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WineRelease.com's November 15, 2023 Monthly Newsletter.

This month we had 169 winery updates and 89 wineries releasing wine.

Attentive readers know that I don’t pre-announce things because life changes. So one of the few times I can remember, last month I said “going to Burgundy next month” (with three friends). Well, my friend Satish and his wife Jenna had to drop out because Satish’s former boss, President Bill Clinton, was coming to Paris and asked Satish to plan their food and events as Satish moved here (Paris) a year ago. So when Satish said “get a table at L’Ami Jean (located on 27 rue Malar in the 7th arrondissement) on Tuesday and I will introduce you to Clinton”. My wife and I love L’Ami Jean so we were more than happy to go. We get there and sit down and then get the text from Satish “We’re coming.”

Quick L’Ami Jean side story… I thought I mentioned L’Ami Jean before and I looked through my archives and I did not. I’ve gone here a half dozen times and it always delivers. When my brother came in April this year, he requested we go to L’Ami Jean because “Thomas Keller” (The French Laundry) recommended it. Earlier this year I also brought my good friend Gordon and Anissa and Gordon speaks French (not fluently according to this story) and Gordon orders “Ris de veau rôti au beurre” which he says is “rice with veal roasted in butter”. Well, “riz” in French is “rice” and “ris” in French is sweetbread and sweetbread is the culinary name for the thymus or pancreas, typically from calf or lamb. Suffice to say, it was one of the best meat dishes I have ever had. It was so good and perfectly cooked with a slight crunch yet tender and succulent texture. The flavors were amazing.

Now back to Clinton. Satish walks through the front door followed by secret service agents and Clinton with 8 of his friends, including former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. A few folks come over to request selfies and Clinton obliges. The lunch begins and they are really enjoying all the food and Chef Stephane Jego and his sous chef Camille and the rest of the staff were firing on all cylinders. The starter was their classic Parmesan soup and they had a mix of lamb, razor clams, octopus and ended with their classic rice pudding dessert. We knew this because we were seated a table away from them. Our daughter was off school so she joined us at the end for coffee. After they finish dinner, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe says loudly “Clinton is the best President in US history” and the table of two women next to us said “we agree” and Clinton asked them where they are from and they say “San Francisco”. Well, they were from Marin but I guess that qualifies. Axios San Francisco recently wrote about this and their survey says only 22% of SF residents would agree that it’s OK to claim San Francisco origin when raised outside the city but within the Bay Area.. But I digress. So Clinton starts talking to the woman and my wife and I about various political issues; Capital insurrection, lack of local news and overall violence. He’s still sharp at 77 and seemed genuine and was eloquent and thoughtful. He posed for photos and we wanted our daughter Mia to be in a photo with him but I didn’t want to bother him but he looked at me and said “get in this photo” so that made my day/week/month… In closing it was one of the highlights of my life to chat with President Clinton and I'm grateful to my friend Satish for including my family and me. That made up for the fact that we have to reschedule our Burgundy trip.

Side note: Securing a reservation at L'Ami Jean, or any other great restaurants in Paris, can be challenging. Most restaurants don't like walk-ins, but they do appreciate advance reservations. You can request a reservation in person a few days before you plan to have lunch or dinner. The best time to ask is after the lunch rush when the staff is less busy and the lunch stress is over.

Every November, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Use this time to explore your wine collection and introduce your family and friends to new wines, especially the younger crowd (ages 21-34), as they aren't drinking as much wine as the older generation. Wineries rely on them to maintain demand. When serving wine, opt for smaller pours so guests can sample various wines with different foods. Encourage them to close their eyes, take in the aromas, and then swirl the wine in their mouths to fully experience the flavors.

President Clinton at L'Ami Jean with our family
President Clinton at L'Ami Jean with our family.

President Clinton at L'Ami Jean with our family outside
With our daughter Mia (born and raised in San Francisco).

Chatting with President Clinton at L'Ami Jean
Chatting with President Clinton at L'Ami Jean.

President Clinton at L'Ami Jean with our family
Two angles, just like the professionals do.

Former Govenor Terry McAuliff at L'Ami Jean with our family
Former Govenor Terry McAuliff. He texted Nancy Pelosi to do a video call with us but she was busy. Luckily because I would not known what to say... Maybe "Hi Nancy, let's get together for coffee at Model Bakery next time you are in St. Helena".

And now, onto the wine releases...


