The 2007 Pinot Noir Vista Verde Vineyard exhibits a medium dark ruby color along with a tight but promising nose of red currants, pomegranates, spice, and earth, medium body, fresh acids, and a compact, pleasant, straightforward style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs are made from a wide range of California vineyards, primarily in the north, with Russian River and Sonoma Coast dominating, but there is also an Anderson Valley site (Ferrington), San Benito site (Vista Verde), and Yorkville Highlands (Weir). The Chardonnays are nearly as powerful as the Zinfandels in terms of alcohol strength, ranging from 14.5% to 14.8%.Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

The winery’s best Vista Verde ever. Terrific in crisp acidity and finely meshed tannins that frame ripe, rich flavors of cherry pulp, root beer, anise and oak that finish long and impressively delicious. Complex and compelling now, and will develop in the bottle over the next 6–8 years.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 95