My outstanding wine of the day -

2008 Siduri Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Vineyard; DW 97 13.6% alcohol

Ryan Zepaltas was pouring this wine in the far corner of the last tent and it was where I decided to start off my day of tastings. The aroma had a dazzling floral, stone fruit character; violets and cherry with pitch-perfect flavor profile of mineral, cherry and black raspberry. Nothing else came close to this wine all day. I went back just before everything shut down to retaste and Ryan said it was all gone. Not surprised!

I came close to not making it to WOPN at all because the water pump on our otherwise solidly reliable BMW decided to act up as I was leaving San Francisco and luckily the mechanic is only three blocks away. He called the rental car agency and we were on our way within the hour. Great service from the guys at Phaedrus BMW and Enterprise. 

Maldonado Chardonnay - an instant classis, now in its sixth vintage

I wrote the first reviews on this producer for the 2002 Chardonnay made by Abe Schoener, released in 2004 and since then they have gone on to reproduce successive vintages of very high quality wines.

2007 Chardonnay, Parr Vineyard Knights Valley; DW 93 $25.00

A beautifully made wine - straightforward nicely structured fruit throughout, delicate, not overly oaked, balanced with a smooth mouthfeel. This is one of those wines that is so stealthly, you could drink a bottle and then think ’ wow, that’s gone already?” What is not to like here for a wine priced less than $25.00 a bottle?

2006 Chardonnay, Los Olivos Vineyard Estate; DW 93 $49.00

Showing a little nuttiness in the nose along with some hints of oxidation. Knowing how these wines are made, I’m not particularly concerned about it. The palate still shows pretty melon and nicely focused golden stone fruits.

2006 Chardonnay Reserve, Los Olivos Vineyard; DW 95 $99.00

Very little of this wine made it to the market a couple years ago when it was released in the 2004 vintage. Those who have it own one of the rarest Chardonnay made (40 cases). This is my first time tasting the 2006. Very rich peach, citrus and mineral with dense weight and texture. 

2002 Chardonnay, Los Olivos Vineyard; DW 94 The premiere release

It is hard to believe it was almost six years ago when I wrote the first review on this wine - to me it was an instant classic - pure and vibrant with complexity that kept me coming back again and again. There is that ethereal nose of dusty almonds and mineral that gives way to an underlying supple stone fruit, vanilla/shortbread and crisp pear/citrus that indicates the wine is holding together beautifully. 

Corra - the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 

Hard to believe that Celia Welch is already on the fourth vintage of her own wine. I remember learning about this project in early 2007 but was sworn to secrecy at the time. Maybe it was in recognition of keeping that secret when I was invited to be the first to taste the wine and ended up writing the first review on the 2004 premiere release. It is now one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Many of my readers have been asking me what I think of 2007 Corra, and I have been able to produce only the most feeble excuse of “need to schedule with the winemaker”. That being settled here is what I think. 

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, DW 96 $125.00

Aromas of chocolate, blackberry, spice and camphor with flavors of mocha, cassis, violets and black cherry. All of this is wrapped up in oak that is barely noticeable, being well integrated with the wine. I tasted this twice and noticed even more meshing of the flavors after an hour. 

Culler - a blast from the past

2002 Culler La Pallette Red Wine Napa Valley; DW 96

This wine shouldn’t have come as a surprise as for as long as I have known her, Karen Culler has made some riveting wines under her own label as well as Wolf, recently recognized in the Top 25 list of 2009. Karen showed this to me as a library selection, I remember when I used to sell this wine, we were lucky to get a case or two. 

It was showing beautifully - intense depth with excellent balance, finesse and richness. Everything is there the black fruits in the nose show seamlessly together while the smoothness in the palate (at 8 years) is what I think any winemaker would strive to achieve. I asked Karen about the availability and she said this bottle came from her personal library. A very impressive wine!

