Dutton Estate Chardonnay Dutton Ranch  2004
Russian River Valley  
52001    (XD)            750 mL    $39   

TASTING NOTE: The grapes got so ripe in this vintage, the wine bursts with peach, pineapple, green apple, lime and apricot fruit that tastes like it was baked and caramelized into pie filling. Yet the finish is dry. Just the right amount of new oak gives that fancy edge of buttered toast. An Editors' Choice. Score - 93. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2006)

Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay  2003
Santa Cruz Mountains  
603829    (D)            750 mL    $45   

TASTING NOTE: A fresh, creamy, minerally chardonnay with lots of style and zing. In other words, exactly what you'd expect from this California classic. (Laurie Daniel, (San Jose) Mercury News, Aug. 3, 2005) 

ROBERT MONDAVI MOSCATO D'ORO  2004
Napa Valley  
687392    (MS)            375 mL    $24   

TASTING NOTE: Captivating aromas of lime, mint and spring flowers, with a hint of oyster shell. Juicy and lively in the mouth, with bright grapefruit and floral flavors. Comes across as much less sweet than its 100 grams of residual sugar would suggest, thanks to bright acidity and citrus peel notes. This was served to me as partly frozen slush, which is the way Robert Mondavi enjoys this extremely refreshing wine.  Score - 90. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2005)

ROBERT MONDAVI TO-KALON VINEYARD RESERVE FUMÉ BLANC  2001
Napa Valley  
326165    (XD)            750 mL    $49   

TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Fume Blanc Reserve To-Kalon Vineyard (a 3,000-case cuvee of 96% Sauvignon Blanc and 4% Semillon that's 100% barrel-fermented) is a crisp, fragrant, delicate, medium-bodied effort displaying gorgeous aromas of liquid minerals intermixed with fig, melon, and citrus characteristics. It is not put through malolactic, and consequently possesses zesty acidity as well as delineation. Drink it over the next several years.  Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2002)

BYRON NIELSON VINEYARD PINOT NOIR  2003
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County  
16469    (XD)            750 mL    $45   

TASTING NOTE: Old vine Pinot from Dijon clones shows aromatics of dark cherry and rose petal partnered with toasty oak. Both red and black cherry fruit resounds on the palate with plum and brown spices. Possibly more balanced than the Bien Nacido, but also a bit lighter. Not a bruiser, but really more elegant and subtle, it's from the “run silent, run deep” category of Pinot. It continues to reveal itself and its greater personality over the course of dinner. The smoldering beauty queen of this group. (Dennis Schaefer, www.wineloverspage.com, Dec. 18, 2006).

CHIMNEY ROCK ELEVAGE  2002
Stags Leap District, Napa Valley  
659821    (XD)            750 mL    $75   

TASTING NOTE: Wonderful harmony and finesse, with a supple texture that lets the ripe currant, plum and black cherry flavors glide smoothly across the palate. Elegantly styled, it shows more grace and delicacy than most Merlots, and it goes down easy. Drink now through 2008. Score - 90. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2005)

DARIOUSH SIGNATURE SHIRAZ  2003
Napa Valley  
29462    (XD)            750 mL    $89   

TASTING NOTE: This wine is a vibrant brick red. On the nose this wine has a mild berry bouquet. On the palate, the wine is rich, flavorful, and silky. This wine is built for a hearty meal. Those who like Aussie style Shiraz will favor this one. The finish is slightly dry and enjoyable, but a bit hot. Enjoy. Score - 90-93. (Ken Hoggins, www.kenswineguide.com, Oct. 18, 2006).

De Loach Green Valley Pinot Noir  2005
Sonoma County  
52217    (XD)            750 mL    $54   

TASTING NOTE: … Layers of dark yummy fruits shine through in this baby, plus touches of earth and bacon from nose to finish. What potential! (Monty & Sara Preiser, www.sallys-place.com).

This Pinot was bottled unfiltered and is best served decanted. It is made in extremely small amounts - only 182 cases for the 2005 vintage - and is usually sold through the winery. The Van der Kamp vineyard contains some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Sonoma. It is located 1,150 feet above sea level, near the top of Sonoma Mountain.

