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Inventory updated: Mon, Jun 29, 2026 04:02 PM cst
We are sorry, but that item has sold out. Please see other wines from this grower and region/vintage below.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Carbonnieux |
2005 |
Pessac Leognan  |
$59 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (4/2008): Surprisingly reminiscent of a Burgundy grand cru such as Corton, this 2005 Pessac-Leognan offers a dark ruby hue as well as beautifully sweet, leafy, black cherry, and smoky aromas intermixed with hints of oak and earth. Not a blockbuster, it is a wine of finesse, delicacy, and purity with lovely balance, good acidity, ripe tannin, and a sweetness that permeates the flavors as well as the tannic structure. It should be drinkable at a relatively young age. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. |
|
|
2019 |
Pessac Leognan Ex-Negociant |
$37.95 |
16 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The 2019 Château Carbonnieux sports a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a brilliant nose of red and black currants, spring flowers, spicy oak, and hints of tobacco. It's beautiful on the palate as well and is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's the finest wine I've tasted from this estate. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in 40% new barrels. It’s well worth tracking down some bottles and will keep for two decades. (Drink between 2022-2042).
WA 91 (4/2022): Exhibiting aromas of earthy black fruits, bay leaf, burning embers and forest floor, the 2019 Carbonnieux is medium to full-bodied, rich and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy core of fruit framed by ripe acids and fine, powdery tannins that assert themselves gently on the finish.
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Carbonnieux has quite a showy, pastille-like bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite plush and showy with a touch of white pepper on the finish. This should age well in bottle although it fails to replicate its deeply impressive showing after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2024-2040). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2019 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$250.98 |
33 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The 2019 Château Carbonnieux sports a deep purple/ruby hue to go with a brilliant nose of red and black currants, spring flowers, spicy oak, and hints of tobacco. It's beautiful on the palate as well and is medium to full-bodied, has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's the finest wine I've tasted from this estate. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in 40% new barrels. It’s well worth tracking down some bottles and will keep for two decades. (Drink between 2022-2042).
WA 91 (4/2022): Exhibiting aromas of earthy black fruits, bay leaf, burning embers and forest floor, the 2019 Carbonnieux is medium to full-bodied, rich and enveloping, with a broad attack that segues into a fleshy core of fruit framed by ripe acids and fine, powdery tannins that assert themselves gently on the finish.
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Carbonnieux has quite a showy, pastille-like bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite plush and showy with a touch of white pepper on the finish. This should age well in bottle although it fails to replicate its deeply impressive showing after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2024-2040). Neal Martin. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Carbonnieux |
2017 |
Pessac Leognan Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$313.97 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 89-91 (4/2018): The Carbonnieux 2017 Blanc is scented of grapefruit and squeezed lemons with a touch of lime leaves and chalk dust. The palate is medium-bodied, crisp and clean with great intensity and a long racy finish.
VM 92-94 (5/2018): The 2017 Carbonnieux Blanc has an impressive bouquet with scents of Granny Smith apples, crushed stone and nettle. There is certainly impressive intensity here – a bouquet that means business. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity. This is one of the most sophisticated white Carbonnieux that I have encountered at this stage with wonderful mineralite and veins of ginger furnishing the finish that convey brio and confidence. This should evolve into an Outstanding Pessac-Leognan. Neal Martin.
JD 89-91 (4/2018): Notes of lemon curd, citrus rind and hints of crushed rock define the 2017 Château Carbonnieux, which is medium-bodied, pure, and elegant on the palate. It’s another great white from the Pessac-Leognan region in 2017.
JS 90-91 (4/2018): This is very salty and flavorful with sliced green apples, limes and green pears. Medium-bodied, layered and flavorful. Plenty going on here as always. Minerally. |
|
|
2018 |
Pessac Leognan Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$320.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 91-93 (4/2019): The Carbonnieux 2018 Blanc features intense lime juice, yuzu and green mango scents with touches of lemon curd and white pepper. Medium-bodied, very tightly wound and zesty in the mouth, it has a racy backbone and a mineral-laced finish.
JS 91-92 (4/2019): Really delicious and intense Carbonnieux already with lemon-rind, green-apple and lime character. Medium body. Energetic finish. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Ausone |
2002 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,851.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2005): In many respects, the 2002 may be even more impressive than the 2003. A far more challenging vintage to get everything right, and especially in St.-Emilion, where many disappointments have been produced, this is one of the wines of the vintage and (along with Pavie) among the finest wines from the Right Bank. It possesses a deep purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, wet stones, and wonderfully perfumed floral notes. When the wine hits the palate, it exhibits impressive purity, medium to full body, a multi-layered texture, and extraordinary precision and intensity with a finish just short of 50 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2035.