Lindstrom - first review on the un-released 2007 vintage

2007 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 94+ (4/10 release) $95.00 

I frankly get tired of hearing people ask me “When are you going to stop writing such great reviews on Celia’s wines?” My answer is the same - “When they stop impressing me”. So for those who just can’t stand it, close your eyes now…

After the first two vintages ( 2005 and 2006) of Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon came to market and made my Top list of the year, people began to project forward to what they sensed would be a classic vintage, 2007.

A nose of pure plum, cassis and graphite all singularly notable but interwoven. The palate shows some warm spice with a sprinkling of aromatic lavender giving way to polished black plum and dark cherry.

There are wines selling for triple the price in the valley that couldn’t compete with this.

This is the last posting for the week as I head off to World of Pinot Noir tonight for the weekend in Shell Beach. Lulu Roberts just attended a tasting in San Francisco last night and should be posting her notes soon.

I was just watching some of the 2010 Winter Olympic coverage of Shaun White’s repeat gold medal performance in Halfpipe. After he had already likely secured his second consecutive gold medal in this event with a nearly flawless first run, he executed his Double Flip McTwist 1260 at the end of his second run as the icing on the cake to remove any doubt. As the commentator mentioned “We wouldn’t keep expecting so much from Shaun White if he didn’t keep exceeding our expectations”. I was thinking how brilliant this kid is at what he does and he just keeps getting better. Now back to work writing about the Winemaker of the Year and I realize the story here has some parallels to “The Flying Tomato”.  Clearly talented very early, established themselves with a breakout year in 2008 and then came back in 2009 and created even more outstanding wines. 

As many of you have already seen from my earlier post for the 2009 Top25 List, there were more Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon than anything else. There are several reasons for that and I will address them on the other thread but as far as Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are concerned it is a time of exceptional quality. The Top25 list is always my ‘short list’ for announcing the Winemaker of the Year so if you have already read that it should be no surprise that this year’s winner is the same as last year - Celia Welch. But here is where the Shaun White comparison helps, the Double McTwist 1260… 

In 2008, Welch took top honors based on producing three wines that made the list:

• 2005 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 98
• 2005 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 98
• 2004 Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 94

In 2009 she had other wines to add to the mix; Buccella, where she succeeded Mark Herold as of the 2006 vintage, along with her own project, 2006 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon. Two of the three wines from 2008 were again recognized in the 2009 list, but with two vintages of Buccella, and Corra also making the list, she had her name on five Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a pair of vintages of Buccella Merlot - nearly 30% of the list. 

• 2006 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 97
• 2006 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 96
• 2007 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 96
• 2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 95
• 2006 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon; DW 93+
• 2007 Buccella Merlot; DW 96
• 2007 Buccella Merlot; DW 95+

She may have been able to repeat on just the strength of three wines, even though 2006 Winner, Kenneth Juhasz had three wines, and 2005 Winner, Abe Schoener had a pair, as did list rookie, Nigel Kinsman. If that isn’t enough reason for Welch to repeat click here.

I have followed Celia’s career since the late ’90s and wrote the first reviews on the premiere vintages of Corra and Scarecrow. What is ahead for her? Parker has given Celia her first 100 point score for 2007 Scarecrow and he also loved Keever and Corra from that vintage. I haven’t tasted any of those wines yet, but the year is still young and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a triple flip, inverted McTwist 1440 this time next year. 

• Fourteen are from Napa Valley 
• Eleven are Cabernet Sauvignon
• Four are Pinot Noir
• Two each Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc
• Fourteen winemakers representing seventeen brands
• Nine brands and nearly as many winemakers make their first Top25 list appearance
• Three of the last four Winemakers of the Year are recognized with several wines

One of the most talked-about issues in 2009 was that the era of ultra expensive “cult” wines from Napa Valley had ended and formerly loyal consumers were jumping off the mailing lists so fast that many wineries were in free fall with no bottom, or for that matter, a soft landing in sight.

