Jeb Dunnuck provides cutting-edge, independent commentary and reviews on the top wines and wine regions of the world. While his focus is to cover Southern France, Bordeaux, California and Washington, he also gives his readers periodic articles on other world-class and emerging global wine regions, as well as in-depth coverage on the wine portfolios of top US importers. We are so excited to share Jeb's highly rated review of our Chardonnay!
Fortunati Estate Malbec 2021
The 2021 Malbec Estate is well worth seeking out. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe blue fruits as well as hints of chocolate, graphite, and violets, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a pure, elegant texture and ultra-fine tannins. It's a brilliant wine.
- Jeb Dunnuck, December 2023
Fortunati Vinto Syrah 2021
Lastly, the 2021 Syrah Vinto is all varietal and spent 18 months in barrel. It's loaded with ripe blackberry, peppery herb, and violet-like aromas and flavors, and it shows some classic gamey, bacon fat-like nuances with time in the glass. Full-bodied, rich, and mouth-filling, it's a classic, powerful, yet balanced Napa Valley Syrah to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
- Jeb Dunnuck, December 2023
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021
A smaller production release, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve checks in as 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Malbec. It s similarly darker plum-hued and gives up lots of spicy red and black fruits, ripe tobacco, cedarwood, and hints of savory flowers. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it delivers nicely integrated background oak, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
- Jeb Dunnuck, December 2023
Fortunati Estate Malbec 2019
I loved the 2019 Malbec Estate, and there are a number of great examples of this variety now coming from Napa. Lots of blue fruits, violets, and floral notes, as well as a touch of minerality, emerge from this medium to full-bodied, pure, balanced beauty that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more.
- Jeb Dunnuck, May 2022
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2019
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve offers more classic dark fruits, tobacco, chocolate, and cedary spice notes in its medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, and concentrated profile. It too is well worth seeking out and is going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar and drink nicely for over a decade.
- Jeb Dunnuck, May 2022
Fortunati Pinot Noir 2020
The 2020 Pinot Noir is slightly more gamey and complex, with both red and black fruits, spring flowers, and foresty, subtle herbal nuances. I love its purity, it's medium-bodied, has fine tannins, and is just a pretty, perfumed, complex effort with tons of character.
- Jeb Dunnuck, August 2022
Fortunati Estate Malbec 2019
I loved the 2019 Malbec Estate, and there are a number of great examples of this variety now coming from Napa. Lots of blue fruits, violets, and floral notes, as well as a touch of minerality, emerge from this medium to full-bodied, pure, balanced beauty that’s ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more.
- Jeb Dunnuck, May 2022
Fortunati Estate Viognier 2021
A variety you don't see often from Napa, the 2021 Viognier Estate has a vivid gold hue as well as an exotic, honeyed apricot, floral, and minty herb-driven bouquet. I love its palate, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel, plenty of Viognier richness and depth, and outstanding length. It's not going to make old bones but will shine on the dinner table over the coming year or so.
- Jeb Dunnuck, December 2023
Fortunati Pinot Noir 2019
Spiced red fruits, loamy earth, baking spices, and a kiss of background oak all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir, a charming, forward, sweetly fruited, yet balanced and impressive Pinot Noir. It should keep for 4-6 years with no issues.
- Jeb Dunnuck, August 2022
Fortunati Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is also outstanding and has a spicy, floral, herbal, almost exotic quality to go with lots of red and blue fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s not green, but this is certainly a sappy, incredibly floral expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. I suspect it will keep for 10-12 years
- Jeb Dunnuck, May 2022
Fortunati Chardonnay Napa Valley Oak Knoll District 2018
The only wine I was able to taste from this estate, their 2018 Chardonnay reveals a light gold hue to go with bright, lively notes of lemon zest, citrus, white flowers, honeysuckle, and salted almonds. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced on the palate, it has nicely integrated acidity, a hint of buttery oak, and a clean finish. It's well-made, balanced, and solid stuff.
- Jeb Dunnuck, January 2021