Our first vintage, 2005, was a pinot noir from Amber Ridge and in 2008, we returned to this wonderful vineyard in Sonoma County to recapture that distinct Russian River cherry and spice that we love so much. As this wine opens up, aromas of blueberry pastry, red cherry, and a little baking spice appear, along with hints of herbs. On the palate is the classic Amber Ridge that we love: sweet cherry, lush fruit, and a smooth, creamy finish, with a touch of nutmeg. This wine is drinking very well right now and stands on its own by the glass or paired with pan-roasted pork tenderloin with Asian five-spice seasonings.

• Vineyard: Amber Ridge Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA
• Clones: 115/667/777
• Alcohol content: 14.4% by volume
• Fruit: 100% whole berry (no stems)
• Barrel aging: 12 months in French oak, 33% new (Francois Freres, MT)
• Bottled: September, 2009
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2014
• Release date: April, 2010
• Silver Medal, 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Anderson Valley in Mendocino County has been one of our favorite regions for Pinot Noir. The Hein Family Vineyard is located in the “deep end” of the valley, where the cooling influence of the fog extends flavor development and results in a balance of fruit and earth. A co-ferment of Dijon 115 and Pommard clones, this Pinot Noir exhibits some similar characteristics of our 2007 Wentzel Vineyard from Anderson Valley.

The aroma is earthy, mushroom-y and has a smoky/woodsy note. On the palate, you’ll find tart cherry and cranberry that finishes smooth and juicy. An acidic core keeps it bright and structured. 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.

• Vineyard: Hein Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, CA
• Clones: 115/Pommard
• Alcohol content: 14.0% by volume
• Fruit: 100% whole berry (no stems)
• Barrel aging: 11 months in French oak, 33% new (Francois Freres, MT)
• Bottled: August, 2009
• Production: 25 cases
• Drink now through 2017
• Release date: November, 2009
• Gold medal in 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

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

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
• Top 100 Wine of 2009- San Francisco Chronicle

SOLD OUT

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-NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE