September 30, 2022
Wine Spectator – 2019 California Pinot Report
Included in “Top 2019s” feature
Argot – Pinot Noir Sonoma County Bastard Tongue 2019
93 points | $85 | 325 cases made | Red
Rich, offering steeped and mulled cherry and plum fruit flavors wrapped with licorice and singed wood notes. The fruit holds sway on the finish where hints of wood spice and sweet toast permeate. For fans of the bigger style. Drink now through 2027. — JM
February 2, 2022
Wine Spectator
Argot – Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain Le Rayon-Vert 2019
93 points | $75 | 325 cases made | White
Showcases well-knit apple, Asian pear and white currant flavors, with accents of dried mint and tarragon. Toasty in the midpalate, with a finish that lingers on and is marked by crushed stone. Drink now through 2025. -KM
January 26, 2022
Wine Spectator
Argot – Syrah, Sonoma Mountain 2019
93 points | $60 | 280 cases made | Red
Handsome and polished yet structured at the core, this red is rich with raspberry and blueberry flavors laced with smoky meat, black olive and pepper accents. Drink now through 2030. —TF
November 2021
Wine Advocate – Napa Valley Report
Fantastic reviews from Lisa Perrotti-Brown for the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignons.
Particularly lovely note on the Sugarloaf Vineyard, “A stunning, true-blue Napa blockbuster with its own very evocative signature, this comes highly recommended!”
97+ pts – 2019 Sugarloaf Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
95+ pts – 2019 1555 Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
95 pts – 2019 Sage Ridge Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
93 pts – 2019 Starstruck, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
92+ pts – 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
October 31, 2021
Wine Spectator
Argot – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Sugarloaf Vineyard 2018
93 points | $150 | 125 cases made | Red
Lush, ripe, flattering style, with very creamy plum sauce, cherry reduction, cassis and melted licorice notes sailing through, laced with toast, but still keeping the upper hand. Subtle graphite and alder streaks keep it honest through the finish. Not shy in style, but pulls it off. Drink now through 2030. —JM
Argot – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Sage Ridge Vineyard 2018
92 points | $150 | 215 cases made | Red
Creamy, polished style with a friendly mix of plum, cassis and red licorice flavors backed with a hint of floral lift and a tingle of savory through the finish. Drink now through 2027. —JM
October 2021
Doug Wilder’s Purely Domestic Wine Report
The great Doug Wilder weighs in on our 2018s!
98 pts – 2018 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue
96 pts – 2018 Syrah Indigo
95 pts – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sugarloaf Vineyard
94 pts – 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sage Ridge Vineyard
94 pts – 2018 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch
94 pts – 2019 Chardonnay Le Rayon-Vert
October 2021
Wine Advocate
Lisa Perrotti-Brown continues to champion our Chardonnay from Simpatico Ranch!
“..fantastic intensity with a satiny texture and loads of savory sparks to complement the layers of fruit…YUM!”
96 pts – 2018 Simpatico Ranch, Chardonnay, Bennett Valley
September 30, 2021
Jeb Dunnuck
One of the most enthusiastic and talented palates in the industry continues to be bullish on Argot.
97 pts – 2019 Syrah Indigo
94 pts – 2019 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch
94 pts – 2019 Pinot Noir Bastard Tongue
93 pts – 2019 Chardonnay Le Rayon-Vert
93 pts – 2019 Syrah Sonoma Mountain
July 22, 2021
Wine Spectator
Argot – Pinot Noir Sonoma County Bastard Tongue 2018
92 points | $85 | 350 cases made | Red
Ripe and open-textured, with luscious acidity supporting the lively dark fruit and cooking spice flavors. Creamy midpalate, with chocolate and mocha notes on the finish. Drink now through 2024. —KM
Argot – Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain 2019
92 points | $50 | 600 cases made | Red
An elegant style, with fine-grained flavors of dark cherry and plum paste that are backed by medium-grained tannins. The juicy and cream-filled finish shows chocolaty richness. Drink now through 2025. —KM
March 26, 2021
Wine Spectator
Argot – Syrah, Sonoma Mountain 2018
93 points | $60 | 400 cases made | Red
Expressive and multilayered, this red combines polish with structure, offering currant, smoked meat and black olive flavors, with medium-grain tannins. Drink now through 2029. — TF
April, 2020
Purely Domestic Wine Report
95pts – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sage Ridge Vineyard, Napa Valley
‘The nose is tarry black fruit with notes of sweet berry and cherry. The palate entry is a deeply saturated blackberry and tight blue plum with licorice and graphite. Juicy, silky texture with plenty of length.’
