These lovely Chardonnay grapes are grown in a secluded spot 600 feet above the southwestern corner of the Carneros AVA. The vines are on the crest of a dramatic slope, facing southeast in a natural amphitheater. Chilly breezes come in from the nearby San Francisco Bay. Great Chardonnay is grown here!
“The red and black currant and plum fruit shows weight, yet this features ample energy buried within and light anise, briar and apple wood accents peeking through. A subtle tug of earth on the finish keeps this grounded. Well done.” –James Molesworth
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92 POINTS - Wine Enthusiast
“Robust in spice and oak, this 100% varietal wine is well structured and full of earthy intensity. Black cherry, cassis and an earthy undercurrent of gravel and rock give it complexity.” —Virginie Boone
The ÂME is the "soul" of our winery . . . taste it and you'll understand why!
“Not shy on ripeness, with lush fig, boysenberry and blackberry notes coursing through. Well-focused, this is girded by graphite and anise details that lend form and a refined structure through the finish.” —James Molesworth
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90 POINTS - James Suckling
“Both ripe and polished, this has a very appealing interplay of rather fine tannins and generous fruit. Then the full, supple tannins come through and move it in a drier direction that’s more compatible with the dining table.” — J.S.
The finished wine is bright and flavorful, with a fascinating combination of mineral and earthiness - 50% Carignan, 25% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah.
“Well-knit, offering delicate dried red fruit and spice flavors that are filled with minerally richness. Sandalwood and smoke notes emerge on the finish. . ." - Kim Marcus, W.S.
“Stemmy and earthy, this wine offers intense cranberry and tea tones. The midpalate has a velvety lining of soft tannins that lengthens the finish.”—Virginie Boone
The wine is dark - in this vintage, almost broodingly so - and seems to shimmer as you swirl it.