VM 93+ (6/2005): Saturated ruby-red. Explosive aromas of blackberry, minerals, violet, espresso and bitter chocolate. Fine-grained and pliant but with terrific precision of flavor and grip. Finishes juicy and very long, with substantial dusty tannins and excellent life and lift. |
|
| Ch. Beausejour (J. Duffau-Lagarosse) |
2002 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,153.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Branaire-Ducru |
2002 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,136.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90+ (6/2005): Medium ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose combines black raspberry, cedar, menthol and leather. Sweet and supple but also nicely delineated, with penetrating, moderately dense flavors of dark berries and exotic spices. Finishes with solid structure and very good length. I'd hold this for three years or so.
WA 90 (4/2005): The successful 2002 exhibits a beautiful, dense ruby/purple color, a lovely concoction of raspberries, cassis, flowers and licorice in the fragrant aromatics, medium to full body, surprising opulence for a 2002, and soft and supple tannin. A beauty, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15+ years. |
|
| Ch. Cheval-Blanc |
2002 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,221.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2005): Smoky, earthy, sweet red and black currant, fig, and menthol notes jump from the glass of this dark ruby/plum-hued, medium-weight Cheval Blanc. Possessing sweet tannin, medium body, and undeniable elegance as well as nobility, this beautifully made effort appears slightly superior (at least to my taste) to the more hyped 2003. Interestingly, yields were 27 hectoliters per hectare in 2002, and 30-31 hectoliters per hectare in 2003. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.
VM 88 (10/2011): (a roughly 50/50 blend of merlot and cabernet franc): Full, dark ruby-red. Cool, aromatic, slightly medicinal nose combines black fruits, coffee and menthol. Then bright and fresh in the middle; less densely packed than any other post-WWII wine in this tasting, but fruity and pliant, with a silky texture. Finishes long, with substantial building tannins and a whiplash of fresh red berries and herbs. Much better than the weak vintage would lead you to believe. Ian d'Agata. |
|
| Les Forts de Latour |
2002 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,884.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (4/2005): A classic second wine that shows Outstanding potential, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 has notes of cedar wood, black currants, earth, and truffles in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, beautifully concentrated style that can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2002 |
Pauillac (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,201.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.
VM 92+ (5/2005): Bright, dark ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of currant, plum, minerals, graphite, and sexy, coconutty oak; showed a floral note with aeration. Extremely suave, fine-grained and concentrated, with a strong spine of acidity. Finishes firmly tannic, subtle and very long. This should develop slowly. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Lafleur |
2002 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,199.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 89 (4/2005): An austerely-styled Lafleur, the 2002 possesses high tannin, a dark ruby/purple color, an angular personality, sweet mineral-infused black cherry fruit, dusty tannins, and considerable grip and structure. There is a certain nobility to the aromatics and flavors, but the dry, hard tannins are cause for concern. Keep a rabbit’s foot in your back pocket if you are going to buy this wine, as I have severe reservations about whether it will ever come into balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016?
VM 89 (6/2005): Good ruby-tinged red. Wild aromas of smoked meat, chocolate, pepper, flowers and earth, with some minty and herbal high tones. Moderately rich but dry, with the wine's herbal, minty side giving lift to the low-toned flavors. Not especially wild or rustic; in fact, this comes across as a rather polite Lafleur. Finishes with dusty tannins. |
|
| Ch. Langoa Barton |
2002 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$837.97 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (4/2005): The saturated ruby/plum-tinged 2002 reveals a tight but promising nose of underbrush, new saddle leather, damp earth, black currants and cherries. It is a strongly structured, potent effort with medium to full body, and impressive purity, but loads of tannin presented in a frightfully backward style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. I seem to consistently underrate this wine when it is young. |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2002 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,236.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (4/2005): The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,505.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (4/2005): The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Barton |
2002 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,120.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (4/2005): Even better from bottle than from cask, and one of the finest wines of the vintage, this dense purple-colored 2002 reveals wonderfully sweet notes of charcoal, fresh mushrooms, smoke, earth, leather, cassis, and cedar. Full-bodied, highly extracted, broodingly backward, dense, and deep, this impressively endowed offering is built for the long term. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.
