West Coast Favorites to Enjoy This Fall

October 2024
Written By: 
James Ginley
Photographs by: 
courtesy of the wineries

West Coast Favorites

King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris 2022
Willamette Valley, Oregon
$39
Near the tip of the Willamette Valley, Ed King and family founded the King Estate winery, the largest biodynamic certified vineyards in North America. This unique Pinot Gris offers pear aromas, plus tropical and citrus fruits, leading to a palate that is fruit forward with green apple, mango and pear hints throughout. Aged sur lie, or "on the lees" in stainless steel, which adds to the richness and balance, along with bright acidity lingering on the finish.

Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel 2021
Sonoma County, CA
$40
Opening with a nose of black plum, fig and spcies, the luscious mouthfeel brings more candied figs, baking spice and mocha. long tannins and good structure lead to a rich, velvety finish. This wine earned a 94-point rating from Wine Spectator, so consider this bold Zin for your next cookout. 'Old Vines' means the grapes come from vines at least 50 years old, which contributes to the overall flavor. The ABV is 15%.

Far Niente Chardonnay 2022
Oakville, CA
$46
Far Niente is an Italian term that translates into "without a care", and that was the goal of John Benson when he founded the winery in 1885. The tradition continues with this Chardonnay which offers complex aromas of lemon and citrus blend with tropical flavors of apple, honeysuckle, melon and peach. The mouthfeel brings all these characteristics together for a wine with great finesse and balance, while the finish shows a fine minerality. Rated 94 points by Wine Enthusiast.

Vincadia by Charles Smith Pinot Noir 2021
Columbia Valley, Washington
$30
Vincadia is a single vineyard Pinot Noir with notes of cherries, cranberry, and pomegranate on the nose. The mouthfeel is earthy, with dark berries, hints of oak, a bit of spice, and low tannins. The result is a Pinot with a bold taste profile, medium-body, and a long, smooth finish. Charles Smith has been making wine since 1999, and he is the largest independent and winemaker-owned winery in Washington state, with wines sold in all 50 states and 23 countries worldwide.

Robert Mondavi Rose Napa Valley 2021
Napa Valley, CA
$30
The first wine ever released by Robert Mondavi was a 1966 Rose and this wine honors the legacy of that first Rose. This current vintage is a blend of 49% Pinot Noir from three Carneros vineyards and 51% Bordeaux varietals, harvested from the Mondavi Oakville estate. The bouquet offers hints of red cherry and watermelon, with a fruit forward palate of citrus, dark berries and watermelon, leading to a bright finish. Pairs with lighter dishes, salads and can be served as an apertif.

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