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2009 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
Subtle aromas of pear and apple interplay with a steely, mineral quality of wet stones. The straw color shows a greenish edge and a light haze, confirming the wine is neither fined nor filtered. The wine is rich and viscous, balanced with an elegant acidity. The oak signature is present at such a level to support the complex of aroma and flavor components. The fruit, rich cream and mineral flavors follow onto the palate beautifully, providing even greater depth to the aromas through a long, rich finish.
Production: 84 cases Released: 9/1/2012
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2008 Sonoma County Pinot noir
Rich, dark fruit aromas explode from the glass, mingling with sweet spices and
hints of creamy, toasted oak. On the palate, the fruit flavors are big, rich and dark. The
texture of the wine is round and rich yet structured with with fine tannins and balanced acidity,
that evolves into a long and expansive finish.
Production: 40 cases Released: 5/15/2010
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2008 Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot noir
This wine shows classic acid and tannin structure typical of Pinot noir hailing from the extreme Sonoma Coast. From the first pour, the glass is filled with aromas of cherries, sandalwood and spice. East Indian spices are hallmarks of these coastal Pinot noir and they further lift and add dimension to the complexity of the wine. The fruit and spice flavors follow the aromas onto the palate with layers of licorice and bright fruit, culminating in a long, pure finish. This Pinot noir will stand up to the most robust food and wine pairing and continue to evolve and improve with aging.
Production: 175 cases Released: 11/15/2010
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Connoisseur's Guide - 94 POINTS, Two Puffs
"If perhaps a bit bigger and bolder than last year's Bjornstad Pinots, both this wine and the van der Kamp bottling are marked by a sense of winemaking refinement and fine structure. This one begins with a deftly oaked, ripe-cherry nose and follows with deep and slightly succulent, well-fruited flavors that take on an intriguing minerally note. If already fairly silky in feel, it finds a nice brightening bite of finishing acidity, and, while clearly a class act, it is not yet close to showing its best. Set it aside for three to five years. Reviewed: October 2011"
92 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, October 1, 2011
"Lots of zesty acidity in this wonderfully complex, exotic Pinot Noir, which comes from the true Sonoma Coast, in the Fort Ross area. It's explosive in wild summer raspberries and cherries, briary nettles, vanilla bean and spices, with a perfect coating of sweetly caramelized oak. Very pure and refined, and best enjoyed young. - S.H."
2008 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot noir
Pretty, brilliant garnet color and aromas of red cherries and wild, red raspberries fill the glass along with smoky, toasty layers of spices, black tea, mineral and
earthy, forest floor. On the palate, the entry is lean and focused with flavors mirroring the aromas. The fruit flavors flirt back and forth between red pie cherries and raspberries
alongside earthy, forest duff. The texture builds from the beginning through to a long persistent finish. With time, the flavors continue to evolve on the palate bringing black licorice
and savory, spiced meats.
Production: 175 cases Released: 10/1/2010
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Connoisseur's Guide - 91 POINTS, Two Puffs
"Nicely ripened, fit with a trim bit of oak and keenly focused on pure Pinot Noir fruit, this wine exhibits a certain calm and refinement even while showing what might be best called a sneaky sense of richness. It is medium-full-bodied and very well-balanced with the first hints of varietal velvet in feel, and, while never one for flamboyance, it is concentrated, intense and sustained with the structure and depth of a wine destined to age very well. Reviewed: October 2011"
90 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, October 1, 2011
"Lots of vibrantly ripe fruit in this wine, with mouthfilling flavors of raspberries, cherries and cola. It's delicious in an upfront way, with a supporting structure of acids and tannins and a sweet coat of oak. Drink over the next year or two before it fades. - S.H."
2008 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
An explosion of aromas of baked pear tartlet with sweet creamy custard rise from the open bottle. Rich fruit aromas from ripe nectarine and tropical fruits follow, along with a mineral quality of wet stones. In the glass, the color is pale straw with a light green edge and light haze, confirming the wine is neither fined nor filtered. The wine is rich and viscous, balanced with an elegant acidity. The oak signature is present at such a level to support the complex of aroma and flavor components. The fruit, rich cream and mineral flavors follow onto the palate beautifully, providing even greater depth to the aromas through a long, rich finish.
Production: 129 cases Released: 10/15/2011
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92 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, September 1, 2011
"Zesty acidity and the flavors of green apples, pears and mangoes combine to make this Chardonnay attractive and food friendly. It has a creamy smokiness that adds to the richness. Drink it now with elaborate shellfish dishes. - S.H."
