The 2004 release finds itself in good company with vintages past...

Scents of the classic Mosel portion (white flower and peace) are nicely offset and deepened by more “West Coastified” aromas of quince, linden blossom clover honey, and even a little tuberose. The home fermented portions behaved themselves and spent 4 weeks reducing the sugar to dryness. The temperature was monitored and kept constant to control the fermentation and retain that which is created in the vineyard. The lees were held in suspense in order to scavenge the oxidative natives. The acidity offers the proper pucker and cleanses the palate in a savory manner.

Some labels can convince you to buy the wine.

This wine begins with a nose full of loganberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavors of cranberries, roses, and a touch of rhubarb. The finish lingers, with flavors of vanilla, and a touch of smoke.

This Rhone style blend presents a deep, dark, vibrant red and purple hue.

Aromas of blackberry and blueberry predominate while laced with notes of vanillin, nutmeg, tarry molasses, and a subtle smokey hint of oak. Flavors of blackberry with a hint of boysenberry are complimented with toasted oak, anise and an earthy sense of terroir. This is a rich, well profiled and structured wine and should run you about $25.

For those of you who are a purist at heart.

The fruit was hand-sorted and whole-cluster pressed.  After overnight settling, the juice was racked to barrels for 100% native wild yeast barrel fermentation followed by malo-lactic fermentation.  The wine remained in 85% new French oak barrels for eleven months, during which time the lees were stirred weekly.  The wine was not fined or sterile filtered. 

Rich layers of apricot, peach, almond and lemon drop are seamlessly integrated with yeasty and floral notes, highlighted by vibrant acidity.  This balanced and complex wine is beautiful now but will continue to unfurl over the next several years.  It will run you about $50, but you are worth it....