A dry and creamy sparkling wine with cherries and peaches, as well as bitter-lemon character. Medium body. Friendly and delicious. Nice alternative to rosé Champagne. 80% cabernet franc.

A fruity, fine-bubbled sparkling wine with candied-apple, lemon and pie-crust aromas and flavors. A touch of sweetness at the end. Creamy and friendly. A blend of 50% chardonnay and 50% chenin blanc. Drink now.

“Aromas of ripe mango, apple pie, custard and praline. It’s full-bodied and layered with crisp acidity. Generously flavored and buttery, yet tight and structured, too. Drink or hold.”

“The 2019 Chardonnay Reserve offers a richer, slightly more complex style, displaying attractive orchard fruits, toasted bread, spice, and a touch of toasted almonds on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and another well-made wine in the lineup.”

“The 2018 Chardonnay Olema Sonoma County Reserve offers up apricots, praline, honey-drizzled pears and apple pie scents with a touch of baking bread. Medium-bodied and wonderfully refreshing, there are lots of stone fruit and savory layers here with a mineral-tinged finish. Delivering a lot of bang for your buck, sadly only 1,500 cases were made!”

A white with aromas of sliced cooked apples and some lemon and crushed-stone notes that follow through to a full body with tight, layered fruit and phenolic tension that gives it form and beauty. Quite Burgundian in style. Drink or hold.

Pale rose-gold color. Delicate aromas of white strawberry, rose petal, fresh apricot and lemon cream. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity. Gorgeously creamy and round. Drink now.

Aromas of raspberries, lemon rind and hot stones follow through to a medium to full body. Mineral undertones to this. Slightly tannic. A blend of 40% grenache, 40% cinsault, 15% syrah, 2.5% carignan and 2.5% mourvedre. Like the form here. Drink or hold.

Lots of fresh sliced peaches and cream and hints of lemons. Crushed stones, too. Full-to-medium-bodied, layered and soft with freshness and brightness. Pretty phenolic texture. Mouthwatering. Drink now.

A bright and fresh rosé with sliced orange peel and strawberry. Hint of rose petal. Medium to full body, layered and very pretty. Love the phenolic tension with the acid vibrance. 60% Grenache, 30% Mouvedre and 10% Carignan. Drink or hold.

This is a beautiful rosé with dried cherry, lemon rind and hints of walnut. Ash too. It has a pretty phenolic texture and length. Just a hint of bitterness at the end. Drier style. New wine to find. Try it. Drink now.

“Aromas of peach blossom, ripe pineapple, lemon cordial and lime pie. It’s medium-to full-bodied and satisfyingly creamy with just a touch of vanilla, balanced by bright acidity. Drink or hold.”

This is a really delicious offering of dried peaches and pineapple with cream and light vanilla undertones. Medium to full body. Lovely praline undertone to it. Bright and fruity. Drink now.

“The 2018 Chardonnay Olema was fermented half in stainless steel, half in barrel and aged eight months sur lie in 30% new French oak, and 70% of the blend completed malolactic. It gives up pure, intense notes of ripe peaches, yellow apples and guava with hints of honey toast and butterscotch. Medium-bodied, the palate has a satiny texture with bags of peachy fruit and a light touch of oak, finishing spicy.”

“A very pretty white with sliced apples and peaches on the nose and palate. Medium body. Bright and beautiful. Bright acidity. Delicious vivacity. Clean. Drink now.”

“The value-priced 2017 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast way over-delivers and has classic Sonoma Coast character, yet it sells for a song. Lots of tart peach, crushed citrus, and some obvious salinity all emerge from this medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh Chardonnay that’s ideal for a house white.”

“Loquat and lots of white flowers to this chardonnay as well apples and pear drops. Medium body, fine acidity and a fruity finish. Drink now.”

“Editors Choice – This is wine well worth stockpiling, such a good deal it is for the price. Hearty creamy ripeness is balanced and complemented by bold robust stone fruit, baked apple and a lingering thread of stony mineral.”

