ACCLAIM

2021 EX Sauvignon Blanc

Planet Grape, September 2022
91pts "Light, supple, delicate and dry with notes of lemongrass, lime, nectarine, mango, and spring pea." Catherine Fallis, Master Somm

2021 EX Unoaked Chardonnay

Planet Grape, September 2022
91pts "Light, bright, silky, and dry with notes of lemon meringue pie, peach cobbler and butterscotch" Catherine Fallis, Master Somm

 

2020 Wrath Fermata Chardonnay

purely domestic wine review, February 2023
90pts "The nose is rich stone fruit pastry sprinkled with salt and whiffs of velvety ricotta.  The palate entry is ripe and sleek citrus and nectarine with sweet pie spices in the core.  Retains a rather full richness in the finish"   Doug Wilder

2020 Wrath 3 Clone Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast, March 2023 
90pts "Aromas of honey, macadamia nut butter, marzipan and buttered lemon show on the nose of this wine. The palate is brighter, with crisp red and green pear flavors and hint of riverstone minerality." Matt Kettmann

2020 Wrath Chardonnay, San Saba Vineyard

Connoissuer's Guide to California Wine, December 2022
90pts "An out-in-the-open Chardonnay that will never be accused of restraint, this ample, full-bodied effort juxtaposes plentiful, ripe apple fruit and a judicious complement of toasty oak in a nicely integrated mix. It never nears the line of being overblown, but it is no ersatz Chablis and fully embraces California ripeness while still exhibiting that balanced structure to work famously with food." Tasting Panel

2020 Wrath 115/667 Pinot Noir

Planet Grape, September 2022
93pts "Full, tart, youthfully grippy and dry with notes of cranberry, cherry, mushroom, turned earth, cedar and leather."Catherine Fallis MS

Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard

Wine Enthusiast, March 2023
94pts "Strawberry sorbet, chai spice and toasty oak aromas are cut through with a sharp pinpoint acidity on the nose of this bottling. The palate adds herbal intrigue to the mix, offering bay leaf, eucalyptus and green peppercorn elements to the core of raspberry slushie."Matt Kettmann

2020 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard

Planet Grape, September 2022
94pts "Full, finely chewy, tart and dry with notes of black cherry, red licorice, sundried tomato, cumin, vanilla and dark roast coffee.." Catherine Fallis, Master Somm

Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, November 2022
90pts "Our pick of the Wrath Pinots by dint of its brightness and balance, and a lithe, very well-focused effort that has a firm grasp on very lively and pure cherry-like fruit throughout, this wine is fully ripe without running to excess and lingers on and on with mannerly, neatly integrated tannins that never detract from its message of continuous fruit. Though sure to keep nicely for a number of years, it is a tasty, very easy-to-get-at Pinot Noir with lots to like right now." Tasting Panel

Wine Enthusiast, March 2023
93pts "Roasted plum, nori wrap, muddled mulberry and savory meat aromas invite the nose into this bottling. The palate is even more savory, with bay and eucalyptus leaf flavors giving an herbal angle to the plummy core." Matt Kettmann

2020 Wrath Pinot Noir, Tondré Grapefield

Planet Grape, September 2022
95pts "Full, silky then finely chewy and dry with notes of cherry cola, vanilla, cedar, mushroom, oregano" Catherine Fallis, MS

2020 EX Syrah

Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, December 2022
"One Star" 87/90pts "Ripe enough to hint quietly at a touch of chocolate but first and foremost fixed on the spicy, slightly gamey specifics of Syrah with a sense of dark berry fruit in good supply, the Wrath EX is a plump and rounded, wide-open wine that, in spite of its tender age, is very easy to get at right now. Though it is not overly soft in construction, neither is it built for long aging, and it calls for drinking with minimal cellar time." Tasting Panel

2020 Wrath Destruction Level, Grenache-Syrah

Wine Enthusiast, December 2022
95pts "Cellar Selection" This attention-grabbing blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah is impressive now and will only grow more intriguing with cellar time. Aromas of roasted black plum, pulverized violets, dried beef and hot asphalt lead into a meaty palate wrapped in powdery tannins and loaded with dried berry, purple flower and teriyaki-soaked beef flavors. Drink now–2035 Matt Kettmann

Connoisseur's Guide, October 2022
91pts "Best Buy" Whether reviewed as either a Syrah or a Grenache, this 50-50 blend would stand out as a winning wine. It has a strong and specific Syrah spice component to its insistent themes of judiciously oak-enriched, black and red berry fruit, and its equally evident Grenache complement brings with it a certain juicy brightness while helping to hold intrusive tannins at bay. The marriage of the two varieties is a good one, and the wine finds a distinctive niche of its own with both plenty to like now and the structure to age beautifully. Drink it now or lay it away for four or five years, but the very best choice would be to find more than one bottle and do both." C. Olken

2020 Wrath Syrah, San Saba Vineyard

Connoisseur's Guide, October 2022
90pts "Sweet and juicy on initial nosing then gradually revealing notes of spice and game with time in the glass, this full-bodied Syrah is presently just a bit at odds with itself in that, even though very appealingly supple to start, it takes a hard turn to toughening young tannins that contrast its rich and juicy beginnings. It is a wine with plenty of depth and a big personality, and its central character is quite good, but it begs for additional time, and unless it is tucked away for at least another three to five years, it will not be nearly as good as it can be." CO

Previous Vintage Reviews

2020 EX Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Enthusiast, November 2021
92pts/ Editor's Choice ..."Best of the Year Issue" "Grassy and seaweed-like aromas kick off the nose of this bottling with dried lemon rind, chisled stone and singed lime-peel elements also at play.  There's a great grip to the palate, where jalapeno and lime flavors float atop the smashed stone minerality." Matt Kettmann

2020 EX Unoaked Chardonnay

Wine Enthusiast, December 2021
91pts Very light in the glass, this Chardonnay offers tight aromas of lime, wet sidewalk, grass and kelp. It's grassy on the palate as well, yet there is a hint of peachy opulence to fill it out. Matt Kettman

2019 EX Syrah

Planet Grape, January 2022
93pts "Full, ripe, plush and dry with notes of boysenberry, blackberry, black licorice, chocolate truffle, cedar and pink rose."
Catherine Fallis, M.S.

