New World, Old Soul

Every wine in this collection has an Old World alter ego. This Pinot Noir drinks with the restraint of a top Volnay; this Syrah channels the savory power of the Northern Rhône; this Malbec has more in common with Cahors, its true French homeland, than Mendoza; and the anchor bottle — a Washington Cabernet blend — has been compared directly to the floral elegance of Margaux and the structured precision of St. Julien. Four American bottles, four European souls, and four proofs that "domestic" doesn't mean "different." It means undiscovered.

Benmar, Pinot Noir "Alpine Lakes", Dundee Hills

"Alpine Lakes"

Dundee Hills has long drawn Burgundy comparisons, and this bottling shows why. Crafted by Rochioli-trained winemaker Greg Bybee from a 6.5-acre organically farmed site on volcanic Jory soils, it channels a Volnay-like restraint: sun-warmed strawberry, wild raspberry, and blood orange, laced with clove, black tea, and cacao over silken tannins and bright acidity. 96 points from Decanter.

Pair with: Seared duck breast with cherry gastrique.

Farella, Malbec, Coombsville

Malbec's true home isn't Mendoza — it's Cahors, France, where the grape built its reputation on structure and minerality rather than fruit-forward jamminess. Farella's cool, volcanic Coombsville site pulls the variety back toward that Old World profile: dark fruit and floral lift give way to a firm, mineral-driven finish, a world away from the soft, sweet Malbec most drinkers know.

Pair with: Grilled tri-tip with rosemary-charred onions.

Alma Rosa, Syrah "El Jabali", Sta. Rita Hills

"El Jabali"

Sta. Rita Hills is quietly one of the great American outposts for Rhône varieties, and this Syrah — from the highest, windswept blocks of Richard Sanford's iconic estate — proves it with Northern Rhône intensity. 96 points from both Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck. Dark chocolate, charred wood, and black fruit meet fig, violets, and black tea over firm, structured tannins — closer to Cornas than California cliché.

Pair with: Peppercorn-crusted venison loin.

Andrew Will, "Sorella", Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills

"Sorella"

Andrew Will's flagship Cabernet blend (79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot) is the collection's most direct Old World statement — Wine Advocate itself describes its "Left Bank" sensibility as closer to the floral elegance of Margaux or the structured precision of St. Julien than to Napa's bigger, bolder style. Rated 94–99 points nearly every vintage since inception; the 2020 scored 98, built on cassis, crushed violets, graphite, and fine-grained tannins over a frame made to age for decades.

Pair with: Dry-aged ribeye with bone marrow butter.