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Vinfolio's Review:

Red Mountain's Klipsun Vineyard didn't present itself naturally. Owned by David and Trisha Gelles, it was developed on a barren, arid bluff where only after the drilling of deep irrigation wells was the promise of this site finally realized. It is now regarded as one of the "Top 25 Vineyards in the World" by Wine and Spirits Magazine where it is mentioned in the same vein as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Vega Sicilia and is a prized site capable of making long-aging Bordeaux-style wines. 88 points from <i>The Wine Advocate</i>. A nose of mountain violets, showing additional bold aromas of cherry, blackberry and currant. The mineral-laced palate is tightly wound which is indicative of the site's aging potential.

Vinfolio's Review:

Griffin's Lair is one of the top sites on the Sonoma Coast for Syrah and when combined with Karen Culler's excellent reputation with the varietal, good things are expected. No disappointment here! It has received 90-92 points from Robert Parker. Very dark in color, primal aromas of tarry, smoky cherry and leather. The palate is beautifully focused black raspberry, smooth yet firm on the finish.

Vinfolio's Review:

The heavily calcareous soils of Ciel du Cheval Vineyard owned by Jim Holmes account for much of the allure of this incredible site. The nutrient-weak gravelly substrate keeps yields naturally low. On top of the soils, the site also experiences some of the highest cumulative heat units in the region ensuring a long ripening curve. Camarda's bottling is comprised of 48% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petite Verdot. 1095 cases were produced. 89 points from <i>The Wine Advocate</i>. Part of the charm of this wine is its ultra-elegant nose of berries, blossoms and slate. The aroma is seamlessly complemented by a palate showing superb concentration and length. The dark fruits on the palate; cherry, black currant are emphasized by a polished intense structure that is best described as a lightning bolt.

Vinfolio's Review:

Harvested from some of the highest elevation on either property, the Merlot is planted in the undulating ribbon of desirable red volcanic soils that snake their way down the eastern side of the valley. Cropped to a moderate 3.5 tons/acre, it is over 95% Merlot with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blended in. The Sauvignon is all See Clone which tends to soften the edges of this mountain grown Merlot. There is a little herb and vanilla in the nose offering interesting lushness to the dark stone fruits. The palate shows nice depth and smoothness. On the finish is a loamy, tobacco laced feel with hints of cassis, cherry, dried berries and fig.

Vinfolio's Review:

With back-to-back 97 point wines from Fred Scherrer, the Chardonnay off of the family property in Alexander Valley serves as a beacon to those seeking one of the most subtly balanced examples of Chardonnay at any price. At under $30 a bottle it remains one of the best values in California wine, period. An opaque golden silk color leading to a rich lemon and graphite nose. The palate is sublime elegance, primarily defined by a silken texture of pear, peach and lemon. The oak is beautifully integrated.

Vinfolio's Review:

This wine created a sensation last year with an oh-so-close-to-perfect 98 points. It was probably one of the biggest eye-openers for me and traditionally encompasses the winery's best 4 barrels. Silky velvet nose of violet, drips of elderberry honey and graphite-licorice infused cocoa husk. The palate is beautifully structured, delivering a classic Pinot Noir experience expressive in the elegant nature of the progressive layering of the fruits and tannins mingling and receding in a tidal cycle.

Vinfolio's Review:

For those who want to experience some of the most adventuresome wines in the market, then Abe Schoener's Scholium Project is your adrenaline fix. They continually amaze and lead to contemplation as to what you should look for in wine. When first tasted in January 2007, I gave the wine 94 points comparing it with the profoundly stunning sibling La Severita di Bruto (VF 98), harvested from the same site. Here is what I said then: <i>"Having been there at the conception of this wine when it came into the winery to now witness its birth has helped bring the Scholium Project experience full circle for me. This is the first wine I have ever described as "psychedelic." The Farina fruit came into the winery in 2005 in two distinct lots. Clean, perfect fruit (La Severita di Bruto), and botrytised fruit (Cena Trimalchionis). I tasted both separately and when drinking the Cena now, I experience the full lush richness in the nose without the corresponding weight on the palate. It is about as close as you can have to an out of the palate experience with wine."</i> A follow-up tasting six months later shows a fairly dramatic change in the wine's delivery that led me to re-evaluate. There is only a very limited allocation remaining here. Bright golden in color, with exotic aromas of tropical fruit and spices. The body is viscous with tactile mass leading to a palate of grapefruit sorbet, splashed with sea salt, shortbread and nectarine. The finish lasts for over a minute.

Vinfolio's Review:

Rated 95 points upon release: Very dark in color with smooth sweetness in the nose evocative of exotic flower blossoms. On the palate, the ripe black, and rich blue plum are balanced by excellent acidity. The finish shows well integrated oak tannins. Recent notes: The nose shows briary black fruit along with hints of crushed herbs. The palate remains powerful, yet shows elegance coming from age.