94
points
Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2008 Freestone Hills Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$40
The Freestone area is one of the coolest regions in the sprawling Sonoma Coast. Acidity marks this bone-dry, elegant wine. It tastes like somebody gave a squirt of lime to the cherry, raspberry, cola, persimmon, pomegranate and sandalwood flavors. Seems like a natural for the cellar. Drink 2012–2016.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
93
points
Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2006 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
-
$50
Rich doesn’t begin to describe this Chard. It’s humongous in pie-filling and grilled peaches, pears, pineapples and papayas, while 50% new oak adds all sorts of buttercream, crème brûlée and smoked butter layers. Yet the wine shows a minerality that grounds and balances it. Very fancy stuff, and should age for up to six years.
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)
92
points
Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2005 Freestone Hills Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$75
An intriguing Pinot Noir that shows the possibilities of this cool-climate, southwestern Sonoma region. The wine has been well-oaked, but it’s powerful enough to carry that coating of caramel and char, with a massive palate explosion of puréed ripe cherries, red currants and sweet rhubarb pie. Delicious now with decanting, and should do interesting things over the…
— S.H.
(12/15/2008)
92
points
Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2007 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
-
$42
Bone dry and minerally, with a stony austerity to the lemons, limes, pears and pineapples. Enormously complex in the interaction of fruit, acidity, lees, oak and fine, subtle tannins. Chablis-like and elegant, and should show evolutionary development over the next six years.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
91
points
Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2003 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
-
$60
Made from grapes grown close to the chilly Pacific, this is a wine with bright acidity and elegance. It’s got some size, too, but unlike many big, rich Pinots from warmer areas this one toes the line of balance like a pro. The cherry cola, raspberry, tea and gentle spice flavors are satisfying and complex. Best next year and through 2008.
— W.E.
(12/1/2006)