November 2023 Wine Releases
  • Airfield Estates Winery; 2020 Yakima Valley Estate Grown Reserve Merlot (237 cases, $35), 2022 Yakima Valley Lightning Viognier/Chardonnay (125 cases, $30)
  • Alit Wines; 2021 Willamette Valley Chehalem Mountains Barrel Aged Rose ($49)
  • Amavi Cellars; 2022 Walla Walla Valley Semillon (1,087 cases, $28), 2021 Walla Walla Valley Syrah (1,040 cases, $42), 2021 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (3,337 cases)
  • Amici Cellars; 2019 Napa Valley Howell Mountain Cimarossa Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($195)
  • Armstrong Family Winery; 2020 Horse Heaven Hills Discovery Vineyard The Scotsman Syrah ($50), 2020 Walla Walla Valley Sally Mac Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot ($60)
  • Backstage; 2019 Napa Valley Yountville Cadenza Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (344 cases, $130), 2019 Napa Valley Oakville Callback Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($125)
  • Bannister Wines; 2022 Sonoma Valley Dry Creek Valley Gittins Vineyard Ribolla Gialla ($34), 2021 Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Zinfandel ($38)
  • Barlow Vineyards; 2021 Napa Valley Calistoga Petit Verdot (30 cases, $45), 2021 Napa Valley Calistoga Zinfandel ($40)
  • Benessere Vineyards; 2021 Napa Valley St Helena Sorridente Merlot/Syrah/Grenache/Sagrantino/Teroldego (127 cases, $46)
  • Bjornson Vineyards; 2022 Eola-Amity Hills Estate Reserve Chardonnay (214 cases, $40)
  • Bonny Doon Vineyard; 2022 Old Telegrahm Mourvedre
  • Bravium; 2021 Anderson Valley Wiley Vineyard Pinot Noir ($40)
  • Cain Vineyard and Winery; 2022 OTO Grenache ($40)
  • Cameron Hughes Wine; 2020 Lodi Lot 951 Zinfandel (1,536 cases, $15), 2021 Russian River Valley Lot 952 Pinot Noir (600 cases, $34)
  • Cameron Winery; 2021 Clos Electrique Rouge (225 cases, $80), 2021 Clos Electrique Blanc (148 cases, $80), 2021 Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir (300 cases, $80), 2021 Abbey Ridge Chardonnay (53 cases, $80)
  • Carte Blanche; 2021 Napa Valley Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($175)
  • Castoro Cellars; 2021 Paso Rob­les Whale Rock Vineyard Reserve Syrah ($25)
  • Clos Du Val; 2021 Napa Valley Stags Leap District Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($150), 2021 Napa Valley Stags Leap District Hirondelle Vineyard Estate Cabernet Franc ($125)
  • Cornerstone Cellars; 2019 Napa Valley Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon (350 cases, $95) 2019 Napa Valley Oakville Station Cabernet Franc (150 cases, $110)
  • Crowley Wines; 2022 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (1,100 cases, $30)
  • Daou Vineyards; 2019 Estate Port Cabernet Sauvignon ($100)
  • Darioush Winery; 2021 Russian River Valley Signature Pinot Noir ($88)
  • Deovlet Wines; 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay ($45), 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir ($60), 2022 Sta. Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Blanc ($35), 2021 Sta. Rita Hills La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir ($60), 2021 Sonny Boy Red Blend Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon ($60)
  • Di Arie Vineyard & Winery; 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Proprietor’s Blend
  • Domaine Curry; 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($80), 2021 Napa Valley Founders Blend Petite Sirah/Syrah/Merlot ($65)
  • Dubost; 2021 Estate Cuvee Syrah/Petite Sirah/Touriga/Viognier ($100 per 1.5l)
  • Etude Wines; 2021 Pinot Noir
  • Flaneur Wines; 2019 Willamette Valley Chehalem Mountains La Belle Promenade Vineyard Extra Brut Sparkling Wine Pinot Noir/Chardonnay/Pinot Meunier (399 cases, $65)
  • Flat Rock Cellars; 2021 Twenty Mile Bench Foundation Riesling ($20)
  • Flaunt Wine Company; 2021 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($40, 2021 Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir ($55), 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($40), 2021 Peake Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir ($55)
  • Flint Knoll Winery; 2021 Napa Valley Calistoga Royal Appointment Cabernet Sauvignon ($175), 2021 Napa Valley Spring Mountain District Noble Right Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon ($175)
  • Frick Winery; 2021 Dry Creek Valley Estate Owl Hill Vineyard Mourvedre (72 cases, $29)
  • GC Wines; 2022 Commuter Cuvee Pinot Noir ($23)
