BEST IN CLASS - 5th ANNUAL UNDER THE RADAR CALIFORNIA

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A deep‑purple mood ring for your palate—brooding now, but flashing layers if you give it air and time. The nose swings from black cherry, blueberry, and cassis to a plush vanilla‑marshmallow vibe, with a quirky savory flicker (yes, even a hint of eggplant) and shy florals for lift. On the palate it’s full‑bodied and structured—high tannin, medium acid—with dried blackberry, black raspberry, leather, mineral edges, pepper and spice, plus a smoky tobacco thread; there’s a touch of youthful heat that reads more “garage‑band grit” than flaw. Despite the many spikes, the dominant quality is balance, the kind that tightens into harmony as it opens—and it really does evolve, minute by minute. This wine has soul: powerful, textured, and already compelling, but it’ll sing truest after a few years in the cellar; for now, a long decant turns up the volume without blowing the mix.

The kind of wine that quietly wins you over, then keeps you reaching for another sip. The nose leads with an elegant mix of red rose, violet, cinnamon stick, and baking spice before layers of blackberry, blueberry, plum, and a subtle tobacco note emerge. Full-bodied yet remarkably poised, it balances vibrant fruit, savory herbs, and beautifully integrated oak, bringing hints of sweet toast, cedar, dark chocolate, and fresh coffee into a seamless whole. While still youthful, it's already showing impressive definition and polish, with cherry and blackberry carrying through an incredibly long, persistent finish. There's power here, but it's delivered with restraint—more refined than flashy, proving that Napa can be both sophisticated and effortlessly approachable. Simply put, it's a beautiful wine that never stops inviting the next sip.

One of those wines that makes you stop mid-conversation and say, "Wow." Pouring a deep golden hue, it opens with an incredibly expressive nose of honey, ripe pear, golden apple, and a touch of pineapple, layered effortlessly with flint, orange blossom, fresh bread dough, brioche, toasted hazelnut, marzipan, and warm baking spices. Every swirl seems to reveal something new—from creamy vanilla and butterscotch to hints of eucalyptus and dried apricot—creating exceptional depth without feeling heavy. Medium-plus in body with vibrant acidity, it delivers richness and freshness in equal measure, finishing with a silky, lingering elegance that keeps unfolding long after the last sip. It's the kind of Chardonnay that reminds you why this grape has such a devoted following: bold enough to impress, balanced enough to drink all night, and complex enough to discover something new with every glass.

A bold, easygoing Central Coast blend that isn't afraid to show a little personality. Aromas of blackberry, red cherry, violet, cracked black pepper, and green bell pepper lead the way, with layers of plum, black currant, licorice, and a touch of vanilla adding depth. On the palate, juicy black and red fruits mingle with savory notes of tomato leaf, grilled herbs, mocha, and warm baking spices, while hints of dark chocolate and toasted oak round things out. The elevated alcohol gives the wine a warming, full-bodied feel, occasionally taking center stage, but it also contributes to a plush, crowd-friendly style. It's not chasing perfect precision or endless complexity—instead, it's the kind of bottle that shines at a backyard dinner, around a fire pit, or alongside grilled meats, where its bold flavors and relaxed vibe make it easy to enjoy with friends.

Proof that serious winemaking and pure fun can live in the same bottle. Pouring its signature magenta hue, it immediately grabs your attention before bursting from the glass with vibrant aromas of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, lavender, and a hint of white pepper. There is an energetic, almost just-picked freshness, while the 15% Viognier lends a silky, supple texture that keeps every sip bright and effortless. Juicy cherry, marionberry, and lingonberry flavors glide across the palate with refreshing acidity, low tannins, and exceptional balance, making this feel somewhere between a light red and a deeply expressive rosé. It's not trying to be brooding or overly complex—it's made for good food, good friends, and warm evenings when one glass naturally turns into two. Fresh, distinctive, and incredibly drinkable, this is a refreshing new take on Mourvèdre that deserves a spot in the fridge as often as it does on the table.