VM 90-92 (6/2004): Good full ruby-red. Black cherry, cassis and minerals on the nose. As fine-grained as the 2001, but with deeper, more chocolatey flavors of cassis, black cherry, licorice and minerals, nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes impressively long, with substantial but fine tannins. Impeccably balanced wine. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Las Cases |
2002 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,172.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (4/2005): Only 43% of the production made it into the final blend of this remarkable 2002. Produced from a low 17 hectoliters per hectare, it includes 66.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Merlot, 13.9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has the highest alcohol ever achieved in a Leoville Las Cases (13.5%) as well as a lofty pH of 3.85. Nevertheless, the impression is one of a structured wine with considerable density, a ruby/purple color, layers of flavor, and a classic overall personality. The wine exhibits pure black currant, licorice-infused fruit, huge body, a viscous mid-palate, and a long, heady finish. I suspect this wine won’t be nearly as charming as the 2003 in its youth, but it hasn’t yet closed down, and I am amazed at just how rich, intense, and full-bodied it tastes even after bottling. This is certainly one of the half dozen or so candidates for wine of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2030+. |
|
| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2002 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,950.98 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (4/2005): The 2002 has turned out lighter and more herbaceous than I would have guessed. This medium-bodied wine reveals a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, and hints of cedar wood and tobacco in an evolved aromatic display which also includes herbs and black currants. Attractive in a superficial way, there is some tannin, but also a softness and charm. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Ch. Margaux |
2002 |
Margaux (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,668.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2005): Performing better from bottle than at any time in cask (which of course is the objective of great winemaking, isn't it?), this wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color in a style somewhat reminiscent of the 1988 but with more power, concentration, and volume. It has a beautifully elegant nose of black fruits intermixed with truffle, flower, and oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, dense, with wonderful precision, freshness, and a long, full-bodied finish with impressive levels of concentration. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
VM 92+ (6/2005): Bright, deep red. Classic aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, minerals and lead pencil. Then juicy and penetrating, with cabernet-dominated berry and mineral flavors (there's a very low 8% merlot in the blend). Finishes with very firm, youthfully tough tannins that will require a good decade of patience. Quite tight today and difficult to assess. "We had a gorgeous September, but it came too late for the merlot," said Pontallier. |
|
|
2002 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,466.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2005): Performing better from bottle than at any time in cask (which of course is the objective of great winemaking, isn't it?), this wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color in a style somewhat reminiscent of the 1988 but with more power, concentration, and volume. It has a beautifully elegant nose of black fruits intermixed with truffle, flower, and oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, dense, with wonderful precision, freshness, and a long, full-bodied finish with impressive levels of concentration. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
VM 92+ (6/2005): Bright, deep red. Classic aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, minerals and lead pencil. Then juicy and penetrating, with cabernet-dominated berry and mineral flavors (there's a very low 8% merlot in the blend). Finishes with very firm, youthfully tough tannins that will require a good decade of patience. Quite tight today and difficult to assess. "We had a gorgeous September, but it came too late for the merlot," said Pontallier. |
|
|
2002 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,874.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (4/2005): Performing better from bottle than at any time in cask (which of course is the objective of great winemaking, isn't it?), this wine reveals a dense ruby/purple color in a style somewhat reminiscent of the 1988 but with more power, concentration, and volume. It has a beautifully elegant nose of black fruits intermixed with truffle, flower, and oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, dense, with wonderful precision, freshness, and a long, full-bodied finish with impressive levels of concentration. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030.
VM 92+ (6/2005): Bright, deep red. Classic aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, minerals and lead pencil. Then juicy and penetrating, with cabernet-dominated berry and mineral flavors (there's a very low 8% merlot in the blend). Finishes with very firm, youthfully tough tannins that will require a good decade of patience. Quite tight today and difficult to assess. "We had a gorgeous September, but it came too late for the merlot," said Pontallier. |
|
| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2002 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,517.97 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (6/2005): Bright ruby-red. Sexy aromas of black raspberry, smoked meat and warm stones. Dry, classic and deep, but quite closed today, even a bit youthfully austere. Finishes very long, with substantial dusty tannins and brisk acids. Much more backward today than the Haut-Brion, despite possessing a lower indice de polyphenols totaux (65, compared to 70). But both of these wines really call for at least six or seven years of cellaring.
