Chardonnay:
Ritchie
Porter-Bass
Pinot noir:
Hellenthal
van der Kamp
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."
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."
Production: 1,920 Released: 10/1/2007 Price: $50
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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
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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."
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 "
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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."
Production: 1,080 bottles Released: 3/1/2007 Price: $50
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