Aged two years in French oak Burgundy barrels, this small production red is a textural dream. Generous flavors of huckleberry liqueur surround its earthy core. This is a Pinot Noir that’s not shy, and shows some muscle, as well as a rich and creamy mid-palate, with rose petals dipped in chocolate as a special treat on the finish.
This single vineyard Chardonnay hails from the Iron Spur Vineyard that sits above 1200 feet in elevation. The wine aged four months in stainless steel and finished with eight months in oak. From its glistening nose of white cherry and honeysuckle to its crisp mouthfeel with notes of lemon pie and golden apple, this stunner over-delivers for its price point. A mid-palate creaminess develops with marzipan and a long finish of vanilla marshmallow.
Stone fruit and tropical flowers guide the flavors to a mid-palate of garden herbs and anise. Acidity is bright, while base notes linger with a broad mineral tonality.
This Signature Series expression shows a respectable grip. It’s an athletic red, with a savory earth-meets-new leather persona; dramatic as it is luxurious. Dimensional, with dark, chocolate-covered blackberry, black strap molasses, and espresso. It continues to evolve, with a textural gloss of licorice-coated blueberry and dried lavender.
Fresh aromas of blueberry pie, garrigue, Worcestershire, and espresso kept us mesmerized. This is Rutherford at its core, although the grapes are also sourced from Oak Knoll District, St. Helena, adding their own components for texture and complexity. Cherry and cherrywood round out along creamy, streamlined tannins. The four other Bordeaux varieties are added in small quantities. Aged in 50% new French oak for 17 months.
The chilly location of Grand Sky Vineyard in Carneros shows off character-plus for this clean white wine. Notes of Mandarin orange peel, graham cracker crust and lemon meringue are lifted by its charming acidity, with no use of ML. Freshness reigns.
Estate fruit establishes itself through this glossy white. Honeyed Golden apple and lime chiffon comes across, transporting us to a unique style of Sauv Blanc: not grassy or herbal, not tropical, and certainly not tearing our palates with harsh citrus. A low and slow fermentation, along with use of one-third barrel, one-third stainless steel, and one-third concrete egg showcases the best nuances, keeping flavors and aromatics preserved.
This Sonoma County pink sipper has a slight French accent. Mineral tones, summer peach, rose petals, and fresh melon see a bit of oak, but it’s barely susceptible. The glossy mouthfeel provides a true joie de vivre.