Lynmar Estates

TRL/Staff/Wine: 10/9/8

The offerings here are mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They produce 6,000 cases per year, which I was intrigued by. This is a spectacular venue, I can't imagine how they're profit margins can afford it.  Some of their business diversity includes picnics and tastings, and other conference type accommodations. The tasting fee is $15 and I'm finding that the market economy has driven more and more wineries in Sonoma County to this model, where it was once prolifically gratis.

We were tempted to join the wine club here, but they deliver six bottles, four times a year, worth about $350 ea.  That was a little rich for my taste, today.

2010 Laguna Ridge Chardonnay $20/$17/$25

30% new French/70% neutral oak; partial malolactic fermentation.

Creamy, buttery nose, but a clean, light-body chard. A good balance between melon (honeydew) and lemon.

2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay $30/$25/$32

10% new oak; full malolactic fermentation

Brighter lemon, but not tart. Wonderfully enjoyable wine!

2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $40/$34/$42

A little tobacco, cocoa, and cherry/raspberry on the nose. Red fruit, chocolate, and spice on the finish.  

{Lisa: delicious spice that does not overwhelm the palate in the least, just washes over.  I get mostly chocolate and allspice on the nose – interesting combination.}

2009 Freestone Cuvee Pinot Noir $50/$43/$35

Nice, soft spice nose consistent with the cool, coastal climate. (Hawk Hill and Zephyr Farms).  It’s light-bodied with very little fruit on the palate. The finish is where the flavor appears, with real cinnamon and mild baking spice.  {Lisa: The nose is fabulous as I’m able to draw a rich Washington apple flavor in the middle of all the baking spices.  The palate washes over too quickly and you briefly wonder if you tasted anything but water, until the after flavor settles and the nose you had in the beginning is rewarded.}

2008 Hawk Hill Pinot Noir $70/$60/$45

Based upon the nose alone, the Zephyr Farms ruined the last wine. The Hawk Hill nose is AMAZING!  The baked spice on the nose is so engaging. The body is light w/ thin red fruits. The spice is subdued on the palate, but it’s an enjoyable experience.