Davis Family Vineyards

Owner(s) Guy Davis
Web site www.davisfamilyvineyards.com
 
Link to this site
Davis Family Vineyards

The perfect Pinot Noir hasn't been produced yet, but some of the ephemeral Pinot Noirs crafted by Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyards have come darn close. Guy's style matches bright, complex aromas and flavors with silky textures and impeccable balance, while capturing the essence of Russian River Valley terroir.

Guy Davis hand farms 7 acres of Pinot Noir from which he produces a single-vineyard estate Pinot Noir each year. The vineyard is on a hillside on Laguna Road in the Russian River Valley, acquired in 1996.

His wines are consistently outstanding and available at his tasting room in Healdsburg or through the website. He produces several varieties in addition to Pinot Noir, all of which are superb. He also crafts a superb olive oil sold at the winery. 2015 PInotFile "Winery of the Year."

Articles About Davis Family Vineyards

2010 California Pinot Noir All-Americans Second Team (8.28 12/28/2010)
2010 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition (8.25 11/7/2010)
2011 California Pinot Noir All-Americans Second Team (8.47 12/20/2011)
2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Results (9.3 2/22/2012)
2014 California Pinot Noir First Team All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2014 California Pinot Noir Honorable Mention All-Americans (10.2 12/22/2014)
2015 California Pinot Noir Second Team All-Americans (10.23 12/27/2015)
Chardonnay: No Wonder that it is the Most Popular White Varietal (11.16 1/6/2018)
Closing In On the Holy Grail (12.17 4/10/2021)
Davis Family Vineyards: On a Quest for “Perfect” Pinot Noir (8.45 11/1/2011)
Davis Family Vineyards: Reliably Good Pinot Noir (8.7 12/16/2009)
Davis Family Vineyards: Russian River Valley Delights (9.21 3/23/2013)
Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part II: North Coast - Russian River Valley (12.21 8/22/2021)
More Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir (9.49 10/20/2014)
Not So Fast! (8.11 2/15/2010)
Pinot Briefs (11.25 6/26/2018)
Pinot Briefs (11.31 9/28/2018)
Pinot Briefs (9.50 11/21/2014)
Pinot Briefs (11.13 11/12/2017)
Pinot Briefs (8.44 10/4/2011)
Pinot Briefs (9.15 11/24/2012)
Pinot Noir Shootout Favorites (6.13 1/22/2007)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Wines (9.32 10/26/2013)
Sips of Recently Tasted Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (9.49 10/20/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (10.22 12/12/2015)
Tasty Pinots from the Russian River Valley (6.51 1/20/2008)
Winery of Year: Davis Family Vineyards (10.22 12/12/2015)

Reviewed Wines

2018 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $55. Grown, vinted and bottled by Davis Family Wines, Sebastopol, CA. Native yeast fermentation in open-top fermentors after a 5 to 7-day cold soak. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, 33% one-year, and 33% 2-year. Only the favorite barrels of winemakers Guy and Cole Davis are included in this bottling. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Terrific aromatic purity upon opening with scents of blackberry, Dr. Pepper and spice cake. Midweight plus in style and very comforting in the mouth, with a glorious display of well-spiced, blueberry, olallieberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors framed by supportive ripe tannins. Impeccable balance, finishing with the perfume of lovely Pinot must. High drinkable now, but the harmony and tannic backbone predict at least a 20-year life ahead. This beauty is like the gorgeous girl in school you always wanted to date. Score: 97. Reviewed April 10, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $55. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in 33% new, 33% one-year-old and 33% 2-year-old French oak barrels. A selection of the winemaker’s favorite barrels from Soul Patch Vineyard. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Up-front aromas of blackberry, spice cake and Dr. Pepper. Mid-weight plus in style and very comforting in the mouth, with a glorious display of well-spiced, blueberry, olalliberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors framed by supportive, ripe tannins. Impeccable balance, finishing with the perfume of lovely Pinot must. Highly drinkable now, but the harmony and tannic backbone predict at least a 2-year life ahead. This beauty is like the gorgeous girl in school you always wanted to date. Reviewed April 10, 2021. Score: 97. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.9% alc., $38. Best White Wine Sweepstakes Award at the 2017 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Sourced from the Estate Soul Patch Vineyard. Farming is organic and biodynamic. Whole cluster pressed. 70% of grapes go to French oak barrels to undergo full malolactic fermentation. 30% is placed into stainless steel barrels. Aged one year and just before bottling the oak and stainless steel barrels are blended. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh-cut apple, lemon and pineapple. Sleek, crisp and satisfying, with flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow apple and nutty oak that wow. Bright, clean acidity keeps the fruit in balance. The wine walks the line between fruit exuberance and vibrancy and can easily steal your heart. Score: 94. Reviewed January 6, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Cuvée Luke Saralee’s Vineyard Russian River Valley White Rhone Blend