WA 89 (4/2005): This angularly-styled La Mission possesses hard tannin that may or may not dissipate over time. It exhibits a dark ruby color in addition to a sweet perfume of dusty, loamy soil notes interwoven with notions of white flowers, blueberries, black currants, and hints of toasty oak in the background. Medium-bodied and austere, it requires 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15. |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2002 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,066.97 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (6/2005): Good saturated ruby-red. Tight nose hints at currant and smoky oak. Highly concentrated, densely packed and built to age. As young as it is, it also shows a lovely velvety texture rare for this vintage. Finishes with terrific breadth, subtle minerality and noble tannins. I've been a fan of this wine since the outset. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (4/2005): Dense purple to the rim, this wine exhibits the classic cassis aroma that is so characteristic of Mouton. Medium to full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and cut somewhat from the 1988 mold, this is a backward, chewy, well-endowed Mouton-Rothschild that will require considerable patience from those who purchase it. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine needs a good decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
JS 93 (6-2016): I tasted this a few days after Bordeaux en primeur 2014. I was at my house in Italy and I forgot I had the bottle in my cellar. I really liked it. It was ready to drink, though some of my guests were less enthusiastic. My wife even thought it was tired already, yet the bottle was finished in 10 minutes! The wine showed fresh herb and berry character with tobacco undertones, a medium body and fine tannins. Just opening now. Fine and sillky textured. |
|
| Ch. Palmer |
2002 |
Margaux |
$225 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): A successful wine for the vintage, this blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot boasts complex notes of menthol, black currants, plums, licorice, and a hint of cappuccino in its stunning aromatics. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with high levels of tannin in a big, full-bodied style (much in the spirit of such classic Bordeaux vintages as 1966, 1986, and 1996), this wine possesses superb purity and serious length, but should be purchased only by those with considerable patience and a good, cold cellar, since it will need plenty of time. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2028.
VM 90+ (6/2005): Good bright ruby-red. Sweet, penetrating aromas of raspberry, currant, flowers and sweet oak. Tight today but not hard, with burnished oak notes sweetening the dark berry and floral flavors. Finishes long and firmly tannic, with cabernet-dominated floral and minty notes. |
|
| Ch. Pavie |
2002 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,667.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2005): While not as legendary as Pavie’s 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, or 1998, the 2002 is one of the top wines of the vintage. Its deep plum/ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of fruitcake, cranberries, cherry liqueur, crushed rocks, and subtle oak. Savory, full-bodied, remarkably concentrated, layered, and forward for a Pavie, it should be accessible in 3-4 years, and will evolve effortlessly for two decades.
VM 92 (6/2005): Ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, tobacco, minerals and mocha. Suave, silky, lush and round; quite full but with lovely inner-mouth energy and aromatic character. Seamless, deep flavors of redcurrant, fruitcake and minerals. Finishes with excellent mounting persistence, the dusty, fine tannins buried in fruit. A terrific effort for the vintage, and likely to age gracefully over the next decade or two. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Kosta Browne |
2005 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (6/2007): Ruby-red. Brooding aromas of kirsch, blackcurrant and cured tobacco are brightened by suggestions of iron and dried violet. Focused dark berry and cherry flavors show impressive concentration and a chewy texture and are nicely firmed by youthful tannins. The solid finish features strikingly sweet cherry and mocha flavors. This needs some time. |
|
|
2006 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Bright red color. Powerful dark berry and candied cherry aromas are complicated by black cardamom, cured tobacco and dried flowers. Fleshy bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors show an intriguing amaro-like bitterness, with chewy texture and slow-mounting tannins. Finishes with surprising energy and excellent lift, echoing the bitter cherry and tobacco qualities. |
|
|
2008 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2010): ivid ruby. An intensely floral bouquet displays wilted rose, magnolia, black raspberry and incense. Supple and broad on entry, turning more tangy and energetic in the middle and offering lively red and dark berry flavors and an exotic candied floral quality. The finish repeats the red fruit note and lingers with very good tangy persistence. I'll bet that this will be even better in a year or two. |
|
|
2009 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (6/2011): Deep ruby. More musky and powerful than the Keefer Ranch bottling, showing dark berry and cherry character and notes of smoked meat and mocha. Broad, chewy and powerful, offering rich cherry compote and black raspberry flavors and a note of bitter chocolate. Quite a bit richer than the excellent 2008, which is lovely right now, by the way. Finishes on a sneaky note of candied rose, with solid punch. Give this some time in bottle. |
|
|
2004 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88+ (6/2006): Ruby-red. Musky aromas of black cherry, blackberry, tar, pepper and game. Sweet and dense if a bit youthfully reduced, with solid, chunky fruit lifted by spice and pepper notes. Finishes with rather powerful but slightly dry tannins. I suspect this will be more harmonious by the time it's released in the spring of 2007. |
|
|
2019 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$265 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2022): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard is rustic to begin, with accents of tar, tobacco and bay leaves over an intense core of dark red fruit. The palate is full-bodied with abundant, gently chewy tannins, bright freshness and a long, earth-laced finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Cerise Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Cerise Vineyard pours a rich ruby hue and reveals aromas of anise, red cherry, and pine. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and ripe notes of cranberry cocktail, clove, and orange peel, give it another year and drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard reveals a darker ruby red hue and is ripe on the nose with notes of cherry cordial, pine, leather, and mossy earth. Full-bodied, it fills the palate with supple, ripe tannins, a silky, fruity roundness, and a ripe but well-managed finish. Drink 2025-2035. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2005 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2007): Dark red. Very ripe, rather powerful aromas of cherry, cassis, tobacco and roasted coffee. Deep and weighty, with concentrated cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors; firm, youthful tannins; and building notes of musky underbrush and succulent herbs. Not the last word in finesse but undeniably impressive, finishing on a dense, sweet kirsch note. Serve this with peppery grilled steaks or even game.
