Recent Tastings of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay

2016 Anaba Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.61, 1,187 cases, $42. A blend of select lots and clones from five vineyards. Clones are Pommard, 115, “828,” 777 and 667. Harvest Brix 23.6º. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The showy nose offers aromas of red fruits, exotic spices and pipe smoke. Light to mid weight in an elegant style, featuring juicy red cherry flavor with the slightest confected tone. Silky in the mouth, with gentle tannins. A giving wine that is easy to embrace and made for delightful everyday drinking. Score: 92

2016 Anaba Westlands Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., Ph 3.43, TA 0.62, 258 cases, $60. This wine is meant to capture the essence of the West Sonoma Coast. Sourced from Jay Morris, O’Connor and Clary Ranch vineyards located in the West Sebastopol and West Petaluma regions. Clones 777, “828,” Pommard, 667 and Calera. Harvest Brix 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Generous aromas of dark red and purple fruits, rose, mulch and burnt tobacco. The flavors echo the nose in a mid weight styled wine. A little more extraction and seriousness than the regular Sonoma Coast bottling with a little more mid palate intensity and a more flamboyant finish. Both the tannins and oak are perfectly integrated. Score: 93

2016 Anaba Wildcat Mountain Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.64, 121 cases, $56. This hilltop vineyard located at 700 feet elevation was planted in 1998 by vintner Steve MacRostie and partners. Clones 115 and 777. Harvest Brix 23.7º 100% destemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Teasing aromas of darker cherry, graham and spice. On entry, the wine wows you with mid weight flavors of black cherry and spice. The sumptuous texture caresses and the finish leaves behind endless echoes of aromatic goodness. The balance is impeccable, the wine has style and grace, and the overall experience is seductive. Score: 94

2016 Anaba Sangiacomo-Roberts Road Vineyard Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.62, 108 cases, $56. Vineyard planted in 1999. Half the day, the vineyard is shrouded in fog and also affected by coastal breezes. The block for this bottling is in the flat land at the base of Sonoma Mountain and features welldrained, silty gravel soils. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Aromas of blueberry, dark cherry, ash and new leather draw you into the glass. The dark red fruit core delivers purity and is framed by gentle tannins. The plush texture attracts and the finish offers racy cherry fruit. The wine takes on more intensity and character over time in the glass. Score: 92

2016 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.61, 241 cases, $56. Vineyard is owned and farmed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. Pisoni “clone.” Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers competition between aromas of maraschino cherry, rose and dried herbs and oak-driven ash and vanilla. Light to mid weight in style, offering earth-toned fruit flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. A pretty wine with a polished mouthfeel, a dash of toasty oak, and some length on the sweet boysenberry finish. Score: 90

2016 Anaba Dutton Ranch Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.67, 278 cases, $42. Grapes come from the Mills Station Vineyard and Shop Block Vineyard in the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA lying within the Sonoma Coast AVA. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, 90% malolactic fermentation, aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 27% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Delicate aromas of lemon, yellow apple and honeydew melon. Rich and creamy on the palate, and loaded with pineapple, honey, blond caramel and brioche flavors, with nicely integrated acidity woven into the fabric of the wine. Nothing to specifically criticize, but just doesn’t excite me. Score: 89

2016 Anaba J McK Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.67, 193 cases, $42. Wente clone. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented with 65% malolactic fermentation, and aged 17 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 38% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The aromas of lemon, pineapple and yellow stone fruits build in intensity over time in the glass. Silky and vibrant on the palate, with appealing flavors of citrus fruits, blond caramel and butterscotch. An upbeat, energetic wine that aims to please. Score: 92

2012 Blagden Sangiacomo - Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.60, 220 cases, $48. Released March 2017. Clones 115, Swan and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native fermentation in open-top fermenters, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Despite being several years old, this wine benefits from time and was more appealing when tasted a day after opening. Aromas of black cherry, spice and barrique lead to a light to mid weight styled wine featuring black cherry and blueberry fruit flavors. Silky, with good t n’a balance, and elegant composure. There is more oak imprint than I prefer. Score: 90

