Four Hearts Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2020
This Chardonnay is a cuvée, which really means it’s a blend of, in this case, 4 different field selections, which are fermented separately with only the best barrels selected for final blending to produce this impressive Chardonnay.
This is a big rich Chardonnay without being overly-oaked, or buttery but the well-integrated aromas of apple, honeysuckle, and tangerine will give that away.
The palate confirms the depth and richness of the mouthfeel showcasing crisp apple, honeysuckle, and orange peel with secondary notes of Meyer lemon/ lemon marmalade, ginger, and spices to complete the package.
I have to mention that this opened up considerably over a 24-hour period (cork in, no air removed) revealing the layers of flavors above, which were not evident on initial tasting.
I would suggest 3 plus years of cellaring would develop this wine even further.
Pairings: include Crab, Lobster, Chicken Pasta with rich creamy sauce, Stir Fry Chicken Pad Thai, and Shrimp Bang Bang.
Russian River Chardonnay 2021
This is a cuvée sourced from 9 different vineyard sites in Sonoma, 4 Estate owned, and 5 neighboring vineyards, each contributing the individual characteristics of all 9 sites, to produce an impressive Chardonnay that doesn’t break the bank.
The nose is all jasmine, apple, and pear. The palate delivers kiwi, citrus, apple, pear, and a hint of ginger wrapped in some nice depth and complexity and impressive texture thru the mid-palate. Its nice lingering finish leaves you with a desire to pour another glass.
Cellar out to 2027 without a problem.
Pairings: same as the Four Hearts Vineyard Chardonnay.
Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir 2021
This is a single vineyard Pinot sourced from one of their Estate Vineyards located on the Sonoma Coast, hence the ‘Lands Edge’ name and the maritime influence. Balanced acidity, impressive depth, and complexity with a smooth texture and mouthfeel make this a wine worth adding to the cellar. Add an enticing nose of dark cherries, raspberries, and rose petals and a palate reflecting the aromas with some plum and spices thrown in for good measure and you have a wine you’ll want to drink over and over again. Tannins are evident but I would suggest some decanting time if you are not patient enough to cellar this wine for the next 8 – 10 years.
Pairings: Salmon with Soy/honey/sweet chili/ginger/garlic marinade, Duck with Plum sauce, Duck and Fig, Quail, Glazed Ham, and Turkey.
Russian River Pinot Noir 2021
A cuvée sourced from 7 Estate owned vineyards and 4 neighboring vineyards, again contributing individual characteristics from each vineyard. It should be noted that the 7 Estate owned pinots have rated 94 and above most years.
The nose is almost overwhelming with layers of dark cherries, blueberries, and spices, and enticing, to say the least.
The palate is silky smooth with a hint of fruit sweetness from the layers of ripe cherries, black currant, raspberries, blueberries, and spices. A delight to drink.
Cellar out to 2027.
Pairings: will always be Salmon with Pinot Noir, but I enjoy it with Caviar, Shellfish, Veggie Pizza with mushrooms, and charcuterie with peppery salamis and stinky cheeses.
‘Outer Limits’ Vineyard Syrah 2015. – Impressive California Syrah!
Imagine a vineyard surrounded by redwood forest on a wind sweep mountain ridge just 4 miles from the ocean at an elevation of 900 ft planted on rare but almost perfect soil. Planted on Goldridge soils – a rare, fine-grained sandy loam, known for its excellent drainage sitting on top of a volcanic base, is a rare combination indeed and is considered to have the Midas touch when it comes to vines.
What all this means is that it’s a unique site capable of producing exceptional, unique wines. One sip of this Syrah and you’ll be convinced.
The nose consists of integrated layers of blackberries, blueberries, plums, and sweet cooking herbs.
The palate is restrained exhibiting finesse while you unwrap an inviting mouthfeel that coats every corner of your mouth with blackberries and blueberries leaving little room for the secondary notes of plums, dark cherries, cooking spices, and white pepper. This will show further improvements over the next 5 – 7 years. An absolute delight to drink so be selective when pairing food.
Pairings: Anything from the grill, or any of your favorite red meat dishes.
Old Vine Zinfandel 2021
Let’s establish something up front. There are no legal guidelines or regulations regarding what exactly constitutes an “old vine” but the consensus is 50 years or older to be called Old Vine. This most definitely falls into that category with some as old as 115. This is a blend of old vine dry farmed low yielding vines from the Russian River Valley.
Second thing, this isn’t your typical ripe juicy Lodi Zin so don’t expect it from the start.
This fog-laden, cool-climate wine is characterized by elegance and restraint with aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, and plums with a hint of spices enticing you to venture further.
The wine unfolds across your palate revealing layers of rich blackberries, raspberries and plums with subtle white pepper, and spices exhibiting beautiful balance, depth, and complexity. Everything is where it should be with this wine. A delight to drink.
Cellar time: 5 to 7 years without a problem.
Pairing: Anything from the grill, a smoked Brisket, Italian Roasted Vegetable Pizza, and Black Bean/Vegetable Chili with mushrooms.
Vine to Table 