled Cabernet Sauvignons and a new release bottling of David Arthur Napa Valley Cabernet Franc.

David Arthur, named for the grandfather of the owner/producer, is a family affair consisting of three generations of the Long family, who over the years acquired the mountain land to raise cattle. Today it is operated by brothers David and Bob along with Joye Long, all are co-owners, with David acting as General Manager and his daughter Laura running the office and daily operations.

A point of interest and fun part of this trip was the fact that Linda (nee) Long and Pat (nee) Long, daughters of Indiana farmer Ned Long were with us. Wife Linda and I were joined on this Napa trip by sister/sister-in-law Pat (Long), so it's only fitting we saved our David Arthur visit and this Long reunion for this trip together.

Adding to the Long legend and heritage on Pritchard Hill, adjacent to the David Arthur vineyards are Long Family Vineyards owned by Napa Valley legends Bob and Zelma Long, who gained notoriety in the 70s as chief enologist at Robert Mondavi Winery. Divorced from Bob, today, Zelma and husband Phillip produce wines in Germany and South Africa under their Zelphi label..

David Arthur Napa Valley Chardonnay 2022 

Like the 2019 and 2021 vintages of this label from that recent tasting, the grapes for this vibrant and expressive wine are grown in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley at the southern end of the valley floor. The close proximity to San Pablo Bay provides a cooler climate for which these vines thrive. Morning fog and cool off-shore breezes allow the fruit extended hang time resulting in lower sugars and higher acidity.

Winemaker Notes - “A golden straw color with tints of green offers aromas of ripe Bartlett pear and Fuji apple. There is a freshness to the fruit as well as notes of lemon rind, pineapple and white fig. The oak spice is subtle with vanilla bean crème brulee notes. The palate is broad and expansive yet a mineral acidity balances the texture while flavors of white peach, green apple skin and kiwi carry the length of the palate.”

This release was rated 93 points by Vinous.

The 2022 spent 17 months in French oak, about 40% new.

Similar to other vintages, a bit more polished and balanced … golden colored, full-boded, rich round, creamy textured and balanced, notes of apple, pear and accents of almond and hints of caramel and whisper of butterscotch with a long expressive finish. 

RM 93 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?5167578

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?5167578

https://www.davidarthur.com/

https://www.davidarthur.com/wines/chardonnay/

Angeli’s Italian dining and BYOB in Naperville

Angeli’s Italian dining and BYOB in Naperville 

Dining with friend and former protege/colleague Tom O, visiting from NY/NJ, we dined at our usual meeting point, Angeli’s Italian, our favorite neighborhood trattoria, in Naperville (IL). 

For starters he had the Caesar salad and we shared the antipasto Fried Calamari, which was excellent as usual. 

For dinner entrees, Tom ordered the Angry Butterfly Shrimp, and coming off the same dish and similar wine pairing at another ristorante, for comparison as shared in this blogpost - Pazzo Italian dining in Destin, I had the Saltimbocca. 

For a wine accompaniment with the dinner,  I took, BYOB from our home cellar this Nebbiolo‘d’Alba Nebbiolo. 

Cellar records shows this is the second bottle to be consumed out of four that I acquired late last year. I wrote about this producer and label in an earlier tasting note blogpost at that time, excerpted here. Tonight’s tasting was consistent with that earlier tasting. 

Valmaggiore Sandrone Nebbiolo d’Alba 2022

This is from the Sandrone family winery in the town of Vezza d'Alba, from their 66 acres of vineyards spread between Langa and Roero, one of the most iconic producers in the Barolowine region.

Luciano Sandrone learned viticulture from the early age of 14 or 15. After years of work as a cellarman he depleted his life savings and purchased his first vineyard on the Cannubi hill in 1977, managing his land on the weekends while continuing to work his ‘day job’. He produced his first vintage in 1978, in the garage of his parents, continuing at home every vintage until 1999, when the winery he constructed in 1998 was ready for use.

Through 50 year of harvests, he focuses on the native Barolo region varietals: Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, crafted in a portfolio of six red wines.

The estate is situated in an amphitheater in the Roero zone, in the town of Vezza d'Alba, on the left bank of the Tanaro river on the concave Valmaggiore hill, facing the south, the steep slopes have full exposure to the sun, with soft and sandy soil. 

