With over three decades of journalist and wine critic experience, James Suckling has authored thousands of tasting notes and developed numerous videos, blogs and organized many events featuring great wines of the world. He and his team taste and rate thousands of wines each year using a 100-point rating scale. James says, “Wines rated 90 points or more are considered outstanding (A). It’s a wine I want to drink a glass of and is an outstanding purchase.” We are thrilled to share ratings and reviews of Fortunati Vineyards wines that Mr. Suckling considers an outstanding purchase!
Fortunati Malbec Oak Knoll District 2021
A full-bodied malbec with dark berries, cola and some sage. Centered and focused around a core of dark cherries and herbs with a lively, peppery finish with excellent length. Plush and well crafted. Better after a year or two. - James Suckling, September 2023
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley 2021
A fruity nose with blueberries, plums, cassis blossoms and cherries. It’s medium- to full-bodied with creamy tannins and texture. Plush and rich with a generous core of fruits and a flavorful finish. Better after two or three years.
- James Suckling, September 2023
Fortunati Vinto Syrah Oak Knoll District 2021
A fruity and juicy red with dark berries, roasted meat and peppercorns. Medium body with creamy and light chewy tannins. Rich and peppery. 100% syrah. Drink now.
- James Suckling, November 2023
Fortunati Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
Earthy and herbal with wild currants, dried herbs, warm earth and baking spices following through to a medium body with powdery tannins and texture. Grainy and well-driven with a peppery, slightly drying finish. Better after 2025.
- James Suckling, November 2023
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2021
Aromas of sliced apples, grilled pineapple, jasmine, beeswax and caramel. Full and creamy with polished, chalky texture and clean acidity. Delicate and textured mouthfeel with the crunchiness of a ripe nectarine and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling, April 2023
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Fortivo 2020
Aromas of dark berries, toasted spices, crushed walnut and cedar. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated with tight tannins and juicy dark fruits. Firm, spicy finish. Better after 2024.
- James Suckling, April 2023
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Vinto 2020
Aromas of plums and chocolate with some orange peel and meat. Hints of tar. Full-bodied and layered with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Delicious now. Syrah with a touch of viognier
- James Suckling, April 2023
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2020
Aromas of Meyer lemon, celery seed and rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied with rock-salt minerality. Oyster shell and baked citrus on the palate. Brown-butter finish. Well structured and complex. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling, July 2022
Fortunati Malbec Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2017
A full-bodied red with pretty aromas of fresh violets, blue plums, cherry jam and vanilla. Chocolate, too. Smooth tannins give structure to this rich, fruity red. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2018
This has a ripe nose of peach, mango, cream and croissant with some butterscotch notes. It’s full-bodied and buttery with crisp acidity. Concentrated and intense with lingering tropical-fruit and vanilla notes. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Fortivo 2016
A tightly wound red with aromas and flavors of currants, blackberries and chocolate. Medium to full body. Creamy. Round tannins. A reserved and focused finish. Cabernet sauvignon, malbec and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2017
Candied-pineapple and orange-curd character with hints of toasted oak. Noticeable minerality. Full-bodied, yet crisp and citrusy on the palate. Really fresh and attractive. Consistently outstanding. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2016
Dried pineapple, apple curd, citrus rind, butter and spices. The palate has real density but also form, thanks to really crunchy acidity and beautiful, fresh stone fruit. Finishes long. With a tad less wood, this could have scored even more highly. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2014
Exotic aromas of mango, apple, lemon and honey. Full body and lots of fruit. Mineral undertone. Finishes fresh and energetic. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll Vinto 2019
Aromas of blackberry, plum, peach and clove. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy black fruit, but there’s a tropical undertone here that may not be what you expect. Well balanced overall, with nice length and intensity. 95% syrah and 5% viognier. Co-fermented. Drink now.
- James Suckling, June 2022
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2016
Beautiful, deep and rich aromas and flavors of blackberries and chocolate. Medium to full body. Round tannins. Flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Morisoli Vineyards 2014
Aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries with hints of stones. Full body, loads of chocolate and quite some fruit. Flashy style. Give it three to four years to soften.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Malbec Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2017
A nice mix of black and blue fruit on the nose with a touch of spiciness and some bell peppers. This wine has a meaty and juicy tannin structure. Medium-to full-bodied with great balance. Soft and smooth on the finish. Well done. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Vinto 2016
Some blackberries and cherries, as well as chocolate and black pepper. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and subtle tannins. Playful and easy-drinking. Syrah, co-fermented with viognier. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Vinto 2015
Blackberry bush, stems, white chocolate, dust, ferns and cedar. Medium to full body, fresh acidity and a taut finish. Nice tension here. A blend of syrah and viognier.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2017
A pretty young pinot with aromas and flavors of dried strawberry, cherry and orange peel. Medium-bodied, bright and delicious. Will improve with age. Drink in 2020.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2016
A pretty pinot that shows aromatic raspberry compote and citrus. On the palate, it shows some really good density, in addition to the tangy berries and acidity. The firm tannins help to round things off. Makes you want to drink more! Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017
A big, juicy red with lots of ripe fruit and round tannins. Full-bodied and round with a flavorful finish. A little obvious, but typical for this genre of Napa red. Drink or hold.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014
Ripe berry and plum character with hints of peat and mushrooms. Full-bodied, chewy and flavorful. A little diffuse on the mid-palate but very pretty. Drink in 2019.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Napa Valley Fortivo 2013
Aromas of blueberries and flowers follow through to a medium to full body, round and velvety tannins and a savory finish. Very approachable now. Bordeaux-style blend. Why wait?
- James Suckling
Fortunati Viognier Napa Valley Oak Knoll District Estate 2021
An interesting mix of baked apple, savory spice and green olive on the nose. Medium-bodied with a lot of white tea. This oscillates between savory and fresh character. Pleasant tannins at the finish. Drink now.
- James Suckling, June 2022
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015
A full and rich red with aromas of dried fruits and hints of sultanas. Juicy finish. High toned red. Drink now.
- James Suckling
Fortunati Malbec Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2015
A malbec with blueberries, crushed stones, violets and minerals. Very floral. Full-bodied with fresh acidity, some lovely tension and a fruity finish. Drink now or hold.
- James Suckling