The medium dark ruby-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Allen Vineyard exhibits an attractive forest floor/flora character interwoven with sweet black cherry fruit aromas, hints of pomegranates and raspberries, tart acids, and medium to full body. This attractive, still youthful Pinot will be even better in 2-3 years, and should last for a decade or more. 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

Not showing well now due to the tannins. It’s dry and tough, with a resistance to the richness. Yet the core of flavor is enormous. Shows concentrated, flashy flavors of cherry marmalade, raspberry, orange blossom, cola, licorice, rose tea and spices that go on and on and continue to develop in the glass. The texture is pure silk and satin. Needs 4–6 years to develop, and could go beyond that.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 97