BEST IN CLASS - 4th ANNUAL UNDER THE RADAR CALIFORNIA

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A striking wine that impresses with its standout intensity and remarkable length. It opens with vivid aromas of red currant and cherry layered over savory notes of tobacco, cocoa, and baking spices, complemented by hints of bramble and fresh tomato leaf. On the palate, a subtle touch of pyrazine adds complexity, while the wine’s silky mouthfeel carries these vibrant flavors effortlessly through an extended finish. Still youthful, this Cabernet has a long, promising life ahead, destined to evolve beautifully with time in the cellar. 

The highest-scoring wine of our entire competition, earning top honors for its extraordinary depth and elegance. It opens with a captivating aroma of black tea and dark fruit, unfolding into delicate notes of violet, dried red fruit, vanilla, and a subtle hint of leather. On the palate, it’s rich and luxurious, revealing beautifully integrated layers of dried fruit, turned earth, and warm toast. This is a superbly crafted Merlot that reminds us exactly why the varietal deserves renewed admiration—classic, refined, and absolutely compelling. 

This Chardonnay—blended with 11% Viognier—delivers a vibrant, beautifully layered experience. On the mid-palate, lush notes of honeysuckle and tropical fruits unfold, seamlessly transitioning into a refreshing minerality of wet stone and a lift of orange zest. The Viognier contributes a subtle honeyed, creamy texture that enhances both the wine’s structure and its complexity, leading to a long, graceful finish. This is a thoughtful, elegant wine that showcases the strengths of both varietals in perfect harmony. 

The Dovecote Mantle GSM (61% Grenache) from the historic Thompson Vineyard in Alisos Canyon AVA is an effortlessly drinkable, beautifully expressive wine that showcases the best of this unique terroir. Its nose opens with a lovely medley of florals, bright red cherries, and a touch of pepper, inviting you in with pronounced aromatics and a sense of vibrancy. On the palate, red berries, vanilla, and a whisper of anise roll gracefully alongside subtle leather and delicate rose petal notes, creating a layered and evolving experience. The blend brings added complexity, with the Grenache contributing a gentle sweetness and red fruit core, while Syrah and Mourvèdre introduce hints of pepper, herbs, and structure. Balanced, well-structured, and full of life, this is a compelling wine that manages to be both complex and incredibly approachable. 

A bold and beautifully crafted blend that showcases the depth and character of its Rhône-inspired varietals. On the nose, it opens with alluring aromas of stewed plum, violet, and red tart cherry, layered with subtle hints of vanilla. The palate delivers a harmonious balance of jammy richness and bright cherry fruit, lifted by herbal nuances and a distinctive thread of white pepper spice. Undertones of smoke and charred wood add complexity and a touch of rustic elegance, while the structure remains smooth and integrated throughout. This wine is both powerful and graceful—a standout expression of Mourvèdre-driven blending. 47%  Mourvèdre, 24% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah, 6% Grenache.

The best of an incerdibly deep submission of Syrahs in this competion, the Dovecote Noumenon, a 100% Syrah reserve, is a luscious expression of the varietal. The nose is captivating, offering a rich bouquet of stewed black currant, black cherry, floral notes, and a whisper of blood orange, all layered over a mineral undertone. On the palate, it’s juicy yet structured, with firm tannins and a savory edge that deepens the experience. Moderate spice builds toward a peppery, lingering finish, while subtle tertiary notes hint at its aging potential. Balanced and bold, the Noumenon is already impressive—and with another year in bottle, it could reach its full, near-perfect potential.

Blended with 6% Petite Sirah, this is a bold, full-bodied wine with medium-plus acidity and tannins that promise excellent aging potential. The nose is rich and layered, offering a heady mix of black cherry, blackberry, cooked black currant, eucalyptus, tomato leaf, and green bell pepper, all wrapped in smoky oak and charred wood. On the palate, it delivers jammy dark fruit—plum, bramble, and licorice—balanced by savory notes of leather, lavender, and a subtle meaty quality. Though still young and a charmingly  unruly, its structure and complexity shine through. A delicious, expressive wine that will only improve with time.

