Landmark

TRL/Staff/Wine: 10/9/9

What a gorgeous setting, set back from Sonoma Highway, in the middle of the vineyards. Spacious and picturesque, there's no way you'd not want to just open a bottle and spend the day there.  The staff was not only knowledgeable, but they were charming, engaging, and presented recommendations of other wineries based upon our preferences. The wine was very good and well-priced at the club discount level.  Do not miss this opportunity...

2010 Overlook Chardonnay $25/$20/$22

Grapefruit and pear on the nose; the palate follows.  20% new French oak/80% neutral. Thin body. Mild minerality with some tartness.

2010 Damaris Reserve chardonnay $40/$32/$32

Love the rich buttery, toasty, creamy nose. Nice oaky finish with lemon zest and hints of pear.

2009 Lorenzo Chardonnay Russian River Valley $55/$44/$43

Love the rich nose on this too! Hints of yeast and butter on the nose.  Light toast on the palate with less creaminess on the mouthfeel than the Damaris Reserve. This has a crisp finish with balanced acidity.

2011 Steel Plow Estate Vineyard

Grenache/syrah/mouvedre

{Lisa – very strong strawberry and pink grapefruit blend  on the nose, the I was taken aback by the memory of heavy pink syrup penicillin from when I was a kid.  Could not get past it to enjoy the palate.}

2010 Grand Detour Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast $35/$28/$30

Some spice and a layer of candied cherry on the nose.  The palate is smooth with well integrated fruit that has modest appeal.

2010 Spring Hill Pinot Noir $55/$44/$38

Mild notes of cola, lavender, and forest floor. I get some of the candied cherry on the edges of my palate. It’s an enjoyable, easy-drinking Pinot Noir.

2009 Kanzler Pinot Noir $65/$52/$49

This has a bright raspberry, strawberry, and cherry bouquet. This is very enticing and welcoming.  The palate has a really nice balance of acidity, fruit, spice, and slight earthiness wrapped up in a medium-bodied wine.

2010 Kanzler Pinot Noir $65/$52/$50

Richer fruit, better body, extremely balanced fruit. This is a delicious Pinot Noir. The blackberry, cherry, finish balances the minerality and hints of anise.

2010 Steel Plow Estate Vineyard Grenache $35/$28/$30

Only slight strawberry on the nose.  There is a smokey spice to this which fools you into believing this might be a pinot.  The palate announces, “I’m a Grenache” with light strawberry, hint of spice, and a little bit of minerality to balance it. Strawberry gets stronger, red apple skin.

2010 Kivelstadt Vineyard Syrah, Sonoma Valley $40/$32/$35

Nice blackberry nose with modest minerality and smokiness. The palate exudes earthy notes with good balance of black fruits, vanilla and spices.