March 09, 2020

LaRue Chardonnay recommended by Wine Enthusiast as one of their favorite Chardonnays from Sonoma. While still wildly popular, Chardonnay in Napa and Sonoma trends more specialized and site-specific. Grape growers and winemakers now give it the same thought and scrupulous attention once reserved for Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Increasingly, like with Pinot Noir, this means to search for cooler climates that better coax out the white wine’s savory and quenching aspects of minerality, salinity and acidity. Such effort shows in some of our favorite selections, which come from relatively cool sites and small producers. Additional names to look for include Ramey Wine Cellars, Kistler Vineyards, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery, J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery, Hanzell Vineyards, Donum, Wayfarer, Hartford Court, Benovia, LaRue and Arista. Single-vineyard designates from Hyde Estate Winery, Hudson Ranch or Ritchie Vineyard are also well worth seeking. —Virginie Boone”

March 02, 2020

“Every year, vintners from around Napa Valley create some of the most exclusive wines in the world. And every February, hundreds of members of the wine trade—retailers, restaurateurs—gather to barrel-taste the newest collection and bid at the Premiere Napa Valley auction for the right to take ownership of the lots that have impressed them the most. Here are 13 that would intrigue your most wine-steeped friends: Viader Vineyards and Winery 2018 Block B2 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - Mother and son winemakers Delia and Alan Viader (shown here) isolated their steepest block on sun-exposed west-facing slopes for this lot, then aged it in a 500-liter French oak barrel on the lees to tame its tannins. While powerful, the wine is ripe and beautifully balanced for a long life. Winning bid: $42,000 for 240 bottles or $175 per bottle"

February 24, 2020

"Alan grew up at VIADER. He started working in the vineyards at the age of nine and continued to help at the family estate throughout his childhood. Armed with years of hands-on experience at home and knowledge from his studies and several opportunities abroad, Alan became Vineyard Manager at VIADER in 2002 and in 2006, he was promoted to head winemaker. Since then, he has overseen vineyard management operations and continues to work closely with his mother in all areas of wine production. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Alan to learn more about what it was like growing up at the estate, his experience producing wine at home and abroad and his hopes for the future of VIADER Vineyards and Winery."

January 02, 2020

"Since 2009, LaRue Wines has focused on making high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, exclusively from vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. The wines are elegant, restrained, and forever inspired by the resilience and strength of one Veona LaRue."

November 22, 2019

“2016 VIADER Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley ($195): A proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc sourced from Viader estate vineyards on the eastern slopes of Howell Mountain. This blend put Delia Viader on the map as a Napa pioneer for showcasing Cab Franc alongside Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of dark and red fruit and berries, cassis, warm baking spice, fresh herbs, dusty earth, tobacco, and black pepper arouse the senses. Its silky texture is accentuated by smooth tannins, high acidity, and a bold structure. A wine to enjoy now with a long decant, or age for more concentration. Purchase direct from Viader.”

November 22, 2019

“Since 2009, LaRue Wines has focused on making high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, exclusively from vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. The wines are elegant, restrained, and forever inspired by the resilience and strength of one Veona LaRue. Who is Veona LaRue? Tune in to find out as the hosts talk with Katy Wilson, vintner/winemaker, and granddaughter of Veona. Learn what Veona had to say when Katy told her she was naming her winery after her.  Alongside LaRue Wines, Katy works with several other projects. Currently, she makes wine for Anaba Wines, Claypool Cellars, Reeve Wines, and Smith Story Wine Cellars. Learn more about Katy and her wines at LaRueWines.com”