13.4% alc., $30. 48% Rousanne, 35% Marsanne, 17% Viognier. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of yellow Babcock peach and various tropical fruits. Highly enjoyable, with bright flavors of peach, quince, mango and slight nutty oak. Viognier definitely has put a stamp on this wine through notes of spice and jasmine. Slightly viscous on the palate with impeccable balance and breeding. Score: 92. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $45. Double Gold 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Grapes are from Horseshoe Bend and Campbell Ranch vineyards. · Highly aromatic, with aromas of blueberry and cherry. Soft and lush on the palate, with giving flavors of wild berries, blueberries and plums framed by vivid acid and slinky, fine-grain tannins. Score: 90. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $46 (sold out). A blend of grapes from Soul Patch, Starr Ridge and Dutton Ranch vineyards. · A cherry-driven wine sporting soft tannins that is forward drinking and easy to like. Accents of baking spice, cola and oak add interest to the juicy palate. Score: 90. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$55. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Dark berries including blueberries and cherries on the nose are echoed on the middleweight palate. The wine has fine grain, balanced tannins and a spark of acidity that lifts the fruit to an hi-tone finish. Score: 91. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. Double Gold 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. A barrel selection of favorite barrels of the vintage. Some whole cluster fermentation to lift the aromatics. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. As typical, this wine needs considerable decanting or several years in the cellar before it can be fully enjoyed. Upon opening, the nose is reluctant with subdued fruit trying to emerge. Highly structured and very tight, the wine showed great promise initially with bountiful black cherry and blackberry fruit veiled by oak and tannins. When tasted 4 days later from a previously opened and recorked bottle, this wine had completely transformed. In a word it was fantastic. The deep aroma and flavor of black cherry was intoxicating, there was considerable nuance shown by subtle spices and herbs, the oak had taken a backseat seasoning role, and the tannins had become very suave. The wine assumed an irresistable polish and developed extraordinary length on the finish. Score: 94-95. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$55. A 20-year-old vineyard in a relatively warm site that is picked before other vineyards in the Davis lineup. Some whole cluster. · A burst of dark red fruits greet the drinker in this flashy, exuberant wine with engaging aromatics and flavors. Quite luscious and sappy, with balanced suave tannins and tight acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Davis Family Vineyards Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. Vineyard perched at 1,000 foot elevation above the fog line. An extremely cool site along the Pacific coastline. Gold 2015 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very perfumed, with the aroma of fresh, earth-kissed black cherries, dark berries and an enchanting floral-inspired scent. Silky soft on the palate with succulent flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum and fennel framed by integrated tannins and a vivacious acid backbone. A classy, refined wine with perfectly ripened fruit and noticeable length on the vibrant finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. This is an expression of the Green Valley and is composed of Pommard and Dijon clones. This is one of the coolest climate sites in the Russian River Valley. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The glorious nose is deep and inspired, with vivid aromas of fresh cherries, spice, Prada leather coat and rose petal. A cherry bombast on the palate that really made me sit up and take notice. Discreetly concentrated with added accents of spice, raspberry and plum with a complimentary note of smoky oak. An absolutely delicious and harmonious wine that floods the mouth with flavor. Score: 94. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Dutton Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

