JC Cellars, Rockpile, Rockpile Vineyard, Haley's Reserve, Syrah 2005 This is a sweet smelling Syrah, like candy with a little spike of spirit. The mouth is quite dense, with vanilla overlapping the fruit. The texture is plush and refined,...
Kistler, Sonoma Mountain, Athearn Estate, McCrea Vineyard, Chardonnay 2006 The nose is full-on butter and bread dough with flinty notes, a sense of minerality. In the mouth the richness quadruples, with boatloads of butter and hints of lemon and...
Orogeny, Green Valley of Russian River, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose is brimming with sweet black fruit, liquer-like, maybe pie-like as well. The mouth features berries in a jammy way. The acidic frame balances the wine and drives the flavor for a long...
Iron Horse, Green Valley of Sonoma County, Estate, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose features plenty of cherries and a sense of the forest floor. In the mouth, the cherries repeat with some cola, warmth, tart acidity and a bit of astringent grip. Grown,...
Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 This wine is quite smoky and full of toasty notes. In the mouth, the impression is of richness, a wine that is quite viscous despite the suppression of...
von Strasser, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The sense of the mountain comes through in this wine, structured and able to age. The palate is chewing (I meant to say chewy, didn't I - though it is interesting to...
Crossbarn, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 The fruit is lovingly on display in this wine - think cassis with a hint of tobacco for complexity. In the mouth it is a delight, ripe yet with a polished structure. This label is the second wine from...
Robert Young, Alexander Valley, Merlot 2005 California Merlot in which the fruit is alive and the acidity is not shy - now that is beautiful. A bit of leafiness and caramel complements the fruit, adding complexity. There's a hint of tannin in ripe...
Chateau Rouget, Pomerol 2005 This wine shows the classic example of tolerated brett. There are Band-Aids competing with ripe fruits in the nose. With 30 minutes the fruit starts to strut into the open. The mouth features the same with a supple...
Peterson, Dry Creek Valley, Timbercrest Farms, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This wine is vibrant with citrus and accentuated by oakiness. The fermentation began in stainless. To add complexity the lees were stirred and the wine finished in French oak, 20%...