2013 Blagden Sangiacomo - Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.50, 200 cases, $58. Released March 2018. Winner of 11th Annual International Women’s Winemaking Competition. Clones 115, Swan and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native fermentation in open-top fermenters, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 38% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry, floral perfume and a hint of vanilla. Expansive flavors of black raspberry and boysenberry are framed by sleek tannins creating a comforting mouthfeel. More ripeness and extraction in this vintage compared to the 2012 bottling. There is a light imprint of toasty oak. Score: 91

2015 Blagden Sangiacomo - Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.50, 125 cases, $48. Release March 2019. Clones 115, Swan and 777. 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation in open-top fermenters after a 5-day cold soak, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of crushed dark red and black berries along with a bit of toasty oak soar from the glass. Mid weight plus in style with plenty of black fruit stuffing. The wine carries the weight of fruit and alcohol well. Plush and polished on the palate, with noticeable length to the finish. Score: 92

2016 Blagden Sangiacomo-Roberts Road Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $Pre-release. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of dark red and black fruits with an appealing freshness. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, exotic spices, and a dusting of toasty oak presented in a wholesome and coordinated fashion. Nuances of loam and floral perfume add interest. Beautifully balanced, with integrated tannins, and a long finish replete with black cherry goodness. Score: 93

2016 Blagden Placida Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $pre-release. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate and hints of floral goodness and oak. The mid weight core of botanical-infused black cherry fruit has welcome juiciness. Elegantly composed, with a suave texture and a strikingly long black cherry infused finish. Score: 92

2015 Ayiana Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60, 175 cases, $38. Release March 2019. Label designed in honor of Mom Cynthia H. Grace who succumbed to lung cancer in 2012 and loved hummingbirds. 100% de-stemmed, native fermentation in open-top fermenters after a 5-day cold soak, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasant aromas of black cherry and black raspberry with overtones of aged barrique. Bold in a mid weight plus style, with flavors that echo the aromas. Initially a bit reserved and rustic, reaching new heights with time in the glass. A dash of toasty oak is the background and a bit of tannin shows up on the finish. More enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing better tannin and oak integration. Score: 92

2016 Brooks Note Marin County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.63, 200 cases, $36. A blend of grapes from Azaya Ranch (clones are Wädenswil 2A, 115, 667 and “”828.”) and Chileno Valley Vineyard (Pommard and “828.”). 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 33% once-filled and 33% neutral. Filtered and bottled in February 2017. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is highly rewarding, featuring deep aromas of cherry, rose petal and baking spice. Regal and silky in the mouth, with a core of dark chocolate covered black cherry flavor enhanced with an earthy tone. Seamless, with a pleasing cherry-driven finish. Score: 93

2016 Brooks Note Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.65, 250 cases, $44. Rochioli selection and Wädenswil 2A clone from the lower, eastern block planted in 1992 and a Romaneé-Conti selection from the higher, western block. 10% whole cluster. 3-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 66% neutral. Bottled in March 2017. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of black cherry, raspberry, spice cabinet and a hint of toasty oak. Fresh and invigorating in the mouth, with a charge of ripe cherry and raspberry fruit with a hint of cola. The tannic backbone is finely tuned and the finish hangs on for what seems like at least 30 seconds. A real charmer. You should stock up on this one at this price. Score: 95

2016 Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.60, 14,720 cases,$30. Grapes for this wine are sourced from some of the finest vineyards on the Central Coast including Solomon Hills, Sierra Madre, Bien Nacido, Garys’, Laetitia and Pedregal vineyards. Average harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 10% new and 90% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Enchanting aromas of dusty cherry, violets and rose petal initially, but with time in the glass, oak takes over and char aroma appears. Mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, purple berry and cola with an overcoat of oak. Plenty of well-ripened fruit stuffing that carries through the finish, but the aggressive oak imprint detracts. Score: 87