WA 86 (8/2007): The 2005 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard reveals tart acidity, high alcohol, and a monolithic, chunky character without the complexity and nuances of the other Santa Lucia wines made from this vineyard. |
|
|
2006 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Dark red. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are complemented by baking spices, licorice and musky underbrush. Energetic, sharply defined raspberry and wild strawberry flavors are nicely concentrated but the wine is light in body, with a surprisingly elegant personality and good lift. Gains energy on the finish, which is impressively spicy, fresh and long. |
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|
2019 |
Giusti Ranch Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Giusti Vineyard has very layered aromas of cinnamon, dried orange peel, cranberries, raspberries, dusty earth and amaro. The medium-bodied palate features layered, spicy fruits along with abundant, grainy tannins and bright acidity. It's elegant but youthfully tense and could use another 2-3 years in bottle. |
|
|
2003 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 89+ (6/2006): Good full red. Exotic blackberry, raspberry, minerals, spicy oak and earth on the nose. Dense but tight on the palate, with sappy red berry flavors offering very good intensity and lift. This, too, is almost liqueur-like but retains good freshness of red fruit flavor. In a rather masculine style, finishing with solid tannic structure. From a late-ripening spot, notes Browne. I'd give this one a good two or three years in the cellar.
BH 88 (7/2006): A very ripe nose with hints of cola, mocha and briar folds into very rich and impressively concentrated flavors that possess a cherry-liqueur like quality to them. This is quite forward and while not soft, there is velvety quality to the finish that presently masks what are firm tannins on the pepper-infused and again, youthfully tangy and noticeably warm finish. Drink: 2009+ |
|
|
2005 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2007): Deep red. Intense, primary red and dark berry aromas are brightened by fresh rose, minerals and cinnamon. Weighty but focused, with sweet kirsch and mulberry flavors, chewy texture and a building floral pastille element. Turns sweeter still on the finish, which features a strong raspberry flavor and superb persistence. There's a seamless, creamy quality to this pinot that makes it really appealing even now. |
|
|
2006 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Bright red color. Ripe red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by clove, mace and cinnamon. Supple and round, with sweet red berry preserve flavors, soft tannins and building ripeness. Maintains admirable clarity on the long, juicy finish, which leaves behind a strong flavor of raspberry. For a rich wine, this is focused and fresh.
BH 85 (10/2008): Here the nose is a mix of lightly spiced medium-pitched red cherry and blue berry with only a trace of menthol that complements somewhat edgy and firm flavors where the acidity actually enhances the sense of warmth. The good news is that there is good complexity but the other side of the coin is that the acid backbone is not well integrated on the finish that is borderline hot. In sum, this is attractive up to the mid-palate but loses its appeal on the finish. |
|
|
2007 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Ruby-red. Energetic aromas of black raspberry, blood orange, candied rose and minerals. Vivid, impressively focused red and dark berry flavors are complicated by an exotic floral pastille quality. The silky tannins add support and gentle grip to the long, subtly sweet finish.