$55. Double Gold 2014 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Pommard and Dijon clones. · Extravagant aromas of Bing cherries, rose petal and spice. The core of intensely flavored cherries is complimented by a riff of oak and lively acidity. Impeccable balance and finishing persistence. (See also previous review of this wine in the PinotFile, October 2014) Score: 94. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Horseshoe Bend Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. This vineyard is the coolest and most coastal of the four Russian River Valley vineyard designated Pinot Noirs. It sits on a ridge above the town of Occidental above the fog at an elevation above 1,000 feet. The ocean breezes create slightly thicker skins adding structure and earthiness to the wine. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. A riper fruit profile with aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, plum, dark chocolate and smoky oak. Very lush on the palate with soft tannins and a fruit-laden finish. An appealing wine that lacks only a little nervy tension. Score: 90. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. Soul Patch is the winery’s estate hillside vineyard that Guy planted in 1996. It is oriented with an eastern facing slope to it receives the gentle morning sun as it burns off the Pacific Ocean fog and dodges the afternoon sun. This bottling is a barrel selection of the favorite barrels in each vintage. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very shy, revealing delicate aromas of cherry and black raspberry. The fruit core is intense and sappy, offering flavors of black raspberry, boysenberry and spice, framed by firm tannins. Oak is evident in the background. Rather tight but the finish hints at the goodness to come. This bottling typically takes time and I would leave it alone for 3 to 5 years while you drink the other 2012 wines in the Davis lineup. Score: 91-93. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $55. The warmest of Davis Family Pinot Noir sites. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty to like in this wine that features aromas of dark cherries, sous-bois, spice and new oak. The mid weight charge of spicy black cherry and black raspberry fruits has noticeably intensity and carry-over to the long, cherry-driven finish. Soft and smooth in the mouth, the wine has mouthwatering tension that lifts the experience. Score: 91. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Davis Family Vineyards Campbell Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This is a stunning wine upon opening with invigorating aromas of fresh cherry tart, raspberry sauce and spice that jump from the glass. Very satisfying, with a silken richness of perfectly ripened wild berry and black cherry fruit accented with vanilla and a savory, dark sous-bois riff. The mid palate attack is vivid and mouth filling, and the generous finish echoes with an exotic goodness. This wine is blessed with perfect harmony between the supportive, sinewy tannins and the pleasing acid tension. It is scary to think this wine will undoubtedly improve over the new few years in bottle. A special occasion wine that reflects the extraordinary terroir of the West Sonoma Coast. Score: 95. Reviewed October 21, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Davis Family Vineyards Horseshoe Bend Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. This vineyard is situated on a ridge top at the crown of the sub region of the Russian River Valley known as Occcidental Ridge on the extreme western edge of the appellation. Elevation of the vineyard is about 1,200 feet, keeping it above the fog line on most days. This location enjoys much lower overall temperatures due to the coastal influence, yet has full sun exposure throughout the day. The result is small, concentrated clusters and dark rich color in every vintage. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fragrant and intoxicating upon opening with aromas of black cherries, spice, red licorice and oak. Deeply flavored black cherry core with accents of toasted oak, clove and cardamom spice and an earthy undertone. The chiseled tannins provide structural balance, the acidity is well integrated, and the juicy finish has notable intensity and persistence. Score: 91. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. A barrel selection from the Estate Vineyard. A combination of Pommard, 777, 667 and 115 planted in 1996. Farming has always been organic. The vineyard is in the sub region of the Russian River Valley known as Laguna Ridge featuring Goldridge series soils containing a high amount of volcanic ash. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Initially this wine is quite reserved and takes some coaxing in the glass to bring it into the open. Enticing aromas of Bing cherry, red berry, fruit cake, spice and sandalwood. Bold and intense with a meaty core of black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry fruits backed by complimentary oak. The luscious fruit is pulled into line with fine tannins and acidity. The finish deserves special mention as it is extraordinarily long and intense. The wine was much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. In fact, it was so tasty you could nibble at it. Decant if you must drink now, but the wine will benefit from a few years in the cellar. It’s wines like this that make Pinot my paramour. Score: 94. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. This 20-year-old vineyard sits on the eastern edge of the Middle Reach sub region of the Russian River Valley. Soils are ancient Franciscan series, heavier decomposed volcanic rock and clays rich in iron. The site benefits from a combination of its warmer Middle Reach location and cooler east facing exposure. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex array of aromas including cherry, red berry, shoe leather and oak spice. Delicious essence of black cherry fruit in a modestly concentrated yet flavorful wine embellished with a welcome oak accent. Very smooth on the palate with supple tannins and a finish that goes on and on. I find I am consistently attracted to wines made from this vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed October 27, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40 (sold out). A blend of four vineyards. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of Bing cherries and spice with optimum fruit ripeness. Vivid middleweight flavors of cherry cola, rhubarb and spice supported by soft tannins. The least layered wine in the lineup, but very appealing for current drinking. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Davis Family Vineyards Horseshoe Bend Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. A ridge top cool vineyard above the town of Occidental at 1000 feet above the fog banks of the Russian River Valley below. The coolest and most coastal of the three Davis vineyard designates. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Savory on the nose and palate featuring blueberry, dark cherries and purple berries. Relatively elegant and light in weight, with an amazing finish of flamboyant black cherry fruit. Wow! Exceptional. Reviewed March 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. A favorite barrel selection from the estate vineyard planted by Guy Davis in 1996 featuring Dijon and Pommard clones planted in Goldridge soil in the Laguna Ridge area. · Moderately light reddish color in the glass. Intense cherry perfume with complimentary notes of oak and allspice. Delicate and lighter in this vintage, but with good intensity of flavor, featuring a core of cherry fruit underlain with cinnamon and cardamom spice, and cola. Very supple tannins and appealing upfront drink ability. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $50. Owned by the Baker family of Thomas George Estates, this is the warmest of Davis’ sites. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. The nose is a little fruity and a little savory. Elegant and charming on the palate with flavors of fresh black cherries, raspberries and baking spices. Juicy, with good acidity and gossamer tannins. A seamless wine of impeccable breeding. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2009 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 740 cases, $40. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Lovely aromas of fresh Bing cherries and a hint of oak spice. The nose really draws you in. Tasty core of darker cherries with nuances of savory herbs, Pepsi-Cola, pomegranate, baking spice and the finest dusting of oak. Moderately intensely flavored with soft, gossamer tannins. A beautiful, seamless wine that is irresistible. Very approachable now, but will age effortlessly. Much better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Davis Family Vineyards Starr Ridge Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc, 225 cases, $40. · Medium ruby color in the glass. Quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir sporting aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, baking spices and cola with a moderate dose of red raspberries and red currants. Still has firm tannins that will soften over time, but the wine is very enticing now. Finishes strong with impressive mouth coating intensity and a refreshing riff of acidity. A classy wine from a mature vineyard that is now coming in to its own. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Davis Family Vineyards Horseshoe Bend Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 225 cases, $42. From a ridgetop vineyard close to the Pacific Ocean on the western flank of the Russian River Valley AVA. A cool site above the Russian River Valley fog line, creating long days of sunlight and a darker, masculine expression of Pinot Noir. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Brooding nose initially, offering dark red berry, black stone fruit, and oak-driven roasted nut and vanillin aromas. Opens slowly over time in the glass becoming glorious with the oak notes moving to the background and fresh, ripe, and spicy dark fruits coming to the foreground. Medium-weighted flavors of plum reduction sauce, black currants, raw beef and a hint of tar and oak. This wine has a unique feral attitude and an unmistakable sense of terroir that grabs your interest. Polished and seamless with soft tannins, this wine will be even more expressive with more time in the bottle. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 525 cases, $42. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry cobbler, bay leaf and roasted nuts. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and plum with the plum singing a high note on the impressively persistent finish. Moderate ripe tannins frame the wine beautifully creating a very smooth and silky mouth feel. Will improve with cellaring. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Davis Family Vineyards Horseshoe Bend Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $42 (but available for as little as $32 in retail marketplace). · This wine pleases with aromas of dark stone fruits, including spiced prunes. Highly enjoyable flavors of dark berries, dark stone fruits, stewed prunes and dark chocolate. Sappier and riper than the Soul Patch bottling, but not jammy, and possessing the same harmony and silky texture. Typical warm weather Pinot. Very good. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Davis Family Vineyards Soul Patch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $42 (but available for as little as $32 in retail marketplace). Proprietor and winemaker Guy Davis consistently crafts outstanding Pinot Noirs. · Captivating perfume of rich and deep ripe dark berries with a hint of dried rose hips and cut flowers. Mouth coating flavors of fresh picked black raspberries and blackberries that attack the mid palate with a vengeance and persist on the long and lush finish. Striking in its impeccable balance and sexy, silky texture. Class in the glass. Reviewed November 7, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Davis Family Vineyards Pinnacole Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