94pts – 2017 Pinot Noir, “Bastard Tongue”, Sonoma County
‘The nose is saturated black fig, mint leaf and underlying allspice with powdered plum and blackberry. The palate entry is a leathery black plum with lengthy textured spiced black stone fruit and cola in the core finishing with polished fig and red plum.’
93pts – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, “Starstruck”, Napa Valley
92pts – 2017 Pinot Noir, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
April 30, 2020
Wine Spectator
Argot – Syrah Sonoma County Mosaic 2016
93 points | $45 | 200 cases made | Red
Refined and stylish, featuring a complex core wrapped in multilayered blackberry and blueberry flavors, laced with bitter chocolate, black licorice and smoky meat notes. Drink now through 2030. 200 cases made. — TF
January 30, 2020
Wine Spectator
Argot – Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Starstruck 2016
92 points | $85 | 350 cases made | White
Fruit-driven, with lots of exuberant blueberry, açaí and boysenberry flavors streaming through, carried by a polished structure and ending with a kick of mocha on the finish. For fans of maximum fruit impact. Drink now through 2025. 350 cases made. — JM
January 30, 2020
Jeb Dunnuck
95pts – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sage Ridge Vineyard, Napa Valley
‘This deep purple hued beauty boasts loads of mountain scrub brush, flowers, candied violets, sage, and exotic flower-like nuances, all of which are grounded by a terrific core red and blue fruits. Full-bodied, bodied, opulent, and concentrated on the palate, it stays lively and elegant, with good acidity and precision on the finish.’
94pts – 2017 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
‘…rocking notes of ripe strawberries, spiced raspberries, white chocolate, black tea, and flowery incense. A worthy follow on to the stunning 2016, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a layered, seamless texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish…’
92pts – 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, “Starstruck”, Napa Valley
Dec 19, 2019
Wine Advocate – Sonoma Report
94pts – 2016 Syrah, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain‘…deep purple-black color and youthfully coiled nose. It slowly reveals blueberry pie, crushed black cherries and blackcurrants with notes of mint chocolate, violet, iron and beef drippings. The full-bodied palate is packed with flavor layers, knit by plushly textured tannins and finishing long with great uplifting freshness. Yum!’
93+pts – 2016 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
‘…powerful, savory nose of charcuterie, savory herbs, forest floor, black and red fruits and spices with a cola hint in the background. Medium to full-bodied, it offers great concentration in the mouth with layers of fruit, earth and spice…’
93pts – 2016 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2016 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
92+pts – 2016 Pinot Noir, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
92pts – 2016 Syrah, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
91pts – 2016 Chardonnay, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
April 17, 2019
Wine Spectator
Argot – Chardonnay Sonoma Mountain Estate Vineyard 2016
92 points | $65 | 120 cases made | White
Elegant and rich-tasting, with concentrated Fuji apple, pear tart and melon flavors that feature a medium-grained texture. Buttery and spicy notes emerge midpalate, lingering into the plush, creamy finish. Drink now through 2023.—K.M.
March 20, 2019
Wine Spectator
Argot – Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain Estate Vineyard 2016
94 points | $75 | 200 cases made | Red
Powerfully ripe, featuring minty and savory accents to the firm, well-fashioned flavors of dark cherry, damson plum and wild berry. Hints of juniper appear midpalate, with a finish of chocolate and spice. Drink now through 2024.—K.M.
January 31, 2019
Jeb Dunnuck
98+pts – 2015 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
‘…reminds me of a Syrah Manfred Krankl might make from a mountain terroir…I’d put this up with the finest Syrahs in the world. If you haven’t heard of Justin Harmon, you should write that name down. Bravo, sir.’
