Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Chardonnay, Bee Sweet Vineyard
Hints of coconut, meringue and light nectarine make for a suavely integrated nose on this bottling. It's pure and crisp on the palate with citrus-peel and tart apple flavors, leading into warmer spices on the finish.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Bright on the nose with fresh lime blossoms, lemon-zest, crisp nectarine and light oyster-shell aromas, this is a solid appellation blend by veteran Stephen Ross Dooley. A pithy grip frames the sip, where richer hints of browned butter and dried apple emerge against the brisk citrus elements.
- Matt Kettmann
Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County
This countywide blend begins with wet slate, dried herb, cinnamon spice and tart cherry aromas on the nose. There is a riper thickness to the palate, where black-tea, mace, dried lavender and boysenberry flavors align.
- Matt KettmannSource: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2019 Albariño, Spanish Springs Vineyard
Subtle on the nose at first, this brisk bottling opens toward green pear, lime-peel and mossy stone aromas, with a bit of air. Zesty acidity and a chalky mouthfeel deliver what's most needed in a white wine of this style, with fresh flavors of grapefruit rind and flesh popping as well.
- Matt KettmannSource: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021
2019 Sauvingnon Blanc, Edna Valley
Briny aromas of kelp and other seashore elements meet with pasilla chile on the intriguing nose of this bottling. The texture is taut and engaging, allowing the mossy flavors to be spiced up by tangy lime and green peppercorn.
- Matt KettmannSource: Wine Enthusiast • May 2020
2017 Grenache, Bee Sweet Vineyard
Light in the glass, this is a delicious wine, starting with aromas of blistered strawberry, creamy rose petals and a touch of hibiscus. There's a compelling snap to the sip, where Montmorency cherry and strawberry flavors are wrapped in light leather and game, finishing on a fruit-punch kick.
- Matt KettmannSource: Vinous • January 2021
2017 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard
Vivid ruby-red. Aromas of cherry cola, black raspberry and pungent flowers, with vanilla and exotic spice nuances in the background. Appealingly sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy red and blue fruit preserve, rose pastille and mocha flavors that take on a spicy aspect with air. Concentrated but lively as well, showing sharp definition on an impressively long finish framed by supple, even tannins. 40% new French oak.
- Josh Raynolds
Source: Vinous • January 2021
2018 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley
Dark, shimmering garnet. Highly perfumed scents of fresh red and dark berries, allspice and rose oil; a bright mineral flourish adds vivacity. Fleshy, expansive raspberry, cherry and boysenberry flavors show excellent depth as well as energy, and no rough edges. Finishes juicy, appealingly sweet and very long, with lingering cherry and floral notes and sneaky, harmonious tannins. 20% new French oak.
- Josh Raynolds
Source: Vinous • January 2021
2018 Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Bright yellow-gold. Pear nectar, tangerine, honey and jasmine scents are sharpened by zesty ginger and smoky mineral flourishes. Shows seamless texture and solid thrust to ripe citrus and orchard fruit and sweet butter flavors, which tighten up on the back half. Closes long and silky, with tarragon and bitter quinine notes lingering. 20% new French oak.
- Josh Raynolds
Source: Vinous • January 2021
2017 Grenache, Bee Sweet Vineyard
Brilliant garnet. Fresh raspberry, cherry and baking spices on the highly fragrant nose. In a silky, energetic style, offering intense red fruit and spicecake flavors that turn deeper and pick up a smoky quality on the back half. Smooth and seamless on the impressively long, gently tannic finish, which features a sappy red berry liqueur note and resonating spiciness. Raised in one-year-old and neutral French oak barrels.
- Josh Raynolds