The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Pinot Noir Precious Mountain Vineyard exhibits a sweet, kirsch, floral, and raspberry-scented nose (reminiscent of a Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape), medium to full body, good acidity, and a distinctive, relatively intense personality. It should keep for 10-15 years. This wine is still a baby, but its aromatics are sensational. 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 dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Pinot Noir Precious Mountain Vineyard exhibits a sweet, kirsch, floral, and raspberry-scented nose (reminiscent of a Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape), medium to full body, good acidity, and a distinctive, relatively intense personality. It should keep for 10-15 years. This wine is still a baby, but its aromatics are sensational. 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

Ripe and delicious right out of the bottle, although it will age well. Made from a vineyard on the true Sonoma Coast, in the remote Fort Ross area, it’s fabulously rich in cherry, framboise and red currant flavors, with intriguing waves of anise, bacon and sweet, vanilla-scented smoky sandalwood. There’s a foresty taste, too, suggesting dried pine needles. The tannins and acids are near perfect. Stunning now, and should hold for at least six years.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 98