BH 86 (10/2009): (Sonoma Coast, 14.9%, 803 cases). Here the nose is not particularly dissimilar from that of the Koplen though the fruit is slightly redder in character and perhaps a hair fresher as well with rounded and easy to like flavors that also possess a seductive mouth feel and while I like the complexity of the focused and lingering finish, pinot (even solidly concentrated examples such as this can rarely carry this level of alcohol gracefully and, unfortunately, this one doesn't either. I would not age this as the warmth, even at cellar temperature, is immediately evident. Drink: now |
|
|
2010 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (7/2013): The character of the Sonoma Coast comes through in the 2010 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard. Bright, chiseled and focused, the 2010 impresses for its energy and vibrancy. Slightly gamy at times, the Kanzler boasts great balance, complexity and class. The addition of a small amount of whole clusters adds aromatic lift on the finish. This is another terrific showing from Kosta-Browne. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2011 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is bright, focused and articulate. Cranberry, freshly cut flowers, mint and crushed rocks all lift from the glass. The Kanzler is one of the more pointed, vibrant Pinots in this range, reflecting the qualities of a cool site in a cool vintage. The wine's mid-weight structure argues for near-term drinking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2011 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Kanzler Vineyard is bright, focused and articulate. Cranberry, freshly cut flowers, mint and crushed rocks all lift from the glass. The Kanzler is one of the more pointed, vibrant Pinots in this range, reflecting the qualities of a cool site in a cool vintage. The wine's mid-weight structure argues for near-term drinking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Vivid red. Spicy black raspberry and cherry skin aromas are complicated by smoky minerals, anise and a suave blood orange quality. Fleshy, sweet red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power, picking up candied rose on the back end. The refreshingly bitter finish leaves tangy berry skin notes behind. Along with the Kanzler, this is the most energetic of this year's line-up.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley; 14.7%, 698 cases) An expressive and highly perfumed aromatic profile speaks of mostly upper register red berry fruit before sliding away into fresh, vibrant and supple medium-bodied flavors that display very little warmth provided that the serving temperature is properly maintained as well as none of the edginess that many in this range evidence. Very solid quality here. Drink 2012+. |
|
|
2009 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Complex, seductive bouquet of raspberry preserves, gingerbread, potpourri, cola and a hint of star anise. Silky and expansive, with serious heft to its red fruit flavors but surprising elegance too. Fresh, precise and sappy on the finish, which echoes the red berry and spice notes. |
|
|
2010 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): Deep ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed scents of fresh red fruits, incense and candied rose, with a touch of star anise in the background. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a seamless, silky quality. Powerful but lithe pinot with excellent finishing lift and clarity. |
|
|
2018 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Keefer Vineyard is aromatically intense and layered, with aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, blueberry, sage and bergamot, woodsmoke and flint. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, juicy and alluring, with nuanced flavors and a long, latent finish that hints at layers yet to emerge. Drink it over the next decade. |
|
|
2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Noir Keefer Ranch takes on great foresty aromas of pine needles, Asian spices, toasted cedar, and dried strawberries. Medium-bodied, it feels more linear through the palate, with refreshing, even acidity, fine tannins, and a long finish, with notes of blood orange through the palate. It’s very well-defined and is going to do its best with another year or so in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2021 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Noir Keefer Ranch takes on great foresty aromas of pine needles, Asian spices, toasted cedar, and dried strawberries. Medium-bodied, it feels more linear through the palate, with refreshing, even acidity, fine tannins, and a long finish, with notes of blood orange through the palate. It’s very well-defined and is going to do its best with another year or so in bottle. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2003 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2007): Bright red. Intensely floral aromas of vibrant raspberry, wild strawberry, candied cherry, cola and violet, plus an exotic dose of Asian spices. Silky and sweet, with vibrant red fruit character and suave, harmonious tannins. Picks up a zesty mineral note with air, finishing with elegant, sweet suggestions of wild strawberry and orange (!) liqueur. Pretty alluring stuff. |
|
|
2007 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Saturated red. Deeply scented aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and violet, with a subtle smoky undertone. Deep, gently chewy dark berry preserve flavors are firmed by fine-grained tannins and pick up an exotic note of rose pastille with air. Open-knit, round and seductively sweet, with excellent finishing clarity and sappy persistence. This gained power in the glass while maintaining striking freshness and energy.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley, 14.4%, 867 cases) An easy to appreciate nose jumps from the glass to reveal an appealing mix of both upper and lower register fruit elements along with spice, underbrush and wood hints that dissolve into rich, round and sappy middle weight plus flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel as there is good dry extract that buffers the moderately firm tannins that confer a dusty texture to the serious, reasonably well-balanced and lingering finish where about the only nit is a mild edginess. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2008 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2010): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed bouquet displays red berries, potpourri and star anise. Michael Browne told me that he used a lot of whole clusters this year "to increase the spiciness. The fruit is always powerful and I wanted to bring an extra dimension." Pliant, juicy red fruit flavors are complicated by notes of cinnamon and spicecake, with slow-building smokiness. Finishes with refreshing tangy cut and a strong echo of raspberry. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2011): Bright violet. Perfumed array of red and dark berry and floral qualities, along with notes of allspice and incense. A sexy floral note comes up with air and carries onto the palate, which offers sweet raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a hint of succulent herbs. Doesn't let up on the finish, which echoes the raspberry note and shows wonderful intensity. |
|
|
2010 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Heady aromas of strawberry, cherry-cola, potpourri and spicy oak. Silky, sweet and seamless, with superb depth and energy to its red berry and floral pastille flavors. Extremely suave pinot that shows excellent energy and clarity on the persistent, floral finish. |
|
|
2011 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (2/2014): The 2011 Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard is a wine of real density and power. Big and broad shouldered, the 2011 blossoms in the glass beautifully, filling out its frame very nicely. Plums, black cherries, cloves, menthol and licorice are all woven into the juicy, enveloping finish. The Koplen could use another year or two in bottle to fully come together. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Mount Carmel Pinot Noir |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (7/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Mt. Carmel Vineyard is appealingly rustic, featuring scents of dried red cherries and cranberries, resinous herbs, charcuterie and iron. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with earthy, spicy fruits and a long, nuanced finish. |
|
|
2005 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2007): Light red. Perfumed redcurrant and wild strawberry scents are precise and impressively energetic, with a zesty mineral note adding to the impression of vibrancy. Brisk but also nicely filled in, with strong red berry and cherry flavors lifted by exotic Asian spices. Taut, refreshingly bitter cherry and pomegranate notes on the finish carry impressively and are joined by an intriguing, vaguely numbing white pepper tone.
