Accolades
Our wines have received high scores by many prestigious critics.
White
92 pts Eric Guido
"The 2023 White blends 48% Roussanne, 39% Viognier and 13% Picpoul Blanc to create a wonderfully perfumed bouquet: wildflowers, lemon sorbet and hints of confectionary spice. It washes across the palate with ripe orchard fruits, presenting a balanced inner sweetness contrasted by a tinge of sour lime. It finishes spicy yet fresh with medium length, leaving behind a gentle inner tension. 92 pts."
- Eric Guido, Vinous
White
93 pts The Somm Journal
"Tasting of sea-salted pear, hazelnut, and lemon blossom … The saltiness tickles the tongue of leaves behind honeysuckle and jasmine. 93 pts."
- The Somm Journal
White
91 pts James Suckling
"Tangy herbs, fennel spices and savoriness here that float upon the salted lemons and nectarines. A textured, full-bodied palate with some nice phenolics and a fine saline twist to the palate. 91 pts."
- James Suckling
The Story
93 pts Wine Spectator
"Generous and structured, with expressive cherry, garrigue and smoked pepper flavors that gather richness toward refinded tannins. 93 pts."
- Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
94-96 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated blend ... It will compete with some of the top Chateauneuf du Papes out there. 94-96 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
94 pts The Somm Journal
"... rhubarb and fennel engage with a coat of suede tannins as high-toned acidity lifts velvety notes of plum preserves. Generous and broad, with violets and dots of white pepper on the tip of the tongue. 94 pts."
- The Somm Journal
93 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Dark berry, minty chocolate and black plum aromas show on the nose of this bottling … Baked cherry flavors are balanced by thyme and a graphite minerality on the palate. 93 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts Owen Bargreen
"This a beautifully textured Grenache with great purity of red fruits. Tobacco leaf and shades of orange peel all mingle well with salty soils. 93 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
92 pts James Suckling
"Intense and fruit-driven with blackberries, dark cherries, dried herbs, black earth and some stones. Full-bodied and chewy with a compact, rich finish. 92 pts."
- James Suckling
The Anchor
93 pts James Suckling
"Aromas of dark berries, wild herbs, dry earth and warm spices. It's full-bodied with firm tannins. It has a rich core of dark fruit and berries at the center, intermingling with herbs and spices. It's rich but lively, with a well-framed development. 93 pts."
- James Suckling
92 pts Wine Enthusiast
"This blend of 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah from a new estate vineyard portends a promising future for these vines ... The palate is dense and heavy, offering tar and intensely dark fruit flavors that will show more nuance with time. 92 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
The Cure
94-96 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... Rich, concentrated, and textured, with medium to full-bodied richness. Count me impressed. 94-96 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
95 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Cocoa and coffee bean aromas give a dark depth to the elderberry, rose extract and incense tones on the nose … showing charred boysenberry and black plum flavors alongside hints of purple flower and baking spice. 95 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
95 pts The Somm Journal
"Bright pomegranate and dark chocolate coat the palate of this winsome blend ... Energetic notes of spearmint, laurel, and lavender add to the generous plush purple fruit. 95 pts."
- The Somm Journal
94 pts Owen Bargreen
" … This is well-balanced stuff with a smoky and savory edge. Black currants and smoked brisket flavors all meld well with chocolate and garrigue notes. Complex and delicious … 94 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
92 pts James Suckling
"Mulberries, wild currants, dark plums, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose, following through to a full body with fine, firm tannins. Punchy fruit on the palate, with a sweet touch to it. Compact, slightly drying finish with peppery notes and excellent length. 92 pts."
- James Suckling
The Source
96 pts The Somm Journal
"This elegant purple-red blend of 95% Syrah, 4% Grenache, and 1% Viognier releases a flow of violets, plum, and velvet cream surrounding a salty middle. Juicy and vibrant, with round tannins. 96 pts."
- The Somm Journal
94-96+ pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... sensational looking barrel sample ... there's a subtle Northern Rhone-like character here, but it brings serious amounts of classic California fruit and opulence. 94-96+ pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
93 pts Wine Enthusiast
"... Intensely firm tannins and a thick mouthfeel dominate the sip, where cappuccino, cocoa dust and roasted fig flavors align. 93 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts Owen Bargeen
" … The palate is fresh and neatly textured, showing good weight and verve. 93 pts."
- Owen Bargeen
92 pts James Suckling
"A delicious blend of 95% syrah, 4% grenache and 1% viognier, expressing notes of wild currants, dried herbs, baking spices and stones. Full body with chewy tannins. Textured and chalky, with a rich core of dark berries and a equally generous finish. 92 pts."