2019 Wrath Fermata Chardonnay

Vinous, May 2022
90pts  "Bright citrus and orchard fruit scents, along with building floral and spice nuances.  Offers sappy pear nectar, honeydew melon and Meyer lemon flavors that smoothly combine depth and vivacity. Finishes long and silky with a repeating florality and a lingering suggestion of candied ginger."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Enthusiast, April 2022
90pts "Baked pear, white rocks, apricot and peach aromas make for a lively, inviting nose on this bottling, which stops the malolactic fermentation halfway through. Considering that, the palate is still quite bold and buttery, with creamy butterscotch flavors that are uplifted by persistent citrus acidity." Matt Kettmann

"purely domestic wine report", April 2022
90pts "The nose is rich stone fruit pastry sprinkled with salt and whiffs of velvety ricotta.  The palate entry is ripe and sleek citrus and nectarine with notes of rich pie spices in the core.  Retains a rather full richness in the finish.  Drink 2022 - 2025." Doug Wilder

2019 Wrath 3 Clone Chardonnay

Vinous, May 2022
91pts "Spice-accented pear, nectarine, honey and vanilla on the expansive nose.  Supple and gently sweet, offering juicy orchard and pit fruit flavors that tighten up and take on a smoky nuance with air.  Closes long and spicy, with a refereshingly bitter orange pith note adding final bite."  Josh Raynolds

"purely domestic wine report", April 2022
92pts "The nose opens with lean freshness with lemon blossom, banana and mango with some smoky undertones.  The palate is beautifully ripe on entry with a nearly viscous rich nut and concentrated fruit in the core, finishing with pear, licorice punctuated by solid acidity." Doug Wilder

2019 Wrath Chardonnay, San Saba Vineyard

International Wine Review, September 2021
91pts "The 2019 Chardonnay San Saba combines grapes from four clones in equal amounts grown on the estate: 96, Mt. Eden, Kistler, and Wente. Selected barrels are used for fermentation with commercial and native yeast. The wine is aged in 40% new French oak for 10 months. The wine displays aromas of citrus with prominent oak. It has a soft texture with good acidity and good concentration."         Michael Potashnik

2019 Wrath 115/667 Pinot Noir

International Wine Review, September 2021
92pts "This Pinot Noir is a blend of 115 and 667,  two popular Dijon clones from the San Saba estate vineyard. The grapes are processed and aged separately and then blended; 20% is fermented whole cluster. The wine offers flavors of ripe cherries with toast and hints of herbs. It has good concentration, crisp acidity and freshness and a soft silky mouth feel. A lovely wine and terrific value." Michael Potashnik

Wine Enthusiast, March 2022
91pts  "Light cherry and stewed strawberry meet with spice-cake and rusty earth aromas on the nose of this clonal pairing. The palate shows an herbal side of bay leaf, thyme and marjoram, giving nuance to the tart pomegranate core"  Matt Kettmann

2019 Wrath Swan/828 Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, March 2022
94pts "cranberry and crystallized red-currant aromas meet with eucalyptus leaf on the dynamic nose of this bottling. Rustic dried meat flavors are enhanced by rose-petal and cranberry flavors on the palate. "  Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate, December 2022
93pts "The 2019 Pinot Noir Swan/828 was vinified with 20% whole clusters and matured for 10 months in 25% new French oak.  It has pretty aromas of cranberries, red cherries, citrus peel, tea leaves and Angostura bitters.  The medium-bodied palate boasts a silky texture, tangy acidity, loads of bright red fruit and long, spicy finish."  Eric Brooks

Wine Spectator, September 2021
90pts "There's good cut to this minerally, medium-bodied style, with baked cherry and plum flavors that are filled with spicy and beefy notes, which linger on the finish. Drink now through 2024." Kim Marcus

2019 Wrath Pommard 4/777 Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, January 2022
93pts Rust and iron aromas kick off the nose of this bottling, followed by waves of pomegranate jam and rocky earth.  The palate is sharp in raspberry, pomegranate, orange rind flavors that enliven the mouth, and hints of dried salami and earth add nuance.

Wine Spectator, September 2021
90pts "Well-structured and minerally, with notes of iodine to the dried berry and cherry flavors that show saline hints. Ends with dried sage accents on the firm finish. Drink now through 2024. Kim Marcus

2019 Wrath Ex Vite Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, January 2022
93pts/ Editor's Choice "The coastal influence is vividly apparent throughout this bottling, starting with a nose that's layered in bay leaf, dewy herb, cracked peppercorn and underripe currant aromas. The herbal character dominates the palate in fascinating ways, loaded with damp sage sticks and wild thyme atop a cranberry core." Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate, December 2022
92 pts ... Erin Brooks

International Wine Review, September 2021
90pts "The Ex Vite Pinot Noir is 100% whole cluster fermented from estate grapes. It is a flavorful blend of clones 667, 777 and Swan and is aged in 30% French oak for around 10 months. It is soft and round on the palate, fresh tasting and slightly tart on the finish" M. Potashnik

