Tasting notes LA CREMA SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS ZINFANDEL

2014 / $137

Legendary winemaker Paul Draper’s 2014 Lytton Springs is 69 per cent zinfandel, backed by petite sirah, carignane and mourvèdre. Intensity and density meet here with abundant black-fruit flavours, tightly constrained tannins and a long, powerful finish. Try it with venison pie.

LITTORAI SAVOY VINEYARD ANDERSON VALLEY PINOT NOIR

2015 / $180

Ted Lemon crafts his delicate pinot noirs in the mould of the great wines of Burgundy. This one is made with 30 per cent whole clusters, giving it a touch of woodsmoke complexity. It’s an intense, gently persuasive drop, with red-berry flavours enhanced by earthy truffles and a sprinkle of dried herbs. The pumice-like tannins would work with duck.

KENDALLJACKSON VINTNER’S RESERVE CHARDONNAY

2016 / $30

The Jackson family has changed the Californian wine landscape with this Vintner’s Reserve chardonnay. It’s a full, rich style, with ripe peach and toffee apple aromas backed by a whiff of sweet vanillin oak. Expect lots of stone-fruit and melon flavours with a bright, spicy aftertaste. Grilled lobster, please.

2015 / $59

New Zealand-born winemaker Craig McAllister sources fruit from six AVAs for La Crema’s portfolio, which includes this benchmark Sonoma Coast offering.

It’s lush and plush, with oodles of plum and pomegranate perfumes and a hint of chocolatey richness. Gently persistent tannins drive the finish. Barbecued quail would be the perfect pairing.

STONESTREET ESTATE VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON

2014 / $85

Established in 1995, the Stonestreet estate covers 2225 hectares of rich volcanic soil in the Mayacamas Mountains. This cornerstone Californian cabernet sauvignon says it all with an intense cassis, mulberry and cedarwood bouquet and a tight, sinewy profile. The bold flavours complement the fine-grained tannins. Roast beef is a solid match.