Takes everything you expect from the variety and gives it a richer, more textured twist. Aromas of grapefruit, honeydew melon, white peach, lemon, orange blossom, and gardenia rise from the glass, joined by subtle hints of saline and fresh-cut grass that keep it lively and inviting. On the palate, vibrant citrus zest and juicy stone fruit are wrapped in a creamy, almost luxurious texture, with notes of honeycomb, lemon curd, ripe fig, and a whisper of vanilla adding impressive depth. Bright medium-plus acidity keeps the wine energetic from start to finish, balancing the fuller mouthfeel and making each sip feel both refreshing and satisfying. It's a Sauvignon Blanc with unexpected layers—crisp enough for a sunny afternoon, complex enough to reward a slow pour, and the kind of bottle that reminds you this grape can be every bit as compelling as the classics. 

Some bottles are made for special occasions. This one has a way of turning a random Tuesday into one. The 2024 Sycamore Ranch Winery & Vineyard GSM is bright, energetic, and impossible not to like—one of those wines that has everyone reaching for "just one more pour." It's loaded with vibrant fruit, but never feels over-the-top, striking that sweet spot where every sip is juicy, smooth, and ridiculously easy to enjoy. As it opens, subtle hints of spice, cocoa, and smoky oak quietly step into the spotlight, giving the wine more personality than you expected from the first taste. It's approachable without being simple, layered without showing off, and proof that great wine doesn't need a dictionary to appreciate. Whether you're introducing someone to wine or just looking for the bottle everyone talks about after dinner, this GSM delivers the kind of experience that makes wine feel less like a hobby—and more like fun.

Every wine lover remembers the bottle that changed everything. For a lot of people, this could be it. The 2024 Fuil Wines Reserve Viognier from J+K Vineyard doesn't try to shout for your attention—it wins you over one fascinating sip at a time. It opens with an explosion of fragrant jasmine and orchard fruit before unfolding into layers of honey, warm spice, and a rich, creamy finish that's luxurious without ever feeling heavy. There's an earthy, mineral edge that keeps it grounded, making each glass more interesting than the last. This is the kind of wine that makes you pause mid-conversation and say, "Wait...what is this?" That's the magic of Viognier, and nobody in California is telling its story better than Fuil Wines. With every vintage, they're proving this once-overlooked grape deserves a place among the state's white wine stars. If you're ready to step beyond the usual Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, consider this your invitation.

Rosé has a reputation for being easygoing. The 2024 Theopolis Vineyards Rosé of Petite Sirah politely ignores that stereotype. This is the bottle for people who usually reach for reds but are willing to be pleasantly surprised. Founded by attorney-turned-vintner Theodora Lee, Theopolis Vineyards has built a reputation for doing things its own way, and this rosé follows suit. It greets you with bright cherry and raspberry before unfolding into layers of warm spice, toasted brioche, and just enough smoky intrigue to keep you guessing. Somewhere between a classic rosé and a light red—think more Beaujolais than poolside pink—it delivers remarkable depth without sacrificing freshness. Every few minutes, another unexpected note seems to emerge, making the last sip just as interesting as the first. Long, complex, and completely unapologetic, this is a rosé that proves pink wine doesn't have to play it safe. If you've been waiting for a rosé with the confidence of a great red, congratulations—you've found it.

Some wines make a great first impression. This one keeps making them. The 2023 Dovecote Redtail Thompson Vineyard Alisos Canyon bursts from the glass with black cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, sage, and lavender before a crack of black pepper reminds you this isn't your everyday red. The first sip is all about bold, juicy fruit—black cherry, black currant, black plum, and boysenberry jam—wrapped in a silky, full-bodied texture that somehow feels both powerful and effortlessly balanced. Give it a little time in the glass and the fun really begins. Toasted oak, charred wood, hints of butterscotch, and eventually notes of toffee, coffee, and cooked blackberry slowly emerge, transforming the wine with every swirl. It's the kind of bottle that rewards curiosity, proving that great wine isn't about memorizing tasting notes—it's about discovering something new every time you come back for another sip. Delicious today, even more exciting tomorrow, this is a wine you'll want to share...or keep all to yourself.

