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.
Sonoma excels with a wide variety of white and red grapes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive in the cooler areas along the coast, where fog and breezes lend vibrancy to the wines. Zinfandel is the star in warmer sites, making bold and zesty versions that are among California's best. You'll find these grapes and more in today's selection from across the county.
Pinot Noir leads here, with an appealing version from CBS sportscaster Jim Nantz's wine label, The Calling, a partnership with Peter Deutsch, CEO of importer Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. Dan Goldfield, who oversees the winery's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay program, made a structured Pinot with richly textured flavors from the Russian River Valley.
Sharing top honors is a consistent value from Zinfandel specialist Seghesio. The winery's Sonoma bottling has a long track record of outstanding quality at fair prices. Winemaker Andy Robinson, who took over from Ted Seghesio in 2015, tapped vineyards throughout Sonoma County to make a plump and supple Zin in 2017.
Sonoma is also a top region for Sauvignon Blanc. Pete and Terri Kight, who own Torbreck in Australia, purchased Dry Creek Valley's Quivira in 2006 from founders Henry and Holly Wendt. The winery has been finding its groove with Sauvignon Blanc, exemplified by this fresh and juicy version from Fig Tree Vineyard.
THE CALLING Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016
Well-structured, with richly textured flavors of forest floor, dried cherry and currant that feature some licorice and hot spice hints. Minerally finish. Drink now through 2023. 6,635 cases made.
SEGHESIO Zinfandel Sonoma County Sonoma 2017
Plump and supple, with soft raspberry, toasted spice and licorice flavors that glide along a silky finish. Drink now through 2023. 76,500 cases made.
QUIVIRA Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley Fig Tree Vineyard 2017
Fresh green apple, lime and subtle celery leaf flavors are fresh and juicy, with notes of saline and minerality adding an appealing savory side. Drink now. 1,880 cases made.
GOLDSCHMIDT Chardonnay Russian River Valley Singing Tree 2017
Features lively nutmeg and cinnamon accents to the apple and citrus flavors. The crisp finish shows touches of richness. Drink now through 2021. 5,236 cases made.
KARAH Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2016
Notes of hot stone accent the dried, spiced cherry and berry flavors, supported by medium-grained tannins and lively acidity. Nutmeg accents show on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.
JOSH CELLARS Chardonnay Sonoma County Family Reserve 2017
This offers a supple package of layered pastry, white fruit and cream flavors. Spicy finish. Drink now. 8,000 cases made.
KENWOOD Zinfandel Sonoma County 2015
Zesty, jammed with spice, offering licorice and burnt toast accents. Drink now through 2023. 10,000 cases made.