2016 Calera Central Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.67, 13,416 cases, $25. Sourced from eight of the Central Coast’s finest vineyards including Sierra Madre, Bien Nacido, Lone Oak, Laetitia, Talley and Pedregal. Average harvest Brix 24.5º. Barrel fermented, native yeasts, 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 10 months without racking in French oak barrels, 10% new, 90% neutral. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Well-appointed scents of lemon, lemongrass, yellow applesauce and melon. Slightly viscous in the mouth with pleasing flavors of lemon, yellow apple and biscuit. Streamlined, with energetic acidity and oak way in the background. Score: 90

2015 Calera Ryan Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.63, 397 cases, $60. Produced from relatively young vines planted in 1998 and 2001. At 2,500 feet, ryan is the highest vineyard on Mt. Harlan. Average harvest Brix 24.0º. Yields in 2015 0.45 tons per acre. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, 10% second and 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Highly nuanced nose offering aromas of blackberry, blackest cherry, pomegranate, fertile earth, bramble and toasty oak. A flood of enthusiastic boysenberry and blackberry fruit flavors saturate the palate. A hint of spice and toast add interest. The fruit is supported by very fine-grain tannins and the wine finishes long, dry and lip-smacking. Score: 92

2015 Calera Mills Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.66, 309 cases, $70. Vines planted on their own roots in 1984 and 1998. Average harvest Brix 24.0º. Yield in 2015 0.32 tons per acre. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, 10% second, 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Highly appealing aromas of blueberry-pomegranate, black cherry, spice, fertile topsoil and roasted coffee beans. Delicious core of black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate fruits are accented with spice and tobacco oak. Impressive harmony and grace with reigned-in tannins. The finish is exceptionally long. Score: 93

2015 Calera Selleck Vineyard Mt. Harlan Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.72, 125 cases, $95. Vines planted in 1975 on a tiny 4.8-acre vineyard. Yield in 2015 0.35 tons per acre. Average harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, 10% second, 60% neutral. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. This wine displays the ripest fruit profile in the 2015 lineup tasted, featuring aromas and flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and blackberry. The fruit flavors are really delightful although a little too ripe for me to fully embrace. The wine has impeccable harmony, with very fine-grain tannins, an appealing earthiness, a compliment of underlying oak, and a big, fruitladen finish. Score: 93

2017 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.56, $45. Dutton Ranch farms over 80 unique vineyards located in the cooler areas of the Russian River Valley, primarily in the Green Valley sub-appellation. This wine is a blend of grapes from 12 of these Sonoma County Certified Sustainable vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, 14-20 days on the skins, and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose arrives slowly to reveal attractive aromas of cherry liquor, black raspberry, fertile earth and savory herbs. Mid weight plus in style, with a core of earth-toned cherry and blackberry fruits. Highly approachable, with redeeming balance and some finishing length. Score: 90

2017 Dutton-Goldfield Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.59, $39. Sourced from 8 vineyards, primarily located in the cool Green Valley of Russian River Valley. All vineyards are Sonoma County Certified Sustainable. Barrel fermented with a combination of indigenous and inoculated yeast strains. Full malolactic fermentation. Lees are stirred twice monthly through the winter. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of lemon, pineapple, fresh yellow apple and ripe pear. Vigorous flavors of citrus, pear and kiwi follow in a clean, bright style of wine with an upbeat personality. Score: 91

2016 En Garde Starkey Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.,138 cases, $60. 30+ year-old vines including clones 23, Pommard and “828.” Harvest Brix 24.8º-25.6º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with upbeat aromas of black cherry, baking spices and nutty oak. A deeply flavored black cherry core brings the taste buds to attention in this middleweight styled wine. A real cherry delight with impeccable oak integration, silky tannins and a wondrous finish. This wine took two days after opening to really reach its peak, when my notes say “great!” Score: 94

2016 En Garde Pleasant Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 98 cases, $60. Vineyard is located in Sebastopol near Starkey’s Hill. 25+ year-old vines including clones 115, 667, and Pommard. 100% clone 115 in this wine. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is spectacular, offering hi-tone aromas of dark cherry, dark red berry, spice and rose petal. Delicious black raspberry, black cherry, spice and cola flavors in a mid weight plus style. Impressive energy and juiciness with a light dash of oak and a profound finish. This ephemeral wine is more giving upon opening than the Starkey’s Hill. Score: 94

