Carneros

"There's no great secret about what we do with Chardonnay at Neyers Vineyards: we rely on traditional French winemaking practices that in most instances have been in use for over a century. The fruit is completely protected from vine to winery. Although machines are increasingly used in the

"Deep purple in color; powerful aromas of wild berries, clove and plum emerge from the glass. Luscious, juicy layers of black cherry, blackberry and boysenberry integrate with nuances of allspice and burst on the palate. Berry flavors linger for an extended finish. Our favorite pairings for this

"Our Carneros Chardonnay shines with tropical fruit, citrus blossom and pineapple aromas. A hint of vanilla precedes flavors of peach, brown sugar and bright citrus. Vanilla returns with scents of oak leading to a long, supple finish. A classy wine to sip on its own, yet, as always, can be paired

" The 2010 shows sultry aromas of strawberry, cherry and pomegranate with a touch of cocoa powder and graham crackers from oak aging. An earth spice also intermingles with the fruit and reflects the soil where the grapes were grown. In the glass, the flavors turn to raspberry rhubarb preserves with

Wine Advocate 95"Black olives, savory herbs, asphalt, bittersweet chocolate, cloves and menthol all flesh out in Failla’s 2010 Syrah Hudson Vineyard. A dark, rich wine, the 2010 saturates the palate with endless waves of flavor. There is so much going on in the glass, it’s hard to know where to

" Located in gently rolling terrain north of Carneros Highway, the soils are quite heavy clay. Vine selection is Old Wente and Long Vineyards, and the vines range from five to twenty-two years old. The Wente is marked by very small grape clusters, with small berries, and the so-called

Stephen Tanzer 95"Bright gold. Energetic aromas of green apple, jasmine, minerals and lemon zest. Dry and nervy, with brisk acidity and a saline nuance giving energy and lift to its citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Vibrant and impressively pure chardonnay, finishing spicy, long and dry, with

"Clos Du Val’s 2010 Chardonnay has aromas of crème brulée accented with hints of pear, white peach and apricot. The palate is met with rich, tropical fruit flavors and a subtle touch of citrus. While creamy and full bodied, this chardonnay exhibits a balance and elegance which are characteristic of

" Restrained, vibrant and dry, this shows herb-inflected tropical fruit and citrus flavors, with a yeasty note of lees. Oak lurks subtlely and tastefully in the background. Bone dry, this is more elegant than opulent, making it food friendly." ~ S.H.

"Golden and luminous, this vintage of our Dijon Clones Chardonnay enchants the nose with an array of ripe lemon, fresh kadota fig and candied pear fruit, swirling with wisps of caramel, English toffee and cinnamon bark. The entry is smooth and supple, filled with delectable pomelo, juicy apricot and

"Every once in a while we are presented with wines that are complete “no brainers,” and Sean Minor’s wines certainly fell into that category. They all offer tremendous quality and balance at incredibly low prices. Sean Minor has been in the wine business for 20+ years, starting at Beaulieu Vineyards

"The foggy, breezy slopes of the Carneros region in the southern end of Napa Valley present an ideal home for Pinot Noir a notoriously challenging varietal. Situated by San Pablo Bay, the clay hills of the Carneros allow the delicate, thin-skinned Pinot Noir to reach optimum maturity slowly and

Wine Enthusiast 90"This is a glamorous, fashionable wine that gives the pleasure you want in a bubbly. Its dryish and crisp, with doughy yeast, raspberry and lime flavors. A good price for a California sparkling wine of this quality."  ~SH

" Our Carneros Chardonnay is a bright, clean wine with excellent balance of fruit and structure. In this vintage, flavors of ripe peach and pear are followed by notes of soft vanilla. Barrel aging contributes to a round, satisfying mouthfeel with very subtle oak flavor. " ~ Winery notes

" The 2009 Estate Pinot Noir packs a full range of flavors. Beginning with the nose one encounters dark red fruits including raspberry and black cherry, complemented by hints of anise spice and an undercurrent of loamy forest floor. The palate delivers cedar, juicy red fruit flavors, and a

" Vibrant d’Anjou pear and Fuji apple, with subtle pineapple, citrus, and honey highlights. The round and full palate is silky and bright, with good minerality, creamy complexity, and a long, clean finish of mineral, white nectarine, and Meyer lemon. " ~ Winery notes

"Deep ruby color with a crimson hue. Subtle nuances of cherry and mint aromas support an abundance of mulberry and plum fruit. A soft and supple bouquet of lush plum, cedar and hints of blackberry are framed with silky tannins. Blueberry essence builds on the back palate for a smooth finish." ~

" Smooth and elegant, our 2010 Carneros Pinot Noir unfolds in opulent layers of wild berries, ripe Bing cherry and Burgundy plum. As it is swirled in the glass, the wine evolves to reveal complex hints of mineral, teaberry, cinnamon and vanilla. There are yet more nuances, which Winemaker Matthew

Wine Enthusiast 90"Smooth and rich, this has creamy flavors of buttered toast, golden mango, Key lime pie and honey. Balancing all the sweet richness is fine acidity and a steely minerality. It’s a bit dialed into the modern style, but there’s no denying the opulent deliciousness of this

Wine Advocate 91-93"The 2011 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard is much more polished than the 2010. The aromas and flavors are all beautifully articulated. Pretty and fruit driven, the 2010 is laced with sweet tobacco, cedar, sage and smoke. I very much like the way Hobbs has drawn out the density of the

" This Merlot is marked by power, richness and soft tannins, with a bright blackberry and plum nose offset by hints of bramble, spice, coffee, tobacco, and toasty vanilla ending in a complex, persistent finish. " ~Winery Notes

“The Carneros Chardonnay is first and foremost about aromatics, and the techniques I use are designed to retain the signature Carneros aromas of lemon-citrus and white blossom while accentuating the minerality and vivid, fresh fruit flavors of citrus and stone fruits in the wine. Partial barrel

" This Estate Grown Rose is made with Pinot Noir grapes -- the variety for which Etude is justly known – this is a well-structured, flavorful Rosé, brimming with notes of dried cranberries, freshcherries and a touch of orange peel. Juicy and defined, the wine fills the mouth with similar fresh,

Wine & Spirits Magazine 90"Lush scents of kirsch emerge from the initial dark and juicy flavors. This is sleek and soft, its tannins layering mineral detail over the velvet texture. A rich pinot to serve with roast squab. "