A contributing factor to this malaise has been the saturation of brands that show up in deep national distribution. Wineries that were the must-haves among collectors during the ’80s and ’90s grew to become some of the most readily known ‘faces’ from California with production levels in the mid to high five digit levels. What they once represented as the cutting edge has now been supplanted by boutique producers - under 2500 - 3500 cases, yet some of these smaller brands are now facing their own issues of having priced themselves at a point where economic conditions don’t support sustaining their sales at the previous levels. Because many of these wines have exceeded the price/availability threshold of what consumers find acceptable, it led me to stipulate a price limit of $200.00 per bottle, and a 2500 case production level on wines I considered for the list. That didn’t keep some wines that were twice that expensive, or 20x the production from showing up at either Lulu’s or my studios. 

I like that within the parameters of what I requested, there is a significantly strong showing of what is literally my backyard, Napa Valley. I want to thank all of those who submitted samples throughout the year and especially during the final push. Special gratitude to my tireless Coordinator, Lulu Roberts, for writing the requests for samples, following up on details, showing up when I can’t and encouraging me to try new things she has come across. The list is arranged by score. Overall these are superb wines, with an eye towards uncompromising quality. Even though some exceed the $100 a bottle level, they are every bit as good as wines I tasted that were three times the price. I hope you enjoy the list and please visit the winery websites (click on the images) for more information and options to order or sign up for their mailing lists.

2006 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon, Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard; DW 97 $135.00

Winemaker: Phillip Titus

Aroma: sun-warmed black fruits, chocolate, violet, rock salt and tapenade kissed with verbena and the faintest hint of Clementine zest 

Palate: already enormously rich and dense with complex layering of chocolate, black fig, gooey medjools, blue plum and espresso

Impression: in what should be currently fairly angular youth, the PHEV already displays rare precociousness that continues to evolve in the glass. Showing beautifully polished tannins, depth and balanced intensity.  It is still very early for 2006 Napa Cabernet, but as it stands right now, PHEV is my benchmark. 

Celia Welch: Proprietor, winemaker Corra Wines

Winemaker of the Year, 2008 

2006 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; DW 97 $125.00

Winemaker: Celia Welch 

14.5% alcohol, 230 cases produced

Aroma: dense, dark black fruits, cherry and crisp raspberry, graphite and dark chocolate

Palate: lush, creamy and full-bodied entry, with excellent balance throughout, finishing with delicate black raspberry, cranberry and currant

Impression: another stunner. Beautiful if you want to enjoy now for its elegance, will continue to gain weight for years to come.

Bret Lopez: Proprietor, JJ Cohn Vineyard and Scarecrow, grandson of JJ Cohn who planted the first vines on the property in 1945

2006 Scarecrow Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley; DW 96 $175.00

Winemaker: Celia Welch

14.8% alcohol, “By the time I got around to tasting, the wine had been open for about two hours which is usually when the Scarecrow begins to open up and show what it is all about…” DW

Aromas: Showing the textbook violet, dark plum, crushed blueberry essence, and seductive elements of espresso

Palate: Full velvet-like texture backed by firmly focused acidity, showing expansive black currant, dark cherry and violets with hints of licorice and blossoms

Impression: The texture is what separates this wine for me in virtually every vintage. It shows such sophisticated dimension and finely tuned balance.

Not surprisingly, this wine is highly allocated to a completely subscribed mailing, and waiting list and is available in limited quantity.

Nigel Kinsman: Winemaker, Krupp Brothers

2005 Krupp Brothers Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley; DW 96 $110.00

Winemaker: Nigel Kinsman

15.4% alcohol, 468 cases produced, 100% sourced from Block M5; a 5.93 acre vineyard planted to Weimar clone

Aromas: spectacular shaved chocolate, black cherry with incredible density and purity

Palate: boldly saturated fruit with a powerful wave of lushness layered with rich and complex structure of black cherry, currant, and loamy blackberry finishing with some firm tannin.

