An absolutely first-rate Cabernet that not only shows the big tannins and ageworthiness of Howell Mountain, but is made in a dry style that calls to mind a fine Left Bank Bordeaux. It’s a big wine, voluminous in tannins and extremely mouth-filling, and the blackberry and cassis flavors have elements of dried herbs, minerals, tobacco and cedar. Already throwing some…
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
A very fine Cabernet Sauvignon, dry and classically structured. It’s a big, full-bodied wine, with hefty tannins that effectively lock down intense flavors of blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate and minerals. Complex and dramatic, this beauty is clearly a cellar candidate. Give it 6–8 years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
Here’s a big, triumphant Petite Sirah that shows everything fans of the varietal love. It’s dark, dry, tannic, full-bodied and immensely flavorful, offering blackberries, blueberries, currants, bacon, pepper and sweet oak. Fine now with very rich fare, and should develop slowly over the next 8 to 10 years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2010)
Dusty Asian spices mark this beautifully varietal wine. It’s classic Sonoma Zin, totally dry and firmly tannic, with a wealth of smoky, briary wild berry, tobacco and tamari flavors. Bring on the sausage.
— S.H.
(4/1/2009)
Hard to believe this Sauvignon Blanc never saw oak, because it has a vanilla bean flavor that must come from the grapes alone, although lees aging surely contributes to the creaminess. The underlying flavors are complex, ranging from Meyer lemons and sweet limes to exotic tropical quince, kiwi and guava and just a touch of gooseberry. Best of all is the acidity…
— S.H.
(5/1/2010)
Some Petite Sirahs need serious time to come around, and this is one of them. Right now, it’s so strong in primary fruit flavors, so jammy, so tannic and rude, it practically slaps you across the face. It really wants a great deal of time to soften and meld together. Try giving it at least eight years.
— S.H.
(5/1/2011)
There’s a depth of Burgundian flavor, a forest floor and mulch note in this rich, earthy Pinot Noir. It explodes with red and black cherry, licorice, tangerine zest and cola flavors, with a superb tannin structure. Beautiful now, and should develop for up to eight years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2009)
Smelling like a deep-dish apple pie, this wonderfully smooth, golden colored late-harvest Chardonnay is voluptuous and sexy, rich yet not overwhelming, perfectly balanced in sweetness and only 11% alcohol. It would be so good with a dry cheese or tarte Tatin but can also stand with aplomb on its own.
— V.B.
(11/1/2011)