Valmaggiore Sandrone Nebbiolo d’Alba 2022

This is 100% Nebbiolo, designated Nebbiolo d'Alba DOC. During the harvested six separate passes were make to bring in fruit at optimal ripeness. It was fermented from indigenous yeasts, with maceration and fermentation in open steel tanks, and aged in French Oak tonneaux of 500 liters for 9 months before release. This label was first produced in 1994, sourced from the Valmaggiore estate vineyard in Roero,  in the village of Vezza d'Alba. Production was 28,000 bottles.

It was rated 93 points by Decanter, Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck, and 92 points by James Sucklng, Wine Advocate and Kerrin O’Keefe. 

Winemaker Notes - “Valmaggiore is an exercise in restraint. It offers up pretty, uplifting aromas of red fruits, roses, white pepper and freshly-picked violets. On the palate, red fruits are front and center, framed by tobacco, spice and mineral notes. The tannins are both strong and soft yet give the wine its unmistakable mid-weight structure. The acidity is bracingly fresh, and the finish long and layered, with red fruits, graphite and earth notes lingering.”

Bright but somewhat opaque ruby colored, medium-bodied, vibrant, smooth, structured, fresh ripe red raspberry and cherry fruits with notes of nutmeg, clove spice, rosehip tea, orange peel, earth and dusty rose with hints of kirsch on a long moderate silky tannin and fresh acidic laced finish. 

RM 91 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?5011990

https://www.sandroneluciano.com/en/web/collezione/valmaggiore/annata/2022.php?lev1=5&coll=5a&year=2022&coll=0

https://www.sandroneluciano.com/

https://angeliscatering.com/

https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2026/04/valmaggiore-sandrone-nebbiolo-with-pizza.html

Pazzo Italian dining in Destin

Pazzo Italian dining and Sebaste Barolo BYOB in Destin

Sunday evening, our last night at our second home, Destin, FL, we made a last minute decision for Italian dining for dinner. Finding no seating availability until later at usual suspect Italian restaurants, we booked a table at a nearby restaurant that we have overlooked and not tried before.

Pazzo Italiana Ristorante & Bar is located a short six minutes from our vacation rental. in the commercial center at the major intersection of Hwy 98, Emerald Coast parkway and Mid-bay bridge hwy 293, across from the Destin Commons shopping mall.  

Pazzo was awarded “Best in Destin Magazine Reader’s Choice Award” in 2023, 24, 25, and 26.

Despite being a rainy night, and a commercial strip mall setting, we opted for ‘al fresco’ seating, which means "in the fresh air", dining or eating outside, on a patio, terrace, or sidewalk café. With the authentic Italian dishes and ambiance, the setting almost felt like an Italian city piazza, like dining in Turin, Milan or Florence! We also loved the piped in music playlist. 

It turned out to be a wonderful, delightful evening - ambiance, food, service, and even the music. 

For pairing with dinner, I took from our home cellar an Italian Barolo, Nebbiolo varietal wine. 

The extensive menu had all the traditional Italian offerings. We each ordered one of usual favorites - a point of comparison between restaurants. 

Linda ordered the Eggplant parmiagana - marinara, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmagiano, Regianno and Béchamel sauce, (a classic French white sauce made from a butter-and-flour roux whisked with milk and seasoned with salt and nutmeg).

I ordered the Saltimbocca - pan seared veal, prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, in a Porcini mushroom cream sauce … 

Both entrees were absolutely delicious, as good as any. Pazzo is definitely on our short list and must return for future dining in Destin. 

https://www.pazzodestin.com/

Our BYOB wine from our home cellar … Mauro Sebaste Barolo 2019

Mauro Sebaste Barolo 40° anniversario 2019 

This “ Mauro Sebaste 2019 Barolo Edizione Limitata 40 Vendemmia” is a limited release bottling from the family owned and operated Mauro Sebaste in Alba, founded by Mauro in 1991 after he left the family winery founded by Sylla Dogliani, Mauro's mother and grandmother of Sylla and Angelica, known as "La Dama di Langa," after Sylla's untimely death.

He is joined by his wife Maria Teresa and, since 2018 by their daughters Sylla and Angelica, and more recently the next generation, consisting of Sylla's daughters Costanza, Celeste and Camilla.

The winery is in Alba municipality. Their estate vineyards covering 75 acres of are located in more than 10 different communes, between Langhe, Roero and Monferrato and Astigiano. The primary vineyards, Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba and Nebbiolo d’Alba are located in the area of Santa Rosalia, on the ridge of the hill that lies between Diano d’Alba and Grinzane Cavour.

Mauro Sebaste produce an average of 150,000 bottles a year, divided into different labels and types which also include a range of grappas made from the pomace.