- James Suckling
Cabernet Sauvignon
95 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Mulberries, wild currants, dark plums, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose, following through to a full body with fine, firm tannins. Punchy fruit on the palate, with a sweet touch to it. Compact, slightly drying finish with peppery notes and excellent length. 95 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
94 pts Owen Bargreen
"This brilliant new 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has 14% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot blended in. Even better than the 2020 edition, this decadent Cabernet Sauvignon shows off loganberry cordial, blackberry compote, espresso ground and creme de violette flavors, with tar accents. This is a joy to drink ... 94 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
92-94+ pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... deeper, herbal, classic Cabernet nose of cassis, sappy green herbs, bay leaf, and violets, as well as a kiss of iron ... fine yet building tannins, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length ... I like its purity as well as its mid-palate density, and this should come together nicely once bottled. 92-94+ pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
The Matador
94-96 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Classic Tempranillo notes of red and black fruits, sandalwood, cedar pencil, and dried flowers define the aromatics ... a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ripe and building tannins, and outstanding length. 94-96 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
95 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Dark and smoky tobacco aromas meet with intense black fruits and graphite on the nose of this fascinating, ageworthy blend … Intense and bold tannins frame flavors of espresso bean, caramel, charcoal and lush berries. 95 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
The Pursuit - BNV
96-98 pts Jeb Dunnuck
" ... dense purple color is followed by an incredible bouquet of ripe blue fruits, freshly ground pepper, bay leaf, game, and subtle marine-like nuances that seem to always be present in wine from Bien Nacido. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, this flawlessly balanced, layered, incredibly impressive Syrah is going to push the upper ends of the rating scale on release. 96-98 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
Rose
91 pts Wine Enthusiast
"… hits the nose with cherry and earth aromas. The palate showcases earth more than fruit, offering wet soil and crushed rock alongside the candied cherry flavors. 91 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
90 pts Owen Bargreen
"… this fresh and lively Rose shows plenty of minerals with sweetened strawberry, orange zest and melon flavors."
- Owen Bargreen
White
91 pts Owen Bargreen
"This beautiful wine shows off a silky textured with buttercream and shortbread flavors alongside wet stone, cantaloupe and white peach. 91 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
The Story
94 pts + Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast
"Clean and fresh while very full aromas of berry, peppercorn, violet and crushed black rocks converge on the nose of this Grenache-led blend ... Boysenberry jam and dense purple flower flavors are wrapping in a firm tannic frame on the sip. 94 pts, Cellar Selection."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts James Suckling
"Racy and bright nose showing lots of fragrance and red fruit. Pomegranate, raspberries, white pepper, herbs and flowers to the nose. The medium-bodied palate shows sleek tannins and some nimble red berry fruit. Very perfumed and elegant. 93 pts."
- James Suckling
92 pts Vinous
"Deep ruby. Spice-accented blackberry, lavendar and vanilla scents plus a floral topbote on the highly aromatic nose. Spicy, sappy and well-concentrated, offering intense red and dark berry, baking spice, mocha and candied lavendar flavors that expand with air. Shows very good heft, but comes off lively, with well-judged tannins and impressive finishing clarity and persistence. 92 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
The Cure
95 pts Wine Enthusiast
"There's a purity of fruit to the nose of this bottling, from black raspberry to elderberry and blueberry, with hints of elegant flowers and pepper adding complexity. 95 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts James Suckling
"Lovely white pepper edge to the nose with some graphite and stones on top of the red cherries and heather. Really bright and juicy, delivering a medium- to full-bodied palate where there is a lovely red berry, herb and mineral tinge. Excellent length and poise here. 93 pts."
- James Suckling
The Source
93 pts Vinous
"Opaque ruby. Dark berry, incense and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and candied licorice ... seamless in the mouth … Shows impressive tenacity on the spice-tinged finish, which is shaped by gently gripping tannins. 93 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Cabernet Sauvignon
98 pts The Somm Journal
" … this wine raises the bar for Cabernet. It possesses impeccable balance with a generous array of purple and blue fruit, while its seductively exquisite texture reveals a shadow of chalkiness and toasted oak. 98 pts."
- The Somm Journal
94+ pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Powerful, concentrated, and full-bodied, it has good mid-palate depth, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. Paso Robles continues to produce more and more incredible Bordeaux blends, and this is top-notch. 94+ pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
93 pts Vinous
"… seamlessly silky and refined ... finishes dramatically long yet still remarkably fresh. 93 pts."
- Eric Guido, Vinous
White
91 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Plenty of spiced orchard fruits, white flowers, and toasty nuances emerge from the 2019 White, a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, lively Chardonnay that hits the palate with notable purity and precision … 91 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
90 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Generously aromatic on the nose, this bottling begins with floral wafts of gardenia, jasmine and lily as well as a bit of white-lemon flesh. The floral tones carry through on the sip, but also pick up lemongrass and coconut-cream flavors as well … 90 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
The Story
93 pts Wine Advocate
"The 2019 The Story is perfumed and approachable, with scents of blackberries, tar and spice. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and lifted with appealing floral perfume and a long, spicy finish … 93 pts."
