Swanson Vineyards Merlot 2005

The task of capturing Merlot at optimum phenolic ripeness may not get easier, but at least we learn more about what to look for with each passing year. The 2005, I believe proves this point. This is an ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ wine, with the extract and power ... more

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully expresses the full aromatic ripeness of this exemplary vintage. It is full bodied and yet refined, and consistent in its color, aroma, palate and finish. It has a dark garnet color and a nose of black cherry, clove, cinnamon, lavender and licorice. It ... more

Château Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

The Montelena earthy-berry aroma is very concentrated, showing lovely, classic Cabernet, warm earth and sun baked cassis with licorice and spice. On the palate there is integration of strong, deep, concentrated fruit in a perfect balance. Super fine tannin grips the palate, with ripe, round flavors that dance right on ... more

Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2006

One of our finest incarnations of the Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay to date, this bright, enticing wine benefits from the addition of old-vine Wente selection fruit from the Dutton's Walker Hill block located in the cool climate of the Green Valley. From its wonderfully effusive aromas of stone ... more

Lancaster Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Estate grown, produced and bottled, our 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon has lush ripeness, with deep black cherry and cassis characters, accented by anise, cacao, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Structured tannins and layers of complexity extend over the long finish. Aged 22 months in French oak barrels, the wine was bottled unfiltered. more

Robert Craig Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Aroma: A focused nose of deep blackberry and cassis, laced with white chocolate, a touch of anise, smoky cedar and tobacco. Flavors: Mouth- filling mountain fruit and cassis predominate, underlain with mocha, bay leaf and licorice. Finish: The full palette of Mt Veeder flavors carries through on a long finish, ... more

Austin Hope Hope Family Vineyard Grenache 2005

The aromas of wild strawberry are bright, but soft, with hints of cedar, rose petal, camphor and earthy, truffle-like notes. Ripe berry leads to soft cocoa on the mid-palate with a chalky, seamless texture of well-integrated tannins that offer a long and elegant finish. more

Shafer Relentless 2006

This blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah is a juicy feast of black plum, blackberries, meatiness, coffee, briar fruit, black pepper and mocha. The ripe tannins bring it all together for a delicious, long-lasting finish. Food Affinities: A heavyweight like Relentless complements similar concentrated flavors found in dishes such as ... more

Fess Parker The Big Easy Syrah 2006

This Syrah certainly lives up to its name offering aromas of blackberry jam, plum, blueberry, graham cracker, maple syrup and vanilla. Fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry combine well with vanilla, toasty oak and cinnamon to create a rich and round finish. more

Robert Craig Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Aroma: Luscious blackberry and boysenberry, with touches of white pepper, lavender, anise and espresso bean. Flavors: Intense, mouthfilling profile of black cherry and raspberry, underlain with more white pepper, wildflower, roasted coffee, tobacco and vanilla cream followed by hints of coconut and rhubarb. Finish: Complex flavors extend all the way ... more

Stolpman La Croce 2007

2007 marks the first year that La Croce is not an even 50-50 blend. By adding more Sangiovese, the delicate, lighter hued varietal shows more influence on the Syrah. The main result is slightly more red fruit on the nose and front palate, rather than the black tar and violet ... more

Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

The color is deep and youthful. The nose is a mix of ripe dark fruits, cassis, sandalwood and violets. The palate is rich and mouth coating with tannins that are clearly present, yet beautifully integrated. This is a delicious, full-bodied Cabernet that will bring great pleasure over the next decade. ... more