Sparkling wine has a way of making ordinary moments feel like celebrations, and the NV Kessler-Haak Straight Ahead Extra Brut Sparkling Rosé is ready to RSVP. Crafted by Dan Kessler in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills, this is a bottle that feels every bit as adventurous as its name. The first sip is bright, lively, and carried along by a stream of impossibly fine bubbles, opening with vibrant citrus and orchard fruit before drifting into hints of tropical fruit, fresh-baked bread, and a creamy finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another taste. There's an unexpected twist around every corner—a touch of almond, a whisper of yeast, even a playful note that recalls your favorite childhood bubble gum—making this sparkling rosé feel more like a conversation than a performance. It's fresh without being simple, serious without being stuffy, and exactly the kind of bottle that reminds you sparkling wine isn't reserved for milestones. Sometimes the best reason to pop the cork is because it's Thursday.

Feels like the kind of wine that doesn’t introduce itself so much as slide into the conversation mid-sentence and somehow make it better. It’s Gamay Noir interpreted through a Pinot Noir lens—polished, lifted, and just a little mischievous about its own identity. The first thing you notice is this cozy, unexpected coffee note, like a café moment tucked into a glass, followed quickly by dark cherry and a hint of mocha that gives way to something brighter and more floral—rose, violet, and fresh red fruit. As it opens, it starts shifting gears in a really effortless way: raspberry, cranberry, and crushed strawberry keep things lively, while blackcurrant, stewed plum, and a whisper of smoke and tobacco add depth without weighing it down. There’s a savory thread—white pepper, clove, a touch of earth—that keeps it grounded, plus this faint mineral edge that makes everything feel more precise than flashy. What’s fun is how approachable it stays even as it evolves in the glass; it never gets intimidating, just more interesting with each sip. From coffee-and-cherry brightness to darker, spice-laced moments, it keeps its balance the whole time, finishing smooth, open, and quietly confident. Another strong, slightly rebellious release from St. Avalo Wines, showing once again why the Los Olivos District keeps producing wines that feel less like they follow rules and more like they remix them. 

The kind of wine that makes you grin after the first sip because it refuses to play by the usual rules. It opens with the cozy smell of blueberry pie dusted with cinnamon, then takes an unexpected turn into a rush of ripe strawberries, cherries, blackberries, and even that unmistakable Twizzlers nostalgia, all wrapped up in a wild blackberry cola vibe. Just when you think it's heading toward dessert, a streak of bright acidity and a hint of cocoa bitterness reel everything back in, while a touch of Syrah lends a whisper of leather that keeps things grounded. It's bold, juicy, energetic, and surprisingly balanced—a wine that feels equally at home with a backyard burger, late-night pizza, or the soundtrack of a summer road trip. More than anything, this is a bottle that reminds you wine doesn't have to be serious to be seriously good. 

Some wines demand your attention the moment they're poured, and the 2024 Sycamore Ranch Winery & Vineyard Syrah from Tierra Alta Vineyard is one of them. It arrives with the confidence of a perfectly curated playlist—bold enough to crank up, but layered enough that you keep discovering new favorites every time you hit repeat. Rich aromas of blackberry, black currant, smoke, coffee, and cracked pepper pull you in before waves of dark cherry, plum, cocoa, savory bacon, and a splash of cherry cola roll across the palate with remarkable balance. It's powerful without feeling heavy, complex without showing off, and every sip seems to reveal another chapter of the story. This is the kind of Syrah that makes grilled pork, smoked barbecue, or a backyard fire pit feel like the right place to be—and proof that Sycamore Ranch is quietly crafting some of the most exciting wines coming out of Ballard Canyon today. 

The 2023 St. Avalo Nero d'Avola Los Aolivos District doesn't win you over by flooring the gas pedal off the starting line—it wins by taking every corner with confidence. St. Avalo has carved out a reputation for embracing grapes that don't always get the spotlight, and this Nero d'Avola is another reminder that the road less traveled can be the most rewarding. Aromas of ripe plum and leather lead into a beautifully balanced rush of blackberries, cherries, pepper, clove, licorice, and smoky earth, with perfectly ripe fruit keeping the wine vibrant instead of brooding. Firm tannins and lively acidity give it plenty of grip, but they never overpower the experience, allowing its layers of flavor to unfold lap after lap. It's the kind of bottle that rewards curiosity, proving that stepping outside the Cabernet comfort zone can lead to one of the most exciting drives in California wine. 