A beautifully balanced and complex wine, showcasing a deep purple hue and a refined structure with medium-plus acidity, tannin, and body. The nose opens with an expressive bouquet of violet, black cherry, and cocoa, followed by layers of blackberry, green bell pepper, and a hint of peppery spice. On the palate, vibrant notes of kirsch, red currant, and blue raspberry mingle with darker tones of plum, blueberry, and black currant, creating a dynamic and drinkable profile. Winemaker and artist Cameron Stoffel's striking label is a fitting prelude to the wine’s elegance and character—a thoughtful, multidimensional Cabernet Franc that delights from first pour to finish.

Pours a medium ruby in the glass and immediately captivates with a layered nose of dark fruit, wild strawberry, red cherry, and cranberry, accented by lavender, grassy undertones, and a hint of orange zest. Medium in acid and tannin with a medium-plus body, it delivers a generous, full mouthfeel that unfolds with flavors of black cherry, red licorice, strawberry, and subtle herbal spice. Notes of white pepper, anise, and toasted oak lend complexity, while a touch of spice lingers gracefully on the long, structured finish. Both expressive and elegant, this wine offers immediate drinkability with serious aging potential.

This pale lemon-colored wine offers a refined nose of yellow grapefruit, gooseberry, and a touch of honeysuckle. On the palate, it’s clean and balanced, with bright notes of green apple, lime zest, and pear layered over subtle wet stone. Though not overly aromatic, its simplicity is refreshing, with hints of tropical fruit and peach adding lift. A gentle bite on the finish keeps it crisp and lively, making this an elegant, no-fuss expression of coastal Sauvignon Blanc with just enough structure to keep it interesting.

A complex wine that offers a compelling mix of aromas and flavors. On the nose, it reveals layers of red plum, cocoa powder, forest floor, earth, nutmeg, smoke, and a delicate thread of lavender, all intertwined with a rustic barnyard nuance that adds intrigue. The palate is equally engaging, showcasing dried dark fruits that lean savory, wrapped in a dense, deep garnet hue that hints at its maturity and concentration. This is a characterful, multifaceted wine that captures both the rugged charm and finesse of Mendocino terroir.

This wine opens with a vibrant and expressive nose, leading with honeysuckle, lemon peel, and ripe stone fruit—apricot, peach, and nectarine—layered over a tropical backdrop of pineapple and a hint of green apple. The aromatic intensity is notably more pronounced on the nose than the palate, which offers a steely, slightly viscous texture and medium acidity. On the palate, apricot and peach take the lead, supported by delicate floral notes and subtle tropical hints of pineapple and candied peel. A wet stone minerality adds a crisp edge and the pale lemon hue reflects its bright, fresh character, with just enough body to carry the lush aromatics through a clean finish.

A bold, unconventional take on the varietal, offering unexpected richness and length, with a round, creamy mouthfeel and a layered, persistent finish. The nose opens with dried apricot, melon, and lemon blossom, while the palate expands into tropical fruit, green apple, lime zest, and subtle herbal tones—eucalyptus, wet wool, and a touch of asparagus—adding complexity. A gentle floral thread of honeysuckle and hints of honey lend depth, supported by a soft but lingering butterscotch note that enhances the wine’s lasting impression. A unique and fuller-bodied expression, this Vermentino stands apart with both character and staying power.

The 2023 St. Avalo Dornfelder from the Los Olivos District is a striking and balanced expression of a lesser-known German varietal traditionally prized for its deep color and soft tannins. This version stays true to its roots while showcasing a California twist, beginning with a gorgeous deep purple hue that hints at its intensity. The nose bursts with rose petals and ripe dark berries, followed by a pleasant surprise of red fruit—bright, tart cherries and plums—on the palate. A creamy texture and medium-plus body provide weight, while the medium tannins and medium-minus acidity keep everything in harmonious balance. Floral and fruit elements contrast beautifully with the wine’s inky appearance, making this an intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable discovery.

