A big, bracing, exotic Chard with a gunmetal and mineral spine plus, tangy flavors of candied grapefruit, mango and papaya. High in acidity, yet well oaked. Very companionable for food; should age gracefully for several years.
— S.H.
(9/1/2004)
Here’s a very pure, expressive young Pinot, rich and tangy in forward cherry, cola, cranberry, herb tea and pomegranate flavors. It’s likeable for its dryness and supple, silky mouthfeel. Drink this high-quality Pinot now–2010.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Young, vibrant and juicy, this is a beautiful Pinot Noir to drink now with fine foods ranging from steak and lamb to tuna and salmon. It has a silky, dry mouthfeel made brisk with acidity, while the flavors veer toward red stone fruits and spices.
— S.H.
(9/1/2012)
An excellent, delicious wine, but it shows a slight imbalance of its parts due to the limitations of the vintage. The flavors, isolated from everything else, are rich, suggesting buttered toast spread with raspberry jam and sprinkled with cinnamon.
— S.H.
(9/1/2012)
The fruit here is on the lean side, suggesting citrus fruits and apples, with notes of lusher peaches, and the wine has been fattened up through the use of smoky oak. Feels creamy smooth in the mouth, with a buttery texture, and turns oaky again on the finish.
— S.H.
(4/1/2004)
Opens strong, with a complex nose of strawberry, cherry, pipe tobacco, menthol, soy, rubbing spices and wheat. A slightly chalky feel along with black tea and herb accents show on the plummy, midweight palate. It closes tasty but tight, with herb and tobacco shadings. While appealing now, best 2004–2008.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
The winery calls this unoaked Chardonnay “Homage to Chablis,” presumably because it’s a high-acid, low alcohol wine whose main flavors are of minerals, with subtle elements of citrus zest and pear. It’s a connoisseurs’ wine that requires some understanding to appreciate. Sommeliers will love it, but it’s hard to find. Only 120 cases produced.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)
Co-released with the winery’s 2005, this is a dry, fairly light Pinot Noir that may not be showing its best now. There’s something austere about it. It teases with cherries and currants, then pulls back, leaving spice and heat behind. Yet it’s elegantly structured, and may enter another dimension in a few years.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)