1 | Wine | Sonoma County | Page 4

"Soft and silky, with intriguing floral and crushed pomegranate aromas, this medium bodied wine was aged for nine months in small, French oak barrels which added a hint of toasty vanilla and spice complexity. Ideal for current enjoyment, this Pinot noir will age nicely over the next two to four years."

"Bright yellow. Pungent aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, saffron and mint, with an underpinning of smoky minerals. Dusty citrus and apple flavors are complemented by a sexy floral quality and enlivened by zesty minerality. Finishes with excellent clarity and stony thrust, the floral note repeating. This taut, dry, deeply concentrated chardonnay should age gracefully."

"Our 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is medium-bodied with flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and blackberry. This wine has an earthy and robust character, which is framed by subtle hints of oak from French and American barrels. This wine showcases the extraordinary dark fruit flavors that result from the unique growing conditions of the Russian River Valley."

"Meyer lemon, kaffir lime, citrus, and grassy characters arise from the glass. The palate repeats many of the aromatic themes making the wine fresh and vibrant. Classic underlying minerality provides a seamless core of acidity and backbone that are hallmarks of our Fumé Blanc. A delicious wine from start to finish, this is a near perfect pairing with fresh oysters."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve explodes from the glass with black fruit, grilled herbs, licorice, smoke and tar. The Grand Reserve reveals tons of energy and exceptional overall balance."

"The 2010 includes a small amount of Petite Sirah to broaden the mouthfeel on the wine and add a little more dark fruit to the palate. There are aromas of raspberry, plum, black cherry, and citrus. In the glass there are flavors of plum, cranberry, black cherry, and classic spicy black pepper. The 2010 is a restrained vintage and will reward those with the patience to cellar a few bottles. "

"The 2011 Stiling Chardonnay is a wonderful blend of floral, citrus, apple and mineral components wrapped into one. Lemon, tangerine and apple flavors combined with hints of Muscat are layered with an intriguing mineral element. Toasty French oak pairs nicely with the fruit, adding a creaminess that rounds out the middle palate and carries the flavors into a supple finish."

"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."