There’s still a lot of blackberry and cherry pie fruit on this nearly six-year-old wine. It’s just starting to turn the corner, showing hints of maturity, mellowing tannins and a sweet, spicy finish. Drink it over the next 2–3 years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2013)
Carneros shows its hand in the brisk acidity, surprisingly light body and herbal notes of this Pinot Noir. It feels delicate in structure and finishes dry, with a hint of raspberry cookie richness.
— S.H.
(5/1/2013)
The aromas of white pepper, blackberries grilled meat bone and smoke promise a classy, Hermitage-like Syrah, but it’s not the Northern Rhône at all. Definitely California, with its soft tannins and acids and almost sweet berry pie filling flavors. Drink soon.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Dry and tannic, this is a little too astringent now (except with barbecue), but it does have a distinguished mouthfeel, with a deep core of cassis, leather, carob, tobacco and spices. Try after 2008.
— S.H.
(3/1/2008)
Here’s a smooth, easy- drinking Syrah that shows plenty of class. The blackberry, beef teriyaki, black pepper and leather flavors are brightened with acidity, while a touch of new oak adds some nice smokiness.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
A pretty Pinot, dry, crisp and silky. It shows polished raspberry and cherry tart, cola and spicy pomegranate flavors, framed in sweet, toasty oak. Drink now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
The grapes come from the Kenwood area, a warm region of the valley. A very ripe Cab with a little Merlot and Syrah, this is well-structured, with a fine North Coast acid-tannin balance. There’s a raisiny taste that suggests the wine is not ageable, but it’s pretty now.
— S.H.
(6/1/2007)
Made in a lighter style, both color-wise and texturally. Shows polished cherry pulp and cherryskin flavors, with orange zest, cola and anise adding complexity. Drink this drily elegant wine now.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)