“The 2016 Chardonnay Olema has expressive lemon curd, paraffin and peach kernel notes with a hint of lightly browned toast. Medium-bodied, delicately played, refreshing and with appealing purity, it finishes with plenty of uncomplicated citrusy charm.”

” Well-made, accessible and inexpensive… the color is pale straw-gold; clean and fresh aromas of apple and quince, ginger and grapefruit are immediately appealing, while hints of mango, orange blossom and smoke add intrigue. A damp stone background and bright acidity cut through a moderately lush texture, providing support for slightly roasted pineapple and grapefruit flavors, the entire package displaying lovely vitality and poise.”

“This is really refined and fresh with sliced apple and lemon aromas. Hints of stone too. Medium to full body, an almost salty undertone. Medium finish. Bright and tangy. Gorgeous limey undertone.”

“This white is a study in unexpected complexity and pleasure. Quince, sulfur and grapefruit notes define it best, as supple minerality and gravelly texture provide dimensionality.”

Rated #1 of the Top 3 Value Wines worldwide of 2016. “The 2014 Chardonnay Olema at $15.00 from Sonoma is a heck of a bottle of wine, with honeysuckle, lemon blossom and a touch of white peach all present in this wine that offers clean, pure fruit, medium body and a distant hint of wood. This is a terrific value and sleeper selection. Drink it over the next year.”

“Delicate aromas and flavors of tropical pineapple, pear and light buttery oak. The attractive balance, low acid profile and light body make this a delightfully easy to enjoy Chardonnay.”

“Excellent value. This is a fruity, full-bodied Chardonnay that is balanced, and medium long on the finish, tasting of apple, banana, pear, lemon peel and roasted nut.”

“Clean and creamy with ripe pear fruit and suave texture; fresh, bright and balanced; long and dense on the finish.”

“Full-bodied, fruity, creamy and nicely balanced with a delicious bouquet of tropical fruit, pears and buttery oak. On the palate, banana, lemon peel and roast nuts ride a slightly lower-acidity frame due to the ripe fruit characteristics. The flavors continue through a medium-long, balanced finish. I normally expect Sonoma Chardonnay of this caliber to sell in the high $30s… I strongly urge chardonnay lovers to buy a case.”

“This is a balanced chardonnay, a yin yang of rich and crisp. Aromas of apple and pineapple. On the palate, notes of apple, caramel and the quench of lemon. Lingering finish. An incredible value for the quality.”

“Aromas of vanilla, ripe apple, pear, buttered toast, and grilled pineapple. Flavors of apple pie, almond, toasted hazelnut and salted caramel are balanced by a fresh lemon acidity, leading to a round, smooth finish.”

“An excellent Chardonnay at the price: round, full bodied, and fruity in flavor, with light oakiness and a medium length finish tasting of apple, candied lemon, grapefruit, and toast.” August 2015

“Notes of apple, citrus and toast. This is a chardonnay that might convert non-chardonnay drinkers. Balanced and delicious.” January 2016

“A well-crafted wine made in relatively large quantity, this has a tropical edge, sidelining stone fruit and apple. It also offers a lightness of pear skin, atop light, ripe layers of vanilla and oak. The finish puts memorable touches to a generous, expressive palate.” October 2015

“Easy-drinking, with fresh flavors of zesty tangerine, melon, Golden Delicious apple and light baking spices, ending clean and refreshing.” July 31, 2015

“Smooth, soft and rich with vanilla oak and juicy pear; lush, dense and long. 88 Points.” December 2015

This approachable chardonnay was fermented half in oak and half in stainless steel, giving the wine a crisp and refreshing acidity; apple and citrus notes balance the wine and bring a creamy quality to the finish

“A bold and assertive style, with rich, honey-laced melon, pear, apricot and fig flavors that are pure, focused and persistent. 88 Points, one of 100 Top Values around the world in 2014” May/June 2014

