Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Autumn is officially here. The days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, which means it's time to replenish your red-wine supply. Today's selection of California reds will keep you cozy for the months ahead, from focused and zesty Pinot Noir to dark and brooding Syrah; each wine scored 90 points or more in recent tastings.
Ridge checks in twice with two different styles of Zinfandel. Pagani Ranch dates back to the turn of the century. Its gnarly old Zinfandel vines are co-planted with Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Alicante Bouschet in Sonoma Valley, yielding a field blend–style Zin, with ample structure and a brooding presence. Ponzo, located just south of Healdsburg in Russian River Valley, is a cooler site, with vines between 25 and 65 years old. The wine shows zesty fruit flavors on a rustic frame.
Pinot Noir can be your Swiss Army knife red: Here, you'll find a trio from different AVAs, each showing the many sides of the grape, from Artesa's rich and refined version with plush fruit to Gary Farrell's minerally and focused bottling. Also look out for Merlot, Grenache and Syrah from the Golden State this fall.
JAFFURS Grenache Santa Barbara County 2016
Sleek and spirited, with floral raspberry and spiced cinnamon aromas and elegantly layered cherry and smoky, sweet anise flavors. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases made.
RIDGE Zinfandel Sonoma Valley Pagani Ranch 2016
Brooding and dense in structure, offering appealing if eccentric black plum, smoky licorice and spice box flavors that finish with lively tannins. Best after 2019. 3,250 cases made.
ARTESA Pinot Noir Los Carneros 2016
Rich and refined, offering luscious red fruit and spice flavors that are well-honed. Mineral and hot stone details show on the finish, with notes of chocolate and pastry. Drink now through 2022. 8,500 cases made.
GARY FARRELL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Russian River Selection 2016
Minerally, with focused and pure-tasting cherry, plum and currant flavors that are backed by zesty acidity. Slate and spice accents show on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 10,704 cases made.
GROUNDWORK Syrah Santa Barbara County 2016
Dark and brooding, with potent blueberry and blackberry flavors accented by licorice and smoky pepper notes. Drink now through 2023. 600 cases made.
HUSCH Zinfandel Mendocino Old Vines Garzini Ranch 2016
Supple and delicately zesty, with elegantly layered raspberry, cinnamon and spice flavors that linger. Drink now through 2023. 590 cases made.
RANCHO SISQUOC Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County Flood Family Vineyards 2016
Firm and rich, featuring mulled berry flavors blending with notes of underbrush and spice. Peppery accents show on the broad finish, with hints of dried green herb. Drink now through 2022. 1,800 cases made.
RIDGE Zinfandel Russian River Valley Ponzo 2016
An appealingly old-school Zin, offering gutsy, zesty raspberry, blueberry and spicy dill flavors that finish with slightly rustic tannins. Drink now through 2024. 2,250 cases made.
ROMBAUER Merlot Napa Valley 2015
Finely chiseled flavors of red currant, plum and dark cherry are matched to notes of cedar and sandalwood. Offers hints of dried green herbs and beef on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 4,000 cases made.
SHANNON RIDGE Zinfandel Lake County Reserve Two Bud Block 2015
Sleek and supple, with lively black cherry, sage, toasty and pepper flavors that linger on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,029 cases made.