Top Ten July 2017

A good, clean Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Violets and cassis open on an intensely aromatic nose leading into a fuller palate with a fine mineraled dustiness. A solid bistro style red, meant for everyday steak and burgers.  REGION Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

Wine Advocate 90 "The showy and intensely balsamic 2016 Cuvée Especial shows aromas of bay leaf, rose petals and white fruit. The palate is soft and sleek with integrated acidity. It's a nicely crafted and balanced Albariño. Some 15% of the volume was kept in new barrique for six months and then

Wine Spectator 91 WS Top 100 2016 Rank 57 "A muscular but polished red, with brooding blackberry pie, dark cherry and roasted plum notes complemented by iron, peppercorn and licorice details. Full but not overpowering tannins linger on the savory, herb-tinged finish. Syrah, Grenache, and

"Bright straw. A lively, highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchid fruits, jasmine and dusty minerals, and a hint of anise builds in the glass. Incisive, mineral-driven Meyer lemon and a green apple flavors stretch out and deepen while maintaining vivacity. Closes minerally and very

Vinous Media 90 "Vivid straw. Sexy, expansive aromas of fresh citrus fruits, honeydew, peach, pungent flowers and an urgent gingery note. The sappy, seamless palate offers intense pit fruit, melon flavors and a jolt of orange zest on the back half. Emphatically fruity and nervy, with strong

VINTAGE NOTES: Another exceptional vintage in Alexander Valley with outstanding color and flavor development. Ripe, black fruit characters and great concentration. A warm, relatively dry spring through April and May produced very even flowering and fruit set. We were a little worried in midsummer