“Russian River meets the Sonoma coast in this county appellation blend of stone and tropical fruit flavors: and stainless steel meets French oak for a blend of textural sensations in a wine that is both fresh and creamy. Napa Valley’s Amici Cellars produces the Olema lineup of Sonoma County wines, and this chardonnay ($15) is ready for a party, no matter the location. It is a crowd-pleaser with bold pear, red apple, apricot and mango fruit, lemon-meringue. toast and spice. Wine-of-the-Week.” August 2014

“Excellent value: a softly textured, full bodied wine with subtle fruit character (pear, peach, lemon peel), very good balance, and a medium long finish. Aged 50% in French oak barrels, 50% in stainless steel tanks.” February 2014

“Fresh and ripe aromas of stone fruit, pear, bright citrus, and a note of creamy caramel. Crisp on the palate, with white peach, melon, and Meyer lemon, over hints of integrated oak and a touch of orange oil. Zesty finish, with good acidity and minerals on the end. Beautifully made.” June 2015

“Pale gold color; crisp, taut, fresh; apples, grapefruit and pineapple; spicy and lively, a little lean and sinewy but generous and expansive too; quite pleasant and tasty.” June 2014

“A wine with universal appeal, with bright pineapple, lemon-meringue pie and honeysuckle flavors.” December 2013

“This approachable chardonnay was fermented half in oak and half in stainless steel, giving the wine a crisp and refreshing acidity; apple and citrus notes balance the wine and bring a creamy quality to the finish.” May 2013

“Musky aromas of candied apple, nutmeg, honeysuckle and toasty oak, complicated by a leesy nuance. Round, sweet and ripe, with a savory aspect to the flavors of ripe apple, pineapple, toast and brown spice… Finishes with good lingering fruit. Remarkably inexpensive.” May/June 2014

Crushed-strawberry, cherry, lemon-zest, button-mushroom and cedar aromas. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity. Bright, pure-fruit layers lead to an energetic finish. Drink or hold.

“This is really beautiful with crushed strawberries and hints of raspberries with some savory undertones. Forest flowers, too. Full body and slightly austere tannins. Creamy and finely crafted. Lovely finish. 97% pinot noir and 3% petite sirah. Drink now.”

“A smoking value that’s sourced from Sonoma County, Russian River, Carneros, and Petaluma Gap, the 2018 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant red that has classy cranberry and tart cherry fruits as well as hints of spring flowers. Brought up in 35% new oak, it’s hard to beat at the price.”

“Plenty of red fruit with dried strawberries, as well as decadent meat and hints of earth. Medium body and firm, silky tannins that melt into the wine. Fresh finish. Vivid pinot. Drink now.”

“A pinot noir with strawberry and chocolate as well as cream and spice. Medium body, round tannins and a clean finish.”

“The 2016 Pinot Noir Olema is pale ruby-purple colored and offers delicate red cherries and fresh raspberries notes with touches of lavender, Provence herbs and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied with loads of crushed, fresh red berries flavors and a lively line, it has a light grip of plush tannins on the finish. Awesome value!!”

“The Pinot Noir program from Amici is managed by Jessie Fox and the 2016 Pinot Noir Olema spent 9 months in a mix of tank and barrel. It’s a beautiful Pinot Noir that over delivers at the price. Black cherries, framboise, spice, and a hint of forest floor all emerge from this medium-bodied, balanced, incredibly enjoyable 2016 that’s ideal for drinking over the coming couple of years.”

“It’s light red-fruited, delivering a splash of raspberry and cherry with pleasant hints of fresh fennel and anise seed. The oak is light-handed, just enough to add a filigree of texture and spice. It feels drinkably fresh, with solid acidity and a juicy finish. Good by the glass or with light meats, poultry, cheeses, and hearty salads, it’s a well made California Pinot that delivers value for the price.”

“Soft and round red with dried strawberry and chocolate character. Full body. Rich finish.”

“Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Olema has crushed red cherries, raspberries and earth notions with a waft of cinnamon stick. Softly textured with lively cherry flavors and a spicy accent, it has a medium to full body and a satisfyingly fruity finish.”

