It is time for another edition of “Random Samples”–I occasionally get samples from marketing agencies and/or producers. These can often be grouped together into some sort of overarching theme: Muret-Gaston is French for Old Friends (not really, but it should be), The Rise of Australian Wine Beyond Shiraz, Some Wines from Victoria, If It Doesn’t Sparkle, It Doesn’t Matter.

Other times, I get just a bottle or two that do not have any apparent connection or link. Instead of holding on to those bottles until the “right” combination comes along, I decided to link all these “random” bottles together, making their own category (and, being the math geek that I am, “random sample” has a bit of a double entendre).

2023 Avivo Vermentino Ledbetter Family Vineyards, Mokelumne River, Lodi, CA: Retail $24. Very Responsible Bottle (425g; 14.9oz). 100% Vermentino. Nomacorc closure (Ugh). You can’t hang out for any amount of time in Lodi and not hear the name “Ledbetter”. One of the larger (largest?) farmers in the appellation, the Ledbetter name extends pretty far in one of my favorite U.S. wine regions. This Avivo label is a new venture, made in conjunction with Craig Ledbetter, and the focus is on regenerative farming and responsible winemaking, both of which I wholeheartedly endorse. This Vermentino is delicious with tropical fruit, a touch of minerality, and a zingy acidity, all elements that stack up for a wonderful Rolle, er, sorry, Vermentino. Excellent. 90 Points.

2024 Avivo Rosé Ledbetter Family Vineyards, Lodi, CA: Retail $24. Very Responsible Bottle (430g; 15.1oz). 100% Sangiovese. The fruit comes from vineyards owned and managed by the Ledbetter family in Lodi, California, which, as I noted in another note, is pretty much grape-growing royalty in the California appellation. Orangish pink in the glass with fantastic fruit on the nose: strawberry, red delicious apple, and maybe even some plum dominate. The palate is initially quite fruity before the zingy tartness comes in on the mid-palate, as does considerable weight, making the wine seem a touch sweet. That full-bodied nature persists through the finish. This is a bigger rosé than most, but I like it. Excellent. 90 Points.

2023 Gnarly Head Sauvignon Blanc 1924 Limited Edition Double Gold, California: Retail $12. Responsible Bottle (569g; 20.0oz). Under screw cap. I do not drink a ton of Sauvignon Blanc, but I am a fan, most of the time. That is certainly the case here. No, this is not the “best” SB I have had, but it is a joyful quaff. Quite fruity on the nose with citrus and tree fruit, along with a touch of salinity. The palate is even fruitier than the nose, if that is possible, with wave after wave right off the bat. It also comes off as a touch sweet, but with all that fruit, it makes sense. Again, a really fun quaff. Excellent. 90 Points.

2023 Justin Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA: Retail $25. Very Responsible Bottle (484g; 17.0 oz). Under screw cap. This is a pretty widely distributed wine and perhaps the most widely recognized wine brand in Paso Robles (although this wine has a “Central Coast” appellation). Very light in color, barely a straw hue, with lemon rind and curd on the nose, along with a white floral note and just a hint of a mineral aspect. The palate is quite enjoyable. I honestly thought this would be overdone at a minimum and over-the-top as a possibility, but it is fruity, but balanced, tart, but focused, and there is more than a smidge of intrigue. Yeah, it will never be confused with a Premier Cru white Burgundy, but what do you want for twenty bucks? Very Good. 89 Points.

2024 Troon Vineyard Druid’s White, Applegate Valley, OR: Retail $30. Very Responsible Bottle (485g; 17.1oz). 35% Grenache Blanc, 35% Marsanne, 25% Vermentino, 5% Roussanne. DiAM closure. A bit of a Rhône/Provence style blend here with a touch of Vermentino (Rolle) added in with the Rhône varieties. Not much color in the glass, approaching a brilliant straw, I guess, with tropical fruit aromas (pineapple, lychee), a bit of honeycomb, and white acacia flower. The palate is also driven by the fruit, but with a zingy tartness and a lengthy finish. At $30? This is a fun, joyful wine that works well as an aperitif, with just about any seafood, or even just an upbeat romantic comedy (yeah, I am a softie). Excellent. 91 Points.

2024 Troon Vineyard Druid’s Red, Applegate Valley, OR: Retail $30. Very Responsible Bottle (485g; 17.1oz). 25% Syrah, 21% Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre, 19% Carignan, 15% Grenache. I know I probably say this a lot, but this is one of the wines I always look forward to trying. First, it’s Troon. Perhaps the most environmentally conscious winery on the planet, the list of certifications that Troon boasts is truly impressive. Second, there is the wine itself, the nose is laden with fruit: boysenberry, blackberry, cherry, and raspberry are all just singing in the glass. There is also a touch of spice and an intense lilac component. Whoa. The palate is a continuation of that theme as the fruit is really the story, particularly initially, but this is far from a one-trick pony. Rich, complex, layered, and yeah, fruity, this is a joy to drink on many levels. Just a fantastic bottle of wine. Outstanding. 94 Points.

2024 Troon Vineyard Druid’s Pink, Applegate Valley, OR:  Retail $30. Very Responsible Bottle (474g; 19.7oz). Under DIAM. 62% Mourvèdre, 18% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Carignan, 5% Counoise. Another Druid’s from Troon and another tasty Rhône-style blend. Fairly light in color with a rather muted nose, eventually coaxing out some red berry fruit (cherry, strawberry). The palate is much more expressive, however, with bright, cheerful red fruit, a zippy acidity, and plenty of verve. Of the three Druid’s? This is likely my favorite as the fruit and the acidity are in balance, and the flavors continue to impress. Outstanding. 93 Points.