The incisively grassy side of Sauvignon Blanc is on full display here, yet this vividly varietal effort is also filled with bright, very lively, slightly pineappley fruit, and its “greener” traits are never allowed to become its singular voice. The wine is medium-bodied and quite firmly balanced with a few ragged edges that need a little more time before being smoothed, and, if we like its chances to grow into better over the next two or three years, this one will drink nicely with meaty fish of all kind in the shorter term. GOOD VALUE

The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a tasty, forward wine to drink over the next year or two. Mocha, cherry jam, herbs and leather are front and center in this supple, open-knit Cabernet from Fortress.

This seamless merlot is tasty, its black fruit coupled with herbs and spice. It’s a tasty melding of flavors, but its texture is what reels you in. Well crafted.

Distinctive, with a lovely honeydew melon note popping out, offering fleshy grilled peach and dried apricot flavors. Smooth and appealingly juicy on the finish.

The 2013 Estate Reserve comes from the 35-acre Solena Winery vineyard that Eugenia told me tends to provide very small berries. This vintage was matured in 40% new oak, nearly everything destemmed. It has an expressive bouquet laden with dark cherries, briary and wilted violet aromas that unfurl in the glass while maintaining great delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, very well-judged acidity, silky smooth in texture dovetailing into a plush and elegant, caressing finish. This was one of the picks from the vintage.

The 2013 La Premiere Pinot Noir comes from a specific parcel in the Gran Moraine vineyard in what Eugenia describes as Mother Nature's sweet spot, and it is usually the first vineyard to be picked. It has a complex bouquet with dark cherries, blackcurrant leaf, broom and woodland scents, certainly earthier than the Estate Reserve. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and new oak (about 40%), with good density and backbone on the chocolate-tinged finish that lingers. This is another excellent Pinot Noir from Gran Moraine, although I might actually prefer the Estate Reserve this year.

The 2013 Pinot Noir has a delightfully fresh and vibrant bouquet with raspberry and wild strawberry scents accompanied by a lovely floral note. The palate is medium-bodied with raspberry and blueberry, and displays a fine line of acidity. It is one of the juicier 2013s that I have encountered with a dash of spice towards the finish. It might lack a little substance and persistence, but it is well balanced with impressive mineralité and personality.

The 2013 Chardonnay, matured in a judicious 15% new oak puncheons for 14 months, has a delightful, well-defined and yes, very Burgundy-like bouquet with impressive mineralité coming through. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity and nuanced white chocolate and almond notes infusing the citrus fruit. Armed with satisfying depth and a precise finish, it is basically everything you look for in an Oregon Chardonnay.

The 2014 Pinot Noir has a seductive nose of Bakewell tart, freshly picked strawberries and red cherry on the nose that gains intensity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity and there is a healthy dash of black pepper here, with moderate weight in the mouth and a slightly savory, meaty finish that lingers. It will require 2-3 years in bottle, but it should develop into an enticing Pinot Noir.

Hint of oak, aromas and flavors of black cherries and mocha, full body, ripe tannins, smooth finish.

This Pinot Noir will suit fans of a bold, ripe, drink me now style. Anderson Valley shows through in the spicy cherry fruit, and the plush texture is sure to please as a cocktail red.

Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of black cherry goodness with a hint of sweet oak. Darker fruited in a mid weight styled wine with flavors of purple berries, blueberries, pomegranate and oak spice with a hint of edible flower. Soft and seamless on the palate with integrated tannins and a subtle herbal oak thread in the background.

...with its vibrant crispness, comes as a refreshing, and delightful, surprise.

A wine with ultra-fine tannins and bright fruit such as blackberry and blueberry. Minerally too. Full to medium body, silky texture and a flavorful finish. So beautiful to drink now. A blend of 60% merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon and the rest cabernet franc.

Aromas of blueberry, spice and cherry character. Medium to full body, fine and integrated tannins yet a velvety texture. Mostly cabernet franc with some merlot, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot. Drink or hold.

Aromas of blueberries with blanched almonds follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Better in 2018 but already delicious. A blend of merlot cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot.

A rich and velvety red that's open and delicious now showing ripe and savory fruit. Full to medium body. Plenty of dark chocolate, blackberry and cherry character. Some currants too. A blend of 60% cabernet franc, 25% merlot and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Drink and enjoy.

“Tous Ensemble” Rosé evokes distinct aromas of racy citrus fruits and delicate white flowers. On the palette, juicy watermelon and fresh strawberries are supported by lively acidity to give this gorgeous wine a food friendly structure.

The 2012 Hawks Butte Syrah is just what I came looking for. Syrah from high elevation rocky soil, baked in minerals, meaty and powerful, and bursting with black berries, tannin and velvety texture. The one I walked away with.

The 2013 Wendling Pinot Noir is a complex and brooding wine, rich and bursting with aromatics, layered with earth and dark fruit flavors. One of the richest Pinots in the line.

The 2012 Monument Tree is a much brighter wine, coastally-influenced with stoney red fruit, flint and tart. According to our host, this is likely the last vintage of this wine, so get it while you can!

Complex, integrated and soft, this wine from fellow winemaker Mike Officer’s historic site is lightly spiced in cinnamon and pepper. Dollops of vanilla and blackberry make themselves felt on the palate amid the zest.

I also liked the soon to be released 2012 Arrowood Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet, made from the Monte Rosso Vineyard in Sonoma Valley, although it was still quite tannic and closed.

I was impressed by several Stonestreet offerings; the 2010 and ’12 Rockfall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, produced from one of the estate’s highest vineyards, were supple and elegant—particularly the 2012 bottling.

I was impressed by several Stonestreet offerings; the 2010 and ’12 Rockfall Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, produced from one of the estate’s highest vineyards, were supple and elegant—particularly the 2012 bottling.