Wine Enthusiast Scores
Wine Entusiast May 2023 issue - 94 points Claiborne & Churchill 2020 Greengate Ranch & Vineyard Pinot Noir (Edna Valley). "Peppercorn and damp herb aromas elevate the baked strawberry core on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate picks up umami notes of shitake and dashi broth, while slightly bitter tar and smoked plum flavors make for a cohesive and engaging experience."
93 Biddle Ranch 2018 Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County). Dark red currants, pomegranate and raspberry aromas meet with a tarry earth minerality as well as tarragon and mint on the very layered nose of this bottling. There’s a gamy streak on the palate that pairs well with raspberry-jam and raspberry-compote flavors, with orange rind, flowering herbs and muddled spice on the finish.
92 Claiborne & Churchill 2019 Greengate Ranch & VIneyard Chardonnay (Edna Valley). Crisp lemongrass, sliced jicama, Asian pear and light sea-salt aromas show on the nose of this bottling, which is tightly made. The palate is loaded with a rocky structure, with lemongrass, lime, guava and exotic apple flavors. —M.K.
91 Claiborne & Churchill 2020 Spanish Springs Vineyard Chardonnay (San Luis Obispo County). Wet stone, flint and singed apple-flesh aromas show on the nose of this single-vineyard expression from a very coastal site. There’s a rocky tension to the sip, where singed wood flavors frame the riper Pink Lady apple, cinnamon and clove elements. —M.K.
91 Glunz 2018 Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir (Edna Valley). There’s an appealing earthy and gamy funk to the nose of this bottling, which pairs a charcuterie scent with fresh, dark berries. Roasted cranberry flavors pop on the palate, where thyme and oregano also show atop the dried lamb and roast beef elements.
92 Lightpost 2019 Spanish Springs Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay (San Luis Obispo County). Dried lemon, grapefruit flesh, apple slices and lemongrass meet with steely minerality on the nose of this bottling. The sip is zesty and fresh with lime-peel and lemon flavors. A solid sea-shell minerality adds to the energetic experience. —M.K.
94 Loring Wine Company 2019 Spanish Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir (San Luis Obispo County). Plump and juicy aromas of mulberry, violet, lilac and lavender make for an elegant entry to the nose of this bottling. The deeply layered elegance expands to the palate, where berry, plum and pomegranate flavors are decorated by nutmeg and mace.
92 Stephen Ross 2018 Bee Sweet Vineyard Chardonnay (Edna Valley). Hints of coconut, meringue and light nectarine make for a suavely integrated nose on this bottling. It’s pure and crisp on the palate with citrus-peel and tart apple flavors, leading into warmer spices on the finish. —M.K.
92 Wolff 2019 Old VInes Chardonnay (Edna Valley). There’s a streak of stone on the nose of this bottling before the toasted macadamia nut, baked apricot and lemon-balm flavors come through. There’s a zesty flash to the sip of lemongrass, yuzu, Mandarin peel and lime, with warmer marzipan tones on the finish. —M.K.
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