Coming from Mendocino, an area slightly less impacted by the heat, the bright yellow/straw-colored 2022 Chardonnay Anderson Valley is lifted with a perfume of citrus blossoms, fresh herbs, green apple, and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, it’s elegant, clean, and balanced, and it has a good finish. It should drink well over the next 5-7 years.

This is the first vintage of the 2022 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley. Coming from three vineyards -- Carney Ranch in Boonville, Dash Vineyard, and Pinoli Vineyard – it was aged for 10 months in 42% new French oak. It pours a medium ruby color and has a great mountainous feel, with lovely fresh herbs, wild raspberries, brambly herbs, wildflowers, and woodsy spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s lovely and refined, with a clean, silky texture and a mouthwatering finish. It’s very attractive now but will improve over the next 7-8 years if given a chance.

Mulled strawberry, raspberry and damson plum notes carry a pretty rose petal accent in this charming red, while a sandalwood accent frames the finish.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has a very pretty and lifted profile in its aromas of red berries and pepper spice, and it’s very rosy, with ultra-fine tannins. It has a silky texture and is evenly balanced. Very elegantly styled, I would encourage readers who were not fans of the old style to check this out. It’s approachable now, but it won’t be lost if held for another 8-10 years.

“The 2021 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is packed with black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, mocha, cola, new leather and spice. This exuberant, flashy Pinot bristles with Russian River intensity. It will drink well right out of the gate.”