Connoisseur's Guide - 92 POINTS, Two Puffs
"Richness, crispness, ripe fruit and firmly balanced despite flirtations with some early roundness to its first palatal impressions, this bottling is both young and inviting at the same time, and there will be those who will drink it up now since it does not demand bottle aging. We would, however, counsel a fair bit of patience as this one has only revealed a quick peek at its future charms, and a year or two of bottle age is going to see the wine become increasingly seamless. Reviewed: August 2011"
2008 Sonoma County Chardonnay
Aromas of creamy vanilla, spice and roasty, toasty creme brulee’ interweave
with the fruit qualities of citrus, grilled pineapple and other tropical fruits and finally, a mineral
aspect of crushed stone. The texture of the wine is bold upon entry with flavors of lemon
custard and vanilla being counter balanced by focussed acidity and a solid structure. The
wine is refreshing and light on the palate and gives way to a long and persistent finish.
Production: 221 cases Released: 5/15/2010
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92 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, October 1, 2011
"Pretty much as good as Bjornstad's single-vineyard bottlings. It's opulent and creamy, with exotic tropical fruit, green apple, pear and honey flavors, elaborately oaked and spicy. Wonderful acidity gives a clean scour to all the richness. - S.H."
Connoisseur's Guide - 89 POINTS, One Puff
"Less complete than its mates above but still firm, fruity and quite likeable at every stop, this wine comes with complexing notes of roasted grains, Meyer lemons and lightly toasty oak. It is full in boody without a hint of heaviness and offers a priceworthy way to experience the Bjornstad stylish handling of Chardonnay. Crisp and fruity to finish, this one suggests that it is ready, even while promising to grow a bit. Reviewed: August 2011"
PinotFile - May 24, 2010
Appealing aromas of cooked pear, brown butter, caramel and oak fading some in the glass replaced by
green apple notes. Tasty citrus and pear flavors with a hint of honey. Not as rich or striking as the
vineyard-designated Chardonnays, but a solid wine with a slightly creamy mouth feel and a bright,
clingy finish. A go-to wine for everyday enjoyment. Good.
2007 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
The Ritchie Vineyard consistently produces distinctive Chardonnays, known
for their richness and tropical fruit flavors. The glass is filled with roasty, toasty notes of
creme brulee‘ and spices. Rich fruit aromas follow from ripe nectarine and tropical fruits
along with wet stones, suggesting minerality. They entry is bold, crisp and bright. The
layered textures spread across the palate with its mouth filling (mouth watering) palate
weight. The wine is rich and viscous and balanced with an elegant acidity. The oak signature
is present at such a level to support the complex of aroma and flavors components. The fruit,
rich cream and mineral flavors follow onto the palate beautifully, providing even greater depth
to the aromas.
Production: 200 cases Released: 5/1/2010
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94 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, February 2010
"Dramatically rich and ripe, a bells and whistles Chardonnay made in the white Burgundy style. It's flamboyant in pineapple, nectarine, guava and oak- and lees-influenced buttered toast, cream and vanilla creme brulee‘, but it's also very acidic and dry, which provides balance and elegance. Fine now and for 3 or 4 years."
90 POINTS - eRobertParker.com
"This 2007 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard possesses a light straw color with a greenish hue as well as notes of orange rind, nectarine, white currant, and quince. The oak component is clearly pushed to the background. Steely crushed rock and white flower-like characteristics also emerge in both the aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied, stylish, elegant Chardonnay should drink well for 3-4 years." - Robert Parker, Jr.
PinotFile - May 24, 2010
Slight haze in the glass (unfiltered). Shy but pleasing aromas of lemon zest, toffee, vanilla and
crushed rock, with a whiff of alcohol peaking out. Rich and full-bodied flavors of golden apple and pears with a
bright accent of minerality. There is deft use of oak and a striking creaminess to the texture. The biggest
Chardonnay in the lineup and the most Caliesque. This wine will find many hedonistic-seeking fans.
Very good.
2007 Barbed Oak Vineyard Chardonnay
Aromas of creme brulee‘ and roasted almonds are interwoven with citrus peel and ripe melon. The structure and extract of the wine spreads across the palate, coating it with rich textures of fine tannin and balanced acidity. Flavors resonate back and forth between Meyer lemon, crisp pear and apple, sweet melon and toasted almonds. The powerful texture extends the long and lingering finish with the creamy richness of cre'me brule'e and lemon custard.