97pts – 2016 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
‘..thrilling stuff that reminds me of some old-school Kistler wines. Smoking notes of black raspberries, dried flowers, incense, and forest floor notes all emerge from this deep, rich, layered effort that has fabulous complexity, a hedonistic texture, and impeccable balance. It’s a rock star of a Sonoma County Pinot Noir’
97pts – 2014 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
‘…packs serious richness … Full-bodied, locked and loaded, with awesome fruit, a distinct, mountain-like minerality, perfect balance, and silky tannins, this is a truly brilliant wine from Justin Harmon and the real deal. Don’t miss it.’
December 12, 2018
Wine Spectator
Argot – Syrah Sonoma County Mosaic 2015
93 points | $45 | 250 cases made | Red
Combines brooding intensity with polish, offering spirited blueberry, bittersweet chocolate and smoky licorice flavors that build richness toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2020 through 2025.—T.F.
December, 2018
Purely Domestic Wine Report
Doug Wilder is back in The North Coast and his excitement for Argot’s wines remains unbridled!
96pts – 2015 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
94pts – 2015 “Borrowed Jewels” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
94pts – 2015 “Mosaic” Syrah, Sonoma County
94pts – 2015 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
94pts – 2015 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2016 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
93pts – 2016 “Mosaic”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
93pts – 2016 “Borrowed Jewels” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
93pts – 2015 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2016 Syrah, “Posted”, Sonoma Mountain
October 15, 2018
Wine Spectator – California Pinot Noir Issue
Fantastic article on Justin and the Estate Vineyard in Wineries to Watch feature. “For his Pinot Noirs, Harmon aims for texture and intensity, and the Sonoma Mountain site is ideal for his fruit-driven style.”
June 30, 2018
Wine Advocate – Sonoma Report
Incredible enthusiasm from Lisa Perrotti-Brown for the entire portfolio.
95+pts – 2015 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
‘…begins quiet and subtle, increasing slowly to a crescendo of crushed red and black cherries, violets and baker’s chocolate notes with nuances of cinnamon stick, mossy bark, charcuterie and star anise scents plus a touch of garrigue. Full-bodied and full-on decadent in the mouth, the palate is completely filled with red and black fruits, featuring loads of earth, spice and savory sparks. Framed with firm, velvety tannins and oodles of freshness, it finishes long and multilayered’
95+pts – 2015 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
‘Wow—I just love the nose of the 2015 Chardonnay Simpatico Ranch, which sings of fresh grapefruit, lemon curd and yuzu with nuances of acacia honey, fresh ginger, lime blossoms and chopped almonds. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with a stunning array of citrus, spice and floral notions, backed by seamless freshness and packaged in a beautiful satin-textured frame, finishing with great length and depth. Yes, yes, yes!’
94+pts – 2015 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
94+pts – 2015 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93+pts – 2014 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
91 pts – 2016 Chardonnay, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
91 pts – 2015 Pinot Noir, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
91 pts – 2014 Syrah, “Mosaic”, Sonoma County
May 9, 2018
Wine Spectator
Argot – Pinot Noir Sonoma Mountain Estate Vineyard 2015
93 points | $70 | 125 cases made | Red
The core of dark berry, cherry and plum flavors edges toward a pleasing jammy character without crossing the line, with anise and crushed rock notes. Pleasantly chewy. Drink now through 2024 .—J.L.
June 1, 2017
Purely Domestic Wine Report
95pts – 2014 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
93pts – 2014 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
92pts – 2014 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
92pts – 2014 Pinot Noir, Saralee’s Vineyard, Russian River Valley
92pts – 2014 Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
91pts – 2014 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
91pts – 2014 “Madras” Pinot Noir, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
March 15, 2017
Wine Spectator
Argot – Syrah Sonoma Mountain Estate Vineyard 2013
93 points | $70 | 105 cases made | Red
Expressive black raspberry and smoky pepper aromas combine with rich, well-structured dark plum, chocolate espresso and licorice flavors, finishing with refined tannins. Drink now through 2027. -T.F.
March 6, 2017
Wine Spectator
13 Expressive California Chardonnays
Argot 2015 Motifs Chardonnay. “Features chalky, earthy notes that frame the core of apple and citrus flavors. The acidity lends vibrancy and drive, while the finish is clean and spicy,presenting a green apple edge. Drink now through 2020”. 91 points!
February 28, 2017
Wine Advocate – Northern California Report Part 1
Great notices from Lisa Perrotti-Brown for the Spring Releases.
