1. Balverne Russian River 2012 Pinot Noir $40

Light reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of Bing cherries and baking spice arrive over time in the glass. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and cola, finishing with graceful length. Very polished, elegant and refined with modest tannins. Quite accessible for a reserve wine. Definitely deserving of the designation “reserve,” although it is not a big, oaky version of the regular Russian River Valley bottling which is so often the case with reserve wines.

2. Trueheart Vineyard 2010 Petit Sirah $35

Family, “Estate” vineyard north of Sonoma that grows and makes only Petite Sirah. This is a classic REALLY BIG Petite from nose to chewy finish. Dusty earth, oak (French and Hungarian barrels), black pepper, vanilla and berry liqueur smells and flavors.

3. RockWall  2011 Petit Sirah $35

Deep India ink in color, this beautiful Petite Sirah shows robust aromas of juicy ripe blackberry, fig, and pink cotton candy, followed by flavors of bright blueberry, Cajun spice, plum jam, white pepper and dark chocolate. Cheers to blue teeth!

4. Windsor Oaks Russian River 2012 Pinot Noir $30

Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The appealing nose leads with aromas of raspberries, cherries and damp forest floor. The middleweight flavors of black cherry and cola are juicy and vivid. Very well crafted with a seamless presence of oak, acidity and tannins, finishing with plenty of cherry goodness. The potentially lush Russian River Valley fruit is held in check, making this wine particularly appealing.                              

5. Calstar 2010 Pinot Noir $35

Dark ruby violet color carried by bright aromatics of ripe strawberry and cranberry with undertones of black tea, fresh mushrooms and cedar.  Juicy acidity leads the palate with black plum, strawberry and bing cherry.  Supporting flavors of vanilla, baking spices and orange peel linger through the finish

6. Gracianna Russian River 2012 Chardonnay $34

White flowers and pineapple explodes from the nose, and I also get some lime and papaya. The freshness continues on the palate, with racy acid. Lime, pineapple, green apple, the fruit is crisp but ripe. The mineral and chalky tones to this wine are Chablis-like in their intensity and freshness. Some creaminess and hazelnut toast add to the body, but this is a leaner style of Russian River chardonnay, and it’s done incredibly well.    

7. Beltane Ranch 2012 Sauvignon Blanc  $29

The crisp citrus and peach notes show a touch of toasted cedar and plenty of spicy details on the finish. Drink now. 800 cases made.                                                                                          

8. Balverne Russian River 2012 Sauvignon Blanc $25

Showing great intensity of flavors, this wine highlights brassy citrus notes balanced by complex tropical fruit flavors and layered, textured notes of spice. Medium bodied, it finishes cleanly with great length and complexity.

9. Schug 2010 Chardonnay $24

GOLD MEDAL, 2O13 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMP. Well done, the nicely balanced '10 Schug Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is true to the varietal; ripe, core fruit stays focused and fine on the palate.

10. Mounts 2012 Roussane $24

A lovely Roussanne. It is dry and complex, with Chardonnay weight-bearing citrus and tropical fruit, cashew, veal and cream flavors that are brightened with acidity. 

11. Windsor 2011 Chardonnay $20

Fresh, with focused aromas of green apple, honeyed pear, banana cream, juicy citrus and cinnamon-spiced vanilla this Chardonnay shows just a touch of sweet butter and toasty oak. The crisp green apple carries through on the palate, interwoven with fresh pineapple, honeydew and Asian pear finishing with mouthwatering lemony flavors and a hint of toasty oak.

12. Peche Merle 2012 Sauvignon Blanc $17

Beautiful nose of citrus... Light, crisp flavors of kiwi and grapefruit. No grassiness and smooth to the finish. Not too sweet either, very drinkable.