Production: 1392 bottles Released: 1/15/2010
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"Winemaker Greg Bjornstad earned a tip of the CGCW cap for the stunning Pfendler Chardonnay in our recent November issue, and he now does the same with several top-notch offerings under his own label. This rich, but uncommonly refined, working is a textbook example of Greg’s careful winemaking style, and, while a well-extracted wine, it is always light on its feet and firmed by a long line of crisping acidity. Like its mates, it is built for comfortable keeping but will drink famously with milder seafoods straight away."
90 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, February 2010
"Lots of oaky richness in this dry, crisp Chardonnay. It has high acidity and a dusty minerality, but also a thick coat of sweet, butterscotchy oak and powerful flavors of lemons, limes, pineapples and exotic tropical fruits. Drink over the next four years."
GOLD MEDAL - 2010 SF Chronicle Wine Competition
PinotFile - May 24,2010
This vineyard was planted to
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2005 on well-drained Spreckles Series soils. The
Bennett Valley AVA is a very cool region due to the onshore winds of the Pacific
Ocean which enter through the Petaluma Gap. This is a very charming wine with
an alluring perfume of nectarine, banana and butter evolving in the glass to
aromas of lemon and brown spice. Delicious on the palate with discreetly rich
flavors of buttered toast, malted milk, roasted nuts, lemon, and poached white
peaches that persist on the endless lemony finish. Harmonious in every way
with the signature Bjornstad creaminess on display. Very good.
2009 Pinot noir Rosé
The wine is a beautiful salmon color and from the glass, comes notes of baked
strawberry/rhubarb pie, freshly sliced strawberries and bright, pure red fruits. These aromas
carry through into flavors on the palate bringing with them vanilla and spice. The entry is
bright and crisp, filling the palate with a delicate balance of textures and then stretches out
into a very long finish.
Production: 90 cases Released: 5/1/2010
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2008 Pinot noir Rosé
What a fun wine! From the first glimpse in the glass, the wine is attractive with a delicate, salmon color. The aroma coming from the glass is of freshly sliced strawberries that develop into strawberry rhubarb crisp. These aromas carry through into flavors on the palate bringing with them creamy vanilla and spice. There is a lovely balance between crisp acidity, sweet fruit and round richness. The flavors continue to evolve and become rich like guava and hints of smoke begin to appear as the finish lingers on.
Production: 660 bottles Released: 5/20/2009
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2007 Pinot noir Rosé
What a fun wine! From the first glimpse in the glass, the wine is attractive with a delicate, salmon color. The aroma coming from the glass is of freshly sliced strawberries that develop into strawberry rhubarb crisp. These aromas carry through into flavors on the palate bringing with them creamy vanilla and spice. There is a lovely balance between crisp acidity, sweet fruit and round richness. The flavors continue to evolve and become rich like guava and hints of smoke begin to appear as the finish lingers on.
Production: 300 bottles Released: 6/1/2008
2007 Sonoma County Pinot noir
The glass is filled with brilliant garnet color and aromas of smoky, brambly red raspberries and pie cherries, complete with the flaky, toasty crust. On the palate, the texture is initially soft, round and rich as the flavors of these bright red fruits become apparent and gradually fade into creamy vanilla and then hints of roasted, savory charcuterie. The brightness of these red fruits seems to build into a mouth filling expansive finish that goes on and on.
Production: 108 bottles Released: 4/20/2009
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2007 Sonoma County Chardonnay
Aromas of creamy vanilla, spice and roasted, toasted bread come from the glass. The subtle tropical fruit aromas present themselves as white peach, Asian pear and melon flavors on the palate. The wine is loaded with flavor and round, creamy, toasty richness! A solid backbone provides this blend with a firm, broad structure and bright acidity that lingers long and complex on the finish.
Production: 1,572 bottles Released: 3/1/2009
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2006 Sonoma County Chardonnay
A bouquet of lemon curd, vanilla and grilled bread give way to luscious fruit on the mid-palate: Asian pear, white peach, honeydew. Dense with flavor and creamy, toasty richness. The Old Wente clone gives this cuvee both its firm, broad structure and the zest of acidity that lingers long and complex on the finish.