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, Boekenoogen Vineyards

Vinous, May 2022
94pts "A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, star anise and cola, along with a smoky mineral overtone.  Juicy, lithe, and precise on the palate, offering sweet, mineral-laced Chambord, rose pastille and spice-cake flavors that deepen slowly with air.  Delivers a suave blend of power and delicacy.  Finishes gently tannic and sappy, with outstanding clarity and persistence."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate, December 2022
93pts ... Erin Brooks

Wine Enthusiast, August 2022
91pts  "Rich and juicy aromas of cherry are layered in baked licorice, sage, smoke and loamy soil on the nose of this single-vineyard expression.  Similar elements dominate the palate, from black cherry to smoke and sage, with forest-like expressions of bay leaf as well."  Matt Kettmann

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, Cortada Alta   

Wine Enthusiast, August 2022
91pts  "Baked cherry aromas are layered in oregano, dried meat and toasted wood on the nose of this bottling.  The palate runs right down the middle through classic flavors of black plum, light berry, smoke and dried herbs."  Matt Kettmann

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard

Vinous, May 2022
94pts "Sharply focused aromas of fresh red berries, candied rose and exotic spices, along with a hint of blood orange in the background.  Chewy, tense and subtly sweet, showing very good depth to its raspberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors, which deepen and turn sweeter with air.  Shows strong mineral lift on a wonderfully persistent, tightly focused finish that features polished tannins and resonating florality."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate, December 2022
93pts ... Erin Brooks

Wine Enthusiast, August 2022
93pts  "Dried cherry and toasty brown spices are wrapped in a sandalwood box on the nose of this bottling.  The palate deftly integrates roasted plum, pine needle and vanilla spice into a cohesive, satisfying sip."  Matt Kettmann

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard

Vinous, May 2022
95pts "Displays an array of fresh red fruit, blood orange, floral and nuances.  Stains the palate with finely detailed, spice-laced red currant, cherry-cola, and raspberry flavors that show superb depth with no excess fat.  Turns sweeter on the strikingly long finish, which shows outstanding tenacity, harmonious tannins and repeating red fruit, spice and floral notes."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate, December 2022
95pts ... Erin Brooks

Wine Spectator, September 2021
​92pts "Fleshy, well-knit and lightly savory, with concentrated hot stone accents to the dried raspberry flavors, followed by underbrush notes and minerally hints on the firm, fresh finish." Kim Marcus

Internatinal Wine Review, September 2021
90pts "The 2019 Pinot Noir San Saba Vineyard displays aromas and flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and plum with hints of herbs and toast. A cool climate wine, it exhibits crisp acidity and freshness on the palate with a silky mouth feel and long finish." Mike Potashnik

 

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, KW Ranch

Vinous, May 2022
94pts "A finely detailed, complex bouquet evokes fresh red berries, blood orange and Asian spices, along with a smoky mineral overtone.  Juicy and precise on the palate, offering alluringly sweet, spice-tinged raspberry, cherry and candied rose flavors that deepen steadily with air.  Conveys a suave blend of power and finesse.  Finishes on a gently tannic note, with outstanding clarity and persistence." Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate, December 2022
94pts ... Erin Brooks

Wine Enthusiast, June 2022
92pts "A lighter shade in the glass, this bottling hits the nose with an herbal bouquet of sage and incense as well as cranberry and blistered tomato.  The palate's flavors are more rounded, with roasted cranberry and strawberry as well as oregano and marjoram."  Matt Kettman

2019 Wrath Pinot Noir, Tondré Grapefield

Vinous, May 2022
93pts "Pungent red and blue fruit aromas pick up vanilla and oak spice notes with air.  Fleshy and round on the palate, offering bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors that tighten up and turn sweeter through the midpalate.  Closes long and spicy, with a repeating blue fruit note and steadily building tannins."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Advocate, December 2022
94pts ... Erin Brooks

Wine Spectator, March 2022
90pts "Boasts balsamic accents to the ripe dark cherry and berry flavors, which are backed by firm acidity and tannins, with forest floor notes on the spicy finish. Drink now through 2024".  Kim Marcus

Vinous, August 2022
90pts  "Dark plum, star anise, muddled mulberry and earthy soil aromas converge on the nose of this single-vineyard expression.  The palate lands with a rich combination of plum juice, licorice and peppercorn flavors."  Matt Kettmann

2019 Wrath Syrah, San Saba Vineyard

Wine Enthusiast, June 2022
92pts "Pleasantly funky aromas mix with cracked pepper and dense berry plum paste on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The cool-climate cracked pepper flavor is very powerful on the palate, spicing up what mulberry, plum and roasted fig flavors, with charred meat lingering deep into the finish. Matt Kettmann

Vinous, May 2022
93pts "Inky violet color. Expansive aromas of fresh dark berries, licorice, espresso and baking spices, along with a suave floral topnote. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cassis and blueberry flavors that deepen through the back half. Closes very long and subtly chewy, with dusty tannins framing repeating blue fruit and spice notes." Josh Raynolds

2019 Wrath Destruction Level, Grenache-Syrah

Wine Enthusiast, June 2022
93pts  "There's a stony graphite edge to the nose of this half-and-half blend of Grenache and Syrah, with boysenberry and game aromas also arising. That stony quality spans through the sip, giving a dry backdrop to the crushed berry, sour-cherry and elegant herb flavors"   Matt Kettmann

Vinous, May 2022
91pts "The 2019 Destruction Level is a Rhone-style blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. The Grenache is sourced from the Alta Loma Vineyard and the Syrah from Wrath’s San Saba estate vineyard, both cool climate sites. Dark ruby in color, the wine reveals a pleasant aroma of ripe blackberries and toasted oak. Soft and silky on the palate, it displays a lush mouth feel with good concentration and a persistent finish. Enjoy this wine with barbecue ribs."  Josh Raynolds