DOMAINE DE LA TERRE ROUGE ASCENT SYRAH  2001
Sierra Foothills  
29439    (XD)            750 mL    $99   

TASTING NOTE: The flagship offering is the 2001 Syrah Ascent, a limited production cuvee of 200 cases. It offers up notions of vanilla, blackberry liqueur, pepper, barbeque spices, and meat in both the aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and opulent, this big yet well-balanced 2001 can be drunk now, or cellared for a decade. An impressive effort, it is unquestionably the finest Syrah produced in the Sierra Foothills. Drink 2005-2014.  Score - 92. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2004).

HESS COLLECTION MOUNTAIN CUVÉE MOUNT VEEDER  2003
Napa Valley  
18879    (XD)            750 mL    $45   

TASTING NOTE: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon; 12% Merlot; 10% Syrah; 5% Malbec; 4% Cabernet Franc. Despite its assist from a good many supporting varietals, this fairly deep and well-filled wine is solidly set on the varietal track with lots of ripe, curranty fruit leading the way. It is not shy with its oak but keeps continuous fruit at the front of all else, and, but for the last-minute arrival of grippy tannins, its fine sense of polish and balance would invite near-term drinking. It needs a bit of time to settle and smooth, and, as nice as it is now, it will be better when a few years have passed.  Score - 89. (Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines, Aug. 2006).

Kendall-Jackson Stature Meritage  2001
Napa Valley  
52258    (XD)            750 mL    $119   

TASTING NOTE: The inky/purple-colored 2001 Stature Meritage (a 600+ case blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Petit Verdot) exhibits aromas of lead pencil shavings, licorice, black currants, smoke, and minerals. This closed but medium to full-bodied red boasts outstanding richness, sweet, well-integrated tannin, and a serious finish that lasts 40+ seconds. This impressive 2001 needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15+.  Score - 91. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2003).

Marimar Estate Doña Margarita Pinot Noir  2004
Sonoma Coast  
53017    (XD)            750 mL    $55   

TASTING NOTE: This is Marimar’s first Sonoma Coast Pinot, and the result is promising. The wine is more acidic and deeper than her estate Pinots, bringing to mind Hirsch Pinots. It’s big, rich, complex and almost Syrah-like. A wine to watch.  Score - 90. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 1, 2006).

”Coro” is a red wine that must be grown 100 percent in Mendocino County according to a fairly detailed set of blending and aging rules, called a “protocol”. Some renowned European wine regions, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France and Rioja in Spain, are governed by such protocols but Mendocino County is the only appellation in America to take up the challenge. (Thom Elkjer, wine.appellationamerica.com, May 3, 2007).

TASTING NOTE: The Coro program’s mainstay grapes are Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah, in that order, and those are the three grapes Swain uses every year. Only the percentages vary. In 2003 it’s 60% Zinfandel, 25% Syrah, and 15% Pets [Petite Sirah]. Aromatically intense, the wine offers layers of raisiny Zin berry flavors, baking spice, earth and cola. The alcohol and pH are high relative to most other Coros, driving the fruit forward and filling your mouth with texture. You’ll want some serious fare to serve this with, so start cookin’. (Thom Elkjer, www.appelationamerica.com, July 4, 2006)

Paul Dolan Deep Red  2004
  
48595    (XD)            750 mL    $43   

TASTING NOTE: (tasted from barrel) Brilliant. Among the finest blends ever to cross my lips. A beautiful, flowery aroma. This is wine as art. (Norman Mark, The Desert Sun Magazine, July 2006).

RUTHERFORD HILL EPISODE  2001
Napa Valley  
25403    (XD)            750 mL    $329   

TASTING NOTE: Only 400 cases of Episode were and will only be made in great vintages from their best vineyard sites and best barrels only … this is an amazingly rich and elegant wine made mostly of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with some Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot and Malbec to give balance and complexity. This lovely red starts off with floral and crushed fresh berry notes. This wine is soft in the mouth, but has firm tannins to give great structure. Flavors are delivered in waves of pretty fruits, black berry, cherry, plum and currants with hints of cassis, licorice and cedar. This wine is very complete, pretty and soulful giving you the essence of a first growth Bordeaux. This wine should age very well, but it is really wonderful now and it is a joy in every way. Score - 94. (Kerry Winslow, www.grapelive.com, April 8, 2005).

