Wine Reviews

Deep, dense color, nearly opaque at the core, possessing wonderful black fruit, cassis, and blackberry aromas. Weighty and full on the palate, the fruit is ripe and expressive, nicely layered and nuanced with a dark chocolate characteristic. The oak is pronounced, but it’s very well integrated into the wine, the tannins are evident, but ripe and not the least bit course, with a fine extended finish. The wine develops well with aeration. Produced from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. 270 cases were produced.

California Grenache is often tasty but simple in its overt fruitiness, but this exemplary rendition shows remarkable complexity even in its first year. Red and black fruit tones are fully evident but are joined by savory and briary notes as well, and even the texture is layered, providing a sense of inviting softness as a first impression but then firming up with well-measured grip from ripe tannins and a touch of oak in the finish.

Already deeply delicious only a year after the grapes were still on the vine, this shows juicy, naturally sweet primary fruit recalling red and black cherries. Scents of vanilla and toast are very subtle but alluring, and a touch of wood provides welcome grip in the finish, but few tasters would guess that 50% of the French oak barrels were new. Amazingly good already, with years of development ahead.

Deep color, well extracted, highly expressive aromas of blackberry, cassis, olive tapenade, and dark chocolate. Pronounced smoky oak that is seamlessly integrated into the full-bodied wine, yet very well balanced with an extended finish showing soft, ripe tannins. Well made from start to finish, the wine developed beautifully with about one hour of aeration. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the slopes of Glass Mountain, a volcanic summit below Howell Mountain. Aged in French oak, 60% new barrels.

This sake is set apart because of its labor-intensive and nurturing “Futa-Koji” fermentation method, which combines kneading, stirring, blending, and constant adjustments to the koji. A perfume of rose petals, white chocolate, pear, and peony grace the senses. Sumptuous and slick, the liquid lines the palate with a graceful dance of lemon blossom, creamed corn, and lychee. Purity reigns, with a whisper of candied pineapple and honeysuckle.

Cloudy, with a polish of 65%, which over-exceeds its requirement. An unfolding of lemon chiffon, that develops into a creamy white rice character. Notes of cucumber and ginger add to its bolder profile.

Texturally broad; a sake with structure. Coats the mouth with lanolin, egg whites, vanilla bean, and sassafras. Fresh with exotic earth tones and floral notes that bloom with an umami creaminess on the finish.

Featherlight mouthfeel, with jasmine, gardenia, and lime blossom. Delicate and satin-lined, with Anjou pear, Granny Smith apple and a finish of biscuit and marzipan.