Previous Vintage Reviews

2019 EX Sauvignon Blanc

Vinous, October 2020
90pts  "Lively, sharply focused citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complicated by hints of white flowers, succulent herbs and chalky minerals.  Taut, penetrating lemon zest and pear skin flavors show fine definition and an undercurrent of smoky minerality.  Finishes tight, minerally and long, with repeating florality and firm cut." Josh Raynolds

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
91pts/ Editor's Choice  "There's something rugged and rough about this wine that makes it so compelling".  Matt Kettmann

2019 EX Unoaked Chardonnay

Planet Grape, July 2020
91pts "Silky and dry, then crisp and tart with notes of grilled peach, guava nectar, almond butter and pecan shortbread." Catherine Fallis, MS

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
90pts  "Honeysuckle, lime-blossom, light pear and peach aromas show on the nose of this stainless raised bottling.  It's tight on the sip, showing linear and fresh tones of lime juice and sharp pear."  Matt Kettmann

2018 Wrath 3 Clone Chardonnay

Planet Grape, July 2020
90pts  "Unctous and satisfying with notes of pear nectar, grilled pineapple and butterscotch sundae." Catherine Fallis, MS

2018 Wrath Chardonnay, Boekenoogen Vineyard

Planet Grape, July 2020
94pts  "Subtle, complex, fresh, dry and tart with notes of mushroom , gruyere, croissant, bear claw, and vanilla bean." Catherine Fallis, MS

2018 Wrath Chardonnay, San Saba Vineyard

Vinous, October 2020
93pts  "Glistening yellow.  Pear nectar, melon, pineapple and smoky mineral aromas are complicated by lemon curd and buttered toast nuances.  Juicy, seamless and broad."  Josh Raynolds

purely domestic wine report, October 2020
91pts  "the nose is more lean mineral and crushed nut meats with a sour citrus note capped with a whiff of vanilla bean. The palate entry is sleek, mouthcoating pie spice backed by a core of lemon creme brulee.  Well put together and balanced.  Drink 2020-2025."  Doug Wilder

Planet Grape, July 2020
92pts "Light, fresh, creamy and dry with notes of lemon curd, bosc pear, wheat cracker, and unsalted butter."  Catherine Fallis, MS

2018 EX Pinot Noir

Planet Grape, December 2020
92pts "Full, velvety, fresh and dry with notes of raspberry, sour cherry, sassafras, cinnamon, cumin, hay bale and sage." Catherine Fallis, MS

PinotFile, November 2020
89pts/ featured "Are There Any Under $30 Domestic Pinot Noirs Worth Drinking?" "Pleasing aromas of cherry and spice that fade a bit over time in the glass.  Light in weight but very charming, offering an array of juicy red fruits framed by gossamer tannins.  Easy to cozy up to."  Prince of Pinot/Rusty Gaffney

2018 Wrath Ex Vite Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
94pts "Zesty aromas of thyme, tarragon, pine needle and peppercorn reveal the whole-cluster style of this bottling which rests on a fresh black-raspberry frame.  The palate is peppery and herbal as well as tossing wild sagebrush and marjoram in with toasted tomato and lighty dried cherry flavors.  Matt Kettmann

Planet Grape, December 2020
93pts "Full, supple, tart and dry with notes of cherry, rhubarb, mint leaf, bay leaf, mushroom and cedar."  Catherine Fallis, MS

Vinous, October 2020
91pts  "Fragrant, spice-tinged aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied rose; a smoky nuance emerges with air.  Fleshy and well-concentrated but lively as well, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and spicecake flavors that spread out nicely on the back half.  Seamless and sharply focused, finishing with sold thrust, slow-building tanins and very good persisitence."  Josh Raynolds

2018 Wrath 115/667 Pinot Noir

Vinous, October 2020
92pts  "Brilliant red.  Vibrant raspberry, cherry liqueur and candied rose scent are complemented by suggestions of baking spices and sandalwood.  Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged red fruit and floral pastille flavors that open up steadily with air.  Fine-grained, even tannins frame the smooth, persisitent finish, which shows strong, floral-driven tenacity."  Josh Raynolds

purely domestic wine report, October 2020
93pts/ included in The Value Guide; Wines under $40  "The nose is a deep, thicker style of smoky plum and herb.  The palate entry is polished earth and sweet red strawberry stretching into a supple core of more red fruit, graphite, and spice box.  A Pinot Noir for Syrah fans.  Drink 2020- 2026."  Doug Wilder

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
93pts  "Pleasantly rustic in approach, this clonal combo showcase begins with earthy aromas of sagebrush and dried cherries on the nose.  It lands on the palate with ample smoke and mulberry at its core and a penetrationg bay-leaf kick into the finish." Matt Kettmann

PinotFile, December 2020
92pts "Aromas of black cherry and dark red rose petal lead to a richly flavored mid-weight wine featuring a core of black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors with an appealing earthy bent.  Well-managed barrel treatment and a satisfying finish of some length.  Excellent Value." Prince of Pinot/Rusty Gaffney
 

2018 Wrath Swan/828 Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator, October 2020
92pts/ Insider Weekly feature  "This plush red offers mouthwatering flavors of red fruits and berries that are well-knit, with notes of Asian spice.  The creamy finish shows hints of slate and white pepper, with a note of chocolate mousse.  Drink now through 2024."  Kim Marcus

Planet Grape, December 2020
93pts "Full, tart, fresh and dry with notes of raspberry, dried cherry, blackberry, pink rose, fennel seed, verbena, cinnamon, mocha, and cloves."  Catherine Fallis, MS

