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.
There are a few common threads running through today's selection of wines: They're all from Sonoma County, they all notch 90 points or higher, and they have notable spice.
Aromas and flavors of spice in wine can come in many forms. It can manifest as notes of peppercorn, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, anise, ginger …. Some grapes have a natural spiciness to them, while others obtain their spice character from aging or fermenting in oak barrels.
Here we have three Pinot Noirs, two Chardonnays and two Zinfandels—a variety known for its spicy zestiness. Rodney Strong strikes twice with a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; both are filled with fruit flavors that complement those spice notes. And if you compare the two Zinfandels, you might find that the white pepper note in Carol Shelton's Peaceland Vineyard bottling points to the grape's DNA, whereas Kirkland Signature's toasted spice flavors likely result from new oak influence.
ROUTESTOCK Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 116 2017
This offers creamy raspberry, currant and wild plum flavors, supported by medium-grained tannins. The spicy finish lingers with chocolate notes and hints of mint. Drink now through 2023. 5,024 cases made.
CAROL SHELTON Zinfandel Fountaingrove District Peaceland Vineyard 2016
Snappy and well-built, with lively cherry and cranberry flavors, laced with bay leaf and white pepper accents, finishing on a crisp, vibrant note. Drink now through 2026. 566 cases made.
RODNEY STRONG Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2016
Refined, featuring lithe flavors of cherry tart and raspberry, with hints of nutmeg, all supported by medium-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Chocolate, spice and cream details emerge on the rich finish. Drink now through 2024. 67,500 cases made.
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Zinfandel Sonoma County Old Vine 2016
Vibrant and zesty, this lacks complexity but remains jammed with up-front black cherry and toasted spice flavors that finish with a lively snap. Drink now through 2024. 42,000 cases made.
KUNDE FAMILY Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Wildwood Vineyard 2017
Well-structured, with crunchy acidity backing the ripe apple and baked pear flavors. The lusciously spiced finish features buttery richness. Drink now through 2023. 1,160 cases made.
PALI WINE CO. Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Riviera 2017
Ripe, with mocha and espresso accents to the concentrated dark fruit and Asian spice flavors. Dark chocolate notes lengthen out nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 7,366 cases made.
RODNEY STRONG Chardonnay Chalk Hill 2016
Juicy and lusciously fruity, with roasted tropical fruit, apple pastry and pear tart flavors. Buttery and spicy accents show on the vibrant finish. Drink now through 2022. 63,750 cases made.