A special barrel selection only made in certain vintages (2007 was the last vintage). The wine spends more time, 14-15 months, in barrel untouched and takes on more oak. Cole calls it “Soul Patch times 2.” · Deep reddish-purple color in the glass. A full-bodied wine with explosive aromas of black plum, black cherry, blackberry, cola and spice mirrored in the flavor profile. Firm, but not aggressive tannins. My experience with this wine is that it benefits from decanting, but I only had a glimpse after Cole was kind enough to open a bottle. Very good. Reviewed March 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2007 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $40. Tenth anniversary vintage (1997-2007). Best of Class and Gold Medal at the 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. It must be gratifying to Guy Davis to have such a remarkable wine to commemorate his tenth vintage. · Bright reddish-purple color in the glass. Intense and penetrating aromas of Bing cherries, raspberries, strawberries, spice and cola. Discreetly rich, slightly confected flavors that mimic the aromas. Fresh, clean and juicy with caressing tannins, refreshing acidity and an underlying mineral edge. A perfectly harmonious wine that is quintessential Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Davis Family Vineyards PinnaCole 10th Annniversary Vintage Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $60. A reserve estate wine that receives an additional 6 months in barrel and 12 months in bottle. Offered to wine club and mailing list members in early September (check winery for availability). · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose opens very slowly to reveal a haunting mix of cherries and berries with an appealing grassy, herbal note. Delicious black cherry and black raspberry core of moderate intensity lingering on the long citrus-tinged finish. A subtle dark chocolate note adds interest. Still young and a bit tight, improving slowing in the glass over time and becoming more polished and showy the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Beautifully crafted with well-honed acidity that brightens the fruit. A little fruitier with silkier tannins than its spectacular 2006 predecessor, and every bit as charming. Decant if you must open now. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2006 Davis Family Vineyards PinnaCole Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 70 cases, $60. · Complex aromatic profile showing aromas of Bing cherries, dark chocolate, spice, wine cave and oak toast. Marvelous tasting core of chocolate-covered cherries with hints of cola, macaroon and earth robed in ripe tannins and bright acidity. Very smooth on the palate with a lasting cherry-filled finish. A dead ringer for a Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Burgundy. Cellaring for a few years will produce a wine that Pinot geeks will fight over. If you must drink now, decant and bring on the short ribs. Reviewed February 15, 2010 ARTICLE »

