Ratings Explained
84 & Below – Not Posted ‘cause we won’t drink it
85 + A good wine. Buy if the price is right
90 + A very good wine, in our humble opinion
95 + An awe inspiring wine – Possibly life altering
All wine reviews are based solely on the personal tastes of the authors.
Disclosure: Samples are designated by an “S” beside the wine reviewed.
We’re still objective. Robert Parker doesn’t buy his wines either
An interestingly complex Pinot Noir with an earthy nose of cherry, raspberry, plum and spice with notes of blueberry. French oak aging creates a medium-bodied Pinot with supple tannins with flavors of dark cherry, rhubarb, plum, minerality and brown spice. Juicy acidity offers many food pairing possibilities. Cherry and leather in the long finish. Buy This Wine
Always a favorite in the Pinot Gris category. Equally good as a refreshing sipper or pairing with lighter fare. Aged in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, it offers aromas of citrus, orange peel and honeysuckle with hints of melon. The palate is treated to bright acidity with rounded flavors of citrus, melon and minerality with subtle notes or orange zest. Just a touch of lime in the finish. Buy This Wine
Hawley is a consistent producer of high quality Viognier. The flavor profile of this white wine usually sits somewhere between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Hawley’s Viognier is fermented in neutral oak barrels giving it a softer mouth-feel with balanced acidity. A zesty nose of citrus and tropicals with flavors of citrus, white peach, minerality and the softest hint of honeycomb as it opens. A wonderful alternative to the more common whites. Buy This Wine
A straight forward Chardonnay the strikes a nice balance between the newer ultra-lean Chards and the oaky butter bombs. From a cool weather vineyard with marine influence just east of Bodega Bay. A nice nose of red apple, pear, vanilla and baking spice. A round mouth-feel with zippy acidity offering flavors of apple pie, creamy vanilla, citrus and caramel with spicy minerality on the long finish. Pair this wine with summer fare including meats such as grilled chicken or just enjoy it on its own. Buy This Wine
A Pinot lover’s Pinot Noir. Very small production…only 72 cases. This hand-crafted medium-bodied Pinot offers a wonderful bouquet of aromas including notes of raspberry, strawberry and blackberry with hints of saddle leather and spice. Absolutely delicious on the palate with bright fruit flavors cherry, plum, ripe raspberry red berries and spice. Nicely structured with supple tannins and juicy acidity. Lots of inciting spice in the log finish. It’s worth a call to get this artisan Pinot before its gone. Buy This Wine