Impression: The iron fist in the velvet glove, revisited - an exceptionally well made wine

2005 Wolf Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate; DW 96

Winemaker: Karen Culler

14.9% alcohol, 535 cases produced

Aromas: dark, intense and pure blackberry jam, herbs and coffee

Palate: extremely sexy flavors of layered plum, blackberry and violet - some of the purest flavor components I have encountered

Impression: a stunning wine that is a joy to drink, impeccable structure, depth and elegance

Kenneth Juhasz: Proprietor, winemaker, Auteur Wines

Winemaker of the Year, 2006

2007 Auteur Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard, Willamette Valley; DW 96

Winemaker: Kenneth Juhasz

13.9% alcohol, 313 cases, 100% Wadenswil clone

Aromas: flint, mineral, cherry and chocolate explode from the glass

Palate: violet, cherry, preserved orange and clove develop after 48 hours with plenty of acidity to support it

Impression: very tightly wound when first opened - barely rated a 90 on day one of three. Require a lot of patience 

2007 Auteur Pinot Noir Sonoma Stage Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; DW 96 $60.00 

14.4% alcohol, 247 cases produced

Aromas: blueberry, dried plum, sassafras, violet-dipped juicy black cherries, cola, carbon and salted black licorice

Palate: immediately concentrated with a sense of free falling through a kaleidoscope, showing different flashes as you pick up speed - rich currant, sassafras, pomegranate, cocoa and raspberry. The finish shows pristine lilac-laced acidity providing plenty of focus to the copious fruit impressions

Impression: a boldly dense wine that will no doubt show better on day two, or possibly even three!

2007 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley; DW 96 $150.00

Winemaker: Celia Welch

14.6% Alcohol, 1110 cases produced

This is the wine that started it all in the 2002 vintage resulting in a seamless progression of excellence year after year. 

Aromas: Sandalwood, toast, blackberry, tar, graphite, dark cherry and hints of orange or Clementine skins

Palate: Shows a firm entry with shadings of stone fruits, mineral and licorice. Given some airing, the structure got even more intense - offering coffee and blackberry

Impression: As noted previously, the wine is very much in infancy but showing more dimension than in the spring. Don’t touch until 2015

2007 Buccella Merlot Napa Valley; DW 96 $75.00

Winemaker: Celia Welch

14.7% alcohol, 330 cases, blended with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon

The third consecutive vintage of excellent Merlot from Buccella leaves the taster wanting very little.

Aromas: Superb integration of seamless cherry, mineral and cocoa with hints of sweet herbs and yellow stone fruits

Palate: Mocha, blackberry, plum, cherry are all nicely interleaved together

Impression: With all of the forward fruit quality, there is also a good measure of acidity that emerges after an hour or two with air. Decanting for 20-30 minutes is recommended to show this wine at its most dazzling

Abe Schoener: Proprietor, winemaker, SCHOLIUM PROJECT

Winemaker of the Year, 2005

2007 Scholium Project La Severita di Bruto, White Wine, Farina Vineyard, California; DW 95+

Winemaker: Abe Schoener

88 cases produced, 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Aromas: Meyer lemon, mineral, salt and smooth peach

Palate: rich, creamy and smooth up front, the finish has excellent weight and texture

Impression: very exciting stuff, never fails to impress

2006 Buccella Merlot Hyde Vineyard; DW 95+

Winemaker: Celia Welch

14.8% alcohol, 343 cases produced, 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec

Aroma: black fig, boysenberry and some hints of smoked meats

Palate: great texture - supple entry of plum, blackberry conserve with some racy raspberry adding a bit of grip at the end

Impression: A beautiful follow-up to the stunning debut from this producer, excellent structure with smooth prune, dates and blackberry. Easily the new benchmark for California Merlot!

2006 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; DW 95

Winemaker: Celia Welch

15.2% alcohol, 792 cases produced 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 1% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec

Aroma: Salt, some dry mineral hints, black currants with very concentrated core showing hints of cedar and cocoa

Palate: lush and expansive with deep rich black cherry and hints of freshly ground garden herbs, blackberries, espresso and chocolate

Impression: a bold wine from the very beginning with impressive structure

2007 Littorai Pinot Noir The Haven Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; DW 95

Winemaker: Ted Lemon

13.9% alcohol

Aromas: tightly focused blossoms - violet and geranium with an enticing core of black and blue fruits

Palate: impeccably smooth and polished blue plum, black raspberry and licorice hints

Impression: First class elegance and finesse throughout - find and buy!