The 2024 Fuil Wines Solas Nua Chillable Red from Santa Barbara County (80% Mourvedre, 20% Viognier) is a vibrant, playful expression of an increasingly popular category redefining red wine enjoyment. With its pale ruby-magenta hue and slight effervescence, this medium-acid, medium-minus body wine bursts with red cherry, strawberry, and raspberry aromas, all wrapped in a floral rose lift. Though fruit-forward on the nose, the first sip surprises with a gently tart edge that softens quickly into a smooth, cocoa-tinged finish. It's a wine made for relaxed evenings and casual dinners, offering energy and charm in every chilled glass. A “happy” wine that proves chillable reds are here to stay. As one of the most decorated producers in the history of the Under the Radar California Wine Competition, Fuil Wines adds to its impressive record with this wine—its eighth Best in Class medal in just four years. 

The 2023 Sycamore Ranch Mourvèdre from the Adelaida District AVA is a bold, assertive expression of Paso Robles terroir, showcasing the rugged elegance that defines this mountainous subregion. Deep and muscular, it opens with layers of black cherry, stewed plum, and leather, unfolding into a meaty, fig-laced core accented by black pepper, cocoa, and earthy spice. The wine’s youthful power is underpinned by medium-plus acidity, high tannins, and a full body—clearly built for aging. Judges praised its exceptional length, with some awarding perfect scores for its persistent, spice-driven finish. Still young, this wine promises even greater complexity with time, but its Paso roots already shout boldly from the glass.

A uniquely pale-hued rosé, almost ethereal in color, yet remarkably expressive and complex. On the nose, it evokes fine Grand Cru Champagne with pronounced brioche, yeast, and a subtle nuttiness, complemented by delicate floral and citrus lift. Made from whole-cluster pressed fruit and aged in both steel and oak, its texture is juicy and round with a creamy finish, while retaining vibrant freshness. Flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and lime open the palate, unfolding into layers of pear, white peach, and a touch of tropical mango and passion fruit. Hints of marmalade, light honey, and a whisper of toast and cheese add depth, with subtle stemmy bitterness and minerality lending structure. The wine balances the impression of sweetness with precision and length, making it both refreshing and contemplative.

A standout, deep-purple wine that delivers remarkable balance, structure, and finesse. Medium-bodied with medium-plus acidity and tannin, it opens with a richly nuanced nose of blackberry, cooked plum, and black cherry, layered with floral notes. On the palate, the wine is smooth and velvety, with flavors of dark fruit, black pepper, and rosemary, evolving into undertones of baking spices, leather, and subtle tobacco. A touch of savory depth—think cured meat or grilled herbs—adds intrigue without overwhelming its fresh fruit core. With impressive length, intensity, and complexity, this is a refined yet powerful expression of Petite Sirah that reflects both varietal character and vineyard precision. The 11th Best-in-Class medal for Dovecote at the Under the Radar California Wine Competition.

A strikingly vibrant white that delivers far more intensity than its light body suggests. Pale lemon in color with medium-plus acidity, it bursts on the nose with aromas of green apple, Meyer lemon, and honeysuckle, unfolding into a layered palate of pear, lime zest, grapefruit, and delicate white blossom. There's a subtle undercurrent of ripe tropical fruit and a whisper of hay, grounding its expressive fruit with a rustic, organic edge. Notes of wet stone and a late flash of apricot-pepper minerality lend complexity and length. Clean, bright, and beautifully textured, this is a confidently made Pinot Grigio with clarity, energy, and a strong sense of place.