2016 En Garde Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 121 cases, $80. Clones “828,” 23 and Pommard. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Loamy aromas join an array of dark fruits on the nose. The mid weight flavors of dark red and black cherry satisfy, yet the wine is a bit rustic and brooding initially. The alcohol is well integrated and the finest grain tannins provide textural interest as well as support for longevity. The finish is the longest of the three 2016 En Garde Pinots tasted. More giving with lively aromatics but with noticeable oak input when re-tasted two days after opening. This is a wine to put away in your cellar for a few years while you drink the more charming Pleasant Hill bottling. Score: 93

2016 FEL Donnelly Creek Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. Limited whole cluster inclusion. Aged in French oak barrels, 20% new, for 16 months. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of black cherry and exotic spices lead to a middleweight styled wine with flavors of black cherry, mushroom and toast. Easy to like, with suede tannins and a succulent, fruit-filled finish. Impeccably balanced for long-term enjoyment. Score: 93

2017 FEL Anderson Valley Chardonnay

13.7% alc., $32. Sourced from Savoy and Ferrington vineyards. Very limited malolactic fermentation. Aged on the lees, without stirring, for 10 months in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Scents of lemon-lime, lemongrass, green apple and jasmine. An acid driven style with flavors of lemon-lime and green apple. Nervy with a zesty but slightly bitter finish. I have had a number of un-oaked Chardonnays that I preferred in comparison. Score: 89

2015 La Pitchoune Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.58, 298 cases, $48. Sourced from English Hill, Holder and Morris vineyards. Dijon clones 115, 667, 777 and “838.” Average harvest Brix 24.3º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once used, and 50% four years or older. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of purple grapes, boysenberry and underbrush lead off. Dense and bold in a fruit-driven mid weight plus style, with waves of dark red and purple fruits greeting the palate. A botanical thread plies the background. Nicely composed with balanced tannins and some finishing purpose. Score: 90

2015 La Pitchoune Holder Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 48 cases, $68. Vineyard is a 1.25-acre family operated site. Dijon clones 115 and 667. Harvest Brix 24.3º and 24.6º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once used and 50% four years or older. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark berries, grape must and nutty oak develop more appeal over time in the glass. The mid weight plus purple and black berry fruits flood the mouth with goodness. Subtle oak spice adds interest. The svelte tannins make for gracious drinking, and the bold and very long finish puts this wine in an upper category. Score: 93

2015 La Pitchoune English Hill Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.59, 48 cases, $68. Dijon 115, 667 and a Vosne-Romanée selection. Harvest Brix 23.0º and 23.4º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once used and 50% four years or older. (This vineyard is located at the northern end of the Petaluma Gap and is always windy so the skins are super thick resulting in higher phenolic levels. The higher phenolic levels can stress the yeast and this can cause a smokey character in the wine. The Vosne-Romanée selection also contributes to that character. The vineyard was also a former cattle pasture) · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of red berry jam, tobacco and smoke. The wine is blessed with plenty of cherry and cranberry fruit in a mid weight style, but not as exuberant as the Holder bottling. There is a noticeable smoky component to the flavor profile. The wine was more amendable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, but I suspect this wine needs a few years in the cellar. Definitely a terroir-driven wine. Score: 91

2015 La Pitchoune Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.55, 48 cases, $58. Dijon clones 777, “828,” and a La Tache selection. Harvest Brix 22.0º and 25.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, 25% once used and 50% more than three years old. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of purple berry and seasoned oak. Sleek and silky on the palate, with vigorous flavors of blackberry and blueberry-pomegranate that persist through a lengthy finish. There is a savory, earthy component to the flavor profile as well. This wine has the most tannins of the four 2015 Pinot Noirs tasted, but they are not aggressive and should serve this wine well as far as age ability. Score: 92

