92
points
Davis Bynum 1999 Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
-
$25
An intriguing wine, with honeyed-lemon and orange aromas backed up by spicy citrus, pear, apple, melon and floral notes. Long, bright, light, clean and minerally on the finish.
— J.M.
(12/31/2001)
92
points
Davis Bynum 2000 Allen Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$45
This is full-throttle Pinot, with a bouquet redolent of cherries, plums, graham crackers, coconut, smoke, cinnamon and licorice. It’s big yet balanced, with a plush, creamy texture and deep cherry fruit. Caramel, mocha and spices accent the finish.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
91
points
Davis Bynum 1999 Lindley's Knoll Best 4 Barrels Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$90
Dense aromas of plum, cherry and blackberry, along with complex bacon, oak, saddle-leather and nut accents, set the stage for a strong performance. The plummy fruit, plush mouthfeel and hints of smoke, tobacco and stable notes pack in plenty of palate-tickling pleasure. Closes long and juicy. Just 90 cases made.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
91
points
Davis Bynum 1999 Laureles Merlot (Russian River Valley)
-
$28
Almost inky black, one whiff tells you this is a hugely extracted wine. It’s chock full of blackberry and cassis, plum, white chocolate, anise and smoky aromas and flavors. In the mouth, it’s a big, tannic wine with soft acids, concentrated blackberry flavors and lots of flashy oak. Very high class, but tannic. Age for a few years. Editors’ Choice. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)