------------------------------------------------- 2003 Stanton Cabernet Sauvignon $64.99 Grown at 2400' elevation, around 200' higher than Napa Valley's famed Diamond Mountain, this Lake County Vineyard sits consistently above the fog and avoids extreme late summer heat spikes. The result--the grapes spend more time on the vine from budbreak to harvest... more hang time, more concentration. Near perfect weather and careful crop management resulted in a very low yield, less than 2 tons per acre. Add to the favorable growing conditions the fact that Beckstoffer let the fruit be drawn from the sweetest section of the vineyard, this was an outstanding set-up. Aged in 50% new Darnajou and Berger Bordeaux barrels until bottling. Winemaker Dave Phinney did a superb job. Need we say more? A mere 180 cases made. ------------------------------------------------- 2004 Tandem Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard $59.99 93 Points Pinot Repot. Hellenthal Vineyard has existed as long as there has been a Sonoma Coast Appellation. Gard Hellenthal has put in some of the most prestigious vineyards in his neighborhood, including Hirsch and Flowers as well as his own. Located on the second ridge in from the Pacific Ocean, Gard is a pioneer of what we call the “true” Sonoma Coast. Bright, almost translucent red. Aromas are of red berries and cream, with sweet dark floral and creamy tones wafting from the glass. The red berry theme continues in the glass with an evolution of strawberries, raspberries and hibiscus as the wine airs. The palate leans towards baking spice on the entry, with red fruits leading into black cherry on the mid-palate and finishing with sweet Mexican chocolate. Tannin-acid balance throughout has a sexy, silky quality with great potential for amorous food pairings. We recommend decanting. A mere 198 cases made. ------------------------------------------------- 2005 Desante Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc $31.99 For those gooseberry, fresh cut grass, cat pee Sauvignon Blanc lovers there is no need for you to read on. This is unlike any Sauvignon Blanc coming out of St Helena we’ve ever tried. From 32 year old dry-farmed vines this elegant beauty offers an unusually soft texture. Flavors that are reminiscent of bruleed pear, mineral, and a touch of cream on the finish. No fining or filtration was needed as well as malolactic fermentation. A mere 218 cases made. ------------------------------------------------- 2004 Tamber Bey Cabernet Sauvignon $59.99 Oakville is famous for producing remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon. We had the opportunity to taste a killer vintage at an Oakville Tasting and Tamber Bey was one of the few that stood out. It’s a new project by Barry and Carol Waitte, vineyard manager Josh Clark, and winemaker Thomas Brown (who began his career at Turley and now consults for other wineries). Their philosophy is simple - grapes need to be challenged. Give 'em too much food, heat, and water and they grow fat and lazy. Make them struggle and they will reward you with wines of great complexity and character. They limit the yields and restrict water throughout the season. This stresses the plants forcing them to focus most of their energy on ripening fruit, rather than growing leaves. The results are wines that are elegant, balanced, and compelling. Their 2004 Estate Cab shows maturity and depth. A concentrated nose of plums, violets, cedar shavings and earth. The long full-bodied finish offers red fruits, vanilla and integrated smooth tannins. A mere 440 cases made. -------------------------------------------------