- 08 90+ Cellars Lot 15 Pinot Noir (Carneros): Bright cherry fruit survives the oak attack w/out getting overblown about the achievement $16 B #
- 07 90+ Cellars Lot 4 Shiraz/Viognier (McLaren Vale): Starts near the evil dark-cherry-soda border, finishes w/ spicy, leathery balance $15 B #
- 06 La Jota Heritage Release Howell Mtn Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley): Cassis, spice, blackberry – just focused, pure, & brilliant. $90 A #
- 08 Hanna Chardonnay (Russian River Valley): Hazelnut, honeydew & apricot meld with tight, lemony acidity. And (wow!) it totally works. $22 B #
- 08 Sanford La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills): Get past the sizable heft & spicy raspberry/cherry & earthiness awaits $50 B+ #
- 09 Dry Creek Vineyard Wilson Ranch Dry Chenin Blanc (Clarksburg): As tropical, refreshing & overachieving you’ll get for the price. $12 B #
- 08 Rodney Strong Reserve Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley): French oak dukes it out with bright red fruit & spice. Oak wins by TKO. $40 B #
- 09 Rodney Strong Estate Vineyards Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley): Want some red fruit & flower action with all that smokey oak? $20 B- #
- 08 J Keverson Haas Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sonoma Mountain): Brutally big (as in "some of my fruit got brutally murdered!"). $32 C+ #
- 08 Santa Ana Reserve Malbec-Shiraz (Mendoza): Pepper & Plum have a happy marriage, then give birth to velvety, easy-going offspring. $13 B- #
- 08 Hugel "Cuvee Les Amours" Pinot Blanc (Alsace): Living up to its namesake with flowers when you meet & a citrusy kiss when you part. $15 B #