Production: 767 bottles Released: 6/1/2008
2007 van der Kamp Pinot Noir
Pretty, brilliant garnet color and aromas of dark ripe cherries and berries fill the glass along with smoky, toasty layers of spices, black tea, sandalwood and cedar. On the palate, the entry is round and rich and the fruit flavors flirt back and forth between red pie cherries and black raspberries alongside earthy qualities and forest duff. The texture builds from the beginning to a round, mouth coating middle with a long persistent finish. Over time, the flavors continue to evolve on the palate with black licorice and savory, spiced meats. Production: 1534 bottles Released: 10/1/2009
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96 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, March 2010
"It’s hard to consistently get scores this high year after year, but Greg Bjornstad does,
because he understands Pinot Noir. Specifically, he knows how to combine power,
which is easy, with finesse, which isn’t. This 2007, from an esteemed vineyard, is
spectacular in wild forest cherry, cola, licorice, pine cone, anise, exotic spice and
sandalwood flavors, even as it’s perfectly balanced with crisp acidity, fine tannins and
just-right oak. Lovely and complex. Now–2014."
93 POINTS - The Pinot Report, April 2010
"Medium ruby color; bit closed, some cherry and game notes; ripe, rich, red cherry flavors with complex earthy, game notes; some sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Earthy, complex Pinot with a lot to offer grilled chicken or pork. Has a characteristic gamey note of the Van der Kamp vineyard."
90 POINTS - eRobertParker.com
"Displaying a similar medium ruby hue, the 2007 Pinot Noir van der Kamp
Vineyard exhibits complex notes of cloves, allspice, cherries, plums, and forest
floor, and less herbaceousness than its sibling. Enjoy this elegant, medium
weight Pinot over the next 3-4 years." - Robert Parker, Jr.
PinotFile - May 24, 2010
Pinot Noir from this
mature vineyard always possesses distinctive and interesting nuances.
The aromas are more savory than fruity and feature wild berries, smoky
oak and a hint of barnyard. On the palate, darker fruits are underlain with an
appealing earthiness and meatiness. The tannins are reigned in and there is a
good nip of acidity on the bright finish. My notes say, “Love the texture!” The
wine picks up interest and intensity as it opens in the glass over time. Still
drank beautifully the next day from an opened and re-corked bottle. You need some of this.
2006 van der Kamp Pinot noir
From the first pour, the lifted aromatics of this wine are varied and intriguing, inviting another visit. There are the pretty red fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and the mixed fragrances of a wild berry patch. Next are the subtle, smoky, meaty aromas that are inherent to the van der Kamp Vineyard. Flavor follows fragrance seamlessly onto the round and rich palate, supporting these defined flavors with restrained oak and spice, ending with a firm finish.
Production: 2,646 bottles Released: 3/1/2008
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2005 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot noir
From the first pour, the lifted aromatics of this wine are varied and intriguing, inviting another visit. There are subtle, smoky, meaty aromas that are inherent to the van der Kamp Vineyard. Juxtaposed are the pretty red fruit aromas of cherry, raspberry and the mixed fragrances of a wild berry patch. Flavor follows fragrance seamlessly onto the palate, supporting these defined flavors with restrained oak and spice, ending with a crisp, focused finish.
Note: this wine has been crafted without fining or filtration and shows a natural sediment.
90 Points "Readers looking for more forest floor, fresh mushroom, and earth-like characteristics should check out the dark ruby-hued 2005 Pinot Noir van der Kamp Vineyard. Notions of cherries and raspberries also emerge from this character-filled effort. Dirnk it over the next 4-5 years."
— Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate #168
Production: 1,080 bottles Released: 3/1/2007
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2007 Hellenthal Pinot noir
This wine shows classic acid and tannin structure typical of Pinot noir hailing
from the extreme Sonoma Coast. From the first pour, the glass is filled with aromas of
cherries, sandalwood and spice. East Indian spices are hallmarks of these coastal Pinot noir
and they further lift and add dimension to the complexity of the wine. The fruit and spice
flavors follow the aromas onto the palate with layers of licorice and bright fruit, culminating in
a long, pure finish. This Pinot noir will stand up to the most robust food and wine pairing and
continue to evolve and improve with aging.
Production: 152 cases Released: 3/1/2010
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96 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, March 2010
"There’s a wildland, coastal mountain taste to this wine, which brims with bone-dry,
exotic, woodsy tastes of wild forest cherries, fennel, balsam, cola, volcanic minerals,
raw beef and Asian spices, not to mention the sweet veneer of sandalwood. It’s utterly
distinct from other Pinots in its almost feral complexity, a wine that changes with every
sniff and sip. Should develop through 2014. This is a great price for a Pinot Noir of this
integrity and interest. Only 152 cases were produced, but it’s worth the search."