“This is a clean and fresh pinot noir that offers an essential loamy underpinning as support for notes of rhubarb and sassafras, red cherries and smoky plums and just a hint of shy forest flowers. On the palate, the Olema Pinot Noir 2014 feels warm, spicy and inviting, dry, to be sure, but juicy with red and black fruit flavors highlighted by new leather, cloves and black pepper. The wine builds subtle layers in the glass, so after a few minutes, you notice elements of briers and brambles and graphite, all fixed in place by bright acidity and nuanced, slightly dusty minerality. Excellent.”

“Fresh black cherry, ripe strawberry and cola spice on the nose lead to deep flavors of red fruits with hints of earth, warm spice and violets. Supple tannins are balanced by exuberant acidity on a long finish.”

“The Olema is surprisingly supple. What sets it apart is its texture, its gorgeous red berry aromas, and its great concentration of Bing cherry fruit on the palate. Layered notes of cocoa and spice are in the mix. This pinot comes full circle with an impressive, lingering finish. A smart pick.”

“Round, full-bodied, and intensely flavored (cherry, raspberry, plum, nutmeg, toast), this is an excellent wine. It is balanced and medium long on the finish.”

“This is a pretty impressive wine being offered for an almost unheard-of price, the fruit sourced largely from Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast. Cardamom and cinnamon figure in, with a lightness of body and high-toned strawberry and cherry belying an underlying richness that’ll satisfy. Editors’ Choice.”

“Another undeniable value is the 2014 Pinot Noir Olema, a Sonoma cuvée that would qualify as a sleeper as well. Pomegranate, allspice and clove intermix with sassafras in this medium-bodied, deliciously fruity, round seductive Pinot Noir to drink over the next several years.”

“Delicate aromas of raspberry and sassafras in the nose lead to notes of ripe cherry, mixed red fruits with just a hint of woody spice in the finish. Well made with balanced acidity.”

“Finding a good pinot noir for $20 or less can be a tall order. I liked the 2014 Olema Pinot Noir ($20), a Sonoma County wine from Amici Cellars, with its spicy cherry and crushed strawberry fruit, slight leafy note and supple texture. A great value.”

“Smooth and aromatic, the Olema 2014 Pinot Noir dances on the lighter side of the quixotic tendencies of pinot noir. One hundred percent pinot noir made from a blend of grapes from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast and Sonoma Valley, it expresses the aromas, red fruit and delicate tannins of the region. A wine to float your boat, spicy, light but not wimpy. Fruity aromatics, nice cocoa characteristics, black cherry, plum, ripe strawberry and cola make for a well-balanced, pleasant pinot noir. An excellent value.”

“A bright and fresh pinot noir with sliced lemon, strawberry and flower character. Medium body, crisp and clean. Light tannins and clean and fresh finish.”

“Presents a lively, refreshing, complex mix of snappy wild berry and raspberry flavors, firm and vibrant, ending long, clean, and complex. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” Featured in “11 Approachable California Pinot Noirs,” June 2015, “Best of the West, great values from the West Coast,” September 2015, and “Top 100 Values of 2015”, December 2015

“Fleshy and full bodied, this is an excellent Pinot Noir. It is distinctly flavored (plum, rosehips, cherry, nutmeg), lightly oaked, balanced, and very long on the finish. Fine value.” August 2015

“The price-quality ratio is inviting for this wine, a light, lifted expression of cranberry and herb. The wine finishes in swirls of vanilla-cola. 87 Points.” June 2015

“Bright and fresh with juicy black cherry and savory notes; smooth, balanced and deep. 88 Points.” February 2015

“Juicy ripe cherry, plum, and sweet raspberry on the nose, giving way to soft oak and earthy tones. Balanced on the palate, with concentrated red berry, cherry, and cola flavors, over hints of peppery spice and herbs. Moderate acidty on the smooth finish. Good value.” May 2015

It’s rare to get a twenty buck Pinot Noir this good. The wine is dry, silky and elegant, almost faultless in its precision. With savory cherry, red licorice, cola and sandalwood flavors, it’s not an ager, but a very pretty wine for drinking now.

