Orin Swift Cellars The Prisoner 2008

Aged in both new and seasoned French and American oak, the Prisoner has become a cult favorite across the country for its big, juicy, sexy fruit flavors. Made by Orin Swift Cellars, which is the realized dream of a young California winemaker named Dave Phinney, The Prisoner is a concentrated ... more

Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello 2004

The Monte Bello is the wine that introduced Ridge to the world, and the world to Ridge. It is a blend of Bordeaux varietals in which Cabernet Sauvignon predominates. This year's estate red blend is 76% Cabernet, with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is a seamless, ... more

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended in 50% new and 50% once-used American oak barrels, and aged in barrel for approximately 25 months and another 15 months in bottle, this Cab is harmonious, smooth and supple. Look for black cherry, clove, cinnamon, lavender and licorice on the nose with a ... more

Continuum Proprietary Red 2006

We were visited in October 2009 by Carissa Mondavi, daughter of Tim Mondavi and granddaughter of the late Robert Mondavi. She was very enthusiastic and proud of her dad's new project: Continuum. Made from a 35 acre plot in the 500+ acre To Kalon vineyard, Continuum 2006 is a blend ... more

Lewis Cellars Napa Valley Syrah 2007

Only 550 cases were produced of this big, powerful bottle of northern Rhone-inspired red wine. Made of 100% Syrah from steep mountain vines in volcanic soils, the vineyard yields insanely concentrated juice that's practically jet-black. The wine is packed with cedary oak spice and smoky dark fruit flavors. Brambly and ... more

Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2007

Established in 1988, Patz & Hall embodies the shared vision and collective expertise of four talented friends - Donald Patz, James Hall, Anne Moses and Heather Patz. Together, this dedicated team of individuals has turned a desire to craft benchmark, single-vineyard Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs into one of California's most ... more

Paul Hobbs Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Made of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this powerful yet beautiful Cab comes from the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, which is owned and managed by Andy Beckstoffer. The gravelly, loamy soils of the site give the wine Graves-like aromas, and yield about 4 tons per acre. Planted in 1998, the vineyard is ... more

Paul Hobbs Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2007

Citrus and crème brûlée with a hint of roasted coffee in the nose...the palate displays rich aromas of sautéed fig, apple, and nectarine with just a touch of spearmint. An underlying minerality component adds beauty and complexity. This wine is well balanced and focused, and complemented by a lengthy finish. ... more

Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2007

The non-malolactic barrel-fermented, green/gold-colored 2007 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch offers loads of tropical fruit, pear, and honeysuckle characteristics in its full-bodied personality. The oak component has been downplayed over recent vintages, and the wine is all the better for it, displaying gorgeously pure fruit. It should drink nicely for 2-4 ... more

Paul Hobbs Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay 2007

Made by the world reknowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, this Russian River Chardonnay is from the esteemed Ritchie Vineyard. Kent Ritchie's hillside vineyard was planted in 1973 to the Old Wente Chardonnay clone, and has earned a reputation for top quality fruit. The Russian River Valley climate is defined by its ... more

August West Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007

August West is a California micro-producer which is a joint venture between Ed Kurtzman (winemaker), Gary Franscioni (owner of Rosella's vineyard) and Howard Graham (owner of Graham Family Vineyard). The wines are made exclusively from fruit from the partner's vineyards, some of Sonoma Coast's most highly regarded. For the most ... more

Chalk Hill Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2007

The 2007 season was perfect for growing Chardonnay in the Russian River and ideal weather throughout harvest allowed grapes from every block to reach perfect ripeness. All of the grapes were hand-sorted before whole cluster pressing, and a high percentage of lees in the Chardonnay juice added complexity and character. ... more