Shows its cool-climate origins in the crisp acidity and powerful black pepper aromas and flavors that mark this very fine Syrah. The other flavors range from blackberries, violets and sandalwood to a distinctly meaty note. Beautiful now with your most upscale food.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Here’s a big, rich, extracted young Pinot Noir, almost Grenache-like in its full-bodied cherriness. Other interesting flavors include cola, sandalwood and peppery spices. Very dry, and wants some time in the bottle to soften and mellow. Best between 2011–2015.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
Much different from last year’s bottling, and better, but also more expensive. It’s a big, rich, Rhônish Pinot that requires some age to calm down. Shows tannic flavors of cherries, blackberries, cola, anise, sassafras and sandalwood.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
A beautiful Syrah, dry and velvety, with a delicious array of flavors. Red and black cherries, beef jerky, anise and loads of crushed black pepper have a touch of smoky oak. Drink now with, what else, pepper steak.
— S.H.
(9/1/2009)
The vineyard is in Sebastopol, and the wine shows its cool origins in brisk acidity, a soft, delicate structure, and a peppermint and clove edge to the cherry fruit flavors. It’s a fine wine for immediate drinking, and the price is fair.
— S.H.
(9/1/2008)
Give this puppy a good decanting if you open it anytime soon. It’s young and tight as nails. The wine is dark and closed and tannic and acidic, but clean and interesting. Somewhere down deep is a core of spicy black currant, but it’s locked down.
— S.H.
(9/1/2008)