Complex red, black and blue fruit engage the nose, flecked by dried herbs. Rich black cherry flavour and ripe tannins are well balanced by fresh acidity characteristic of the vineyard’s cool nights. Splashes of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add roundness and aromatics. Approachable now, but will gain complexity over the next 7 years.
Bold aromas of fragrant floral and complex fruit lead the charge. Loads of cassis and blackberry flavour along with mint and liquorice nuances. Layers upon layers unfold, yet with unflinching balance and elegance. Mountain-sourced grapes add structure and aromatics, while valley fruit brings out richness and medium-bodied weight. A touch of Cabernet Franc lengthens the luscious finish. Should hit its stride 8 to 15 years from vintage.
Pale yellow. Notes of tropical fruits fill the fine nose, yet it announces a wine with a fair amount of acidity. On the palate, its freshness strikes first, thanks to a hint of bitterness and only a little oak. In contrast to many New World Chardonnays that are overripe and over-oaked, this is a welcome change.
Pale yellow. Typical nose for a California Chardonnay: ripe, oaky (but not too much). Full with a round feel on the tongue, a bit of hollowness in the middle palate followed by a fuller finish on acidity and oak.
Complex melon, fig and citrus strike both nose and palate. Zesty acidity balances a viscous core. Partial, judicious French oak aging adds a sweet spiciness. A splash of Semillon lends mouthfeel and floral notes. Satisfyingly lean, mineral-laden finish. Versatile with first course fare.
A one-two punch of lemon and butterscotch strikes the nose. The creamy texture from lees stirring wraps around a spine of firm acidity within a medium-bodied frame. Generous orchard fruit and spice flavours. Toasty finish lingers long. In its comfort zone out on a patio.
Yellow straw colour with a concentrated bouquet of pineapple, vanilla oak and toast; full on the palate with sweet tropical fruit flavours tempered by lively acidity and a mineral note. Great length here.