Past Vintages
2005 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast Hellenthal Vineyard
On the nose are dark brambly fruits, with a cocoa essence. The palate showcases cloying flavors of blackberry and
blueberry with dark spices. This elegant wine is very concentrated and complex with an intense mid palate and
viscous long finish. The strength of tannins frame this wine. Due to severe spring coastal weather conditions the
fruit yields were reduced by eighty percent of the average. (115 cases)
2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Vintners Reserve
The Vintners Reserve is a selection of four of the best barrels produced from the 2005 vintage. These barrels offer
aromas of berries, stone fruits, licorice and caramel. Tantalizing your taste buds will be a fruit basket of flavors,
such as dark cherries and plums with subtleties of nectarines and peaches with a harmonious balance of acid and
tannins. Multiple layers of flavors will fill your palate, occupying your thoughts, lingering long after the sip is gone.
(101 cases)
2005 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Balletto Vineyard
The strength of bouquet of this wine might keep you smelling it indefinitely. Nose of dark berries and black fruits with
dark spices and hints of maple. This wine displays firm tannins and ample acidity. A voluptuous mouthful of flavors
of black plum, lush raspberry with Caribbean spices exist on the palate. These flavors continue to tease your taste
glands through a long finish. The challenge lies in the ability to be patient throughout the long finish while
containing the urge to return to the aromatic bouquet. (204 cases)
2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Oehlman Vineyard
The aromas of this Oehlman bottling are simply captivating. A ballet in the glass. The nose offers floral
essences of honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, red berries, tea and caramel. This feminine beauty offers flavors of cran-
raspberry fruits, dried orange rind, vanilla and tea. This soft tannined wine has plenty of texture and an extensive
finish completes the experience. This 2005 vintage Oehlman reminds us of the popular 2003 Oehlman. (268 cases)
2005 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard
Aromas of red fruits, with hints of vanilla. Flavors of red cherries and vanilla. This Olivet lane is more
Burgundian in style with a leaner more acid and tannin driven profile, while delivering a round mouth feel and full
finish. We regrettably must inform you that there will not be a 2006 vintage Olivet Lane, so those of you that have
found this to be one of your favorites should stock up on this 2005 vintage. (308 cases)
2005 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley
Nose of dark fruits, with pepper essence. The palate offers blackberry jam, black currants, anise, sweet oak with
modest tannins and lively acid. This is a big Zin whose ample alcohol is fully supported by ample fruit. (45 cases)
2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard
Nose of sweet red fruits, cinnamon, and vanilla. Flavors of rich cherry and strawberry complimented by vanilla
essences, subtle tannins with a viscous long finish. This crowd pleaser continues to showcase the traditional
nuances of the Russian River appellation. Enjoy this Olivet Lane with stuffed pork loin or rabbit. (177 cases)
2004 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Hellenthal Vineyard
Aromas of wild berries and sweet molasses. Flavors of nectar berry, blackberry jam, dried blueberries and spices
flood the palate and are supported by concentrated fruit tannins. Drinks beautifully now and will age gracefully in
your cellar. This vineyard’s extremely low crop yields and its small berried clusters give this wine an intense and
complex experience with a never ending finish. Sure to tantalize your taste buds! Savor this Hellenthal Pinot Noir with
prime rib roast or your favorite full flavored entree. (154 cases)
2004 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Balletto Vineyard
Aromas of dark stone fruits, caramel, and spice. Dominate flavors of black plum and raspberry, complimented by
spice, tea, and mocha, fill the palate through a full lingering finish. Our very popular 2003 Sonoma Coast bottling
was made with 75% Balletto vineyard fruit. The Balletto Pinot Noir will pair beautifully with duck confit or lamb shanks.
(151 cases)
2004 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
The nose exhibits dark fruits framed with citrus floral essences and undertones of sweet vanilla. A sip reveals nicely
structured black cherry and dark plum flavors with notes of chocolate and tea, finishing with cloying and lasting
flavors. By using the Oehlman vineyard fruit for the foundation of this Russian River Valley bottling we have blended
a harmonious wine with fruit fortitude, intrigue and elegance. This RRV Pinot Noir will compliment grilled vegetable
pasta or oven roasted chicken. (395 cases)
2004 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Hints of citrus essences and apple in the nose. Flavors of apple, melon and lemon complimented by a slight
nuttiness with a full viscous mouth feel. As with our previous Chardonnays this wine has a minimal oak presence. A
food pairing for this Chardonnay might be Opah, Ahi or your favorite catch of the day.
