2020 Westerly Wines Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara

The 2020 Westerly Single Vineyard Cab from Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is bold, juicy, and full of character. Silky and sumptuous on the palate, it opens with layers of black cherry, plum, and a touch of mint, followed by black pepper, toast, dark chocolate, and a hint of cooked fruit. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth, with medium-plus acidity and tannins giving it great structure. It’s full-bodied and packed with flavor, but still balanced. Right now, it’s all about plush fruit and spice, but with time, expect more earthy, savory notes to develop. This one’s built to age—and it’s only going to get better. Drink now or cellar through 2035.

This wine comes out swinging with bold aromas—black plum, violet, black cherry, and a punch of black pepper and tobacco. There’s a savory layer too, with hints of coffee and walnut that add depth. It’s full-bodied with medium-plus tannins and high acidity, giving it structure and lift. A touch of raisin shows on the finish, adding ripeness without going jammy. The length and intensity are impressive. It’s rich, complex, and built to make a statement—definitely one for fans of powerful reds.

A striking expression of Syrah with a nod to the Northern Rhône. Co-fermented with 5% Viognier, this Sta. Rita Hills red pours a medium ruby in the glass and opens with an aromatic punch—black pepper, black currant, blueberry, and eucalyptus leap out, grounded by charred wood and spice. On the palate, it’s layered and intriguing. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and tannins, the wine delivers a mix of dark cherry, petrol, and a subtle honeyed note that gives it a Côte-Rôtie-like charm. The Viognier adds lift and floral nuance, while the Syrah stays firmly rooted in spice and earth. Refined but characterful, this is a wine for lovers of savory, Old World-inspired Syrah with California fruit. It's drinking beautifully now, but should continue to evolve over the next 5–7 years.  Drink now through 2031.

Pale lemon in the glass, this Sauvignon Blanc is bright, refreshing, and full of energy. On the nose and palate, it delivers a vibrant mix of honeysuckle, lemon, grapefruit rind, pineapple, and passionfruit, with subtle hints of peach and nectarine adding a soft, tropical edge. Medium-bodied with medium-plus acidity, it’s crisp and mouthwatering, with a touch of salinity and a clean wet stone finish. The acidity lingers, keeping things lively and refreshing from start to finish. A zesty, sun-soaked white that’s perfect for warm days or light, fresh fare. Drink now through 2026.

Back in early 2021, we tasted the 2018 Ravines Cabernet Franc and could tell it had great potential—it just needed a few more years to fully come into its own. Fast forward to 2025, and that patience has paid off.  Right away, the aroma draws you in with deep earthy notes—think forest floor, mushroom, and truffle. These savory tones blend beautifully with hints of dried strawberry, Morello cherry, rose petals, and a touch of cigar box and wet leaves. A streak of mint adds a fresh lift, while stewed red fruit and a whisper of vanilla round out the bouquet. On the palate, it’s refined and silky, almost reminiscent of Pinot Noir. There’s a gentle richness, with savory layers of toast and tar unfolding alongside dried prune and a distinctive touch of flint. The balance between freshness and aged depth is impressive, with lifted aromatics complementing the earthy maturity. This wine is graceful, complex, and beautifully composed—a shining example of how time elevates Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc. Good things come to those who wait!

A richly expressive red that lives up to its name, offering both charm and depth in equal measure. In the glass, its deep purple hue hints at the lush, dark-fruited character to come. The nose is generous and inviting, opening with a medley of blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry, anchored by ripe black cherry and accented by floral notes of violet. On the palate, the wine is smooth and supple, with a juicy, mouth-coating texture. Medium-plus in body and framed by well-integrated tannins, it evolves with air to reveal deeper layers—black currant leaf, dried blackberry, and a subtle hint of tobacco. A touch of resinous herb and a savory thread of 70% dark cacao lend intrigue and balance to the wine's fruit-driven core. This is a generous, vibrant wine with a joyful disposition, yet it carries enough complexity to reward a more contemplative tasting. Dreamland showcases the Central Coast’s bold character with a polished, expressive voice. 43% Grenache, 41% Cabernet Suvignon, 11% Graciano, 5% Zinfandel. 

This vibrant and expressive rosé delivers an arresting aromatic profile, opening with lifted notes of wild strawberry, cherry compote, and red currant, interwoven with exotic hints of lychee and a subtle floral veil. A distinct wet stone minerality grounds the fruit, while a gentle note of honeysuckle adds aromatic complexity. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with medium-plus acidity, offering a textured, mouth-coating feel. Juicy red fruits lead, followed by layers of green apple, lemon zest, and a whisper of white pepper and black tea. The mid-palate remains taut and structured, evolving gracefully into a focused, cherry-driven finish accented by salinity and a lingering brightness. A compelling and beautifully balanced rosé that marries freshness with depth, showcasing the playful yet precise winemaking style of Hubba Wines.  32% Valdiguié, 31% Syrah, 29% Zinfandel, 8% Grenache.