  • Hammerling Wines; 2022 Strictly Ballroom Sparkling Syrah/Viognier (140 cases, $42), 2021 Sonoma County Anderson Valley Manchester Ridge Vineyard Let's Get Lost Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Chardonnay (120 cases, $48), 2021 Escolle Vineyard Late Air Gamay (120 cases, $42)
  • Harbison Wines; 2020 3 Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon ($375)
  • Heibel Ranch Vineyards; 2019 Napa Valley Lappa's Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon/Petite Sirah/Zinfandel (157 cases, $60)
  • Iron Horse Vineyards; 2019 Sonoma County Russian River Valley Green Valley Gratitude Pinot Noir/Chardonnay (450 cases, $75)
  • Kanpai Wines; 2019 Napa Valley Tsuchi No Koe Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Dessert Wine (1,500 cases, $110), 2020 Napa Valley Meadowbrook Farm Estate Hi No Tori Cabernet Sauvignon ($65)
  • Ken Brown Wines; 2019 Sta. Rita Hills Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir ($75), 2019 Santa Barbara County Santa Ynez Valley Zaca Mesa Vineyard Syrah ($50)
  • Keplinger Wines; 2021 Napa Valley Oakville Ranch Vineyard RBK Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc (90 cases, $200), 2021 Napa Valley Oakville Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (150 cases, $200)
  • Lamborn Family Vineyards; 2020 Santa Barbara Happy Canyon Star Lane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (467 cases, $65), 2020 Santa Barbara Happy Canyon Carnation Cabernet Sauvignon (467 cases, $65)
  • Lang & Reed Winery; 2019 Napa Valley Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Two-Fourteen Cabernet Franc ($90)
  • Lavinea; 2022 Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir (628 cases, $40), 2022 Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay (208 cases, $40)
  • Lawer Family Wines; 2021 Barrel Select Pinot Noir
  • Left Coast Cellars; 2021 Estate Left Bank Pinot Blanc (313 cases, $28)
  • Liquid Farm; 2021 Santa Barbara County Sta. Rita Hills Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay ($68)
  • Long Walk Vineyard; 2021 Oregon Rogue Valley Carignan (70 cases, $40), 2021 Oregon Rogue Valley Field Notes Carignan (380 cases, $30)
  • Longboard Vineyards; 2021 Mavericks Cabernet Sauvignon ($78), 2021 Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir ($64)
  • Lorenza; NV Bubbles Carignan Rose ($30)
  • Magna Carta Cellars; 2019 Napa Valley Proprietary Red Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Malbec/Petit Verdot (650 cases, $120)
  • Matthews Cellars; 2022 Columbia Valley Reserve Sauvignon Blanc ($34), 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Matthiasson; 2021 Napa Valley Estate Refosco (77 cases, $55), 2020 Sonoma Coast Michael Mara Vineyard Chardonnay (48 cases, $85), 2021 Napa Valley Yount Mill Vineyard Semillon (258 cases, $49), 2010 Napa Valley Flora (75 375ml cases, $49 per 375ml)
  • McCollum Heritage 91; 2017 Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley Bryan Creek Vineyard Sparkling Blanc De Blancs Chardonnay ($133)
  • Medlock Ames; 2021 Bell Mountain Red Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec ($55)
  • Michael~David Vineyards; 2022 Lodi Sauvignon Blanc ($22), 2022 Lodi Symphony ($20)
  • Michael Mondavi Family Estate; 2019 Napa Valley M Cabernet Sauvignon ($210)
  • Neal Family Vineyards; 2021 Anderson Valley One & Only Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay (83 cases, $75)
  • Ojai Vineyard; 2022 Roll Ranch Vineyard Viognier (127 cases, $36), 2022 Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Viognier (127 cases, $42)
  • Olympic Cellars; NV Go Girl Bordeaux Blend Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon ($28), NV Lake Quinault Lodge Merlot ($35)
  • Patent Wines; 2021 Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Patz & Hall Wine Company; 2020 Russian River Valley Maritana Vineyards La Rivière Chardonnay
  • Paul Mathew Vineyards; 2019 TNT Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2019 Ruxton Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Perchance Estates; 2021 Napa Valley Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Pomum Cellars; 2020 Shya Red Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Red Wine Blend, 2022 White Wine Blend
  • Quails' Gate Winery; 2021 Okanagan Valley Old Vines Marechal Foch, 2021 Okanagan Valley Reserve Old Vines Marechal Foch, 2018 Okanagan Valley Fortified Vintage Marechal Foch
  • Rain Dance; 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir ($75)
  • Rasa Vineyards; 2021 Columbia Valley Eclectic Vineyard Courageous Convictions Port-Style Wine Touriga Nacional/Tinta Roriz/Tinta Cao/Souzao (191 cases, $42 per 375ml), 2021 Walla Walla Valley Human[e]