2005 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 957 cases, $40. Fermented in small temperature controlled fermenters. Each clone was kept separate and blended later according to Davis’s preferences. Aging was carried out for 11 months in 40% new French oak from Allier and Troncais forests, air-dried a minimum of 30 months. · The aromatics need some air to emerge, showing seductive darker fruits The fruit attack is quite pleasing with black cherry, raisin and mushroom leading to a finish with barely perceptible tannins. Nicely crafted and easy to like, it is a very good wine that is still a bit closed and will improve with more time in the bottle. Hold off for another 6 months. Reviewed January 20, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40 · Very slight yellowing of rim edge in the glass. Ripe cherries, raisin, cola and a hint of oak toast on the generous nose. Juicy cherry and strawberry fruit with hints of secondary flavors of savory dried herbs, Pinot reduction sauce and sherry. Still vibrant and silky in the mouth. Probably slightly oxidized. Very good. Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

2004 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

900 cases, $38. I have participated in the Pinot Noir Shootout for two years now, and every time a Davis Family Pinot is in the lineup, I pick it out as superb. Guy Davis hand farms 7 acres of Pinot Noir from which he produces a single-vineyard estate Pinot Noir each year. His wines are consistently outstanding and available at his tasting room in Healdsburg or through the website. · This Pinot is medium-bodied with an expressive nose of spicy cherries. Cherries and raspberries with a touch of oak saturate the midpalate. The mouth feel is velvety. The finish is satisfying and clean. A complete wine. Reviewed January 22, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 800 cases, $38. This is one of the most highly awarded Sonoma County Pinot Noirs from the 2004 vintage. Accolades include 95-100 points from Gerald Boyd of the San Francisco Chronicle, a Gold Medal at the 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and a top ranking in the 2006 Pinot Noir Shootout. As a judge in the Shootout, I tasted this wine blind on two separate occasions and both times picked it out as one of my clear favorites. Words probably can't do the wine justice after all these honors. · The nose is very provocative and complex with notes of cherries, raspberries, cola, sandalwood and a little sauvage. The bright and layered Pinot fruit flavors are perfectly entwined with a fine tannin backbone. The mouth feel is plush and the finish is clean and lingering. Complete in every way. A love letter. Reviewed May 22, 2006

2003 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $35. · Lovely and heady black cherry and strawberry scents that fade quickly in the glass replaced by savory aromas of herbs and oak. Juicy and hit-pitched core of cherries, cranberries and strawberries with oak, dark chocolate and black tea in the background. Racy and a bit tart with fine-grain tannins. This wine has aged gracefully. Decent (+). Reviewed December 16, 2009 ARTICLE »

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