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
92pts  "Quite dark in the glass, this clonal blend packs intense boysenberry, damson plum and dark-strawberry aromas with vanilla pie crust, light violet and tea on the nose.  It's lush and thick on the plalate, with flavors of blackberry, nutmeg and French toast, proving ripe and hedonistic."  Matt Kettmann

2018 Wrath Pommard 4/777 Pinot Noir

purely domestic wine report, October 2020
92pts/ included in "The Value Guide; Wines Under $40 "The nose is supple plum and cherry with a streak of firm acidity.  The palate entry is lean, dry raspberry and herb with supple mouth-coating acidity in the core.  Pretty youthful at this stage."  Doug Wilder

Vinous, October 2020
92pts "Dark, shimmering red.  Powerful, spice-accented red and dark berries, cherry cola, fresh-turned earth and candied flowers on the perfumed nose.  Alluringly sweet and focused on the palate, offering cherry, black raspberry and rose pastille flavors complemented by an exotic allspice nuance.  Finishes long and gently chewy, with resonating spicifness and slowly building tannins."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, November 2020
90pts  "Floral notes and hints of dried rose petal accent a savory core of spicy flavors in this finely textured red that is rich with acidity.  The finish is filled with sandalwood accents and engaging minerality.  Drink now through 2023."  Kim Marcus

Wine Enthusiast, November 2020
91pts "Baked red cherry, mace and hints of French toast spice show on the nose of this clonal combination.  Toasty oak spice leads the ship, where baked red-fruit, sagebrush and a touch of eucalyptus flavors show." Matt Kettmann

 

2018 Wrath Pinot Noir, Boekenoogen Vineyard

Vinous, October 2020
93pts  "Limpid magenta.  An expansive bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, exotic spices, cola and candied rose, and a hint of smokiness builds in the glass.  Densely packed yet lithe on the plalate, offering intense raspberry, boysenberry, spice cake and floral pastille flavors that turn sweeter through the midpalate.  Finishes very long and nervy, with sneaky tannins framing lingering red berry and allspice notes."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, October 2020
91pts  "Taut, with crushed stone accents to the dried currant and berry flavors.  Hints of hot spice come in the midpalate, with refined minerality on the finish, along with underbrush notes."  Kim Marcus

PinotFile, December 2020
91pts " Earth-kissed aromas of black cherry, black licorice and seasoned oak.  A dreamy texture captures attention upon entry.  Somewhat shy, offering mid-weight flavors of black fruits framed by tame tannins.  Needs more time in the cellar."  Prince of Pinot/Rusty Gaffney
 

2018 Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard

Vinous, October 2020
94pts "Deep, brilliant red.  Expressive red and dark berry and cherry cola on the nose, along with baking spice, floral oil and smoky mineral nuances.  Shows fine delineation and spicy lift on the palate, offering concentrated red fruit liqueur, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that turn sweeter with air.  Finishes impressively long and lively, with polished tannins providing support and closing grip to lingering dark berry and spicecake notes."  Josh Raynolds

purely domestic wine report, October 2020
95 pts  "The nose is lush candied red fruit with a backbone of polished spiced plum and florals.  The palate entry is beautifully poised with well-proportioned fruit, spice and acid.  There is excellent concentration in the core with saturated cherry, plum and currant backed up by sleek, focused acidity on the finish."  Doug Wilder

2018 Wrath Pinot Noir, KW Ranch

Vinous, October 2020
92pts "Deep scarlet.  Lively red berry, cherry and candied rose aromas pick up hints of cola and allspice as the wine opens up.  Fleshy and seamless on the palate, offering fresh raspberery and cherry flavors that show very good depth and appealing sweetness. A spicy flourish adds cut to the floral-accented, gently tannic finish, which lingers with strong tenacity."  Josh Raynolds

2018 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard

Vinous, October 2020
93pts "Bright garnet.  Aromas of black raspberry, cherry and candied flowers are complemented by an emerging floral nuance.  Sappy and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet red and dark berry flavors that show a suave interplay of depth and liveliness.  Smooth, even tannins frame a strikingly long, vibrant finish that features a zesty mineral note and repeating florality."  Josh Raynolds

purely domestic wine report, October 2020
94pts "The nose is perfumed jasmine, cherry, graphite and dried plum leading to a supple palate entry of tobacco, cherry with richly structured core of mineral and ripe dark stone fruits finishing with dry strawberry and sap.  Drink 2020-2030." Doug Wilder

Planet Grape, December 2020
94pts "Full, bold, silky and dry with notes of dark cherry, red rose, dark chocolate, cinnamon, cedar, and brown mushroom."  Catherine Fallis, MS

PinotFile, December 2020
93pts "Beautifully perfumed nose with aromas of dark bing cherry, spice and sous-bois.  Complex and provocative in a middleweight style with a delicious core of dark cherry and raspberry fruits accented with a hint of spice, dark caramel and earthiness.  Admirable balance with welcoming finishing persisitence."  Prince of Pinot/Rust Gaffney

2018 Wrath Pinot Noir, Tondré Grapefield 

Wine Spectator, July 2020
92pts / Tasting Highlights "9 Knockout California Pinot Noirs"  "Big, rich and powerful, with lively underbrush notes to the dense dark fruit and spice flavors.  The ripe finish has creamy aspects, with hints of cocoa.  Drink now through 2025".  Kim Marcus

Vinous, October 2020
94pts "Vivid red.  Powerful raspberry and cherry aromas display excellent clarity and complicating suggestions of cola, floral and exotic spice flourishes.  Juicy, well-concentrated red berry, cherry pie and floral pastille flavors show sharp definition and energetic lift.  Closes on a vibrant mineral note, delivering superb persisitence and fine-grained tannins that fold steadliy into the clinging fruit."  Josh Raynolds

