I'll tell you right off the bat that there was a lot that I liked about this winery. It is a beautiful setting, spacious yet cozy tasting room, and the staff was both professional and engaging. When you have these components in a tasting experience, you'll find that the wines will seem to have a higher value. Fortunately, Lisa wasn't feeling the love as much as I was and kept our wine objectivity in check. Is this a place I'd return to? Perhaps. Would it be a place that I'd bring guests to? ...without even thinking twice! Even though we weren't enamored with the wine doesn't mean others would necessarily share that opinion. There I go again, probably giving them more credit that is deserved. The full truth is that the bouquets on nearly all of these wines were fantastic, but the palates were simple and disappointing.
2008 Reserve Chardonnay $45/$38/-
7 months in 20% new French
Has odd smell of sauerkraut. The palate is alarmingly bitter
and bland for a chardonnay. It’s an old, musty oak flavor. I think this one was
probably past its prime.
2008 Maximus $35/$30/$30
Bright fruit bouquet for a blend. Soft palate with no acidity, but very
accessible. Strawberry, raspberry… the
mild velvety finish finally appears.
2007 Napa Valley Merlot $47/$40/$45
75 merlot/18 malbec/ 7 cab franc
Notes of blackberry, black pepper, and mild raspberry.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga $55/$47/-
I love the deep nose on this one. Blackberry, plum, hints of
chocolate. The palate is light-bodied
and simple for a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve $95/$80/$60
The nose is thicker and deeper than the last, with black
cherry, cassis, mild pepper, plums, and a layer of cocoa. Fruit flows over the palate at attention, and
leaves a dusty finish. The body is better but the backbone is lacking. This
would benefit from years in the cellar.
2008 Syrah $47/$40/$45
Bright, candied raspberry, little cherry, blueberry aromas.
The palate is fresh with barely any acidity and a dusty
finish. The fruit is prominent, but thin.
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