2015 La Pitchoune Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.59, 185 cases, $48. Sourced from Pratt, Chenoweth and Dutton Sullivan vineyards. Selections of Wente, Wente-Hyde, Robert Young and Mt. Eden. Harvest Brix 23.6º-23.9º. Barrel fermented and aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 10% new, 90% twice used or older. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color with slight cloudiness (unfiltered) in the glass. Aromas of lemon tart, peach, cold steel, old wood and a hint of flint initially. A cozy, easy to like wine, with ripe flavors of Honeycrisp apple, white peach, lemon curd, honey and a subtle bit of matchstick in the background initially. Slightly viscous in texture, with a citrus-driven finish. Considerably more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when the aromas of citrus, white peach and slate were singing and all evidence of reduction had disappeared. Score: 91

2015 La Pitchoune Pratt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.61, 52 cases, $68. Robert Young and Mt Eden clones. Harvest Brix 23.7º. Barrel fermented, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new and 67% four years old. · Moderate golden yellow color with slight cloudiness (unfiltered) in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of oak-kissed lemon and pear. Very polished in the mouth with good fullness featuring flavors of lemon, pineapple and complimentary toasty oak. The wine finishes softly with a grapefruit-flavored flourish. Much more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93

2015 La Pitchoune Chenoweth Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.9% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.61, 48 cases, $88. Wente-Hyde selection. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Barrel fermented and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% four years old. · Moderate golden yellow color with slight cloudiness (unfiltered) in the glass. Noticeable flinty, stinky aromas upon opening, decreasing over time in the glass. Fruit aromas and flavors of lemon, pineapple and yellow grapefruit with a hint of brioche, in a mildly austere but sophisticated style. Creamy in texture, with a satisfying lemony finish. Considerably more likable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when all reductive aromas had resolved. Score: 92

2016 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.60, $82. 100% de-stemmed after hand harvesting. After a 5-day cold soak, inoculated with cultured yeasts to begin fermentation. Manual punch downs with a total maceration time of 16 to 28 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of purple berries, spice and a shade of oak. Immediately open and giving in a mid weight plus style, featuring flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with a deft hint of oak. Expansive in the mouth with a cohesive tannic backbone and a very long and intensely fruity finish. Very polished, with fruit that offers a really charming spark of pleasure. Even better when tasted several hours later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The balance in this wine predicts favorable age ability. A perfect accompaniment would be a grilled prime New York steak. Score: 96

2015 Waits-Mast Oppenlander Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 118 cases, $45. Released November 2018. Vineyard is located outside the town of Comptche, 8.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Consistently cool temperatures pervade the growing season and harvest is late. Clones 115 and Pommard. 100% de-stemmed, native yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in a mix of once-used, twice-used and neutral French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Elegantly styled, with aromas of cherry, strawberry, tobacco leaf and toast. Discreet in weight, with refreshing flavors of cherry, raspberry and allspice. Good vibrancy, with a suave mouthfeel and some finishing grace and purpose. Score: 90

2015 Waits-Mast Mariah Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., 75 cases, $42. Released November 2018. Vineyard is located at 2,400 feet elevation. Dry-farmed. Clones 667 and Pommard. 100% destemmed, proprietary yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Primarily oak-driven toast and char aromas. Difficult to coax any fruit aromas from the glass. Mid weight plus in concentration, with well-ripened flavors of purple and black berries that fill the mid palate. Sleek in texture with balance tannins and a fruit-driven, slightly sweet finish.. Tasted twice with consistent results. Score: 88

2015 Waits-Mast Wentzel Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 90 cases, $47. Released November 2018. The 10-acre vineyard near Philo is organically farmed. Dijon clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, proprietary yeast fermentation, aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry pie and underbrush lead to light to mid weight flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with a bit of nutty oak in the background. The fruit is supported by mild, ruddy tannins. The wine has a somewhat shallow finish and lacks a bit of stuffing, but overall is a pleasant drink. Score: 89

2016 Waits-Mast Nash Mill Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $Pre-release. Vineyard is located at the cool northern end of Anderson Valley. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose balances aromas of cherry, fertile earth and oak. Tasty mid weight flavors of black cherry and raspberry are framed by gracious tannins. Complimentary oak highlights ply the background. The wine has an appealingly polished texture. The fruit always stands out from this vineyard. Score: 92