This is a blend of 78% Petite Syrah, 15% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 1% Viognier, 1% Carignane, and 1% Mourvedre. Winemaker Kevin Morrisey sources the majority of the fruit from the winery's 70-year-old Petite Syrah vineyards. This wine is known for its rich aromas of black fruit and pepper, with touches of vanilla and chocolate. You will discover flavours of bitter chocolate, black berries, plums, and raspberries as well as soft earth tones. Fragrant on the nose and full on the palate, this will pair beautifully with roasted meats, game, and hard, aged cheeses.

TANDEM KEEFER RANCH PINOT NOIR  2003
Green Valley, Sonoma  
686717    (D)            750 mL    $45   

TASTING NOTE: I loved the 2003 Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch, which offers distinctive allspice, earthy, forest floor notes as well as hints of cinnamon, red currant, and cherry. This spice-driven, soft, savory, medium-bodied Pinot is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2005-2008. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2005).

Veraison is the name for the process by which wine grapes begin to ripen and take on the colour specific to their varieties. Veraison is also the name of one of three brands produced by the Krupp Brothers Estates. Look for a noseful of red fruit, notes of cedar and pepper. On the palate, you will find black plum, licorice and hints of chocolate with raspberry notes at the end. Textured, smooth, and full-bodied, this would be a terrific match for pork roast now or can be aged with advantages for 7-8 years.

Viader Estate Red  2000
Napa Valley  
50864    (XD)         750 mL    $109   

TASTING NOTE: Lots of attractive, up-front fruit pleasure, with a core of black cherry and blackberry shaded by cedar, mocha, coffee and leather. Finishes with a sense of elegance and ripe, integrated tannins. Best from 2004 through 2012. Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2002)

Viader Estate Red  2002
Napa Valley  
50856    (XD)            750 mL    $109   

TASTING NOTE: Floral grapey aromas fold in with new leather and currant flavors in a sleek, rich, concentrated style that's very Bordeaux-like in its balance and restraint, showing black cherry, herb and tar notes on a long, persistent finish. Tannins are firm and integrated. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2012. Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2004).

St. Innocent's Anden Vineyard Chardonnay is bright and rich with characters of pear and citrus, especially lemon, and displays integrated oak and a long, fruity finish. Winemaker Mark Vlossak insists this Chard is great with asparagus or a tuna steak. Another St. Innocent wine in this release is their luscious Pinot Noir (936229).

BETHEL HEIGHTS PINOT NOIR ESTATE  2005
Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley  
510842    (D)            750 mL    $39   

TASTING NOTE: Attractive for its mix of focused, ripe fruit and mannerly approach, this wine is fairly supple to start before taking on a youthful firmness that is entirely in keeping with the Oregonian bent with Pinot Noir. Background notes of toasty oak and cola join more central themes of ripe cherries, and, from first to last, this wine has the style to partner dishes like roasted rabbit napped with a Pinot-based sauce. Score - 90. Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wines, June 2007)

Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Southeast Block Reserve  2005
Willamette Valley  
53132    750 mL    $49   

TASTING NOTE: Smooth in texture, with vibrant acidity against wild strawberry and plum flavors. The fruit plays against the toast and fine tannins on the lengthy finish. Best from 2009 through 2015. Score - 90. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2007).

St. Innocent was founded in 1988 by Mark Vlossak who is still the winemaker there. Wild berries and briar fruit dominate the Seven Springs Pinot Noir. Look for raspberry and spice on the lush and roundly tannic palate. Drink this now and for the next five years, then put it down for about three to eight years to taste it in all its mature glory.

NORTHSTAR MERLOT  2002
Columbia Valley  
619767    (XD)            750 mL    $49   

TASTING NOTE: Deep medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, violet, mocha and sexy oak. Dense, sweet and deep, with nicely concentrated flavors of cassis, black cherry, dark plum, pepper, bitter chocolate and sweet oak. A structured, firm wine that finishes with sweet tannins. (An earlier sample tasted in Washington was much more tightly wound but showed more astringent tannins and less sweetness of fruit.) Score - 90. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Nov./Dec. 2005).