Nothing short of extraordinary. Right from the first sip, the silky mouthfeel sets the stage for a wine of remarkable elegance. The nose offers an inviting bouquet of ripe black fruits—black cherry, black plum—complemented by subtle bramble and the unmistakable spice of black pepper. Eucalyptus and capsicum add depth, while a touch of cooked plum, vanilla, and clove weave in a layer of complexity. The wine’s length is endless, with an impeccably balanced structure that carries its intensity with grace. The combination of richness, complexity, and finesse in this Cabernet Sauvignon is truly exceptional, making it a standout expression of Happy Canyon’s terroir. A wine that demands attention and rewards every sip.

A vibrant and engaging wine that showcases the region's expressive terroir. On the nose, it offers a beautiful medley of blackberry, blueberry, and red plum, accented by hints of red currant and a subtle touch of black currant leaf. Violet and tar add an intriguing floral and earthy layer, while a faint whisper of wet leaves evokes a sense of place. The fruit lingers gracefully on the palate, with a jammy richness that never veers into cloying territory. The wine offers intensity and refinement, with a delightful vanilla finish that rounds out the experience. A true reflection of careful craftsmanship, this wine is as approachable as it is complex.

This blend of 68% Sangiovese, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petite Sirah from Santa Ynez Valley is a wine of remarkable complexity and potential. Its medium ruby color hints at the depth and character within. On the nose, it offers an intriguing combination of rose, earth, truffle, and dried red fruit, complemented by savory notes of leather, coffee, and toasted oak. A delicate hint of lavender and dried cranberry adds a touch of floral and fruit-driven nuance. The wine is structured with medium-plus tannins and vibrant acidity, providing a solid foundation for aging while remaining approachable now. 

A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Petite Sirah. Its deep purple color sets the stage for a wine with a rich, chewy mouthfeel, and firm, ripe tannins. The flavor profile opens with layers of black raspberry, blackberry, and milk chocolate, balanced by herbaceous and slightly savory notes. Subtle hints of coffee, black pepper, and mint add complexity, while the silky texture and seamless integration of alcohol make it approachable despite its 15.2% ABV. A touch of bramble and a soft vanilla finish round out this sumptuous wine, which offers versatility and is sure to appeal to a wide range of palates.

A wine with a little mystery and a lot of character. With medium-plus acidity and tannins that keep you on your toes, it opens with black cherry, black plum, resin, black pepper, and a brambly edge that feels rustic and refined. The dry fruit gives way to an unexpected burst of cranberry and strawberry, offering a delightful red fruit concentration that surprises with its tart finish. A hint of butterscotch and tar reveal the wine’s  barrel aging, adding layers of depth. This wine feels like it has a story to tell, each sip more intriguing than the last, with an alluring balance of earthy and fruity charm.

A delightful and expressive wine with a medium purple hue. It offers medium-plus acidity and tannins that provide a solid structure. The nose is a beautiful blend of clove, chamomile, and black plum, complemented by fresh summer berries and a subtle hint of licorice. The wine’s complexity deepens with a touch of pepper and a surprisingly refreshing note of lemon rind on the finish. A harmonious balance of spice, fruit, and freshness makes this wine approachable and intruiging. 52% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 21% Mourvèdre.

A striking expression of the Malibu Coast. Its deep ruby color leads into an intense nose of black cherry, currant, and eucalyptus, complemented by nutmeg, chocolate, and subtle notes of almond and hazelnut as it opens. On the palate, medium-plus acidity and tannins give the wine a full body that balances power with elegance. The fruit evolves from vibrant to stewed, revealing plum, cooked blackberry, and a hint of rose. The wine’s complexity and intensity reflect the cool-maritime influence of the Malibu Coast, with its minerality and freshness adding depth. This wine is a standout from Malibu’s exceptional terroir, offering a refined and evolving tasting experience with every sip.

The medium garnet color signals good bottle aging and depth. The nose reveals enticing aromas of violet, chocolate, and leather, with a subtle grassy touch that adds complexity. On the palate, there’s a distinct savory, meaty quality, complemented by a unique creamy, cheesy note that adds a surprising twist. With medium-plus acidity, medium tannins, and a medium-plus body, it offers a structured yet approachable profile. This wine stands out for its originality and depth.

