Embrace the Delights of California’s Premium-Level Wines As summer comes to a close, and autumn paints the landscape with its golden hues, we’re excited to introduce you to a handpicked selection of premium-level California wines that capture the heart and soul of the season. These bottles from various corners of the state promise to elevate your fall gatherings and cozy moments.

September 2023 Wine Features
Why We Love This Wine: The Sola Central Coast Rosé is a celebration of the California sun. With a vibrant bouquet of fresh strawberries and hints of citrus, this wine dances on the palate with refreshing acidity. Whether paired with a picnic in the park or a relaxed evening at home, this Rosé embodies the carefree spirit of fall.
Grenache makes for a wonderful version of blush wine. Dry and crisp with strawberry and stone fruit aromatics. Tannins are firm but soft leading to a clean finish.
Idell Family – MB-5V Red Wine, Sonoma Valley
Why We Love This Wine: From the picturesque Sonoma Valley comes the Idell Family MB-5V Red Wine. Bursting with red fruit flavors and a touch of spice, this blend offers a glimpse into the unique terroir of the region. Its approachable profile makes it a versatile companion to a variety of fall dishes, making every meal a delightful experience.
This is a field blend vineyard, Sonoma Valley 100% Estate grown grapes. This vineyard is dry farmed, head pruned and a traditional Sonoma field blend: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignan, Mourvedre and Grenache all farmed together, harvested together and fermented together. Very rich, complex, robust blend with hints of blackberry, raspberry and chocolate.
2021 Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel, Sierra Foothills
Why We Love This Wine: The Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel is a true gem from the Sierra Foothills. With its deep crimson color and bold berry notes, this wine exudes warmth and comfort. As the air turns crisp, allow this Zinfandel to bring a touch of rustic charm to your fall evenings.
This Old Vine Zinfandel is sourced from different vineyards throughout the Sierra Foothills AVA region to compose a beautiful, elegant red wine similar to what was likely produced here in the early days before Zinfandel wine became a jammy fruit bomb.
2019 Muscardini Cellars Fortuna, Sonoma
Why We Love This Wine: Elegance meets approachability in the Muscardini Cellars Fortuna. With a graceful balance of dark fruit and subtle oak, this wine embodies the heart of Sonoma. Whether enjoyed with a hearty stew or shared amongst friends, it encapsulates the essence of togetherness that defines the season.
This proprietary red blend is crafted with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Zinfandel, 18% Syrah, 8% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Petite Sirah. With a captivating dark red hue, this full-bodied red wine dazzles the senses the moment it hits the glass. On the nose, the fresh aromas of wild berries are interlaced with nuances of fresh lavender, dark chocolate truffle, baking spices, and cigar box.
2020 Markus Zeitlos Red Wine, Lodi, California
Why We Love This Wine: The Markus Zeitlos Red Wine is a blend that marries the flavors of California’s diverse landscapes. With notes of red berries and a touch of earthiness, it creates a harmonious symphony on the palate. Let this wine be your companion as you savor the fleeting beauty of fall.
The wine blends mostly Syrah with Viognier, Carignane and Petite Sirah. This wine represents Markus’ take on Northern Rhone. I found a well-integrated smooth and balanced wine with aromas of leather, tobacco, and vanilla. The wine exhibited flavors of Cherry, mocha, mushroom, and some black pepper on the finish.
2012 Byrd Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino County, California
Why We Love This Wine: Bold and brilliant, this 2012 is bursting with classic Cabernet notes – black fruits like plum and blackberries dominate, with touches of clove and chocolate. Layered and dense, this wine is textbook Northern California Cabernet.
Be sure to visit our wine shop to discover these wines and many more like them. If you’re interested in learning, venture over to our “regional focus” tab and learn more about the wine regions these great wines come from.