WA 85 (8/2007): The well-made 2005 Pinot Noir Rosella’s Vineyard (15.3% alcohol) is somewhat puzzling as it possesses very ripe fruit, but not the concentration of most of its peers. It offers some weedy spice and earth characteristics as well as tart acidity. |
|
|
2009 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$123 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2011): Vivid ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and sexy oak spices. Concentrated and lush, with spicy red fruit and candied rose flavors framed but not overwhelmed by smoky oak. Shows very good balance and finishes bright and sappy, with supple tannins and lingering floral character. |
|
|
2021 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$59 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2009): Vivid red. Intensely spicy aromas of black raspberry, cherry skin, anise and white pepper. Lush and sweet, with deep, focused red and dark berry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of brown spices. I really like this wine's energy and finishing clarity.
BH 87 (10/2009): A red cherry and pinot-liqueur nose trimmed in light spice and menthol notes is followed by supple and fruit-forward flavors that possess good mid-palate focus and fat that buffers the moderately firm structural elements on the sappy and discreetly warm finish. There is also a curious taste of something that vaguely resembles creosote, which is not so much unpleasant as it's simply odd. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2007 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2009): Vivid red. Intensely spicy aromas of black raspberry, cherry skin, anise and white pepper. Lush and sweet, with deep, focused red and dark berry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of brown spices. I really like this wine's energy and finishing clarity.
BH 87 (10/2009): A red cherry and pinot-liqueur nose trimmed in light spice and menthol notes is followed by supple and fruit-forward flavors that possess good mid-palate focus and fat that buffers the moderately firm structural elements on the sappy and discreetly warm finish. There is also a curious taste of something that vaguely resembles creosote, which is not so much unpleasant as it's simply odd. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2020 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is ripe with cherry candy, sweet baking spice, and incense. The palate is fresh and fleshy, with notes of red plum and forest floor. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
7 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2023): Taking on more richness both visually and aromatically, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is generous with violets, black cherry, and cola spices. Medium to full-bodied, it has ripe, sweet tannins, with notes of black tea, expansive black raspberry fruit, and toasted cedar. It offers good richness and has a classic feel with a long finish. Drink 2024-2034. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2025): The 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a saturated bright red hue and is ripe and pure on the nose, with notes of red cherry liqueur, pressed flowers, baking spices, and fresh forest earth. It has a rounded feel with a medium-bodied frame and fills the palate pure, ripe tannins and an elegant, weightless feel throughout the finish. This beautifully styled appellation wine is a highlight of the vintage and retains lovely freshness. Drink 2026-2040 Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (8/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from a cooler region south of Monterey Bay and was only partially destemmed and fermented in 64% in concrete, 29% in stainless, and the rest in barrel. The aging spanned 14 months in 52% new French oak. It has a more pure, fruit-driven style in its assorted red and blackberry, leafy herb, pepper, and rocky mineral-like aromas and flavors. I love its purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with flawless balance and a great finish. The purity, balance, and length are exceptional, and it develops more complexity and layers with time in the glass. Drink this beauty over the coming decades. |
|
|
2021 |
Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands comes from Garys', Rosella's, Pisoni, Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards, and it was matured for 14 months in 49% new oak. It has a medium ruby color and a deep well of aromas: pomegranate, raspberry and cranberry are accented by touches of autumn leaves, tea leaves and spice. The palate is light-bodied, gently chalky and mouthwatering with generous spicy fruit and a long, layered finish replete with floral tones. |
|
|
2019 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (8/2021): Rocking spiced herbs, red and black fruits along with some meaty, exotic notes all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a complex, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, expansive, seamless texture that's already a joy to drink. |
|
|
2020 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has slowly opening, slightly muddled scents of blueberries, blackberries, licorice and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is delicate and juicy with slightly rustic tannins and a simple finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (7/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has slowly opening, slightly muddled scents of blueberries, blackberries, licorice and underbrush. The light-bodied palate is delicate and juicy with slightly rustic tannins and a simple finish. |
|
|
2005 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2007): Bright red. Spicy cherry and wild strawberry aromas, with dark chocolate and licorice accents. Supple red and dark berry jam flavors show good depth and are accented by cracked pepper and mace. Finishes broad and sweet, with very good length and a refreshingly bitter cherry skin tone.
