We continue our focus on Anderson Valley fruit with this vineyard–designate bottling from Wentzel Vineyard. At a several hundred foot elevation near Philo, this 10–acre vineyard is organically farmed by owner Roland Wentzel. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir is showing lots of nice red and dark fruit up front, and is ready for drinking now. It has medium acidity and tannins for great food pairing and many years of enjoyment. The nose has a warm, toasty aroma with dark cherry high notes and a touch of espresso. The wine envelops your mouth with fresh plums and blackberries, keeps it lively with a touch of tart cherry and then finishes with a surprising hint of anise. Overall, this wine is going to be a great fruit forward, yet balanced, representation of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

• Vineyard: Wenztel Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, CA
• Clones: 667/115
• Alcohol content: 14.2% by volume
• Fruit: 100% whole berry (no stems)
• Barrel aging: 11 months in French oak, 33% new (Francois Freres, MT)
• Bottled: August, 2008
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2014
• Release date: November 15, 2008

Our 2007 La Encantada Pinot Noir is our first Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills and we're excited to begin with some high-caliber fruit. The vineyard is owned by Richard and Thekla Sanford (of Sanford Pinot Noir fame) and along with his other vineyards, La Encantada was one of the first vineyards in Santa Barbara County to be certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). This wine is a bit more dark and brooding. It shows more smoke and spice on the nose, some good tannins and a deep ruby color, leaning towards crimson. The palate unfolds with lush sweet cherry and blackberries, spice, floral notes and a hint of cola. The La Encantada has great structure and will be a great wine for sharing with friends and for tucking away in the cellar.

• Vineyard: La Encantada Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, CA
• Clones: 115/667/777
• Alcohol content: 14% by volume
• Fruit: 100% whole berry (no stems)
• Barrel aging: 11 months in French oak, 33% new (Francois Freres, MT)
• Bottled: August, 2008
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2017
• Release date: Spring, 2009

Anderson Valley in Mendocino County has been one of our favorite regions for Pinot Noir. The Hein Family Vineyard is located in the west end of the valley, where the cooling influence of the ocean results in a balance of fruit and earth. This Pinot shows fragrant strawberry on the nose, with red cherry on the palate. All in all, it's classic Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. Good acidity and subtle tannins provide structure to make this an enjoyable, food-friendly wine for years to come. This wine is currently a private library wine; look for special tastings at wine events throughout the year.

• Vineyard: Hein Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, CA
• Clones: 115/667
• Alcohol content: 14.6% by volume
• Fruit: 100% whole berry (no stems)
• Barrel aging: 11 months in French oak, 30% new
• Bottled: August, 2007
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2016
• Private release

Our first vintage, the 2005 Amber Ridge is close to our hearts. It delivers great aromatics and smooth silky tannins. The light-medium body belies the subtle intensity of this wine. It has aromas of Asian spice and a hint of vanilla that unfolds with time. On the palate is a distinctive Russian River sweet cherry, a touch of raspberry and a smooth finish. This wine is currently a private library wine.

• Vineyard: Amber Ridge vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA
• Clones: 115/667
• Alcohol content: 14.5% by volume
• Fruit: 30% whole cluster, 70% de-stemmed
• Barrel aging: 11 months in French oak, 50% new
• Bottled: August, 2006
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2010
• Private Release