93 POINTS - The Pinot Report, April 2010
"Medium ruby color; deep, rich cherry aromas with spice and forest floor notes; ripe, rich, deep cherry flavors with complex earthy, forest floor notes; nice oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Complex, interesting flavors; nice Pinot for an earthy mushroom dish. Needs air and some time in the bottle."
2006 Hellenthal Pinot noir
This deeply colored wine has tremendous acid and tannin structure typical of Pinot noir hailing from the extreme Sonoma Coast. From the first pour, the glass is filled with aromas of cassis, cherries and baked raspberry pie. East Indian spices are hallmarks of coastal Pinot noir and they further lift and add dimension to the complexity of the wine. The fruit and spice flavors follow the aromas onto the palate with layers of licorice and caramel, culminating in a very long powerful finish. This Pinot noir will stand up to the most robust food and wine pairing and continue to evolve and improve with aging.
"Rich, intense, focused and concentrated, with loamy blackberry, wild berry, cherry and anise notes that are plush and mouthcoating. This is complex now, but sure to be pleasing short term. Drink now through 2012. 253 cases made." —James Laube
Production: 3,042 bottles Released: 9/1/2008
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2005 Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot noir
From the grapes’ arrival at the winery on September 26, 2005 to today’s tasting, the impression is the same; “chocolate covered cherries”. This deeply colored wine has a smooth, rich texture owing to the fully developed tannin structure. Flavors follow aromas with its fruit forward core and layers of licorice, mineral and East Indian spices culminating in a very long velvety finish.
91 Points "Intense and concentrated, with a complex mix of earthy raspberry, black cherry, mineral and spice, gaining depth and richness on a long, persistent finish. The tannins are firm and ripe. Drink now through 2011." —James Laube
92 Points "The aromatics of his dense ruby-colored 2005 Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard bring to mind an Indonesian market. Spicy, sweet cherry, and chocolaty aromas are followed by a powerful, full-bodied, harmonious, sexy Pinot to enjoy over the next 5-6 years " — Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate #168
Production: 1,200 Released: 10/1/2007
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2006 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
The Ritchie Vineyard consistently produces distinctive Chardonnays, known for their richness and tropical fruit flavors. Bjornstad’s representation expresses a somewhat leaner version, consistent with the characteristics of the 2006 vintage. The complex aromas reveal sweet citrus notes of Mandarin orange and Meyer lemon meringue. Creamy vanillas and butterscotch layer nicely with the fruit and toasty oak notes. Flavors follow aromas onto the palate with a beautiful balance of acid and richness that gives way to a long, persistent finish.
"Well-structured, with hints of complexity woven in and touches of ripe pear, butterscotch and melon. Ends with a cleansing aftertaste. Drink now through 2010. 273 cases made." —James Laube
91 Points "From an undeniably grand cru site, the elegant 2006 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard comes across like a Chablis, revealing notes of lemons, oranges, melons, citrus oil, wet stones, and white currants. With crisp acidity, a steely backbone, a striking minerality, and an elegant personality, it is a pure, deep Chardonnay to enjoy over the next 2-3 years." — Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate December 2007
Production: 3,282 bottles Released: 11/1/2007
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2005 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay
The Ritchie Vineyard consistently produces Chardonnays that are full, rich and renown for their exotic tropical fruit flavors. Bjornstad’s representation expresses these hallmarks that characterize the vineyard’s sense of place, or terroir. Complex aromas reveal creamy vanillas and crème brulee, ripe mango and citrus peel. These aromas follow through onto the palate with a seductive richness that gives way to a long, persistent finish.
92 Points "The 2005 Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard (an undeniably great source for this varietal) exhibits an extraordinary bouguet of orange blossoms, brioche, hazelnuts, tropical fruits, and citrus oil. Full-bodied, leesy, rich, and complex, it will drink beautifully for 2-3 years." — Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate #168
90 Points "Aromas of ripe apple, fig, melon and hazelnut are intense and concentrated on the palate, if a bit raw now, with excellent balance and length. Drink now through 2010." —James Laube
Production: 1,920 Released: 10/1/2007
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2006 Barbed Oak Vineyard Chardonnay
The glass is filled with aromas of crème brûlée and roasted almonds interwoven with citrus peel and ripe melon. The structure and extract of the wine spreads across the palate, coating it with rich textures of fine tannin and balanced acidity. Flavors resonate back and forth between Meyer lemon, crisp pear and apple, melon and toasted almonds. The powerful texture extends the long and lingering finish with the creamy richness of cre'me brule'e and lemon custard.
Production: 800 bottles Released: 5/15/2008
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2007 Porter Bass Chardonnay
Pretty, light oat color and slightly opaque showing its unfiltered nature. At first the nose is delicate with hints of citrus flowers then gives way to aromas of creamy lemon curd. Flavors evolve on the palate from citrusy Meyer lemon and mineral qualities through toasty, creamy vanillas and floral and smoky notes. The texture is lean and steely from front to back with a long, lingering finish. Production: 760 bottles Released: 10/1/2009
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93 POINTS, The Wine Enthusiast, February 2010
"Chardonnay doesn't get much richer or riper thank this. Explodes with grilled pineapple, lemondrop, smoky meringue, buttered toast and cinnamon spice flavors, brightened and boosted by crisp, citrusy cool-climate acidity. Racy and clean and complex, it should develop bottle nuance over the next four years."
91 POINTS, eRobertParker.com
"The 2007 Chardonnay Porter-Bass Vineyard exhibits lots of nectarine, lychee nut, crushed rock, honeysuckle, and white peach aromas and flavors as well assteely acidity, an attractive minerality, outstanding purity, and a medium to fullbodied style. This impressive effort rivals the estate's Ritchie Vineyard cuvee. It should drink well for 3-4 years.
This small winery in Sebastopol releases under 150 cases of each of these
cuvees except for the Chardonnay Ritchie Vineyard, which has a production of
slightly over 200 cases. Prices are very fair, and as the locals know, Greg
Bjornstad is a well-known consultant who has worked with a lot of top wineries in
the area. All of these complex offerings merit considerable consumer interest." - Robert Parker, Jr.
PinotFile - May 24, 2010
This vineyard dates to 1980 and is farmed organically and biodynamically. Clones are Rued
(a Musque selection) and Wente. Soils are gravelly clay loam, a fractured shale that commonly underlies the
Goldridge Series. Bjornstad has worked with this vineyard since 1997. Nuanced aromatic profile of lemon
meringue, rock quarry, chalk dust, grass and a hint of oak. Very smooth and creamy in the mouth with flavors
of green apple, pastry cream, citrus and a striking minerality. Discreet richness, facile tannins and a tangy
finish. The most Chablis-like Chardonnay in the lineup. Very good.
San Francisco Chronicle - TOP 100 WINES - December 5, 2010
"Greg Bjornstad found a complex, intriguing expression from this biodynamically farmed site planted in part to the nuanced Rued clone - one of the top Chardonnay spots on the Sonoma coast. There's a contemplative, spicy character: clove, smoke, olive pit, resin and green papaya, matched to a steely core of acidity."
2006 Porter Bass Chardonnay
Initially smoky and meaty in the glass, the wine evolves and unfolds an amazing, delicate complexity of aromas and flavors. Subtle scents of lime and white flowers invoke sweet and spice from honeysuckle, jasmine, and freesia blossoms that resolve into flavors of lime, pear, green apple and pineapple. The texture is lean, crisp and full with a long finish of a lingering green apple, citrus and smoke.
91 Points "An elegant effort is the 2006 Chardonnay Porter Bass Vineyard. Revealing more hazelnut, broiche, and tropical fruit characteristics, it is a restrained, well-balanced whiet to drink over the next 2-3 years." — Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate December 2007
Production: 1,938 bottles Released: 3/1/2008
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2005 Porter-Bass Vineyard Chardonnay
Initially smoky, meaty and powerful in the glass, the wine evolves and unfolds an amazing, delicate complexity of aromas and flavors. Subtle scents of white flowers invoke sweet and spice from honeysuckle, jasmine, freesia and lime blossoms and resolve into flavors of pineapple, lime, pear and honeydew. The texture is lean and crisp and the finish is that of a lingering green apple.
91 Points"The 2005 Chardonnay Porter Bass Vineyard is lean, Chablis-like effort displaying additional notes of flowers, lemon curd, honeysuckle, and a touch of exotic fruit. It is a crisp, lean, earthy-styled white to consume over the next 3-4 years."
— Robert Parker, ©The Wine Advocate #168
Production: 1,080 Released: 3/1/2007
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