BH 85 (12/2007): An expressive nose combines notes of cherry cough syrup a hint of menthol that can also be picked up on the round, supple and textured flavors that are attractively silky but culminate in a bitter and unbalanced finish where the warmth from the elevated alcohol dominates. While I for clearly stated reasons do not debate the merits of style in my evaluations because everyone should, and for the most part happily does, prefer different things, high alcohol is not a style question, it’s a balance question and this wine’s balance suffers because of its elevated alcohol and backend bitterness. The finishing bitterness of course is not from the alcohol but suffice it to say that this isn’t for me and I certainly wouldn’t recommend aging it. Drink now. |
|
|
2005 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Heavily Scuffed Label |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2007): Bright red. Spicy cherry and wild strawberry aromas, with dark chocolate and licorice accents. Supple red and dark berry jam flavors show good depth and are accented by cracked pepper and mace. Finishes broad and sweet, with very good length and a refreshingly bitter cherry skin tone.
BH 85 (12/2007): An expressive nose combines notes of cherry cough syrup a hint of menthol that can also be picked up on the round, supple and textured flavors that are attractively silky but culminate in a bitter and unbalanced finish where the warmth from the elevated alcohol dominates. While I for clearly stated reasons do not debate the merits of style in my evaluations because everyone should, and for the most part happily does, prefer different things, high alcohol is not a style question, it’s a balance question and this wine’s balance suffers because of its elevated alcohol and backend bitterness. The finishing bitterness of course is not from the alcohol but suffice it to say that this isn’t for me and I certainly wouldn’t recommend aging it. Drink now. |
|
|
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
9 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Medium red. Energetic red berries, minerals and fresh flowers on the nose, complicated by Asian spices and pungent herbs. Racy and sharply focused, offering tangy redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors. Bracing minerality adds cut to the long, spicy finish.
BH 86 (10/2008): A Maraschino cherry nose that displays attractive spice hints a soupçon of menthol moves into round, supple and nicely rich flavors that possess a distinctly edgy finish where the tannins are not well integrated into the finish, which is also distinctly warm. I like the complexity but the delivery isn't one of harmony. Drink 2009+. |
|
|
2007 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Bright red. Potent aromas of cherry and dark berry skin, smoky herbs, potpourri and black cardamom. Surprisingly fresh on the palate, with brighter red fruit and candied floral character supported by velvety tannins. The mineral note repeats on the long, seductively juicy finish.
BH 85 (10/2009): A menthol, cherry and cranberry-liqueur nose of reasonable complexity leads to rich and generous medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a tangy and moderately bitter finish that is quite persistent. This may round out but at present, it's borderline unpleasant. Benefit of the doubt extended. Drink 2011? |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2021): Another pure, elegant wine from this estate, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers beautiful framboise and dark strawberry fruits to go with complex notes of forest floor, leafy herbs, spice, and damp earth. These carry to a medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a layered, seamless texture, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. If anything, it's a more approachable, softer wine than the Russian River Valley, although it too should easily keep for a decade. Both Pinot Noirs from this team are brilliant wines. |
|
|
2020 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$84 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with cedar, red cherry, and pine. The palate fills with grenadine and orange peel, soft, stony earth, and a silky texture. Drink over the next 7-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (7/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is floral with perfume and ripe red berries, as well as notes of framboise, rosemary, and incense. Offering fantastic balance, with fine tannins, fresh seamless acidity, and a good purity of fruit, this is a very attractive wine now and will continue to provide prime drinking over the next 12 or more years. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2025): A bright, saturated ruby color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is expressive on opening, with aromas of cranberry cocktail, bright toasted spice, cedar, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a ripe but focused feel, with a silky texture and a long, spicy note through the finish. Drink 2026-2038. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): A saturated red color, the 2021 Pinot Noir Thorn Ridge Ranch sports a savory and more warming profile, with aromas of charred cedar, dried red cherries, leather, and woodsy herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a more coiled feel on the palate, with fine tannins, evenly balanced acidity, and a clean finish with notes of dusty earth and a hint of orange peel. Drink 2024-2030. |
|
|
2022 |
Thorn Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|