PinotFile, December 2020
92pts " An array of aromas lead off including cherry, spice cabinet, vanilla and sawdust.  Noticeable richness and plush on the palate, with flavors of black stone and berry fruits.  Boldest of the three 2018 vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs with also more oak in evidence.  There is a curious petrol note appearing on the finish."  Prince of Pinot/Rusty Gaffney

2018 Wrath Destruction Level, Syrah-Grenache

Vinous, October 2020
93pts "Pungent aromas of cherry, black raspberry and cassis are punctuated by suggestions of white pepper and candied flowers. In an extroverted style, offering sweet red and dark berry preserve, allspice and licorice flavors that firm up slowly on the back end. Shows fine definition the long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves sappy cherry and floral notes behind."  Josh Raynolds

2018 Wrath Syrah, KW Ranch

Vinous, October 2020
92pts "Spice- and smoke-accented dark berry and cherry aromas are complemented by game and licorice nuances that build with air. Concentrated blackberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good depth and sweetening vanilla and cola flourishes. Finishes supple and emphatically spicy, with rounded tannins lending shape to lingering dark fruit and floral notes."  Josh Raynolds

2018 Wrath Syrah, San Saba Vineyard

Vinous, October 2020
93pts "Spice-accented aromas of dark berries, violet and olive pick up a hint of smokiness with air. Shows sharp focus and spicy lift in the mouth, offering juicy black raspberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors and a subtle touch of cured meat on the back half. Closes gently sweet and long, with sneaky tannins and a lingering bitter chocolate flourish. There's a distinctly Old World, savory mien to this wine that I find quite compelling."  Josh Raynolds

"purely domestic wine report", February 2021
95pts  "The nose is rich plum, fig and peppercorn with notes of tar and camphor.  The palate entry is velvet-like with supple black fruit, peppercorn and grilled meat in the core.  The finish offers effortless balance and concentration.  Very pretty wine.  Drink 2020-2030."  Doug Wilder

​Previous Vintage Reviews​​

2018 EX Sauvignon Blanc

Vinous, November 2019
​90 pts "Incisive aromas of lime zest, pink grapefruit, succulent herbs and chalky minerals are complemented by a building floral nuance.  Taut and sharply focused on the palate, offering finely etched citrus fruit and herb flavors that deepen slowly on the back half." Josh Raynolds
 

2018 EX Unoaked Chardonnay

Wine Spectator, June 2019
"Peach, melon and white berry flavors show in this fruity style. Light spicy shadings emerge on the finish." Kim Marcus

2017 Wrath Fermata Chardonnay

Vinous, November 2019
91 pts "Fresh pear and pineapple aromas pick up a subtle vanilla nuance as the wine opens up.  In a fleshy style but with no lack of energy, offering juicy tropical and orchard fruit flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity and a sneaky lemon pitch accent. Finishes silky and quite long."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Chardonnay, Boekenoogen Vineyard

Vinous, November 2019
92 pts "Expansive, smoke-tinged tropical and orchard fruit aromas, along with suggestions of jasmine, anise and iodine.  Broad and fleshy but lively as well, offering juicy pear, pineapple and white peach flavors braced by a spine of smoky minerality.  Shows excellent clarity and strong closing thrust, and leaves behind suggestions of honey and peach nectar."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Chardonnay, San Saba Vineyard

Vinous, November 2019
92 pts "Powerful tropical and pit fruit aromas are complemented by a suave floral nuance and suggestions of buttered toast and chalky minerals.  Sappy and focused on the palate, offering intense pear, nectarine and papaya flavors that deepen steadily on the back half.  The floral note repeats emphatically on the very long mineral-tinged finish, which shows impressive power."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, January 2020
90 pts "Buttery and open-textured, with pear tart and baked apple flavors that feature pastry notes.  The creamy finish shows tropical overtones. Drink now through 2023"  Kim Marcus
 

2017 Wrath Ex Dolio Falanghina

Wine Enthusiast, July 2020
90 pts /Editor's Choice  "Winemaker Sabrine Rodems and proprietor/archaeologist Michael Thomas emulate Roman winemaking with this skin-contact bottling that's aged in a ceramic vessel.  Golden yellow in the glass, the wine offers apple juice and butterscotch on the nose, with a hint of citrus.  The palate shows dried citrus and bitter orange.  It's funky but enjoyable."  Matt Kettmann

2017 EX Pinot Noir

Planet Grape, November 2019
91 pts "Full and soft, then tart and refreshing with notes of raspberry, cherry, radicchio, red licorice and gingerbread." Catherine Fallis, MS
 

2017 Wrath 115/667 Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator, November 2019
90 pts also featured in  "9 California Pinots from the Grape's Top Regions" "Finely textured flavors of dried cherry, beet and pomegranate are interwoven with burnished spice and cedar accents.  Hints of mocha show on the creamy finish.  Drink now through 2023." Kim Marcus

Wine Enthusiast, December 2019
92 pts "A wild sagebrush aroma kicks off the nose of this clonal blend, followed by waves of baked cranberry, mace and pine needle.  A bright Bing cherry flavor arises on the palate alongside thyme, eucalyptus and baking spice tones that add more complexity."  Matt Kettmann
 

2017 Wrath Swan/828 Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, December 2019
91 pts "There's a strong amount of dewy forest aromas going on in this bottling, including pine needle, eucalyptus oil and tart red fruits.  An underlying smear of raspberry jam arises on the palate alongside wild mint and tea flavors." Matt Kettmann
 

