'California is a hot-bed of talent these days.' – Vinous

Dear *|FNAME|*,

Our new shipment from some of California's most talented, new-wave producers has landed. Californian fine wines have been grabbing attention worldwide and, according to the 2021 Liv-ex Classification*, are experiencing a surge in pricing and trading. This rising global trade reflects a series of improved vineyard practices, strong vintages, and stellar scores from influential critics.

I have highlighted four of my favourite producers from when I worked in California – Sandhi, Kutch, Arnot-Roberts and Jolie-Laide – but you can browse our entire list online.

Don't miss the cool-climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay from Sandhi and, for the first time ever, the wines from Sashi and Raj's other project in the Sta. Rita Hills, Domaine de la Côte. They continue to be two of the most exciting names on the Californian wine scene, with Antonio Galloni from Vinous being 'utterly blown away by their 2018s'.

Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Roberts started Arnot-Roberts in 2001 with one barrel in Healdsburg. It remains one of California's most thrilling wineries. In addition to their Syrah, look out for their Napa Valley Chardonnay and Santa Cruz Pinot Noir – both are restrained and elegant, with amazing verve and texture.

Jamie Kutch's 2018s are 'very pretty, vivid wines' says Antonio Galloni. 'Making the decision to trade Wall Street for tanks, barrels and vineyards 16 years ago ranks near the top four choices made in my life,' says Jamie. 'Kutch wines are the essence of transparency and freshness,' writes Jancis Robinson.

Jolie-Laide is a one-man operation by Scott Schultz. Meaning 'pretty ugly', Jolie-Laide is a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful. Scott focuses on alternative varieties, such a Gamay and Melon de Bourgogne, and makes wines of 'striking precision and nuance'.

* Liv-ex is a global marketplace for wine trade and its classification offers insight for collectors on the direction of the wider fine wine market.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Antonio Galloni 2018 commentary

'Sashi Moorman and Rajat Parr made some of the most epic, dramatically beautifully Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted in the Sta. Rita Hills, or anywhere for that matter. The wines are rich, potent and full of character.'

'California is a hot-bed of talent these days. Even so, I can't think of too many producers who excel with so many different varieties and wines as Duncan Arnot and Nathan Roberts do.'

'Jamie Kutch's 2018s are very pretty, vivid wines that capture the personality of the year and their translucent expression of the place.'

'Scott Schultz focuses on rarely seen varieties and sites that are a bit off the beaten track. Although Jolie-Laide wines can appear light on first impression, with air they reveal tremendous purity, complexity, and character. These new releases are terrific.'

Tasting notes

Sandhi, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2018

'Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills bursts with smoked cranberries and blackberries, earth, tea leaves and tangerine peel aromas. It's silky, seamless and fresh in the mouth with loads of lift and layers, and it finishes long and flavorful. 2,003 cases produced. Drink 2020-2026.' – Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Oct 2020)

Arnot-Roberts, Sonoma Coast Syrah 2018

'The 2018 Syrah (Sonoma Coast) is fabulous. Inky, peppery and savory, the Syrah Sonoma Coast is just tremendous. I especially like the interplay of fruit density and energy. The 2018 is somehow rich and yet also light on its feet. A rush of blueberry, black pepper, sage and mint builds in a racy, super-expressive Syrah that hits all the right notes. Bright floral-infused top notes punctuate the finish. The Sonoma Coast Syrah is a blend from Que Syrah, Clary Ranch, Baker Lane and Solas. Drink 2020-2023.' – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 93/100 (Apr 2020)

Kutch Wines, Santa Cruz Mountains Trout Gulch Chardonnay 2018

'The 2018 Chardonnay Trout Gulch melds together the vibrancy of this site in the southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an extra kick of textural richness from added hang time this fruit got in 2018. Exotic and complex, the Trout Gulch has so much promise. It is tremendously beautiful, textured and nuanced, even in the early going.' – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 92-94/100 (Apr 2020)

Jolie-Laide, El Dorado Barsotti Gamay 2018

'With whole-cluster fermentation and six months in neutral barrel, this youthful wine radiates with brambly fruit and violet. The acidic tension and hint of spice enliven the sheer texture of this punchy wine that well represents Barsotti Vineyard. Drink 2019-2024.' – Julie Albin, Decanter, 92/100

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