International Wine Cellar Reviews 2009 Vintage

 

93 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard, Sonoma County

"Ruby-red.  Explosive aromas of black raspberry, cherry, sassafras and violet, with an exotic note of star anise coming up with aeration.  Sappy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors show serious density and a chewy texture but no excess weight.  Broad and powerful on the finish, which hangs on impressively and leaves a note of candied flowers behind.  I really like this wine's combination of depth and vivacity."

93 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir La Pommeraie, Russian River Valley

"Bright violet.  Highly fragrant, vibrant aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola, rose oil and Indian spices.  Densely packed, firm and juicy, with intense red and dark berry flavors given spine by zesty acidity.  Shows real intensity but carries no excess weight; in fact, this is quite lithe.  Picks up a subtly smoky note with air and finishes with outstanding clarity and spicy persistence."

92 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir Bella Una, Russian River Valley

"Bright ruby-red.  Intensely perfumed bouquet of raspberry, cherry, Asian spices and deeper licorice.  Sappy and incisive, offering powerful red fruit flavors that take a darker turn in the mid-palate and pick up a note of bitter chocolate.  Finishes with excellent clarity and spicy cut, with the cherry note repeating. Very nicely balanced pinot."

93 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard, Anderson Valley

"Vivid ruby.  A potent bouquet evokes cherry-cola, black raspberry, vanilla bean and smoky Indian spices.  Spice and herb-accented dark berry flavors show impressive intensity and depth, with complicating notes of anise, black tea and bitter chocolate.  Gains energy in the glass and picks up a peppery note that adds cut to the very long, penetrating finish. This is built to age."

90 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

"Dark ruby.  Aromas of strawberry, white pepper and rose are lifted by a lively note of blood orange.  Juicy, tight and focused; youthfully taut today but shows a lot of intensely perfumed red fruit.  Finishes spicy and long, with fine-grained tannins and a jolt of zesty minerality.  I like this wine's tension."

90 Points | 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

"Deep, bright ruby.  Ripe red fruits on the nose, with complicating notes of cinnamon, mace and rose.  Smoky redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors are given spine by juicy acidity and pick up a hint of candied flowers with air.  Shows a harmonious interplay of dark fruit and herbs on the long, spicy finish."

92 Points | 2009 Chardonnay La Pommeraie, Russian River Valley

"Bright yellow-gold.  Orange zest, pear and honeysuckle on the nose, with subtle herb and toasty lees notes adding complexity.  Offers dense, palate-staining orchard fruit and Meyer lemon flavors, along with suggestions of candied ginger and chamomile.  Very complex chardonnay with excellent finishing clarity and smoky persistence."

90 Points | 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

"Light yellow.  Pungent aromas of white peach, nectarine, nutmeg and candied ginger.  Offers juicy orange and pit fruit flavors and restrained sweetness, with a zesty mineral nuance giving the wine energy in the mouth.  Finishes long and supple, with notes of ginger and dried fig.  I like this wine's mix of depth and vivacity."

88 Points | 2009 Chardonnay, Sonoma Mountain

"Light yellow-gold.  Ripe pear and peach pit aromas are complemented by smoky herbs, toasted nuts and flowers.  Fleshy on entry, then tighter with air, offering orchard fruit and hazelnut  flavors.  Rich and pliant but seems a bit dull.  Finishes on a note of hazelnut oil, with good length.  I'd have liked more vivacity."

- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar • May/June 2011