2017 Wrath Pommard 4/777 Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast, December 2019
92 pts  "Pleasantly rustic on the nose, this bottling by Sabrine Rodems begins with complex aromas of dried herbs, iron and red cherry. The palate is earthy in tones of tea leaves and cracked peppercorn, with accents of currry spice and cranberry adding to the elegant, complex mix." Matt Kettmann
 

2017 Wrath Ex Vite Pinot Noir

Vinous, November 2019
91 pts "Ripe red berry, cherry and floral scents are complemented by spice and licorice nuances that build steadily in the glass.  Shows very good heft as well as energy to the black raspberry, cherry preserve and candied rose flavors, which tighten up and become chewier on the back half.  Finishes smoky and quite long."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Pinot Noir, Boekenoogen Vineyard

Vinous, November 2019
93 pts "A highly complex bouquet evokes red berry liqueur and cherry aromas, along with building potpourri, Asian spice and smoky mineral accents.  Shows sharp delineation and noteworthy energy on the plalate, offering spice-tinged strawberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that pick up a smoky nuance with air.  Finishes extremely long and precise." Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard

Wine Spectator, October 2019
93 pts and an "Insider" feature "Robust and powerful, with concentrated and pure-tasting flavors of dark cherry and dried blueberry, backed by fresh acidity.  Mineral and cardamom notes flood the lively finish. Drink now through 2025."  Kim Marcus

Vinous, November 2019
93 pts "Mineral and spice-tinged aromas of fresh red berries and candied rose, along with an exotic blood orange nuance that builds in the glass.  Taut and nervy on entry, then more broad in the midpalate, offering energetic raspberry and bitter cherry flavors complemented by a hint of exotic spices.  Velvety tannins build slowly on the sappy, penetrating finish."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Pinot Noir, KW Ranch

Vinous, November 2019
92 pts "Spice accented dark berry, cherry cola and fruitcake aromas, along with floral and vanilla notes that expand as the wine opens up.  Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry liqueur and floral pastille flavors firmed by an undercurrent of smoky minerality.  Smoothly plays richness off energy and finishes supple and long." Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, January 2020
91 pts "This is rich, with dark chocolate and Asian spice notes accenting the creamy mix of dark plum and blackberry flavors.  Mocha hints show on the finish."  Kim Marcus
 

2017 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard

Slow Wine USA, January 2021
"Coin" award/ Great Value
"One of the premium selections, from the single vineyard series that upholds minimal winemaking and meteiculous barrel selection, really trying to showcase the different styles of Pinot.  Full of cherry, cola and spice ont eh nose with an earthy, dark berry finish."

Vinous, November 2019
92 pts "Expansive, spice-accented red berry, cherry and floral scents pick up hints of cola and baking spices with air.  Juicy, lively and appealingly sweet, offering fresh raspberry and cherry flavors complemented by five-spice powder, cola and allspice flourishes.  Closes very long and silky with emphatic red fruit character and discreet tannins that add framework and gentle grip."  Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, January 2020
91 pts "Succulent red fruit and forest floor flavors are matched to a plush texture in this spicy, cedary style.  Hints of hot stone and toffee show on the finish." Kim Marcus

2017 Wrath Pinot Noir, Tondre Grapefield

Vinous, November 2019
93 pts "Ripe red and blue fruits, vanilla and a hint of potpourri on the deeply perfumed nose.  Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering plush oak-spiced raspberry, cherry liqueur and black raspberry flavors that show real depth and complementary licorice and exotic spice flourishes.  A smoky nuance appears with air and carries through the impressively long, gently tannic finish."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Alta Loma Grenache

Vinous, November 2019
92 pts "Highly fragrant, smoke-accented aromas of cherry, raspberry and candied flowers are joined by a spicy nuance that gains strength with air.  Fleshy and concentrated but energetic as well, offering juicy red fruit, lavender and spicecake flavors that show impressive tension and spread out very slowly on the back half.  Seamless and emphatically fruit-driven, finishing with firm cut, harmonious tannins and strong, floral-tinged persistence." Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Destruction Level, Syrah-Grenache

Vinous, November 2018
92 pts "Spicy blackberry, cherry and floral scents are complicated by savory herb and pungent floral notes.  Gently sweet and broad on the palate, offering juicy black and blue fruit and candied violet flavors and a peppery accent that builds on the back half.  Still on the primary side, showing solid finishing thrust, grippy tannis and strong, floral-and spice-driven persistence."  Josh Raynolds
 

2017 Wrath Syrah, KW Ranch

Vinous, November 2019
93 pts "Powerful, mineral tinged cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of exotic spices, violet and licorice.  Seamless and broad in the mouth, offering intense black and blue fruit liqueur, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that become livelier as the wine stretches out.  The floral and spice notes carry strongly through the sharply delineated finish, which shows excellent focus and silky, harmonious tannins.  Drink through 2032" Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, October 2020
91 pts  "Quietly brooding at the core, wrapped in expressive black raspberry, orange zest and smoky meat notes that uild richness toward medium-grained tannins.  Drink now through 2026."  Tim Fish
 

2017 Wrath Syrah, San Saba Vineyard

Decanter, February 2021
"California Syrah: 10 Great Value Picks under 40"
93pts " Classic Syrah nose of fresh herbs, bacon fat and black liquorice. There's great depth on the mid-bodied palate, layered with deep, dense flavours of huckleberry, blueberry jam and sweet tobacco. Juicy and chocolate-driven on the finish." Matthew Luczy

Vinous/Tanzer, November 2018
93 pts  "Ripe blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by suggestions of exotic spices, olive, bacon and succulent flowers.  Supple, appealingly sweet black and blue fruit flavors gain energy and spiciness with air while a smoky mineral element adds lift and back-end cut.  Supple tannins add grip to a very long, floral-dominated finish that leaves candied licorice and violet pastille notes behind.  Drink through 2032"  Josh Raynolds