  • Red Bear Winery; 2020 Sonoma County Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($70)
  • Relic; 2021 Napa Valley Mt. Veeder Paras Vineyard Grenache (24 cases), 2021 Napa Valley Alfred Frediani Vineyard Old Vines Carignane (57 cases), 2021 Napa Valley Calistoga La Place Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (24 cases)
  • Robert Sinskey Vineyards; 2018 Los Carneros Pinot Blanc ($92 per 1.5L)
  • Savage Grace; 2023 Yakima Valley Cru Carbonic Cabernet Franc
  • Sawtooth Winery; 2021 Snake River Valley Classic Fly Pinot Noir Rose ($26), 2021 Snake River Valley Fly Series Chenin Blanc ($26)
  • Scherrer Winery; 2021 Sonoma County Russian River Valley Helfer Vineyard Chardonnay (68 cases, $54), 2020 Sonoma County Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (215 cases, $52), 2019 Sonoma County Russian River Valley High Slopes Pinot Noir (63 cases, $75), 2020 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (196 cases, $56), 2019 Sonoma County Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (540 cases, $48)
  • Four Bears Winery; 2022 Sonoma Petaluma Gap Sangiacomo Roberts Road Invited Series Pinot Noir ($75), 2022 Sonoma Valley Rossi Ranch Invited Series Grenache ($75)
  • Seven Hills Winery; 2021 Walla Walla Valley Pentad Red Wine
  • Smoky Rose Cellars; 2021 Walla Walla Valley Eyes Right Red Blend Merlot/Cabernet Franc ($45), 2021 Walla Walla Valley Eritage Vineyard Syrah ($42), 2021 Walla Walla Valley Petit Verdot ($39), 2022 Walla Walla Valley Viognier ($35)
  • Somerston Estate; 2021 Sauvignon Blanc
  • St. Clair Brown Winery; 2021 Napa Valley Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah (102 cases, $90)
  • Tank Garage Winery; 2022 California Tutto Passa Italian Blend Barbera/Valdiguie/Freisa/Montepulciano/Falanghina/Ruché (395 cases, $55), 2021 Sonoma County Talk Dirty to Me Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Syrah (350 cases, $85)
  • The Calling Wines; 2021 Sonoma County Russian River Valley Charles Heintz Chardonnay ($70)
  • Tinhorn Creek Vineyards; 2019 Blanc de Blanc
  • Urban Legend Cellars; 2019 Amador County Sierra Foothills Cooper Ranch Barbera (250 cases, $38)
  • V. Vineyards; 2018 Sonoma Valley Ruby Vineyard Audace Cabernet Sauvignon (150 cases, $125), 2018 Single Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (150 cases, $90), 2018 Owl's Rock Vineyard Cabernet Franc (50 cases, $68), 2021 Sonoma Stage Vineyards Avere Pinot Noir (150 cases, $72)
  • Vida Valiente; 2021 Napa Valley High Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Weather Wines; 2020 Sonoma County Russian River Valley Leras Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Westrey Wines; 2015 Willamette Valley Dundee Hills Oracle Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2015 Willamette Valley Dundee Hills Cuvee 23 Pinot Noir ($60), 2015 Willamette Valley Dundee Hills Reserve Pinot Noir
  • Willful Wine Co. (formerly Daedalus Cellars); 2021 Winemaker Cuvee Pinot Noir (123 cases, $55), 2021 Dundee Hills Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir (60 cases, $75), 2021 Ribbon Ridge Stewart Vineyard Pinot Noir (47 cases, $45), 2021 Dundee Hills Balanza Vineyard Pinot Noir (50 cases, $45), 2021 Walla Walla Red Blend Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot ($45), 2021 Ribbon Ridge Stewart Vineyard Chardonnay (130 cases, $30), 2021 Skin Contact Pinot Blanc (12 cases, $24 per 500ml)
  • Williams Selyem Winery; 2020 Napa Valley Rutherford Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III Cabernet Sauvignon ($225), 2020 Napa Valley Oakville Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($225), 2020 Napa Valley Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($275)
  • Winter's Hill Vineyard; 2018 Dundee Hills Estate Grown Sparkling Pinot Noir/Pinot Blanc ($55)

December 2023 Wine Releases

The following 169 winery information pages have been updated since October 15, 2023:


Wine Quote of the Month: "The smack of California earth shall linger on the palate of your grandson. Robert Louis Stevenson


Till next month.

Neil Monnens


Special thanks to the following sponsors of WineRelease.com: Bacio Divino, Bonaccorsi Wine Company, Cellars33, Gamba Vineyards and Winery, Lucia Vineyards, Rocca Family Vineyards, School House Vineyard, Snowden Vineyards, Seven Stones Winery, Steltzner Vineyards and VIADER Vineyards & Winery. They help make WineRelease possible.



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