From Lodi grapes, a wine that’s dark as midnight, and big. Plums, blackberries, cassis, tobacco and dried kitchen herb aromas. In the mouth, big, rich, intense and tannic, and dry as dust. It is just a baby, with plummy flavors, and will improve with cellaring through 2011. Notable for its balance, complexity and harmony.
— S.H.
(12/31/2003)
A big, flavorful Chard from a statewide appellation. It’s got lots of coastal influences in the pure, crystalline peach and tropical fruit flavors, and the steely spine of acidity.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
With no oak, this is a clean, fruity wine, and dry, with peach and apricot flavors and balancing acids. It feels nice and richly spicy in the mouth.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)
Earthy, with an herbal, tobaccoey edge to the peach, pineapple and oaky flavors. Drinks dry and soft, with a finish of almond skin bitterness.
— S.H.
(3/1/2005)
This blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese is a country-style wine, rustic and a little sweet on the finish. But it’s a clean, easy sipper, especially at this price.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)
Here’s a big, jammy blush wine. It’s certainly full-bodied for a rosé, but has a nice silky feeling. The fruity flavor is powerful in cherries and raspberries, with a semisweet finish.
— S.H.
(12/31/2005)