“It’s rare to get a twenty buck Pinot Noir this good. The wine is dry, silky and elegant, almost faultless in its precision. With savory cherry, red licorice, cola and sandalwood flavors, it’s not an ager, but a very pretty wine for drinking now. Editors’ Choice.” July 2014

“Bright medium red. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, fresh herbs, rose petal and spicy oak. Less fat than the Russian River Valley bottling but with very good definition and lift to the high-pitched red fruit and spice flavors. Not a fat style but juicy and easygoing, finishing with good grip and lift. A terrific value in California pinot.” May/June 2014

“Supple and ripely flavored, this Pinot Noir has good depth of fruit (plum, cherry, red currant, pepper, rose petal), light oakiness, and a smooth, long finish. Excellent value.” August 2014

“Radiant ruby-magenta color; plums, mulberries and cranberries, brier rose; hints of cloves, rhubarb and pomegranate; dense, supple and satiny; ripe and lightly spiced red and blue fruit flavors; a few moments in the glass bring in notes of roses and violets, leather and tobacco; undertones of graphite, earth and mild tannins. Now through 2016. Excellent. About $20, marking Great Value.” March 2014

“The affordable Olema pinot is pretty with aromas of fresh herbs and roses, high pitched red fruit and spice flavors, vanilla and cola — overall, a great quaff.” November 2014

“Lots of currants, vanilla and dark berries with walnuts and chocolate. It’s full-bodied, layered and flavorful. This is a rich cab and needs time to come together. Try after 2021.”

“Beautiful aromas of blackcurrants, ink and some black truffle. Medium-bodied, linear and tight with firm and silky tannins. Some spice and hazelnut in the aftertaste. Drink now or hold.”

“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc aged 14 months in 50% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple in color, it gives up open-knit, expressive blackberry pie, plum preserves and cassis scents with wafts of unsmoked cigars and garrigue with a waft of charcuterie. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits, supported by soft tannins, finishing earthy. Impressive feat this vintage!”

“The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County is also terrific. Based on 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, brought up in 50% new French oak, this medium-bodied, fresh, pure, and beautifully balanced effort offers loads of cassis fruits as well as notes of spice and flowery incense. It’s another screaming value by Jesse Fox and Tony Biagi.”

“Lots of black currant and blackberry aromas with hints of wet earth and spice cake. Medium body with a solid center palate of ripe fruit and fine tannins. Soft and silky. Delicious finish. Drink or hold.”

“Smooth and fresh with lush plum and berry fruit on both the palate and nose; nuanced and ripe with a persistent, lovely finish”

“This is a value-driven proposition of well-made wine, with tiny amounts of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Earthy in clove and dark backing spices, it has a wealth of soft blue and black fruit backed by firm easygoing tannin and integrated oak. This is one to hoard.” —V.B.

“Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County is outstanding and reveals a ruby/purple color, attractive notes of black cherry and blackberry fruits, plenty of tobacco leaf and graphite, medium body, and nicely integrated acidity. It’s a classic Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon that tastes like it cost 3-4 times the price. It will keep for a decade.”

“Blended 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot and 1% Petite Sirah aged 14 months in 50% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema is deep garnet-purple colored and features textbook cassis, warm plums and blackberry notions with hints of cedar, sandalwood and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, it bursts in the mouth with juicy, crunchy fruit, framed by soft tannins and a lively line, finishing on a refreshing minty note.”

“A juicy and fruity wine with hints of spice and berry. Fresh herb. Sage. Full body, firm and silky tannins. Tangy and fresh finish. Drink now. No reason to wait!”

“A wine Biagi worked with from the start (he inherited the 2014 and only did the blend), the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema is a deeper, richer wine that offers impressive cassis, licorice, lead pencil shavings, and underbrush aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured and a clear step up over the 2014, drink it over the coming 5-8 years.”

“Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema gives up vibrant black cherry, raspberry and blueberry notions with a touch of violets. Medium-bodied, crunchy and fresh, it has a nice juicy finish.”

