Auteur Releases Spring Selections - Look for Them Now!

by Andrew Chalk

Auteur, one of the most innovative wineries in Sonoma County, just released three wines as their Spring 2026 selection and, having just tasted them, can readily recommend them. 

TASTING NOTES

First, if you like Chardonnay, like its rich New World style, but like it to retain vibrant acidity, then the Auteur 2024 Chardonnay from Green Acres Vineyard in the Carneros region is the wine for you. I suspect it did not go through malolactic fermentation, hence the vibrancy. I am sure it had some aging time in new French oak from the vanilla notes in the nose and on the palate. I like winemaker/co-founder Kenneth Juhasz’s marrying of these two seminal techniques in Chardonnay winemaking. Kind of the best of Chablis, and the best of the New World. A lesser publication scored the previous vintage 97/100.

Burgundy collectors will want to taste this wine alongside their Grand Cru and Premier Cru Chardonnay examples. At $65 I suspect the Californian will look severely underpriced. Chassagne-Montrachet and neighbors in Puligny-Montrachet and Saint-Aubin, ‘attention!’   

I am sure that the Chardonnay was not in this selection just as  bait, but the Auteur 2024 Pinot Noir, Campbell Ranch, West Sonoma Coast ($115) has all the parts to reflect that raffish region at its best. AI assures me that Auteur does not produce a wine appellated with this vineyard, which is great as there is more for me. I would drink this wine now, paired with a meal involving significant planning and premeditation. Veal, pork, game, if you hunt or have the chance to visit The Jugged Hare or St. John or have a game-centric place of your own. It deserves it.  

Not yet tried: The 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (SRP $40). Look for a review in the future.

WINE AND FOOD

One thing worth revisiting. I mentioned in a recent post that the winery has hired chef Craig Wilmer, solidifying their commitment to food with their wine. He has released a spice blend of pimenton, fenugreek, garlic and paprika. Surely a Force Avant-Garde in the culinary arena. I plan to use it in a recipe this week -- stand by for a report. 

BUYING

Purchase tip: Auteur is a small winery. If your wine specialist does not stock them, order from the winery directly. This is such a long-term endeavor that I recommend joining their club to ensure their best wines going forward.

Sample.