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

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The dark ruby-colored 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon resembles a classic Bordeaux both in aromatics and flavor. A rich bouquet of cinnamon, spice, licorice, graphite and caramel are followed by integrated layers of cherry, currant, fresh cream and balanced, sweet tannin, all of which contribute to a youthful, bright, multi-layered ... more

Dominus Napa Valley Red 2005

Dominus 2005 is dark red, almost deep crimson in color. The nose is dense and compact, filled with dark berries, blond tobacco, black cherries and cacao. The entry is both powerful and supple, spherical in quality. Perfectly ripe, the enveloped tannins are firm, round and elegant. Black fruit and licorice ... more

Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2006

Our appellation release of chardonnay exemplifies all the verve and personality of the 2006 vintage. An opalescent pale straw hue carries an expressive nose that sings with heady aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle and citrus oil, preparing the senses for a palate creamy in texture and bursting with flavors of ... more

Patz & Hall Hudson Vineyard Chardonnay 2006

At Hudson Vineyard, the cold year and cool summer of 2006 yielded grapes with excellent natural acidity, great minerality and vibrant high-tone character. From its nut-crusted lemon cream, citrus, clove and spice aromatics to its juicy mouthful of peach and green apple flavors, this wine offers a lean, nervy expression ... more

Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Inky black garnet color carries enticing aromas of red currant and tobacco leaf to introduce a weighty, complex, seamlessly integrated wine. The deeply textured palate displays a rich interplay of blackberry, cassis, graphite and mocha, with notes of cedar, espresso, lavender and smoke adding intrigue through the mid-palate. Big, ripe, ... more

Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

At Chalk Hill, Cabernet Sauvignon wine growing is a composition of diverse microclimates, distinct clones, hillside terrains and sunny exposures. This wine lends aromas of cassis, autumn leaves, graphite and mocha which prelude a palate laced with bramble berries, earth, roasted espresso beans, tar and black spices. Its youthful yet ... more

Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir 2006

A standout bottling from the 2006 vintage, this powerhouse Pinot Noir offers a flamboyant and cascading wine drinking experience. Deftly combining both high-tone and bass notes, it displays concentrated, red-fruit flavors of plum skin, cherry and pomegranate, alongside deeper layers of maple syrup, blackberry and wood smoke. Reminiscent of our ... more

Ojai Vineyard Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2007

For years we produced our Bien Nacido Chardonnay by fermenting and aging it in oak barrels, one third of them new. While that gave the wine a rich toasty character, we found that the new oak made it heavier and less friendly with food--and dominated over the considerable charms that ... more

Twomey Merlot 2003

A robust, yet elegant wine that balances intense fruit with suppleness. It displays a garnet color and a complex nose of plum, blackberry, dark chocolate and a hint of bay leaves. It has a smooth, velvety mouth-feel that builds to a crescendo of fruit and chocolate flavors and a lovely, ... more

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2004

The 2004 vintage marks the first time Insignia has been blended entirely from estate-grown fruit – the fulfillment of a dream that has taken many years to realize. The low-yield vintage produced a wine with syrupy blackberry and blueberry aromas married with seductive spice, followed by velvety tannins, roundness in ... more

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Inviting aromas of boysenberry and violet define the nose of this flagship Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. A rich and dense entry begins with layers of black raspberry, mocha and hints of blueberry. The palate offers a graceful balance between fruit extract and fine-grained tannins. This deep, concentrated wine has a ... more