“A fresh and linear Sonoma cabernet with currant, berry and cherry. Medium body, firm and silky tannins. Excellent wine for the money. Go-to cab for the buck.”

“A wine ripe with blueberry, black cherry, plum, and boysenberry. There are side notes of vanilla and strawberry-rhubarb, pomegranate, and back notes of lavender, anise, smoked paprika and a wisp of fresh tobacco. Highly energetic and drinkable with mild tannins and a solid structure this is a Cabernet for everyone.”

“It’s substantial, ripe with blue and red fruits and framed by oaky spice. But it’s the wine’s velvety texture, not its flavor profile, that grabs me. The voluptuous, ripe tannins hit first, followed by a sluice of juicy acidity, and finally, at the finish, there’s a dusting of pencil shavings and tea. An admirable California Cabernet at a good price. Pair it with roasts and game, rich gratins, aged sheep and cow’s milk cheeses, cured meats.

“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema delivers notes of red currants, cassis and dried Mediterranean herbs with wafts of earth and baker’s chocolate. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy backbone supporting the elegantly played fruit, finishing with appealing freshness.”

“This gorgeous wine is bold, rich and luscious with tiers of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry, with an elegant finish that is rich and smooth with a touch of spice. Triple Must Buy.“

“This is dense yet fresh and lively with ripe currant, plum and dried mushroom character. Medium to full body, crisp and delicious. Real Napa at a solid price.”

“Smooth and rich with velvety texture and ripe black raspberry fruit; spicy, supple and balanced; silky and juicy with a long finish.”

“A ripe, full-flavored Cabernet that is smoothly textured, balanced, and long on the finish, tasting of cassis, cherry, black currant, herbs and oak. Warrants modest aging. Fine value.”

“Aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cassis, over coffee crème and tobacco notes. Round on the palate, offering plum, rhubarb, and red currant flavors, over soft vanilla and spicy oak. Pleasing, balanced finish.”

“The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Olema offers plenty of value in an elegant, tasty, cedary, blackcurrant-scented and flavored wine that has good concentration, light tannin and a tasty, savory mouthfeel.”

“Soft, ripe and rich cherry/berry nose and flavors in a light oak frame, this very quaffable table wine is a delight.”

A pleasantly nuanced cabernet with plenty of currants, cedar, and black fruit flavors; it finishes with tart cherry and light minerals.

“Deep aromas of dark cherry, black plum, and black currant, with notes of espresso and spicy oak. Round on the palate, with flavors of mature black and red summer berries, baker’s chocolate, allspice, and cedar. Silky tannins and a touch of peppery spice on the finish. Good buy. ” May 2015

“Supple and full-bodied, this is a distinctly flavored (black currant, green olive, cherry, pepper) moderately rich Cabernet with good balance and a medium long, rugged finish. Very good value. ★★★+ (Very Good+).” March 2015

“This pleasing Cab deserves a look, not only for its beautiful purple hue, but also for its fine value. Focused on fruit and less tannic and complex than many Cabs, it delivers a plush, highly pleasing mouthfeel, and finishes long.” March 2015

“Aroma notes of blackberry and dark cherry layered with hints of cedar, followed by flavors of berries and fresh brewed espresso; light spice and cocoa notes; good tannins and structure to this full-bodied wine.”

“Excellent: supple in texture, full-bodied, and long on the palate; a Cabernet with moderate richness, good balance, and a smooth finish, tasting of blackberry, toast, pepper, cherry and sage.” January 2013

“Dark ruby color, lighter at the rim; graphite, cloves, black currants and plums, an undertow of briers, underbrush, dusty tannins and keen acidity; ripe and flavorful, goes down smoothly. Now through 2015 or ’16.” February 2014

Aromas of grapefruit zest, fresh pear, green papaya and flint. It’s medium-bodied with bright, tangy acidity and a gently waxy texture. Fresh finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

A fresh, zingy white with sliced limes and hints of white grapefruit. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and crisp acidity to the finish. Drink now.