Made from organic grapes, Horse & Plow’s Pinot Gris is earthy and austere, with finely honed acidity and lovely hints of apricot. Very balanced, dry, a tremendous version of this white wine.
— V.B.
(9/1/2011)
Winemaker Chris Condos appears to have the magic touch when it comes to coaxing great wines out of organic grapes in Mendocino County and this blend of Carignan Petite Sirah, Charbono, Zinfandel and Grenache is pure testament to that, a bargain bottling full of lavender and plum that presents a magical balance between flavor and grip.
— V.B.
(8/1/2011)
A lovely, miniscule-production Mendocino Grenache, made from certified-organic grapes grown on the old vines of Testa Vineyard, some of the oldest organic vines in the North Coast. The result is a surprisingly bright, lively, fine-drinking Grenache, just as it should be, with lots of juicy cranberry and red fruit on the palate and the bones to age. A tiny bit tight…
— V.B.
(4/1/2011)
A very drinkable Carignane made from 40–90 year old certified organic vines grown in Mendocino, punched down by hand and given the gold-glove treatment. The result is juicy and delicious, full-bodied yet somehow light on its feet, a little blueberry here, a little spice there.
— V.B.
(8/1/2011)
This is a wonderful wine that’s dryish and vital in acidity, with savory Meyer lemon, grapefruit, lemongrass, apricot and vanilla flavors. A touch of oak brings a buttered toast richness. Only 260 cases were produced.
— S.H.
(9/1/2012)
Horse & Plow sourced organic grapes to craft this excellent Chardonnay, giving it the luxe treatment—handpicked, whole-cluster pressed, French oak barrel fermentation and aging nine months sur lee—and it shows. The wine is pretty, with a tropical bouquet that gives way to just enough oak-driven vanilla. Will age nicely but is also ready to drink now.
— V.B.
(3/1/2011)
This old vine Petite Sirah gets the royal French oak treatment, the grapes organically grown at Testa Vineyard. This has very nuanced raspberry throughout its big, concentrated and sensuous body, the mid-palate showing its oak but the wine is still very young. Give it air and a few more years to age.
— V.B.
(10/1/2011)
Surprisingly dry and crisp for a Dry Creek Valley Viognier. Usually these wines are fatter and sweeter, but not this one. It’s streamlined and elegant, with savory apricot, Meyer lemon and slightly underripe white peach flavors. A nice food wine as an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
— S.H.
(12/31/2011)