Wine Spectator, July 2020
91 pts / Tasting Highlights feature "Polished and sleekly structured, with vibrant raspberry and blueberry flavors that take on shades of orange peel and violet.  Drink now through 2027."   Tim Fish

Wine Spectator, February 2017
Rating 90 pts " A savory style, offering a mix of dried herb, leafy underbrush and dried berry flavors, with hints of anise, red candy, and red licorice, backed by mild tannins.  Most impressive for the length on the finish"  James Laube

2008 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard 

Wine of the Year, Best of Show, Best Red  Monterey Wine Competition 2011

The Wine Enthusiast, November 2010
Rating 90 pts “The vineyard bears only a Monterey appellation, but the location is strategically close to both the Santa Lucia Highlands and the Arroyo Seco. The wine is quite good, racy in acidity and dry. It offers complex flavors of strawberries and cherries, with earthier notes of sauteed wild mushrooms and mulch. A real success, and a wine that will pick up bottle complexity over the next 4-5 years.”
—Steve Heimoff
 

Wine Review Online, September 2010
Rating 91 pts "Rare is the California Pinot Noir that exploits the lean, wild side of this unique grape rather than the plump lushness typical of Pinot grown in the famously intense California sun. While Wrath's San Saba Pinot is still absurdly young, its smoky, meaty, mushroomy elements will still satisfy palates that yearn for a hint of the untamed feral flavors true Pinot lovers crave. This is not, however, one of those pale, skeletal wines many enophiles seek out in Burgundy, for Wrath's Pinot is awash in concentrated cherry and strawberry elements embeded in layers of silky tannins"— Marguerite Thomas
 

2008 Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard

Burghound, Issue 45, 1st Quarter 2012                                                                                                                            Rating 91 pts "A moderately high-toned nose offers up notes of mostly red berry fruit liqueur aromas that are liberally sprinkled with top notes of cranberry and lavender. There is excellent delineation to the balanced and impressively persistent finish that also delivers fine depth. This is lovely and while it could be drunk now I would advise holding it for a few more years first."—Allen Meadows  

International Wine Review, July 2010
Rating 92 pts “The opaque, purple Doctor's Vineyard Syrah is quite simply an exceptional wine- complex, rich, and deeply flavored.  Made from both free run and pressed juice and aged in about 30 percent new French oak, the wine shows dark cherry, chocolate, smoke, and savory meat on the nose.  It is smooth on the attack and full, ripe and rich on a beautifully balanced palate.  Even better than the 2007 vintage, in our opinion.”—Donald Winkler

The Wine Advocate, Issue #190
Rating 89+ pts “ An intriguing wine that could easily merit an outstanding score with another year or so of bottle age, this full-bodied Syrah displays cool-climate, earthy, bay leaf, black currant and black cherry notes with some subtle hints of barbecue smoke and forest floor. The complexity of the wine almost recalls a top Burgundy, but the density of fruit and ripeness are all Syrah. A provocative wines, it should drink nicely for 7-8 years and possibly improve.”—Robert Parker

PREVIOUS VINTAGE REVIEWS

2007 Wrath Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard

The Wine Advocate Issue #184
Rating 91 pts “The dark ruby-hued 2007 Pinot Noir San Saba Vineyard reveals an attractive, Burgundian-styled beet root, black currant, and cherry-scented bouquet, medium to full body, silky tannin, good acids, and a real terroir character. It should drink well for 3-4 years."
— Robert Parker

2007 Wrath Syrah, Doctor's Vineyard

 The Wine Enthusiast, November 2009
Rating 94 pts "Syrah is the secret weapon of the Highlands  and Wrath has produced a very fine one in this massive '07.  Made in the Northern Rhone style, it's dark, full-bodied and dry, with rich flavors of blackberries, currants, beef jerky, dark chocolate, black pepper, violets and plenty of smoky oak.  Brilliant and compelling.  Now through 2013."— Steve Heimoff

 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar  Nov/Dec '09
Rating 90 pts “Deep ruby.  Complex aromas of blackbery, violet, tobacco and smoky Indian spices.  Deep in flavor but not excessively weighty, offering sweet dark berry flavors and a note of bitter cherry.  Supple tannins add support and carry through the persistent, gently sweet and smoky finish.”— Josh Raynolds www.wineaccess.com/tanzer

 The Wine Advocate Issue #184
Rating 89+ “A new producer for me, Wrath’s 2007 Syrah Doctor’s Vineyard offers a big, sweet kiss of meat juices intermixed with pepper, black currants, and spicy box. This deep ruby/purple-tinged, spicy, medium to full-bodied Syrah exhibits plenty of cassis and blackberry fruit supported by good underlying acidity as well as structure. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years”— Robert Parker

2007 Wrath 877/Noir Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands

International Wine Review , December 2009
Rating 90 pts  "The 877/Noir is another attractive Syrah from Wrath.  It exhibits dark fruit aromas and is nicely concentrated on the palate with dark cherry and plum flavors, black pepper, and herbal notes.  It has a velvety smooth mouth feel with excellent balance and noteworthy acidity on the finish.  Aged for 11 months in neutral Franch and American oak barrels."— The IWR Tasting Panel

The Wine Enthusiast , November 2009
Rating 89 pts  "This is a generous, likable syrah for drinking soon.  It's dark in color, full-bodied, and dry with ripe flavors of  blackberries, plums, cola, anise, sandlewood and peppery spices.  The soft tannins help the wine finish rich and silky."— Steve Heimoff