A well-structured wine with medium ruby color, solid acidity, and ripe, well-integrated tannins. Its Nebbiolo-like nose offers rose petals, while the palate reveals blackberry, cherry,  black pepper, grilled meat, and earthy notes. Hints of violet, tomato leaf, tobacco, and gravel add complexity, making each sip a new discovery. Supple and eminently approachable. Very good.

A really nice wine from owner and winemaker Nicole Walsh. Medium ruby color, and medium-plus acidity and tannins. The nose opens with delicate blackberry, followed by black cherry, bramble, pepper, vanilla, and charred wood as it breathes. With time, the wine becomes more savory, revealing a layer of complexity that adds depth and intrigue. A well-balanced and evolving wine with nice complexity.

The highest score we have ever given to a Sauvignon Blanc, this wine earns 96.5 points for its intense aromatic and flavor profile, while being complex even though it has almost entirely primary charcteristics. The wine bursts with pronounced grapefruit, lemon rind, and floral notes of cherry blossom, honeysuckle, and jasmine. On the palate, it’s juicy with mouthwatering acidity and a hint of white pepper on the tip of the tongue. Dried apple adds depth, while a bold grapefruit character emerges, bringing vibrancy throughout. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with a wet stone note that grounds the wine. A truly captivating expression of Sauvignon Blanc.

Deep purple in the glass, immediately showcasing its concentration and intensity. The nose is complex and inviting, with aromas of Bing cherry, ripe blackberry, and vibrant blueberry intertwined with notes of cocoa powder, coffee, and a subtle hint of tomato leaf. A touch of mint and the faintest trace of grilled meat and char evoke a savory, almost rustic quality, adding depth to the wine’s layered aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine impresses with its silky, smooth mouthfeel, offering a refined texture that balances the bold flavors. The finish lingers with a delightful combination of vanilla and butterscotch, providing a nice counterpoint to the wine’s structured tannins. With its intensity and finesse, it’s a wine that demonstrates both power and elegance.

From Yountville's famed Ghost Block, this exceptional wine captures the essence of boldness and panache. On the nose, it opens with a beautiful blend of summer berries, offering fresh and ripe raspberry and a subtle hint of violet. The delicate interplay of fruit and floral notes is balanced by the earthy depth of bramble, cedar, and a touch of tobacco, giving this wine a complex and layered character. The palate begins with the luscious profile of black raspberry, leading into smooth vanilla tones. A hint of pomegranate rind adds a slight bitterness that sharpens the fruit, while delicate layers of cherry, chocolate, and toast round out the experience with a touch of richness. These flavors are sophisticated and inviting, with a remarkable harmony that allows each note to shine. An ideal food wine; try it with black pepper Toscano cheese.

The wine unfolds with a resinous complexity, revealing layers of red cherry and ripe blackberry, both vibrant and enticing. As it opens, secondary and tertiary characteristics begin to emerge, with hints of vanilla, clove, and leather adding a touch of warmth and maturity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a rich, dark fruit profile dominated by the comforting flavors of blueberry cobbler, complemented by deep, lingering dark fruit notes. The wine’s medium-plus acidity provides structure and balance, while the tannins are firm, lending both texture and longevity. The interplay of fruit, spice, and earthy qualities creates a sophisticated wine with remarkable depth. A refined expression that will continue to evolve beautifully over time.

The 2018 Westerly Wines Fletcher’s Red, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, is a deep purple wine with medium-plus acidity and firm tannins. Its pronounced nose features black currant, black cherry, and red plum, complemented by capsicum, violet, coffee grinds, and a hint of lavender. The palate offers chewy tannins with subtle notes of walnut, tar, and a touch of vegetal character. A well-structured wine with complexity and balance. 

Presents a medium garnet color, signaling its graceful structure. The nose is captivating, with floral notes of violet and lavender, along with vibrant red currant and blueberry, complemented by dried fruit and eucalyptus. There’s also a subtle touch of tobacco and petrichor, adding an intriguing complexity. On the palate, the wine boasts medium-plus acidity and medium tannins, offering a smooth yet structured mouthfeel. The finish is juicy and satisfying, with surprising hints of dried apricot that add a delightful, unexpected twist. This unexpected flavor enhances the overall profile, bringing a new layer of richness to the wine. Alongside it, black currant, white pepper, almond, and coffee round out the finish, creating a balanced and sophisticated blend. The combination of familiar and surprising flavors makes this wine both complex and incredibly enjoyable. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Another deftly made, exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon from Prince Vineyards. Rather than decant it, pour it and experience all the pleasures as the wine evolves in the glass from smell to smell, sip to sip. Rockland leads with pronounced aroma of black cherry, black currant, and black currant leaf. On the second pass the wine begins building earthy, floral layers of moss, pyrazine, and violet. By the third sip, caramel, cedar wood, tar, graphite, and nutmeg join the party, and on it goes. But don’t rush it, the journey is everything! Structurally sound, with a supple mouth feel, chewy, well-integrated tannins, balanced by medium plus acid. Each sip delivers a long, silky finish. Enjoy now or over the next decade. Simply outstanding.

