Fine Wine > Still > California > 92-95 Pts > $50-100

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The wine’s natural acidity, purity of texture and gentleness automatically make you think of food. Flavorwise, it’s all about raspberries and cherries, cured meat, cola, spices and smoky oak. It’s delicious to drink now with a great steak, roasted lamb or grilled tuna." (Steve Heimoff)

Cellar/Tasting Notes
Bright yellow. Vibrant aromas of lemon zest and minerals with a touch of dusty brown spices. A delicately floral, spicy 2010 with a tart lemon flavor and a lovely impression of salty mineral extract. Very tactile, dry and uncompromising chardonnay. This very suave, refined wine finishes with a..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The pure, ripe and delicate plum, raspberry and wilted rose flavors are delivered on a tight beam, with snappy acidity and firm, vibrant tannins."

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The 2011 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch has a similar aromatic and flavor profile as the 2010 with more textural richness and oiliness because of the presence of botrytis in this vintage. I have to say, the 2011 is highly intriguing. It will be interesting to see where the wine goes over the coming..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"... the 2011 Pinot Noir Pisoni is nicely layered in this vintage. The 2011 is a relatively laid back wine from the Pisoni vineyard, yet there is wonderful finesse and a nuanced, textured quality to the fruit that is highly appealing. Sweet cherries, flowers, herbs, spices and crushed rocks flow..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"The 2009 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard shows off a multitude of aromas, flavors and textures. It is a gorgeous, multi-dimensional wine endowed with weightless elegance and definition. Lemon, pastry, white flowers and crushed rocks wrap around the insistent finish. In 2009 the Ritchie is all about..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"There’s a hard, minerally edge to this Chardonnay, like the tang of cold metal, an impression that’s heightened by its citrusy acids. The flavor veers toward Meyer lemon, while toasted oak brings needed vanilla and honey richness. It’s controlled and tight, compared to more opulent bottlings, but..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"A textbook example in how to make a Chardonnay that’s ripely fruity and oaky, yet maintains impeccable balance. The orange, apricot, green apple and lime flavors hit the jackpot, while brisk acidity and minerality provide equilibrium. Possesses that rare quality of elegance."

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"Wow. Black Kite’s River Turn, one of of its three annual block designates, is invigoratingly inviting, a heady mix of floral cherry pie, bright, full and ripe with a balanced backbone of acidity and a gentle hint of gingerbread. This wine is ready to enjoy this second, but if you can help..

Cellar/Tasting Notes
"This lovely wine shows the soft tannins and herbaceousness you often find in Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. That dried herb taste accompanies blackberry and black currant fruit. It's classic Silver Oak, dry and elegant."