Forman

AVA: Saint Helena
There are few winemakers in Napa Valley who can match Ric Forman's enviable track record. My only regret is that Forman makes only one Chardonnay and one Cabernet Sauvignon, as my tastings at the estate tend to be short. At their best, these are some of the most compelling wines being made in the US today. Forman blocks the malo on his Chardonnay, a style he made famous decades ago, which results in unusually steely, vibrant wines by California standards. Forman's Cabernets are the stuff of legends and are capable of aging 30-40 years. Quite remarkably, these wines remain exceptionally well priced considering their quality. ANTONIO GALLONI