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Sonoma County

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

2019 Boars' View BDR Pinot Noir

Light capsule condition issue

2015 Ridge Buchignani Ranch Carignane ATP

2016 Ridge Geyserville

1.5ltr

WA  95   
VN  95   
JD  95   
JR  18   

1999 Ridge Mazzoni Home Ranch Red

Light label condition issue

1999 Verite La Muse

Lightly depressed cork

RP  97   
ST  92   

2000 Verite La Muse

RP  91   
WS  91   
ST  91   

2013 Verite La Muse

Light capsule condition issue; lightly elevated cork; light label condition issue

RP  100   
VN  92-94   

2017 Verite La Muse

WA  99   
JS  98   
JD  98   
VN  96   
JR  16.5+    

2020 Del Dotto Cinghiale Vineyard Grenache

Lightly depressed cork

2016 Del Dotto Cinghiale Vineyard Syrah

2017 Rivers-Marie Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir

JD  95   
VN  94   
RP  92   

2018 Rivers-Marie Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

VN  100   
JD  97   
WA  90   

2021 Rivers-Marie Platt Vineyard Pinot Noir

Light label condition issue

JD  94-96   

2018 Bedrock Wine Company Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel

Light label condition issue

VN  96   
JR  17   

2019 Bedrock Wine Company Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel

VN  94   
WS  92   
JD  91   

2011 Bedrock Wine Company Weill a Way Vineyard Syrah Exposition One

Light label condition issue

2011 Bedrock Wine Company Weill a Way Vineyard Syrah Exposition One

1994 Chateau St. Jean Merlot

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; top shoulder fill; light label condition issue

WS  90   

1990 Chateau St. Jean Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

6.0ltr

Light capsule condition issue

WS  93   

2013 Hidden Ridge Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Lightly elevated cork; light label condition issue

RP  100   
WS  92   

2013 Hidden Ridge Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

RP  100   
WS  92   

1976 Dehlinger Zinfandel

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; mid shoulder fill; heavy label condition issue

1978 Dehlinger Zinfandel

Light capsule condition issue; light signs of past seepage; mid shoulder fill; label condition issue

2015 Hirsch Vineyards Old Vineyard Pinot Noir

2017 Hirsch Vineyards Old Vineyard Pinot Noir

1.5ltr

JS  95   
WA  93+    
VN  93