A compelling example of how this historic Sicilian varietal can thrive in California’s Central Coast. With its Mediterranean climate, diurnal shifts, and well-draining soils, Los Olivos offers the sun and structure Nero d’Avola needs to fully ripen while retaining natural acidity—echoing the conditions of its native Sicily, where it has long been prized for producing deeply colored, age-worthy reds. This vintage opens with expressive aromatics of blackberry, raspberry, violet, and anise, underpinned by hints of green bell pepper and eucalyptus that suggest whole cluster fermentation. On the palate, it’s smooth yet structured, showcasing red fruits like strawberry, plum, cherry, and even watermelon, layered with savory notes of cocoa, licorice, mint, and a subtle meaty edge. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, supporting the wine’s vibrant acidity and complex mix of florals, spice, and tertiary depth. It’s a beautifully balanced, aromatic, and satisfying wine that reveals more with every sip—proof that Nero d’Avola has found a worthy second home in the Los Olivos District.

The 2021 Chance Creek Sangiovese from Redwood Valley is a bright, expressive red that showcases how this Mendocino County-based AVA—known for its warm days, cool nights, and gravelly loam soils—can successfully support this classic Italian varietal. Redwood Valley’s climate allows Sangiovese to ripen fully while preserving its hallmark acidity, resulting in a wine that’s both fruit-forward and beautifully structured. Aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and cherry spice leap from the glass, complemented by floral notes and subtle herbal undertones. On the palate, it’s mouthwatering and vibrant, with red fruit carrying through alongside hints of tomato leaf, baking spice, and a whisper of sundried tomato. Secondary notes of butterscotch, toast, and a touch of dill on the finish lend complexity to this tart, lively wine with an earthy edge—a compelling California expression that remains true to its Old World roots.

A bold, deeply colored red that reflects both the sun-drenched ripeness of Paso Robles and the varietal’s rustic charm. Inky purple in the glass, this wine is driven by ripe blackberry, stewed plum, and black cherry, layered with notes of raisin, prune, and chocolate, giving it a rich, cooked-fruit profile. On the nose, tart cherry, green bell pepper, cloves, and forest floor aromas suggest youthful exuberance and whole-cluster complexity, while undertones of tobacco, malt, and wet leaves add a wild, earthy dimension. High tannins and medium-plus acidity give the wine firm structure, though its integration is still developing—this is a big, powerful wine that would benefit from cellaring. Hints of vanilla, oak, and baking spice round out the finish, making it a natural partner for grilled meats or a juicy burger.

A soft, elegant white that highlights the varietal’s affinity for this sun-soaked yet breezy AVA. Pale gold in the glass, it offers a richly aromatic nose of honeysuckle, honey, and beeswax, layered with notes of banana (both ripe and green), sweet Meyer lemon, and marzipan. The medium body and creamy texture are balanced by medium-minus acidity, giving the wine a smooth, almost plush mouthfeel. On the palate, flavors of ripe pear, apple, lemon curd, and apricot mingle with hints of flint, vanilla, and subtle oak. A lingering finish marked by soft minerality, floral undertones, and a whisper of cheese makes this Roussanne not only complex but also a beautiful partner to soft cheeses like brie or a plate of ripe fruit.

A bright, elegant expression of this historically underappreciated varietal, best known as the grape behind France’s Beaujolais wines. In this California rendition, Gamay thrives in the region’s maritime-influenced climate, producing a pale ruby wine with medium-plus acidity, low tannin, and a light 11.0% ABV—perfect for those who favor freshness and finesse. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry, and lemon rind lead into a juicy, almost effervescent palate layered with cherry cola, bramble, mushroom, and hints of forest floor and leafy herbs. Light-bodied yet impressively complex, this wine consistently scores high for balance, length, intensity, and nuance. Its soft texture, bright fruit, and subtle earthy tones make it a perfect red for white wine drinkers—or anyone seeking elegance over power in their glass. A competition record 13th best-in-class medal for St. Avalo.