The very pale color of this wine belies its very flavorful profile. Lots of grapefruit and lime flavor, mildly grassy, with nice crisp acidity and a medium mouthfeel. Very true to the variety and an outstanding value. Best Buy.
— M.M.
(9/1/1999)
Ripe and solid, this is a thoroughly enjoyable California example of this Rhône varietal. The wine presents an enticing bouquet of tropical fruits, floral scents, vanilla, even a hint of banana. The palate is medium weight, with citrus and more vanilla flavors. Closes nicely with light spice and toasty accents.
— M.M.
(11/21/2000)
A very rich, oaky-toasty wine with oodles of upfront peach and tropical fruit flavors, but not a lot of depth or complexity. The fruit is big and ripely sweet and impressive, and the oak barrels provide layers of vanilla, smoke and sweet wood-sap nuances. It’s all on the surface, but it’s a very pretty surface.
— S.H.
(12/15/2002)
A really good Chard, it satisfies with opulent tropical fruit flavors, buttercream, vanilla, buttered toast and Asian spice flavors, while the acids keep things crisp and clean. Good price for a wine of this quality.
— S.H.
(8/1/2005)
A friendly, fruity Merlot with smooth tannins and a silky texture. A nice wine, but a tad sharp both on the palate and in the finish, which fades away with an almost lemony quality. The oak treatment belies the name—it’s not particularly toasty at all. Overall an easy-drinking red with ample doses of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
— M.S.
(3/1/2000)
From this interesting appellation in a cool part of the Central Valley, a crisp, very dry white wine brimming with grass and lemon flavors, and a spicy finish. ItÕs a real palate cleanser, and a good value.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Pretty lean and citrusy for a Chard, with lemon flavors, although an overlay of oak richens and adds texture and depth. The finish turns tart with acidity.
— S.H.
(12/15/2002)