(52 cases)
2003 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Piner Ranch Vineyard
This vintage Piner Ranch has aromas of dark cherry, plum with maple syrup and vanilla essences. Structured flavors
of black cherry, plum, caramelized sugars and chocolate flood the palate. Piner Ranch has always taken its sweet
time to show off its intricacies, but has always delivered. This is the last vintage from this thirty year old vineyard, as
the vines were ripped out so the vineyard could be replanted. (206 cases produced)
2003 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Oehlman Vineyard
Aromas of orange peel, spring blossoms, red berry fruits and cinnamon. On the palate exists tangy citrus orange
zest, concentrated cran-raspberry fruits, floral essences and a splash of dark tea. The strength of fruit from the
Oehlman vineyard continues to catch up to its intriguing complexities. This feminine stalwart had the most lively fruit
left of all bottlings on day six of our tasting. (168 cases produced)
2003 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard
This elegant wine shows notes of cherries, strawberries, cola and hints of lavender. This rich and thick wine reveals
flavors of cherries, wild strawberries, cola framed with shy hints of vanilla and cinnamon. A typical Olivet Lane, may
surrender some complexity, but it is unabashedly brute strength fruit. (162 cases produced)
2003 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
A nose of dark red fruits with chocolate and caramel fragrances. A taste reveals leading flavors of cherries and
plums followed by sweet molasses flavors, with some minor elements of citrus and anise in the background. The long
finish is thick and cloying. As was the case with the 2002 vintage this wine is comprised entirely of the Piner Ranch,
Oehlman and Olivet Lane vineyards. (345 cases produced)
2003 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Intense aromas of red berries and cherries. The palate shows cascading flavors of raspberries and red cherries,
Earl Grey tea and floral essences. While this wine has wonderfully rich flavors in the mouth, the nose is so intense it
has captivated us during our tastings. This wine is made from the Pommard clone, with 75% coming from one
vineyard in the Gold Ridge area and 25% from another vineyard. (91 cases produced)
2003 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Aromas of citrus fruits, tropical floral notes, honey and a touch of mint. Flavors of pear and tropical fruits fill the
palate, with a soft round vanilla presence that finishes with some lemon notes. This vintage we added a new barrel
to the mix that gives the wine more roundness in the mouth and a slightly more enhanced vanilla flavor than in
previous vintages, without being excessive. (75 cases produced)
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Piner Ranch Vineyard
Aromas of dark plum, licorice and caramel. The palate shows black plum, with hints of red cherry, anise and dark
chocolate. This wine is thick and cloying in the mouth. The 2002 Piner Ranch offers even more strength of fruit than
the 2001, with a more rounded and intriguing fruit profile.
( 247 cases produced )
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard
Nose of sweet strawberries, vanilla and cinnamon. In the mouth is revealed sweet pungent strawberries, framed by
subtle vanilla & cinnamon notes and supple tannins. This wine reminds us of driving through strawberry fields at the
height of the season savoring the rich sweetness in the air.
( 185 cases produced )
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Oehlman Vineyard
Floral essences of citrus blossom, raspberry fruit and spices. On the palate one senses tangerine blossom and
sweet cran-raspberry fruits, with hints of tea. This feminine beauty has structure and a finish to dazzle. The fruit for
the 2001 Vine Hill Road was entirely from this vineyard. This 2002 vintage Oehlman has the extra depth and
concentration of fruit that we demand from our vineyard designated bottlings.
( 81 cases produced )
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Gilbraith Vineyard
Aromas of tropical fruits, orange zest and white pepper. A sip reveals bursting flavors of orange zest, pink grapefruit
and blueberry cream with hints of white pepper. A taste reveals a syrupy texture to this wine that won’t let the flavors
end.
( 67 cases produced )
2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
This Russian River Valley bottling is comprised of fruit from the Piner Ranch, Olivet Lane, and Oehlman vineyards
exclusively. Our Russian River blend shows aromas of plum, red berry, mocha and spice. The palate shows a
leading edge of rich dark plum fruit followed by vibrant flavors of red cherries, strawberries, cocoa, vanilla and a
framing of soft tannins.
( 445 cases produced )
2002 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Notes of lemon, pear and cream in the nose. On the palate exists lemon, apple, honeysuckle and a slight nuttiness.
As with the 2001, this wine has minimal oak presence. This is a very rich feeling wine in the mouth.
( 39 cases produced )
2001 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard
This is a garnet colored wine with aromas of smoked meats, dark cherry fruit and spice. A sip reveals pungent ripe
black cherry fruit, oak, caramel and nutmeg. This wine has very concentrated fruit with generous body and texture.
( 187 cases produced )
2001 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Piner Ranch Vineyard
This wine shows dark stone fruit, mint, anise and coastal sage in the nose. On the palate exists an entry of black
plum, cola, followed by flavors of toffee and black tea. This wine exhibits strength of structure and integrity with a
finish that never seems to quit.
( 198 cases produced )
2001 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
Aromas of cherry, mocha, and tea leafs lead you to a mouth of bing cherries, dark chocolate and soft oak tannins.
This is a balanced wine showing equal parts rich fruit, oak, fruit tannins and acid.
( 226 cases produced )
2001 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Vine Hill Road
A rich sweet pretty nose with aromas of orange blossom, red berry, baking spices and vanilla. A taste reveals sweet
orange/cranberry fruit, cinnamon and creamy vanilla. This wine is feminine, but forthright.
( 173 cases produced )
2001 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ( 48 cases produced )
Aromas of lemon custard, honeysuckle and nut. On the palate are found lemon crème custard, honeydew melon,
citrus notes, backed by a macadamia nut coating on the tongue. A minimal oak presence allows full enjoyment of the
lively fruit.
2000 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Olivet Lane Vineyard (110 cases produced)
This Olivet Lane bottling is sweet cherry and soft vanilla from the first whiff. In the mouth are bright cherry flavors,
cocoa, spices, with a textured mouth feel. There is the presence of soft oak backing this rich wine. The coating left in
the mouth delivers a long, full finish.
2000 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ( 350 cases produced )
The Russian River Valley bottling has aromas of strawberry in the foreground with dark tea and cola in the
background. On the palate exists the confirmation of the sweet strawberry/cherry fruits, hints of cinnamon, vanilla,
with a supple and approachable structure. This wine has a real viscosity in the mouth that lengthens the
concentration of the fruit.
PREVIOUS VINTAGE TASTING NOTES These wines were bottled unfined and unfiltered |
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