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Aromas of sweet citrus, baked apple and warm bread are offset with peripheral notes of sweet vanilla pod and nutmeg. The palate is initially bright and focused with minerals, piercing lime and fresh peach. A sweet core of bruised apple, pear and lemon curd unfolds to a richly textured layered mid-palate of oatmeal, baking spice and smoke. The finish is long and penetrating with snappy fresh acidity. A great example of old vine extract and cool climate structure, our 2002 'chloe' bottling will improve in bottle for 2 to 3 years as the viscosity of the wine concentrates. Drink over the next 6 years and serve at no cooler than 55 degrees.

A pale straw color with hints of gold precedes a nose that is initially reticent with subtle aromas of flint, hazelnut and lemon zest that blossoms with aeration to present riper tropical fruits and toasted fresh bread. The palate is similarly initially taut and backward with subtle grapefruit, minerals and an attractive stony leanness. Swirling brings forth a cascade of ripe stone and tropical fruits, complemented by a creamy mouthfilling texture and a prominent steely acid structure that provides great persistence and satisfaction. This is an age-worthy Californian Chardonnay that will benefit from 5 years in a cool cellar allowing the richness of the wine to blossom as it sheds its youthful austerity.

Our most intense Russian River Chardonnay blend to date, the 2002 opens with exotic aromas of orange blossom, honeyed citrus, fresh mint and flint. The palate is richly opulent with honeysuckle and citrus marmalade yet has a strong sense of minerality and leaner stone fruit. The broad texture extends across a layered mid-palate with signature crème brûlée notes as refreshing acidity picks up and extends the finish. The combination is one of Californian power and mineral poise that promises early enjoyment but ensures graceful aging for 3 to 4 years. Serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to ensure full flavor development.

A deep ruby-red color leads to deep toned aromas of cassis, violet, truffle and smoke. The palate is dark and penetrating with dense black fruit extract, dried thyme, game nuances and brighter sweet red berries. The backward structure is tightly wound and currently clamps down on full mid-palate textural development. Yet the integration of fruit, oak influence and structure is in the early stages of harmonizing. I suggest trying a single bottle on release to gauge your enjoyment level but advise cellaring for 3 to 4 years to allow the wine to fully integrate and realize its true potential.

A fully saturated dark ruby color precedes a hugely complex nose of wild dark berries, pepper and game. These flavors continue on the palate with black raspberry liqueur, sweet kirsch and anise, with a slight fresh mint edge. The wine's dark extract and sweet fruit core are supported by rich assertive tannins and vibrant acid which lift the finish leaving a lingering impression of dried plum and sappy pinot fruit. With cellar time this bottling will further concentrate which will intensify the Green Valley terroir characters of game, earth and dark cherry. The whole cluster influence will further steer the development toward truffle and niçoise olive. Anticipate continued development over five years and cellar for up to ten.

A good deep ruby red color leads to vibrant aromas of bright cherry, cola and raspberry with darker notes of licorice and smoke. Fresh red fruits dominate the entry and evolve into black cherry and blackcurrant on a broad, layered mid-palate. Tannins are ripe and integrated with fresh acidity, which persists on the lingering finish. Our 2003 Russian River Pinot can be enjoyed immediately for its vibrant, satisfying fruit or aged for an additional three years to allow Pinot’s natural fruit sweetness and earthy character to evolve.

asting Notes Deep purple–red color. Concentrated aromas of blackberry, dark licorice, minerals and tapenade. The palate possesses huge density but also harmony and integration of all components. Seductive cassis liqueur, graphite, flowers and deeper brooding bitter chocolate and tar. The mid palate texture currently dominates the back end of the wine with a lush, layered mouthfeel and dense sweet tannins on a long finish which builds effortlessly. A more concentrated version of the 2001 eddie’s patch, I expect the 2003 bottling to be our longest lived effort so far and recommend aging for up to ten years. Decant for a couple of hours in its youth.

Pale gold color. Pungently intense aromas of sweet peach, honeysuckle, minerals and a hint of mint. The palate is at once bright and effusive showing great intensity of fresh apricot and ripe peach fruit with a honeyed spicy lemongrass edge. The wine’s natural minerality and strong acid backbone dominate the back end, providing tremendous cut to the wine’s rich natural extract. As with all our whites, serve at no cooler than 55 degrees to allow full flavor development.