Big Scores + Great New Wines for Spring

April 11, 2025 – John Benedetti is thrilled to have recently received his first ever 98-point scores, from Jeb Dunnuck.com, for two back-to-back vintages of Saveria Pinot Noir.  He had never knowingly submitted wines to Jeb Dunnuck’s publication before, and was a bit nervous when they asked him to show his Sante Arcangeli wines. He had good reason, as their Central Coast reviewer, Virginie Boone, was pretty hard on his wines back when she wrote for Wine Enthusiast. As he says, it all worked out:

• 98 Points/2022 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 98 Points/2023 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir (just released)
• 96 Points/2023 Integrato Pinot Noir
• 96 Points/2022 Lester Family Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 96 Points/2023 Coast Grade Vineyard Pinot Noir (not yet released)
• 94 Points/2023 Chardonnay

Having had the chance to try the 2022 Sante Arcangeli Saveria Pinot Noir at the recent SCMWA Grand Tasting at The Mountain Winery, I can say it struck me as classic Saveria, with cedar, bright cranberry, sandalwood and raspberry, leading to a lush and lovely, redolent of red raspberry jam, almond paste and baking spice. It made me think of a Linzer torte. This is a wine that you can embrace now and enjoy for years, as it’s got perfectly bright but not sharp, acid. Haven’t had the 2023, but I would expect an even brighter red-fruited character and a touch more acid and perhaps even more of that lovely high-toned pine and cedar, with a splash of white pepper. Now I can’t wait to try this!! Also at the Grand Tasting, I found John’s 2022 Lester Family Pinot Noir, richer and anchored in earthy, dark woodsiness, leading to plum and cherrym accented by a touch of soy and mushroom umami. Congratulations to John for such consistently great wines, and for the recognition they deserve. Can’t wait to try the 2023 Coast Grade Pinot Noir and that Chardonnay, which is 80% from Split Rail and 20% from Lester. 

Robert Bergstrom from Sandar & Hem also has some celebrating to do. The 2022 Sandar & Hem Deerheart Vineyard Pinot Noir was just awarded 95 points by Wine Enthusiast, and for Bergstrom, represents a pure expression of one of the most compelling vineyard sites in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Originally brought to light by Scott Sisemore of Waxwing, the south-facing vineyard is off Skyline, near La Honda, with relatively warm days and cool nights, that drives intense blue fruit, a wiry and tensile composition and amazing, bordering on relentless, acid. Yet with all the bold fruit and spice at its core, the acid is never overmuch. 

Meanwhile, on an even higher note, Ridge was awarded a unicorn score of 100 points for the 2023 Estate Monte Bello Chardonnay by Virginie Boone of Jeb Dunnuck.com. It also garnered a 95-point score from Owen Bargreen and 93 points from Wilfred Wong at wine.com. The wine was made by former Ridge Monte Bello winemaker, Trester Goetting, who picked the grapes at the end of October 2023, and nurtured it in barrel until his untimely departure in August of 2024. He says the previous vintage of this wine, the 2022 Estate Monte Bello Chardonnay, scored 98 points, which was the highest score ever awarded to that wine. Longtime Ridge Monte Bello winemaker, Eric Baugher, who preceded Getting, feels the praise for Ridge estate Chardonnay is deserved, noting, “It was a great Chardonnay vintage and it’s one of the finest Chardonnay vineyards in the world.” Baugher is currently making the Gali Vineyard wines, as well as his own under the label Deaurātus.  

New Wines for Spring

I’m thrilled to share some wines that are perfect for those Easter feasts and general outdoor merriment. 

First, the Caraccioli family’s exciting Private Property wines are all amazing in their own right, but honestly, the 2023 Private Property Rosé ($20), made from 20% Pinot Noir and 80% Grenache sourced from three sustainably farmed vineyards in Monterey County, is freaking awesome. It’s direct to press juice with a little bit of saignée, for a genuinely pillowy, aromatic and delicious wine that utterly overdelivers on vibrant watermelon and strawberry fruit, buoyed by brilliant acidity. Seriously, this is the wine you want for your house pink, especially if you have a pool. I’d also love to suggest getting a few bottles of the Private Property Blanc de Blanc ($60) and the Brut Rosé ($40), to pop for impromptu celebrations. PrivateProperty

Marty Mathis recently released his 2024 Marty Mathis Winegrower Albarino from a shade grown pergola in Saratoga. This is heady with ripe peach, guava and a hint of pineapple. Lovely texture and engaging mouthfeel.  He’s also out with a new Sauvignon Blanc, a standard of measure for warm weather sipping.

Also want to pass on some great Easter pricing on CRU wines, including two excellent Chardonnays: the classic peach cobbler 2021 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay is specially priced at $28, normally $40, while the more seriously textured, tangerine and pineapple 2021 Sarmento Vineyard Chardonnay, from the SLH, is $24.50, normally $35. Grab some savory spicy and all around assertive 2021 Sarmento Vineyard Pinot Noir for $28 (reg $40), and some delightfully smooth, cherry-filled and crowd-pleasing 2021 Regan Vineyards Pinot Noir for $42 (reg. $60). Those price points tell you that getting PN from Regan isn’t cheap. BuyCRU

Fogarty Winery is offering a Spring 6-pack for $170 (reg $228) that includes two 2021 Santa Cruz Mountain Chardonnay, two 2018 Gewürztraminer and 2024 ‘Rosalee’ Rosé of Pinot Noir. Until April 20, you can also score a 4-pack of the delightful Rosalee rosé, made from the Mariafeld Selection of Pinot Noir at their Will’s Cabin estate vineyard. Mariafeld Clone hails from Switzerland and is prized for its high acidity, making it ideal for a dry style of rosé that’s perfect for outdoor BBQs and swimming pool soirées. Just $114, reg $152.

For those who love the Lexington Alma, a blend of Sauv Blanc and Semillon from the Gist Vineyard on Skyline (named for the town of Alma that disappeared when the Lexington reservoir was created), a 6-Pack of 2019 Lexington Wine Co. ‘Alma’ is $218, Reg $312, through April 20. As Antonio Galloni of Vinous noted when he awarded the wine a 93-point score, this is a “potent, phenolic wine full of hillside character. Strong mineral and savory accents, along with the weight of Semillon all shape the 2019. Apricot, orange peel, dried herbs and mineral undertones lend quite a bit of textural richness throughout. This distinctive white has a ton to offer.”

Domaine Messier, located in the new almost-official Carmel Coast AVA, invites you to try a selection of their wines, made by local legends, Greg and Chris Vita. A 3-pack of their 2023 Rosé, 2023 Chardonnay and 2022 Pinot Noir Cuveé du Nouveau Monde will demonstrate the range of Domaine Messier’s offerings. They’ll be pouring at Pebble Beach Food & Wine this weekend.