92
points
Esterlina 2003 Janian Vineyard Syrah (Sonoma Mountain)
-
$25
From the minute you sniff this wine, you like it, an impression that grows stronger from the first sip through the finish. It’s dry, peppery-fruity and firm in acids and tannins, with a distinguished mouthfeel. Not an ager, but a brilliant, evocative expression of cool-climate Syrah.
— S.H.
(12/1/2005)
90
points
Esterlina 2006 Estate Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley)
-
$45
A lovely, supple Pinot Noir that makes you think of restaurants, white tablecloths and food. Dry and elegant, it has some rich tannins and crisp acidity that frame flavors of mashed ripe red cherries, cola, pomegranates, anise and pepper, with rich oak influences. This bottling has made dramatic improvements over the years.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)
90
points
Esterlina 1999 White Riesling (Mendocino)
-
$13
This is one of the best California Rieslings around. Let’s start with acidity, which is crisp and steely. The flavors are exotic and racy, suggesting wildflowers, apples, and an oily, lighter-fluid element. It floats in the mouth because of the light texture, but is serious stuff, and will likely age well. Defines finesse and elegance. —S.H.
— S.H.
(5/1/2002)
89
points
Esterlina 2007 Dry Riesling (Cole Ranch)
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$19
If more Rieslings tasted like this, more consumers would buy them. As the label says, the wine is dry, but it’s so rich in citrus, peach, green apple, wildflower and vanilla flavors, it tastes sweetly honeyed. Crisp, bright acidity provides a zesty clean feeling.
— S.H.
(11/15/2008)
89
points
Esterlina 2010 Rose of Pinot Noir Rosé (Cole Ranch)
-
$18
Esterlina has made a lovely, dry and refreshing Rose here, using Pinot Noir grapes from their tiny appellation just outside of the Anderson Valley. With strawberry and watermelon and even a splash of pink lemonade going on, it’s not only beautiful in color, but has enough body to hold up to a range of foods, with spot-on acidity.
— V.B.
(3/1/2012)