The highest scoring wine of Westerly’s most impressive set of releases to date. This wine leads with pronounced black currant, blueberry, blackberry, and stewed black plum. As it gathers steam like a freight train, there are layers of black currant leaf, clove, and leather, with a medium plus body softened by vanilla. On the finish notes of black pepper make a welcome appearance. Such impressive structure, balance, and complexity for a 2021. Simply outstanding. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Dusty, brambly black fruit highlight an exquisite, expertly made Cabernet Sauvignon. The most floral of Westerly’s new releases, with violet as the star and clove as the supporting actor. Black pepper, vanilla, pyrazines, and toast complete an array of decadent flavors and aromas. A natural successor to the 2018. This wine has restrained power as the 15.9% ABV plays much lower than that. So well balanced and impressively complex. A strong acidic backbone keeps the fruit fresh and will allow this Cab to age long and gracefully. Enjoy now or over the next 8-10 years.

A fruit-driven red blend with pronounced aromas of black cherry that play like a black cherry reduction on the midpalate. Black currant, strawberry, red plum, menthol, and spice complete the first impressions. A complex wine as the fruit gives way to a wonderfully funky/earthy quality reminiscent of a Nebbiolo, followed by vanilla, tobacco, and leather on a super-long finish. This wine is outstanding now but is still developing and, despite such a high initial score, will continue to improve over the next 5-7 years. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec.

 If you have always been a fan of lighter style reds, like Pinot Noir, then this is your gateway to Cabernet Sauvignon. Primary fruits of black cherry, blueberry compote, and strawberry highlight a wine with medium acid and tannin. Hints of licorice, coffee, and tar are the non-fruit complements to an easy-drinking Cab with a long finish. Everyone will enjoy this wine.

An attractive medium pink rose’ with a lot to offer. Leads with a Granny Smith apple aroma that transitions to strawberry, ruby red grapefruit, and celery seed. Great depth of flavor with the sweet red fruits complemented by Tulare cherries, cranberries, and a rounded mouthfeel. A vibrant wine with outstanding complexity. A red-wine drinker’s rose’. 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, and 15% Merlot. Well done!

A wonderful tribute to the officers who protect us with a portion of the sales donated to the Fallen Heroes Fund. Classically deep purple, filling the mouth with a mix of black fruit, pepper, and herbs. Solid backbone, with medium plus acid as a function of the cooling Pacific Ocean winds funneled into Livermore Valley. This wine is layered, with the second sip showing cloves, resin, grilled meat, and vanilla on the finish. Approachable now but this wine is still developing; buy a case and open one every year to see the wonderful changes in store.

Pronounced aromas of stewed black currant, cinnamon, and violet, with baking spice and blueberry pie on the palate. A Cabernet Sauvignon that is more floral and earthy than fruity. Expect hints of clove, turned earth, petrol, and a mineral/graphite core on the finish. A sophisticated wine with a youthful soul.

A California Cab lover’s dream wine that checks all the boxes. Dried blackberry, stewed black plum, black cherry, fig jam, black pepper, violet, asparagus, and sweet raisin, with tobacco, dark chocolate-covered berries, and baking spices on the finish. Firm, well-integrated tannins with high acid that give this wine backbone—and a long life. Full-bodied. Nicely balanced, as the 15.9% alcohol plays much lower. Outstanding.

What a fantastic wine. Medium ruby color, trending toward garnet. So many descriptors: red cherry, violet, white pepper (on the nose…turning to black pepper on the palate), bell pepper, tar, butterscotch, cloves, maple, milk chocolate, a hint of vanilla, stone, cedar, and turned earth. Such great complexity. Linger over this wine; each time it hits your palate, new flavors are identified. Medium acid, medium plus tannin, and medium body. A wine that is a joy to drink and that makes you think at the same time. Outstanding.

This Bordeaux blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot shows deep purple in the glass. A big, bold wine that leads with intense aromas of spice, molasses, and licorice, opening up to lovely dark berries with hints of raisin, brown sugar, graphite, and earth. Layers of complexity as the black fruit turns jammy and builds to a long finish. This well-balanced, full-bodied wine has medium plus acid and tannin and is easy to savor to the last sip. Best in class at our 2023 Under the Radar California Competition. 