(l - r) Jeff Pisoni, winemaker, Bill Vyenielo, Proprietor, Baton Winery

2007 Baton Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast; DW 94

Winemaker: Jeff Pisoni

14.5% alcohol, 300 cases produced

Aromas: more seamless than the excellent 2006, smoothly integrated and polished toast, citrus and grains

Palate: beeswax, blossoms and butter cookie combine in a richly framed mélange of carefully balanced oak toast and understated, elegant fruit. Again, the acidity adds to the seamless experience

Impression: a wine hitting on all cylinders already like this will have no trouble finding well-sorted cellars to crawl in to. The keyword here is pedigree. 

2007 Littorai Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard, Sonoma Coast; DW 94

Winemaker: Ted Lemon

13.7% alcohol

Aromas: wet river stones, lemon, fresh herb and toasted grain and salt

Palate: crisp and impeccably balanced flavors of lemon, pear and licorice

Impression: should be the Poster Child of California Chardonnay… it really wants for nothing

2006 Krupp Brothers The Doctor, Red Wine, Napa Valley; DW 94 $75.00

Winmaker: Nigel Kinsman

14.8% alcohol, 468 cases produced, 37% Tempranillo, 28% Merlot, 21% Malbec, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas: rich, polished herb-laced with deep mocha and violet, more black fruits emerge with air

Palate: beautiful polished violet and chocolate with nice underlying acidity and notes of mocha

Impression: good structure with excellent depth and polish

Aaron Pott: Winemaker, Seven Stones Winery

2006 Seven Stones Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; DW 94+

Winemaker: Aaron Pott

15.5% alcohol, 300 case production

The wine was decanted one hour + before tasting

Aroma: graphite and blackberry with camphor, ripe black cherry and licorice

Palate: impressive structure with lush shadings of velvet-like black fruit and crushed, crisp berries showing excellent balance through the mid palate to a long finish

Impression: the oak is already beautifully integrated into the wine embracing it with great texture and nuance

2006 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, St. Helena, Napa Valley; DW 94 $130.00

Winemaker: Jennifer Williams

14.1% alcohol, 2743 cases

Aromas: Deep, evolved cocoa, blackberry, nascent violet and hints of raspberry

Palate: chocolate and dense black fruit

Impression: An enormously pleasurable wine - a perennial favorite

2008 Scholium Project Riquewihr White Wine, Lost Slough Vineyard, California; DW 94+

Winemaker: Abe Schoener

15.8% alcohol, 280 cases produced in 500mL bottling

Aroma: a nose of peach dripped on sponge cake, crumbled carbon and exotic nectarine

Palate: smooth, lush and ripe. The flavors have a dreamy, creamy feel

Impression: Gewurztraminer is a go!

2008 Auteur Pinot Noir Ophelia, Willamette Valley; DW 94

Winemaker: Kenneth Juhasz

13.2% alcohol, 207 cases produced

Aromas: more evolved and forward than the 2007, powdered chocolate, carbon, vanilla and cherry

Palate: rich, beautifully formed entry - gobs of cola, black cherry smoothness and full-bodied spiciness

Impression: velvet-like mineral structure - very attractive texture

2006 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District; DW 93+

Winemaker: Celia Welch

14.5% alcohol

Following the extraordinary 2005 debut vintage from Greg and Carol Lindstrom’s 4-acre Nicali Vineyard that captured my top rating for a Cabernet Sauvignon last year, the new release is a solid follow-up.

Aroma: licorice, blackberry, currant and subtly smoked cherry

Palate: smooth and firm through the middle with nicely formed texture, the finish is ripe berry, black cherry and chocolate

Impression: If fortunate enough to be on the mailing list for this highly allocated wine, consider yourself lucky. There is very little that ever makes it in to retail. It seems to hold a bit more in reserve right now and will benefit from 3 - 5 years in the cellar.