This is a limited release of just 3,500 bottles that celebrates their four-decade anniversary. This Barolo designated label comes mainly from Serralunga d’Alba, one of the main communes in the DOCG area. The area is planted to and produces Nebbiolo grapes where the sunny climate and terroir are optimally suited for wines of strength, elegance and complexity. They also have other estate vineyards of Nebbiolo da Barolo grapes are located in the territory of equally prestigious municipalities such as La Morra, Verduno and Monforte d’Alba.

This was labeled as bottle 275 of 3500. 

This is 100% Nebbiolo, specifically sourced from Cerretta (Serralunga D'Alba) 65%,  and 35% from Roncaglie (La Morra). There the soil is Lequio Formation, iron-rich limestone sands for the Serralunga soils; Sant'Agata Fossil marl, marly layers with a higher percentage of clay and silt for the vineyards located in La Morra. 

After summer thinning, the grapes are harvested manually in 20 kg perforated boxes with each single vineyard vinified separately in order to optimize extraction and enhance its characteristic profile. After further manual selection on vibrating tables, the grapes are destemmed and transferred to the winemakers where the alcoholic fermentation takes place. After maceration of 15-20 days in steel tanks at a controlled temperature, then malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in large 15 hl French oak barrels for 30 months. The two fractions are refined separately and are blended just before bottling, then aged in the bottle for another six months before release.

Winemaker’s Notes - “Brilliant ruby ​​red color with slight garnet shades. Intense, rich and complex perfume with small red fruits, cherry, violet and dried rose, sweet spices complete and enrich the bouquet; full and consistent taste, with sweet and enveloping tannins, savory. Long and persistent finish.”

This label was rated 91 points by Wine Advocate.

Somewhat transparent ruby colored with garnet hues, medium bodied, complex yet elegant and refreshing, with bright dried cherry fruits with subtle savoury notes rose petals, spices and cassis, leather and hints of smoke with lively acidity and silky tannins on a long persistent finish.

RM 91 points

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4986236

https://maurosebaste.it/en/home-english/

PS. In retrospect, this was a week before the Destin hurricane, and I write this we are enroute back to check out the aftermath of the storm!  

Lonesome Rock Willamette Chardonnay BYOB at Beach Walk Cafe, Destin

Vacationing at The Cove, our Destin, FL vacation rental home, on our last weekend night in town, we dined at scenic Beach Walk Café, Henderson Park Inn, Destin. This is one of our favorites in the area, and is one of literally a dozen restaurants within walking distance of our place! 

Just like two earlier dinners this trip, as written in these pages, our outing at Vintij Wine Bar and Restaurant, David Arthur Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd in (San)Destin, a near replay of our Delightful wine lunch at Vintij Grand Boulevard, featured in this blogpost last spring, and Italian Wine Month Dinner at Wine Bar Destin, this is another of our favorites restaurants that we enjoy revisiting when we are in town. 

The pages of this forum feature many outings at Beach Walk Cafe with its scenic Beach Walk Café, Henderson Park Inn, Destin, with its picturesque views of the Gulf Coast beach and off-shore horizon, and the towers of Destin across Henderson State Beach Park in the distance, arguably one of the best views along the Emerald Coast.

Another common theme of these postings is taking BYOB wines from our cellar to enjoy with our dinners:

Henderson Beachwalk Cafe Dinner with a view

Hope Cuvée at Beachwalk Cafe, Destin

Beach Walk Cafe and BYOB Dusky Goose Chardonnay

Beach view dinner at Beach Walk Cafe Destin

Sunset dining at Beachwalk Cafe

Herman Story Tomboy Viognier BYOB at Beachwalk Cafe

Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir Inniskillin Ice Wine at Beach Walk Café, Henderson Park Inn, Destin

Lewis Chardonnay BYOB at Henderson Beachwalk Cafe

David Arthur Chardonnay at Vintij Grand Blvd

Tripadvisor named Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn one of the Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in the United States in its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, coming in at No. 7. 

While we love the atmosphere, ambiance and menu selections, their wine list is limited, especially for pairing with coastal seafood. So, as usual, tonight we brought from our home cellar BYOB a premium Willamette Valley Chardonnay discovery to try. 

We had with the starter course the caprese salad, split to share for two. 

For dinner I ordered one of my regular selections from the menu fresh seafood local catches, their signature dish, Grouper Vince with Pecan Crusted, Crispy Potato Cake, Haricot Verts, Honey Worcestershire Sauce.

