Pours dark and gives off inviting aromas of plums, currants, herbs, earth, smoky bacon, pepper and rich, toasty oak. As good as these are, the flavors are better. They are huge, and spread blackcurrants, olive tapenade, chocolate and sweet vanillins all over the palate. The tannins are significant, but they are ripe and easy to deal with, in this delicious, dry…
— S.H.
(12/31/2003)
A brilliant, rich wine, packed with full-bodied flavors but oozing with finesse and elegance. The tastes veer to plums, blackberries and chocolate, and the finish is dry and complex. The tannins are thick but soft. This delicious wine was made by Jim Fetzer with organically-grown grapes.
— S.H.
(8/1/2003)
An irresistibly drinkable white wine, filled with the juiciest flavors of citrus fruits, fig, melon and peach, and just the tiniest bit sweet. Crisp acidity cleanses the palate and leaves it feeling minty fresh on the long, spicy finish.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
From Jim Fetzer, a wine from biodynamically grown grapes, and a study in progress. There is some real complexity here, with those telltale cassis and currant flavors associated with Napa, and rich, fine tannins. Has a few rough edges, but clearly a label to watch.
— S.H.
(11/15/2003)
Starts off with scents of black currants and smoky oak, with pretty notes of vanilla, violets and chocolate. Lives up to its promise on the palate, where flavors of currants, chocolate and herbs are wrapped in some astringent tannins.
— S.H.
(2/1/2004)
A really nice blush wine from this pretty property up in Lake County. Shows its Syrah parentage and extreme youth in the fresh-picked cherry and raspberry flavors, boosted by keen acidity, and it’s totally dry despite relatively low alcohol. Defines a fulller, bigger style of rosé.
— S.H.
(7/1/2007)
Clean, lean and elegant, with mineral-infused citrus and green apple flavors set off by crisp acidity. There’s no oak, but somehow the wine has a vanilla and honey richness.
— S.H.
(12/31/2008)
Here’s a wine that calls out for fine foods. It’s dry, balanced and elegant, with oak-influenced black cherry, red currant and cedar flavors. Dry and smoothly tannic, it’s at its best now and for a couple more years.
— S.H.
(12/31/2008)