A Syrah of considerable proportions. It shows the volume and drama that most Santa Lucia red wines display, with a tremendous depth of fruit. The flavors range from blackberries and cherries through milk chocolate to currants, bacon and black pepper. Interesting to note that the winemaker was the longtime Monterey legend, Steve Pessagno.
— S.H.
(4/1/2010)
Rich doesn’t begin to describe this Pinot Gris. It’s explosive in orange and apricot jam flavors, with vanilla and buttered toast layers. There’s a fat, oily texture that adds interest to a variety that can be simple.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
At the age of two years, this is still a young, immature Pinot Noir. It’s untogether, with acidity, oak, ripe fruit, alcohol and tannins all vying for attention, like unruly children. Let it grow up for a few years, when the cherry and currant flavors will shine.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
This is a strong, oaky Chardonnay. It’s crisp in acidity and forward in pineapple jam, lemon custard and vanilla meringue flavors. If you like the ripe, California style, it’s for you.
— S.H.
(5/1/2009)
This a young, tough Pinot with considerable tannins and acidity. Chew on it, though, and you find cherries, darker blackberries and bitter chocolate. The question is ageability, and the answer is only a guess. Try holding through 2006.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
Brisk in acids, with lush, long hangtime lemon, kiwi, tangerine and vanilla flavors. It’s all upfront in this drily delicious Chardonnay.
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)
A little on the light side, but elegant, with wild cherry, cola and red currant flavors that finish dry and crisp in acidity. Earns extra plaudits for complexity and grace.
— S.H.
(10/1/2011)
A big wine, ripe and explosive in fruit. Maybe too fruity, almost a bomb. Raspberries and cherries, sweetened with oak, dominate. Could use greater subtlety and restraint, not to mention grounding earthiness.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)