2007 Mathis Grenache, Sonoma Coast; DW93

Winemaker: Peter Mathis

14.6% alcohol

Aromas: Cherry, flowers, graphite and smoke

Palate: meaty, forwardly ripe with plenty of violet pastille and dense blackberry on the finish

Impression: Black raspberry smoothness really completes the finish on this wine - splendid

Helen Keplinger: Proprietor, winemaker, Keplinger Wines

a 2008 winemaker to watch

2007 Keplinger Red Slope Knights Valley; DW 93

Winemaker: Helen Keplinger

15.0% alcohol, 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah

Aromas: Graphite, sun-warmed stone fruit skins

Palate: ripe and riveting, laser-focused intensity, smooth and sophisticated

Impression: Very well put together with plenty lushness throughout

2008 Capture Sauvignon Blanc, California; DW 93

Winemaker: Denis Malbec, May-Britt Malbec

14.5% alcohol, 550 cases produced

Aroma: vibrant citrus with a bit of dusty, gravelly undercurrent, capped by nectarine and a rich nuttiness.

Palate: unique juniper and floral flavors with pure grapefruit and a stony backbone, shows excellent acidity with a bit of salt-dipped chili on the finish.

Impression: a beautiful first release. Can’t wait for the reds!

2006 Parallel Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, Napa Valley; DW 93

Winemaker: Philippe Melka

14.7% alcohol 13 barrels produced

Aromas: Tar, rich, velvety licorice and lanolin; massive

Palate: Beautiful, full-bodied texture - copious black fruits with spice-laden palate giving some grip to the fruit

Impression: Solidly oaked, but not obtrusive

During the interim I developed a new website, brought Lulu Roberts on board as Coordinator, created a platform for winemakers to post their own blogs and actually had a booth at Pinot Days (Thanks Steve R.) Additionally I had the chance to attend more than my share of wine events throughout the state. Free time was a luxury I hadn’t had in a while. One of the benefits was being able to visit with winemakers whenever our schedules permitted allowing me to taste lots of wine at a very early stage - typically months before you would read about it elsewhere. That has always been one of the backbones of what I try to offer - emerging wines and producers.

I recently had the chance to look over the most recent issue of Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate Issue 186 highlighting his reviews of California wine, specifically from Napa Valley. It is always enlightening to compare notes with someone like Parker, who I know professionally and have a great deal of respect for. It turned out there were about a dozen wines that we both tasted.  I only report this because of the similar ratings we came about independent of each other.  

All Wine Advocate scores (WA) are from Issue 186, 12/22/2009, except as noted. Dates in bold indicate date appearing in this blog, ex: BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS, October 2, 2009

BLACKBIRD VINEYARDS, October 2, 2009

2006 Contrarian; WA92, DW92

2007 Contrarian; WA94, DW91

2006 Illustration; WA91, DW93

2007 Illustration; WA92, DW92

2006 Paramour; WA88, DW93

2007 Paramour; WA93+, DW90

BUCCELLA, May 7, 2009 (2006), December 19, 2009 (2007)

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; WA95, DW95 

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; WA96, DW96

CHAPPELLET, December 5, 2008

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard (PHEV); WA96, DW 97

CORRA, June 18, 2009

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; (WA89-91) tasted from barrel 10/08, released 3/09, DW97

I would have liked to see a followup tasting of this wine by Parker after it was bottled.

SCARECROW, March 23, 2009

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon; WA94+ (tasted 10/08, released 3/09), DW96 

WOLF FAMILY, May 22, 2009

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate; WA92, DW96

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus; WA90+, DW91

With only a couple exceptions on the wines we both tasted our ratings are within less than two points, which is my threshold of repeatability. To my readers who have found value in what I have written over the years, I promise to keep it up. I have been putting the Top25 list together over the last few weeks and publication will not happen till I return from vacation in early 2010. 

Be sure to check out the wine excursion page and contact me if you are planning a trip to Northern California wine country in 2010 and want your trip to be extraordinary. There are some exciting plans that will come together in the Fall. But come anytime and enjoy the all year winter rates, one more time!

Happy holidays and New Year

Doug Wilder