91

2004 Zinfandel Reserve

“The exotic, serious, earthy and concentrated 2004 Zinfandel Reserve exhibits loamy soil, resiny, spicy, black raspberry, cherry, and road tar-like characteristics. This big, full-bodied, deep ruby/purple-colored effort possesses good power, concentration, acidity, and a full-throttle finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years.”

90

1996 Zinfandel, Templeton Gap Reserve

“My favorite wine from this estate is the 1996 Zinfandel Templeton Gap Reserve.  It tips the scales at 14.8% alcohol, but holds everything in balance with a daring and heady display of copious black cherry and raspberry fruit, gobs of pepper and earth, abundant glycerin, and a full-bodied, silky-textured finish.  By any standard, this wine is dog-gone good!”

90

2001 Syrah, Jimmy’s Vineyard

“The 2001 Syrah Jimmy’s Vineyard’s high levels of toasty oak are backed up by seriously extracted, rich blackberry liqueur flavors intermixed with licorice, smoke, and black cherry characteristics.  It is an exuberant, full-bodied, impressively-endowed Syrah to drink over the next 7-8 years.”

89

2004 Old Vine Zinfanel, Benito Dusi Vineyard

“The 2004 Zinfandel Benito Dusi Vineyard Old Vine (300 cases produced) exhibits classic Zinfandel characteristics of spice box, ground pepper, raspberries, cherries, and briery fruit. Full-bodied and tangy with good acidity as well as a nice mouthfeel, this full-throttle offering should drink well for 4-5 years. “

89

2004 “Cujo” Zinfandel

“Soft and plummy tasting, with copious quantities of raspberries and cherries as well as a seductive, plush texture, the 2004 Zinfandel Cujo (100% Zinfandel) is the most powerful of these three wines (15.4% alcohol). It will offer loads of fruit and charm over the next several years.”

89

2002 Viognier, Hansen Vineyard

“The 2002 Viognier Hansen Vineyard exhibits luscious, hedonistic, richly fruity aromas and flavors that suggest honeysuckle, orange marmalade, and peaches.  It is a rich, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured white to enjoy over the next 12-18 months.”

89

1999 Syrah Reserve

“The uniquely styled 1999 Syrah Reserve reveals a monolithic character, but monstrous extract, richness, and intensity.  Although disjointed, if it pulls everything together, it has the potential to be outstanding.  The wood is well-hidden beneath the copious levels of fruit and extract.  Earthy black fruit and underbrush characteristics dominate at present.  The tannin is sweet, but this is a big, backstrapping mouthful of wine.  Anticipated maturity:  2003-2012”

89

1999 Viognier, Fralich Vineyard Reserve

“The impressive, dry 1999 Viognier Fralich Vineyard Reserve offers complex aromas of honeysuckle, peach jam, and assorted tropical fruits.  Excellent definition gives this 1999 more lift and form than many Viogniers possess.”

89

2001 Syrah, De Bro Vineyard

“The 2001 Syrah DeBro Vineyard reveals an evolved dark garnet color as well as an Amarone-like nose of tar, plums, pepper, incense, cloves, and overripe black cherry/prune scents.  Exotic, distinctive, and singular, readers who live on the kinky side of life will probably rate it one or two points higher.”

88-89

1999 Syrah

“From the barrel, the 1999 Syrah (a blend of 80% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 5% Grenache, and 3% Viognier) revealed excellent, possibly outstanding potential. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of jammy cassis, pepper, smoke and leather. This sweet, chewy, fat Syrah exhibits impressive ripeness, low acidity, and a fleshy, succulent mouth-feel.”

88

2003 Viognier, Hansen Vineyard

“The 2003 Viognier Hansen Vineyard’s light greenish-hued color is followed by a moderately intense nose of white peaches, apricots, and crushed rocks.  Medium-bodied and attractively textured, with a dry finish, it will provide tasty drinking over the next 1-2 years.  Unfortunately, production is less than 100 cases.”