A deep purple blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Cabernet Franc. Medium plus intensity of aroma and a myriad of pronounced flavors that include blackberry, black currant, black cherry, violet, a hint of roasted red pepper, graphite, dark chocolate, leather, roasted meat, and tobacco. The finish is long and dry with wet earth, dried black fruit, and coffee undertones. Great complexity with wonderfully integrated acid and tannin. The alcohol level is 15.5% but, as with the 2012 Cab, the balance is such that it doesn’t seem that high, which is a testament to skilled winemaking. Enjoy this wine now or over the next 8-10 years.

An homage to Côte Rotie in the Northern Rhone Valley, where Syrah is co-fermented with Viognier. This Côte Blonde contains 5% Viognier, which adds floral and spice components to the wine and gives it a viscous mouthfeel. A great touch. In the glass the wine has that wonderful deep purple color that makes you swoon. Boysenberry, black pepper, bacon, licorice, dark chocolate, wool, and petrol lead the wine toward a finish of dried black fruit and olive tapenade. Fine-grained tannins and medium plus acid. The mouthfeel and finish are the stars.

Impressive nose on this wine. Can enjoy it without even tasting it. Primary aromas and flavors of blackberry, black plum, black currant, pyrazines, violet, and a hint of red fruit. This wine is mature for its age as the palate quickly acknowledges dried blackberry, baked cherry pie, leather, black pepper, licorice, cola, coffee, and game. Medium plus acid, high tannin, medium plus body, and a long finish. Solid wine.

Pronounced aroma of cherry cola, black plum, red currant, game, charred wood, wet leaves, oak, chocolate, and herbs. The wine has a savory quality on the palate. Primary fruit flavors turn stewed and dried as the wine opens up. The finish is long and features tobacco, dried plum, coffee, and forest floor. High acid, medium plus tannins, and full body. The Napa Cab experience without the elevated price point.

Although this wine features citrus (lemon) and stone fruit (peach and apricot), the main primary flavors and aromas are the riper tropical fruits of pineapple and melon. Not simply fruit driven, there are floral components of elder flower and honeysuckle. Solid acid holds it together and carries the wine through to a long finish of wet stone and minerality. 

Barolo, from Piedmont in Northern Italy, is often described as the king of wines and the wine of kings, and is made from Nebbiolo. While the latitude of the Santa Cruz Mountains is much further south than Piedmont, the high-elevation (2,600 feet) Lago Lomita Vineyard, and its ocean breezes, provides a moderating influence and makes it one of the very best areas in California to grow Nebbiolo. This offering from Soquel Vineyards is a great representation. We love the pale garnet color, reminiscent of Barolo. As fans of this varietal know, it can be misleading, as the aromas and flavors are pronounced and the acid and tannin is high. This wine has a big, chewy mouthfeel and offers a ton of descriptors: dried maraschino cherry, crushed rose petals, anise, root beer, leather, coffee, tobacco, tar, truffle, and licorice. It is rustic and herbaceous and well balanced. Bravo!

With grapes from the Lester Family Vineyard, which sits at around 500 feet above, and slightly inland, from Monterey Bay, this Reserve Pinot Noir is a hit. The medium garnet color is a precursor to a potpourri of primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas and flavors. The nose is floral, then gives way to juicy red plum and black pepper. The midpalate reveals intense dried red cherries, a hint of strawberry, vanilla, and dried violet. As the wine opens up it leads to a finish of mushroom, smoke, sweet tobacco, and turned earth. This wine is enjoyable now but the medium plus acid also gives it tremendous potential for aging. Would love to have at least a half case of this to open over the years. The scores will only go up from here.

Bright and youthful from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, this wine reflects the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean breezes. It is medium ruby in the glass, fresh on the nose, and offers cranberry, red cherry, and ripe raspberry. The floral component is hibiscus and there is slight vanilla, toast, and flint on the back end. The lingering finish is the star and foretells that this wine will evolve. Easy to enjoy and hard to put down. 

An exceptionally well-made wine, representative of the best Napa Valley has to offer. Swirl the deep purple and experience the pronounced intensity of the aroma. Blackberry jam, black currant, mint, violet, licorice, leather, forest floor, farmyard, cedar, smoke, and chocolate. It is a tertiary carnival! This wine is in its prime and the tannic structure is evident but well integrated. Solid acid shows it still has years to offer. A standout among incredibly impressive peers.