Review: Wines of Oleandri Vineyards, Spring 2024 Releases
A collection of wines crafted from elite California AVAs, Oleandri showcases the unique terroir of Napa Valley and coastal vineyards. Their focus lies in delivering award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs, but they’re also producing limited-run Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from appellations like the Sonoma Coast and Santa Rita Hills. Somewhat surprisingly, this is our inaugural acquaintance with the venerable winery, and we had the opportunity to try three of its flagship offerings.
2021 Oleandri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon – Dense with layers of ripe raspberry and cassis on the nose. With time, they are accompanied by complex layers of cocoa powder, anise, graphite, and black cherry that provide subtlety to an otherwise brooding experience. Notes of plum and cranberry peek through on a long finish, and the balanced acidity and tannins provide excellent structure. This is simply a superb representation of a classic, luxurious California Cabernet worth devoting a few hours of quiet attention. Even though it is high quality and ready to drink immediately, this shows promise and potential to present as an A+ wine with about five to ten years of aging. A / $135
2022 Oleandri Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir – Light, but by no means simplistic, it would serve this pinot well to enjoy at least an hour of air time or a sturdy decanting before approaching. On first approach it presents as highly floral, with a big note of rose petals segueing to a core of ripe raspberry and strawberry. The juicy palate of red fruit leads the charge, with nuances of black tea and fig toward the finish. The wine never fails to lose its elegance courtesy of the floral influence, remaining layered and highly nuanced from beginning to end. A- / $70
2022 Oleandri Sonoma Coast Chardonnay – Loaded with aromatic notes of lychee, peach, and vanilla at first, with a slight dusting of white blossom eventually peeking through. Very approachable with mild acidity and weight, it leaves room for layers of green apple, vanilla cream, and a light touch of oak to mingle about on the palate on its way to a crisp, lingering finish. Incredibly well-balanced and graceful between fruit and oak, it’s an ideal bottle to serve during a special occasion this summer. A- / $70
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