Like catching your favorite band before they headline the festival—you can already tell there's something special here, even if it's still finding its stride. Deep, dark, and packed with character, it opens with black plum, cassis, and floral hints before layers of herbs, smoke, charred wood, and ripe black fruit begin to unfold. Its bold tannins and lively acidity announce that this isn't in a hurry, and that's part of the fun. Right now it's a wine with serious energy and impressive structure, offering glimpses of the rich, velvety experience it's destined to become after a little time in the cellar. If you enjoy watching a great wine evolve, this bottle is less about instant gratification and more about the excitement of what's waiting just around the corner.

The team at Dovecote Estate has built a reputation for making wines that feel both polished and effortlessly inviting, and their 2024 Grenache Blanc from Thompson Vineyard is another reason they're turning heads. The nose alone is enough to make you pause, overflowing with honeysuckle, white blossoms, Meyer lemon, melon, ripe pear, and tropical fruit like opening the windows on the first perfect spring morning. Then the palate delivers exactly what you hoped for—a rich, silky texture balanced by vibrant acidity and a streak of wet stone minerality that keeps every sip fresh. Layers of orchard fruit, peach, pineapple, and a subtle hint of vanilla linger long after the glass is set down, making it impossible not to reach for another pour. It's the kind of white wine that feels just as comfortable at a rooftop dinner with friends as it does alongside a great meal, proving that California Grenache Blanc deserves a spot on everyone's radar. 

The 2023 St. Avalo Sangiovese Los Olivos District is another reminder that this winery has found its sweet spot by championing grapes that don't always follow the crowd. Rather than trying to imitate Tuscany or blend into California's sea of familiar reds, St. Avalo lets Sangiovese speak with its own confident voice. The wine greets you with an incredibly fragrant bouquet of rose petals, jasmine, cherries, dried herbs, and warm baking spices before unfolding into layers of tart cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar, earthy spice, and a peppery finish that keeps every sip lively. Another reason St. Avalo has become one of the most interesting wineries to watch in Santa Barbara County.

The 2022 Corner 103  Corner Cuvée Sonoma County is proof that a great blend doesn't have to shout   to leave a lasting impression. Built around Merlot and crafted with the   philosophy that wine should be ready to enjoy the day it's released, this   Sonoma County standout delivers layer after layer without ever feeling heavy  or complicated. Aromas of vanilla, warm cinnamon rolls, and ripe red fruit   lead into a beautifully balanced palate where cherries, cranberries, baking   spices, and a touch of tobacco and fennel weave together with effortless   grace. There's richness, freshness, and just enough savory intrigue to keep   things interesting, all wrapped in a silky texture that makes the next sip   feel inevitable. It's no surprise this was the top Merlot-led red blend in  our competition—Corner 103 has mastered the art of making serious wine that   never takes itself too seriously, and that's a combination that's hard not to   love.    

A reminder that some of the most exciting wines are the ones you've never heard of. Originally developed in Germany, Dornfelder has always lived just outside the spotlight, and St. Avalo has embraced that underdog spirit by showing just how beautifully it can thrive in the Los Olivos District. Don't let its deep purple color fool you—this isn't a bruiser. Instead, it greets you with lively aromas of black cherry, blackberry, violets, mint, and a hint of raspberry before gliding across the palate with silky ease. Juicy dark berries, a touch of dried cranberry, and a flicker of black pepper create a wine that's vibrant, refreshing, and remarkably easy to enjoy. It's another confident step in St. Avalo's mission to introduce drinkers to grapes beyond the usual lineup, and a bottle that makes discovering something new feel like the best decision you made all day. 

The kind of wine that reminds you why this once-overlooked grape has earned a loyal following. Petite Sirah has never been about playing it safe, and Sycamore Ranch leans into its bold personality while giving it an unexpected sense of polish. The wine opens with an inviting swirl of blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, rose petals, and violets before layers of cocoa, earth, smoke, and a touch of buttered toast roll in to add depth. Rich and full-bodied with plenty of structure, it somehow manages to feel powerful without overwhelming the palate, finishing long, smooth, and balanced. Blended with a splash of Syrah, this is a wine that wears its intensity with confidence, proving that big reds don't have to sacrifice elegance to make a lasting impression.