- Wine Advocate
93 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Opulent aromas of juicy black cherry and rosewater gummies show on the nose of this bottling. The palate picks up a firm tannic frame that gives form and relative restraint to the pomegranate, raspberry and dried mint flavors … 93 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
92 pts James Suckling
"Aromas of blueberry, nutmeg and white pepper follow through to a medium body … Nicely done … 92 pts."
- James Suckling
92 pts Vinous
"Spice-accented blackberry, lavender and vanilla scents plus a floral topnote on the highly aromatic nose. Spicy, sappy and well-concentrated, offering intense red and dark berry, baking spice, mocha and candied lavender flavors that expand with air … 92 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
92 pts Owen Bargreen
"The 2019 ‘The Story’ shows off white pepper dusted bacon flavors alongside a brilliant core of red fruits and stony undertones … Full-bodied, fresh and voluptuous … 92 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
The Cure
93 pts + Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast
"This is an impressively structured blend … Dark-berry, roasted plum, light cola and black olive aromas lead into a grippy palate full of coffee, carob and cocoa flavors, with a splash of dark berry. 93 pts, Cellar Selection."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts James Suckling
"This is a fresh and polished red … a vivid finish. Nice tension at the end. 93 pts."
- James Suckling
93 pts Vinous
"Bright and focused on the nose, displaying red and blue fruit preserve, floral, vanilla and baking spice qualities and a touch of smokiness. Deep yet energetic in style … 93 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
93 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... darker and meatier, with solid black cherry and blackberry-like fruits as well as peppery herbs, iron, and gamey nuances. Beautiful on the palate ... and a great finish. 93 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
92 pts Owen Bargreen
"… Full-bodied with good structure and plenty of smoky and savory tones, this beautiful wine is drinking great now and has another decade of life ahead of it. 92 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
The Source
95 pts + Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast
"… The palate is intensely dense and concentrated without being too ripe or overbearing, as waves of violet, açai, pepper and asphalt flow across a seamlessly integrated sip. 95 pts, Cellar Selection."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
94+ pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... meaty, bloody nuances as well as ripe black and blue fruits, notes of iron, white pepper, and leather ... beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. I always seem to find a Hermitage-like character from the Kimsey Vineyard, and this beauty has it in spades. 94+ pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
93 pts Vinous
"... Dark berry, incense and floral aromas are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and candied licorice. Sweet, broad and seamless in the mounth, offering lush blueberry, cherry liqueur, violet pastille and cola flavors supported by a core of juicy acidity. 93 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
93 pts Owen Bargreen
"The 2019 ‘The Source’ displays ripe black cherry liquor, cigar ash and hints of beef brisket … Fullbodied, with a good acid backbone … 93 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
92 pts James Suckling
"Blackberry, ink-pot and lavender aromas follow through to a full body with crushed berries and stone. 92 pts."
- James Suckling
92 pts Wine Advocate
"The 2019 The Source has soft aromas of cassis, dark chocolate and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate is supple and approachable with concentrated fruits and just enough freshness to lift the long finish. 92 pts."
