2005 Beringer, Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve:
A pretty good wine with way too much oak.
2005 Etude, Cabernet Sauvignon:
A much better wine with just a hair too much wood. I’m guessing time in the bottle will be good to this.
2007 Roessler, Pinot Noir Hein Vnyd.:
14.1% alcohol; a fine grained, aromatic Anderson Valley pinot that reminds me of Chambolle except for the “crunchy” fruit impression I often get from Mendocino fruit. Well balanced, somewhat brooding but detailed and long.
I have no idea if the recent change in ownership at this house will change these wines in the future.
2007 Calera, Pinot Noir Mills Vnyd.:
Nicely balanced for such a big pinot; dry, structured, dense and strongly flavored. Will benefit from time in the cellar. Nothing feminine here but a good example of big, strapping pinot with balance.
2007 Chronicle, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast:
My second experience with this wine and it continues to impress. More elegant than the Calera with greater complexity and less evident structure; still a wine to savor and an absolute star with food. A fine pinot with more going on than just the fruit.
2007 Chronicle, Pinot Noir Cerise Vnyd.:
After being open for about two hours, I can see much more in this wine then when first opened. A touch more sweetness than the Sonoma Coast and a lot more depth. Not a better wine but a different one and quite good.
N/V Roederer Estate, Sparkling Wine Brut Anderson Valley:
Not too sweet, not too tart, nice bead, excellent balance and lively flavors. And hard to beat at $20. Our go to bubbles.
Best, Jim