2016 Bonny Doon Vineyard Vin Gris de Cigare Central Coast
A Central Coast rosé with heft and freshness
California
2011 Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel Carmichael Ranch Sonoma County
A sweetly fresh-berried Zinfandel
2013 Y. Rousseau Merlot Pépé Cavedale Vineyard Moon Mountain District Sonoma County
Youthful Merlot grown at high elevation
2015 Dry Creek Vineyard Zinfandel Heritage Vines Sonoma County
Concentrated blend of old (and renewed) vines
2015 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Relaxed, friendly, and calming
2014 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County
Terrific value-priced California Cabernet
2016 Dry Creek Vineyard Dry Chenin Blanc Clarksburg
Fully dry but lush and tropical
2016 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley
Highly perfumed but with the heft of tropical fruits
2015 Angeline Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Reserve Sonoma County
Balanced: both ripe and cooling
2013 Dutton-Goldfield Syrah Cherry Ridge Ranch Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Herbs and high-pitched cherries; a bright Syrah (not a dark one)
Backward and Forward: Tasting Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 1974 to Now
Snapshots from four decades of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon teach us something about taste, and tasting.
2014 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir Emerald Ridge Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Polished but focused, a spectrum from light to dark