Linda ordered her regular selection, the Beachwalk Cafe signature crab cases. 

With the dinner course, we brought from our home cellar, BYOB, a recently acquired but as yet untried, Chardonnay, for such an occasion, pairing with the seafood selections.

Lonesome Rock “The Estate” Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2022

This small production (177 cases) single vineyard 100% Willamette Valley Chardonnay is from high elevation estate vineyard, located minutes from Carlton, Oregon, in the rugged hills, midway between Portland, 70 minutes to the northeast,along the forested edge of the Pacific Coast Range and the Pacific coast to the west.

Lonesome Rock estate vineyard and winery is the fulfillment of a dream of Danny and Susan Kleiman and a promise they made to each other more than thirty years ago.

They met in 1989 at the University of South Florida. Drawn together by a shared love of language, culture, and travel, they moved to Burgundy, France in 1991. There, Danny studied oenology at the Université de Bourgogne and worked in the vineyards and cellar of Domaine Yves Chaley et Fille in the Hautes-Côtes de Nuits. Spending their free time exploring the vineyards of France, Italy, Germany, and Spain, they promised each other to one day have their own vineyard.

 

After four years in France, they returned to Chicago, where Danny joined Heritage Wine Cellars where his work over the next several decades took him to vineyards and cellars worldwide.

More than twenty-five years later, after focusing on careers and raising a family, they pursued their dream and their promise to produce their own home grown wines. After searching across California, Washington, Oregon, France, and even Greece, they settled on a site high in the hills west of Carlton, Oregon. 

The unique vineyard was isolated, windswept and surrounded by forests. It was planted in 2007 by Scott and Rae Baldwin of De Ponte Cellars. Zak Laster, who helped plant many of the vines, continues to manage the vineyard.

Set at the extreme northwestern edge of the Willamette Valley, the Lonesome Rock  secluded estate vineyard is tucked into the rugged foothills of the Coast Range west of Carlton, Oregon. Defined by fractured volcanic soils, high elevation, and a cool, extended growing season, the site was planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Lonesome Rock is what the French would call a “monopole” — a vineyard in a unique place, with a micro-climate, soil, and topographical profile like no other, isolated from neighboring plantings and outside farming influence.

The classic Willamette Valley ‘terroir’, ‘sense of place’, is defined by elevation, exposure, and volcanic soils. The Lonesome Rock estate vineyard sits at a high elevation at 575 to 780 feet above sea level, among the higher-elevation vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley. The vineyard’s north and south-facing 270 degrees of direct exposure to the day’s sun, and nighttime cool marine air extends the growing season, allowing fruit to ripen slowly and evenly while preserving freshness, tension, and complexity.

Proximity to the Coast Range exposes the vineyard to steady marine airflow, resulting in pronounced diurnal temperature variation during the critical weeks of ripening. Daytime warmth builds flavor and phenolic maturity, while nighttime temperatures regularly fall by as much as 45 degrees, preserving acidity and aromatic lift.

These conditions slow the pace of ripening without stalling it, allowing sugars, acids, and tannins to develop incrementally and in balance.

The well-drained hillsides vineyard is planted on fractured volcanic soils that are naturally low in fertility and high in mineral content that limit vigor, encourage deep root systems, and produce small, concentrated berries - ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Naturally low yields, combined with an extended ripening cycle, produce fruit of concentration without heaviness producing wines retain high vibrant acidity, defined structure clarity, and the potential for ageability.

According to the rear label, shown below, this Dijon  76 clone Chardonnay was planted in 2015.

Danny and Susan’s first harvest was in 2021, crafted by winemakers Isabelle Dutartre for the Pinot Noir, and Jackson Holstein for the small lot of Chardonnay. That initial  release was rated 93 points by Wine Enthusiast. .

In May 2023, they released the first wines bearing the Lonesome Rock name and branding.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes - “Crisp scents of honey crisp, pear, and lemongrass picking up scents of white flowers and vanilla fleck with a mineral, rain-on-rock vivacity.”

Pale straw colored, light medium bodied, singularly focused bright expressive tangy acidity with citrus notes of meyer lemon, hints of peach and chalky minerality with a sharp crisp finish. 

RM 89 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/w?4905551

https://lonesomerock.com/

After dinner, we enjoyed the decadent Beach Walk Corleone Dessert - Ice cream rolled in graham crackers, coated with caramel and honey, surrounded by fresh whipped cream and berries.