A perfect example of why Grenache has become one of California's most exciting grapes. Long celebrated in Southern France and Spain for its charm and versatility, Grenache has found another happy home in Alisos Canyon, where Dovecote continues to craft wines that feel both polished and effortlessly approachable. The 20% Syrah adds depth, but the star remains Grenache's bright, expressive personality, with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, and rose petals leading into a palate bursting with vibrant red cherry, strawberry, and a playful hint of red licorice. Fresh acidity keeps everything lively, while subtle notes of pepper and warm bread dough add just enough complexity without stealing the spotlight. Dovecote isn't trying to reinvent Grenache—they're simply showing how compelling it can be when every detail is done well.

A great reminder that some of California's most rewarding Cabernet Sauvignon comes from places outside the usual spotlight. While Mendocino County may not grab headlines as often as Napa, its cooler nights and rugged landscape quietly produce wines with remarkable depth and longevity, and this bottle is living proof. More than a decade of careful aging has brought together layers of black cherry, blueberry, earth, charred wood, mushroom, smoke, caramel, and wet stone, with every flavor feeling seamlessly integrated rather than competing for attention. There's still plenty of structure beneath the surface, but what stands out most is its remarkable balance and composure. In a field filled with beautifully aged wines, this Cabernet rose to the top not because it was older, but because it wore its years so gracefully.

The wine that makes you wonder why this grape isn't on more tables. Native to the sun-soaked coastlines of Italy, Vermentino seems perfectly at home in the Los Olivos District, where warm days and cool evenings help preserve the bright energy that makes the variety so irresistible. St. Avalo has built a reputation by championing grapes that color outside the lines, and this Best Vermentino winner shows exactly why that approach works. Fragrant notes of honeysuckle, orange blossom, peach, pineapple, and citrus mingle with a subtle saline freshness and a whisper of fennel, creating a wine that's vibrant without being sharp and expressive without feeling showy. Every sip feels crisp, balanced, and effortlessly refreshing, capturing the easygoing spirit of California's Central Coast in a way that makes discovering Vermentino feel less like taking a chance and more like finding a new favorite.

A quiet reminder that the best wines don't always demand attention—they simply earn it. Under the guidance of winemaker Gerry Martinez, this Carneros Pinot embraces the region's signature elegance, offering a wine that's beautifully balanced from the first swirl to the last sip. Gentle aromas of dark cherry, plum, honeysuckle, and a touch of sage lead into a velvety palate where vibrant red fruit, white pepper, and a subtle mineral edge come together with effortless harmony. Nothing feels out of place or overdone, which is exactly what makes it so compelling. One of our judges awarded it a perfect score for balance, and after spending time with this bottle, it's easy to understand why. Earning Best Pinot Noir in our competition wasn't about being the loudest wine in the room—it was about getting every detail exactly right. 

The 2024 St. Avalo Pinot Grigio Los Olivos District is like stumbling onto a quiet stretch of coastline where the crowds never seem to gather—you relax almost instantly and wonder why you don't come here more often. Bright aromas of pear, apple, honeysuckle, white blossoms, and a touch of tropical pineapple invite you in, while flavors of orchard fruit, citrus, and a subtle hint of white pepper keep the wine fresh and engaging. It doesn't try to overwhelm you with intensity or complexity, and that's exactly its charm. Instead, it delivers an easygoing, well-crafted experience that's simply enjoyable from start to finish, reminding us that sometimes the most satisfying wines are the ones that know exactly what they want to be.

The 2024 Sycamore Ranch Winery & Vineyard Roussanne Santa Ynez Valley is like opening the door to a greenhouse just after a summer rain—everything feels vibrant, fragrant, and alive. Roussanne has long been one of the Rhône Valley's hidden treasures, and Sycamore Ranch has shown an uncanny ability to unlock its potential in the Santa Ynez Valley. The nose is beautifully perfumed with honeysuckle, pear, apricot, and tropical fruit, while the palate layers crisp apple, melon, honey, lemon pith, and a touch of marzipan into a wine that's rich without feeling heavy. Bright acidity and remarkable balance keep every sip fresh from beginning to end. After earning a remarkable collection of top honors in our competition over the past two years, Sycamore Ranch has established itself as one of California's most consistently impressive wineries, and this Roussanne is another compelling reason why.