- Wine Advocate
Cabernet Sauvignon
96 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Focused fresh aromas of blackberry jam and hot morning buns invite the nose into this bottling. The palate is very elegantly presented, with marble-like tannins that are firm yet polished and a persistent but not overbearing acidity that deliver roasted black cherry and comforting baking spice flavors. 96 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
92 pts Owen Bargreen
"This limited production Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Willow Creek District. The palate reveals loads of black and blue fruits with Earl Grey tea, exotic spices and pencil lead alongside dusty earthy undertones. Gorgeous in its youth, this has another decade or more to go. 92 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
The Pursuit - John Sebastiano Vineyards
95 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Very dark in the glass, this focused study of this popular vineyard on the eastern side of the appellation begins with aromas of charred meat, black currant and savory, earthy herbs. It lands thick on the palate, heavy with cassis at the center, but lifted by soy, espresso bean and charred meat flavors. 95 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
94 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Blackberries, iron, white pepper, and some gamey nuances all emerge from the 2019 The Pursuit John Sebastiano Vineyard, a pure, medium-bodied, concentrated, straight-up impressive Syrah from the Sta. Rita Hills that will drink nicely for a decade. This has plenty of cool climate-like aromatics while bringing good depth and fruit as well as structure on the palate. 94 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
The Pursuit - Slide Hill Vineyard
96 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"... comes from a great site in the Edna Valley, and it's another cool climate-like beauty offering fresh black fruits, smoked game, ground pepper, and sappy herb-like aromas and flavors. Rich, concentrated, and medium to full-bodied, it’s seriously good and well worth seeking out. I can’t imagine it not evolving gracefully for at least a decade. 96 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
95 pts + Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast
"The density and darkness of the fruit on the nose of this bottling from a rocky site in Edna Valley is offset by a steady streak of loamy earth, crushed asphalt and tar, as damp herbs also arise. It's texturally impressive on the palate, with both density and grip that carry the core of rich, grilled fruit and roasted coffee flavors. 95 pts, Cellar Selection."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
The Pursuit - Bien Nacido Vineyard
96 pts Wine Enthusiast
"Brooding aromas of ripe crème de cassis, loamy soil and baking spices are lavish yet balanced on the nose of this bottling from the historic vineyard. The palate wraps lavish, creamy tannins around a voluptuous display of roasted black currant, chai spice and cracked black pepper. 96 pts."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
95 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"… riper, with more blackberry fruits as well as notes of ground pepper, iodine, and cracked pepper. It's another pure, medium to full-bodied, wonderfully balanced, elegant wine that has tons of character. 95 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
Rose
A- VinePair
"Here is a rosé that is ... impeccably balanced, has a grip to it, and shines with food. If you dig this hue in wine, you deserve to try this bottle out. The bright strawberry and white pepper aromas are amazing … A-"
- Keith Beavers
The Story
93 pts Owen Bargreen
"Soft, round and generous with its silky texture, the 2018 ‘The Story’ shows off sexy rose water flavors alongside red cherry preserves and raspberry coulis on the palate … 93 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
93 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"Lots of kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as hints of iron, tapenade, and pepper emerge from the 2018 The Story, which is 97% Grenache and 3% Syrah. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's beautifully balanced and has a cool-climate, complex style and a great finish ... 93 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
The Cure
94 pts Wine Advocate
"The 2018 The Cure has a deep ruby-purple color and pure aromas of Morello cherries, lavender and graphite. The medium-bodied palate offers ripe, concentrated fruits on a plush, refreshing, approachable frame, and it boasts a long, spicy finish ... 94 pts."
- Wine Advocate
93 pts + Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast
"Tightly wound aromas of black currant, blackberry and lavender meet with light herbs and a lava rock minerality ... Chiseled tannins frame the palate, where blackberry- jam-on-toast flavors lead into charred caramel toward the finish. There is much complexity to come ... 93 pts, Cellar Selection."
- Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
93 pts Vinous
"Saturated ruby. Aromas of fresh red/blue fruits, vanilla and pungent flowers pick up a spicy top-note as the wine opens up. Displays sharp definition and spicy lift to fresh boysenberry, cherry cola and lavender pastille flavors, which deepen through the midpalate. Finishes sweet, lively and very long, with polished tannins framing lingering blue fruit and floral notes ... 93 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
93 pts Owen Bargreen
"The 2018 ‘The Cure’ blends near equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Soft and approachable now, with smoked pork shoulder, blackberry compote, tar and pretty red fruits with orange rind accents, this complex and delicious wine will drink well for another decade ... 93 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
The Source
93 pts Owen Bargreen
"...savory with bright acidity and a soft mouthfeel. Layers of huckleberry and red currants combine with stony minerals and smoked meats on the palate … 93 pts."
- Owen Bargreen
93 pts Wine Advocate
"The 2018 The Source is a lovely Syrah with a deep ruby color and pure scents of blueberries and cassis with accents of tar, coffee beans, dark chocolate and mint leaves. The medium-bodied palate is supple, fresh and seamless with savory accents that linger on the finish ... 93 pts."
- Wine Advocate
95 pts Vinous
"Shimmering purple. Vibrant black/blue fruit, incense and potpourri qualities on the assertively perfumed nose, which takes on exotic spice, vanilla and candied licorice flourishes with air. Palate-staining, finely detailed cassis, bitter cherry, dark chocolate, allspice and violet pastille flavors show a deft blend of heft and finesse. The floral and spice notes echo on an extremely long, penetrating finish that's shaped by polished, harmonious tannins ... 95 pts."
- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
93 pts Jeb Dunnuck
"The Syrah-dominated 2018 The Source (there's 3% Grenache) is another cool-climate inspired wine from this estate that has lots of classic peppery herbs, game, and leather notes yet bring solid ripe fruit on the palate. Balanced, textured, and certainly delicious ... 93 pts."
- Jeb Dunnuck
Cabernet
93 pts Wine Advocate
"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and aromas of wild berry jam, graphite, fried sage and lilac. The medium-bodied palate is bright and fresh with layered, spicy fruits, a supple texture and perfumed finish … 93 pts."
- Wine Advocate