1 | Wine | Sonoma County, 91 to 95, 2009

"Mocha, espresso and savory herbs add nuance and complexity as this dark wine gradually unfurls in the glass. I see terrific depth and richness here, but readers will have to be patient. There is a lot going on here."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Monument is a beautiful wine. Dark cherries, mocha, plums, spices, mint, minerals and graphite are woven together in this effortless, totally captivating wine. The 2009 impresses for its nuance, clarity and precision."

"Compelling nose offers black cherry, black raspberry, bacon fat, smoked meat and white pepper. Thick but lively on entry, then superconcentrated in the middle, with a fascinating sweetness and perfume to the black fruit and pepper flavors. Finishes very long and brisk, with a suggestion of candied fruit, serious but ripe tannins, and lovely smoky persistence. A beauty." Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer.

"The 2009 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard impresses for its focus and nuance. Layers of chiseled, beautifully delineated fruit emerge from this sculpted Chardonnay. The Hudson is about subtlety first and foremost. Ripe apricots, freshly cut flowers, pastry, lemon, crushed rocks and French oak inform the pure, creamy finish."

"Ripe but well-structured. ...with wild berry and licorice aromas and rich, layered flavors of plum and smoked pepper that are balanced with a great backbone of acidity and tannins."

"Bright gold. Intensely perfumed aromas of orange pith, pear and anise, with slow-building spiciness and a touch of salty minerality. Vibrant, finely etched citrus and orchard fruit flavors expand and deepen with air, picking up a sexy florality. The brisk finish features a strong jolt of melon and a touch of iodine."

"The 2009 Chardonnay Estate emerges from the glass with lemon, citrus, white flowers and spices. This mid-weight, gracious wine impresses for its balance, energy and understated personality. I loved it."

"Inky purple. Exotic bouquet combines wild dark berry, cherry compote and licorice, lifted by notes of potpourri and cracked pepper. At once dense and juicy, with a compelling sweetness to its intense blackberry, boysenberry and violet pastille flavors. Bright acidity and a deep Moroccan spice quality give this wine energy and aromatic persistence. The blue fruits continue on the finish, which refuses to let up." -Stephen Tanzer

"The 2009 is a huge, mouthfilling wine bursting with dark fruit. It doesn't have the textural finesse or sophistication of Les Pavots (especially in the tannins), but it is nevertheless incredibly pleasing right now. I loved it."