Particularly lovely note on the Simpatico Ranch Chardonnay, “I just loved this wine and monitored its progress for several days. It is incredibly stable and in fact just got better and better!”
94+pts – 2014 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
92+pts – 2014 “Madras” Pinot Noir, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
91pts – 2014 Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
90pts – 2015 “Motifs” Chardonnay, Sonoma County
December, 2016
Purely Domestic Wine Report
Stellar reviews from Doug Wilder!
94pts – 2013 “Borrowed Jewels” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
94pts – 2013 “Bastard Tongue”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
93pts – 2013 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2013 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2012 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
October 28, 2016
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Northern California Report
Another fabulous set of scores from Robert Parker for the Fall Releases.
Descriptors like ‘impressive’, ‘sexy’, ‘complex’, ‘flavorful’, ‘plush’ and ‘multi-layered’ peppered throughout the report. Flattered and excited!
96pts – 2014 “Bastard Tongue” Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
94pts – 2014 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2014 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2013 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
May 4, 2016
Doug Wilder’s Purely Domestic Wine Report – North Coast Issue
“Tucked into a custom crush winery in the industrial section of Santa Rosa, Harmon continues to impress with thoughtful interpretation of Sonoma fruit. Slang wines are primarily designed for near-term enjoyment, value-priced, aged in once-used barrels. Argot is all single vineyard examples of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.”
93 pts – 2013 Pinot Noir, Saralee’s Vineyard, Russian River Valley
93 pts – 2013 “Madras” Pinot Noir, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93 pts – 2012 “Posted” Syrah, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma County
92 pts – 2013 Slang Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
92 pts – 2013 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
91 pts – 2013 Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
April 4, 2016
Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator tasting report, 12 Bold Sonoma Chardonnays
Features our 2013 Estate Chardonnay. “…a core of lemon-lime and green apple flavors that are refreshing and expansive, folding in fresh apple, pear and citrus notes”. Rated 90 points!
March 4, 2016
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Northern California Report
Following fantastic notices in last year’s report, again Argot receives a litany of high marks for our current releases. Comparing many of the wines to some of France’s greatest growing regions, our style is recognized over and over again — wines bursting with flavor that will drink deliciously now, while having the ability to age beautifully. Thank you for your time, effort and insight, Mr. Parker!
94 pts – 2013 “Borrowed Jewels” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
94 pts – 2012 “Posted” Syrah, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma County
93+ pts – 2013 “Bastard Tongue” Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
93 pts – 2013 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
92 pts – 2013 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
91+ pts – 2012 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
January 6, 2016
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
The results are in from the largest wine judging competition in North America, and Argot made quite a haul. In our first year of participation, every wine entered took home a medal! We could not be more grateful, honored, and excited. Enjoy and thank you!
Double Gold Medal – 2014 Slang Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Gold Medal – 2012 Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Gold Medal – 2013 “Madras” Pinot Noir, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
Gold Medal – 2013 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
October, 2015
Wine Spectator
2013 Saralee’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Receives 90 points from James Laube. “A supple, graceful style, with a creamy texture of spicy, dusty cherry and plum fruit, accented by hints of anise, sage and cedary oak. Ends long, clean and delicate.”
September 30, 2015
Wine Spectator
2012 “Bastard Tongue” Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Highlighted as a “Top Wine” in James Laube’s “Recommended California Pinot Noirs” in his annual report!
June 10, 2015
Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator
Features our 2012 “Bastard Tongue” Pinot, rated 93 points!
March, 2015
Purely Domestic Wine Report
Fantastic set of scores from Doug Wilder!
93pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, “Bastard Tongue”, Sonoma County
92pts – 2012 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
91pts – 2011 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
90pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
December 30, 2014
Wine Advocate
A spectacular report from Robert Parker. What a way to end the year.
94pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
93pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, “Bastard Tongue”, Sonoma County
92pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, Hawk Hill Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
91pts – 2012 “Madras” Pinot Noir, Steiner Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
90pts – 2012 Pinot Noir, Saralee’s Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
91pts – 2012 Chardonnay, Simpatico Ranch, Bennett Valley
90pts – 2012 Chardonnay, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
90+pts – 2011 Syrah, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain