| 95 - 100 / WORLD CLASS: A very complex wine that is almost perfect in every respect. Very few wines ever achieve this height and are worthy of a dedicated, perservering search. 90 - 94 / OUTSTANDING: A complex, rich expansive wine with complexity, texture and style that sets it apart, well worth a diligent search. 85 - 89 / EXCEPTIONAL: A wine with some complexity, depth and structure; generally a highly recommended wine. 75 - 84 / VERY GOOD: A clean, fresh wine with some special attributes; a recommended wine. 70 - 74 / GOOD: A technically correct wine with no noticeable flaws. |
The 1997 Zinfandel "Old Vines", Sonoma County (vines average 50 years old) has a fabulous nose of concentrated blackberries, raspberry, red cherry, pepper, cocoa and violets. The exotic flavors of lush jammy berries, coffee, plum and underbrush spice are followed by a long, fruity, expansive finish that goes on and on. (92)
The 1996 Merlot, Laureles Vineyard, Russian River Valley (Estate Bottled) has a perfumed nose of cherry, blackberry, chocolate, praline cream with a dash of spicy cedar note. The flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cassis, mint and sweet oak are very well balanced followed by a fruity, expansive, chocolate finish. (91)
The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, Laureles Estate Vineyard, Russian River Valley has a perfumed bouquet of dense black cherry, blackberry, cedar, licorice, violets, herb and minerals. The flavors of cherries, currants, pepper, cedar, toast and spice are balanced followed by a fruity, toasty finish. (90)
The 1997 Pinot Noir, "Le Pinot", Rochioli Vineyard, R.R.V. (East Block) has a perfumed bouquet of raspberry, pie cherry, chocolate, cigar box, crème brulee, red roses and mushroom. The flavors of cherries, raspberry, red currant, toffee with faint hint of Asian spice are balanced with good texture followed by a bright, fruity, spicy finish. (90)
The 1998 Fume Blanc, Shone Farm-Russian River Valley has a perfumed bouquet of apple, grapefruit, fig, pear, melon and herbs. The flavors of citrus, melon, fig, peach and grass are bright and forward followed by a crisp, fruity, herb etched finish. (87)
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley (48 cases produced) has an exotic perfumed bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, violets, sandalwood, tarragon and dry citrus zest with a hint of lead pencil. The flavors of concentrated berries, black cherry, licorice, mint and toffee notes are complex, rich and flavorful followed by a fabulous, complex fruity, toasty finish. Stunning!! (95) The '98 is off the Richter Scale.
The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon, Moffett Vineyard, Napa Valley has a concentrated perfumed nose of cherry, raspberry, tea, cocoa, coffee, mint and spicy oak. The flavors of cherries, berries, chocolate, mint, clove and vanilla are balanced with good depth followed by a fruity, expansive finish. (92)
The 1997 Syrah, Mitchell Vineyard, Napa Valley has a perfumed nose and flavors of blackberry, cherries, roses, lavender, dry citrus zest and toast. The flavors are very clean, fresh and bright followed by a long, lingering, fruity finish. (92)
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon, "Stanley's Selection", Napa Valley has a perfumed bouquet of bing cherry, chocolate, black raspberry, cassis and violets. The flavors of cherry, berry, toast, spice, dry citrus zest, passion fruit and tea are round and well focused followed by a fruity, spicy finish. (90)
The 1997 Zinfandel, "Reserve", Dry Creek Valley has a perfumed bouquet of raspberry, cassis, rhubarb, roses, pie cherry, tea and spice. The raspberry, strawberry, spice and black pepper flavors are balanced with good depth and exceptional texture followed by a bright fruity, peppery finish. (91)
The 1998 Sauvignon Blanc, Fig Tree Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley has a perfumed nose of apple, pear, carnation, citrus, pineapple and
vanilla. The flavors of apple, pear, citrus and vanilla are crisp and
balanced followed by a fruity, vanilla etched finish. (86)
The 1997 Pinot Noir, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley has a perfumed bouquet of black cherry, plums, ripe strawberry, herb, toast and earthy notes. The flavors of ripe cherry, plums, berries, herb and green tea are balanced followed by a fruity, toasty finish. (87)
The 1997 Chardonnay, Don Miguel Vineyard, Russian River Valley has a perfumed bouquet of pineapple, citrus, apple, pear, cloves and toasty oak. The flavors of tropical fruits, nectarine, green apple and lemon/lime with hints of melon are bright and balanced followed by a fruity, citrus and vanilla etched finish. (90)
The 1996 Claret, Napa Valley (80% Cab.S., 12% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot) has a perfumed nose of black cherry, blackberry, violets, cigar box, licorice and tea. The flavors of blackberry, cherry, cassis, pepper, underbrush spice and spicy oak are balanced with good depth followed by a fruity, spicy finish with rounded tannins. (90)
The 1998 Chardonnay, Napa Valley (Barrel Fermented-Estate Bottled) has a perfumed nose of tropical fruits, carnation, citrus, apple and vanilla. The flavors of pineapple, banana, lemon/lime, coconut and spicy oak are balanced with good depth followed by a very fruity, creamy finish. Always a winner! (92)