2011 Sonoma-Loeb ‘Envoy’ Chardonnay, Carneros
Clear medium straw color. Using select lots from the famed Sangiacomo Vineyard on the Sonoma side of Carneros, winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus has fashioned a stunning Chardonnay. The nose is pure California in expression, offering up hedonistic… Read more
2010 Pierre Overnoy Chardonnay, Arbois, Jura, France
As posted previously, the wines of Pierre Overnoy (or I should say, Emmanuel Houillon, who now runs the estate) are something of a cult item. Of course, they are also nearly impossible to get in the U.S., unless you live in New York — and even… Read more
2001 McKenzie-Mueller Merlot, Los Carneros, Napa Valley
This was brought by a friend to a recent dinner party, and what a treat it was. 12 years of aging have worked wonders for this now brickish wine, which still bleeds full berry flavors and keeps on producing more and more deliciousness as it opens… Read more
2008 Cobb Pinot Noir, Joy Road Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
Transparent bright red ruby, clearing toward the edge. Heady, perfumed aromas of sweet, almost candied, raspberry, followed by earth, mushrooms, dark orange, minerals and black tea. Lithe and silky upon entry to the palate, where it turns juicy. As… Read more
2010 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
This blend of 10 clones of Pinot Noir grapes is translucent neon ruby in hue, lightening at the rim. Structured to be an ageworthy wine, the nose of this 2010 vintage is initially dark and closed. With ample coaxing of time and aeration, dark berry… Read more
2010 MacPhail Family Winery Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Vineyard, Sonoma Coast
The color is a nearly transparent light ruby, with glints of orange. Barrel aged for 11 months in French oak (50% new), the wine’s nose initially shows toast and spice notes. This gives way to pretty, delicate cherry, orange rind and a note of… Read more
2010 Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros
Medium straw color. The seductive nose shows great complexity, with tiers of aromas that include vanilla, toast, butter, hazelnut, honey, clove and peach. The wine spreads out and coats the palate, adding liquid minerality, citrus and cinnamon…. Read more
2003 J Vineyards and Winery Late Disgorged Vintage Brut, Russian River Valley
The wine is a brilliant pale straw color with a fine, persistent mousse. For a 9-year-old sparkling wine that has spent more than seven years on tirage, it is amazingly youthful, vibrant and fresh. Enticing scents of almond, citrus, toast and… Read more
2008 Vina Robles ‘Fore’ Petite Sirah, Paso Robles
The Jardine Vineyard, the source of the grapes in this bottling, is right next to a golf course, and errant balls frequently are found among the vines. Now you know how this wine got its proprietary name. But no matter what you call it, this is… Read more
2009 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Translucent dark ruby/purple. Aromas of fresh raspberry, boysenberry and cherry compote burst from the glass, followed by sweet woodspice notes and a ghostly whiff of pepper. The wine has a nice upfront elegance, followed by a structured tannic grip… Read more
