En Garde Winery

Articles About En Garde Winery

Reviewed Wines

2019 En Garde Los Carneros Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 98 cases, $65. Clone 115 and 777. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of spiced cherry, pastry and wine cellar. Forward and easy to cozy up to in a middleweight style with discretely robust flavors of black cherry, cola and baking spices. Nicely composed with civil tannins and a finish with very good cherry-driven length. Score: 93. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 En Garde Pleasant Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 114 cases, $65. Clone 115, 777, and Pommard. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A complex nose soars with the perfume of Bing cherry juice, ripe strawberry, rose petal, musk and a hint of ginger. Plenty of black cherry, strawberry, and cola flavors embrace the palate and carry over to a lengthy and beautifully aromatic finish. Impeccably balanced in a mid-weight plus style with an admirable touch of oak compliment. Very forward but even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 En Garde Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $65. Clone 777 and 667 Harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose is aromatically forward showing scents of cherry, strawberry and bark. Mid-weight in style, offering flavors of red fruits and spice with a hint of oak and a savory herbal undertone. Ripe and forward, with gracious tannins and a modest but satisfying finish. Score: 91. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 En Garde Passion De La Reine Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 131 cases, $80. Clone 777, 115, faux 828 and Pommard. A selection of barrels. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Somewhat muted aromatically with demure aromas of black cherry pie, bakery, and toast. Lighter in weight than the Pleasant Hill bottling but with inviting elegance, polish, and more underlying acidity that shows up on the lip-smacking but modest finish. Still a bit tight on this occasion and I would drink the Pleasant Hill while this wine spends some time in the cellar when it should become more expressive. Score: 93. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., $30. Csaba Szakal says, “It is a wine near and dear to my heart as I modeled it after my grandfather’s rosé that I experienced growing up. Grandpa was focused on rosés exclusively and was well known for his wines’ special quality in our home town of Jaszbereny, Hungary. He was a fanatical grower and a dedicated winemaker always putting quality over quantity. I make this wine in his honor continuing the family tradition.” The grapes were harvested from several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast AVA. After crushing, the rosy juice was bled within the first hour to minimize skin contact. After a couple of days of settling, the juice on top was racked and the thick bottom juice discarded. After a long, cold fermentation, the wine sat on its lees to take on additional complexity before it was bottled February 7, 2019. · Delicate pink color in the glass. Aromas of honey and red maraschino cherry. Slightly creamy and completely dry, with flavors of strawberry, blood orange and pear. Nicely composed with upbeat acidity and a pleasing sense of harmony. This is the type of wine that would go well with almost any food. Score: 90. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 125 cases, $60. Noble Family Estate Vineyard. Clones “828” and Pommard. Harvest Brix 25.5º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very seductive nose offering aromas of red cherry, rose petal, white pepper and oak spice. Oak-dusted dark red cherry and purple berry fruit flavors in a light to mid-weight style. Up front and the most accessible Pinot Noir in the 2018 En Garde lineup. Excellent energy, gossamer tannins and a sturdy finish showing red candied cherry goodness. Still enjoyable the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Pleasant Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 155 cases, $60. Clones 115, 777 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Well-appointed nose of black cherry, blueberry, and oak spice and toast aromas. The mid-weight core of dark cherry fruit explodes in glorious exuberance in the mouth. Flat-out delicious fruit with accents of spice and cola. Stereotypical Russian River Valley Pinot Noir that delights from entry to finish. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Roma’s Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 145 cases, $60. Pommard clone. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering aromas of underbrush, piquant herbs and cedary oak. The core of purple berry fruits has a slight green, herbaceous undertone. Good mid palate impression, well-blended tannins and some length on the finish. Score: 89. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 160 cases, $60. Sourced from a Los Carneros Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of black plum black tea, black pepper and tobacco. Mid- weight in sap, offering flavors of black cherry and purple berry. A bit mysterious with a thread of oak in the background and some finishing purpose. Score: 91. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Starkey Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.4% alc., 777 cases, $60. Clone 23 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 26º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Perfumed with aromas of blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate, black tea and spice. Very ripe, luscious and fullbodied, with flavors of blackberry jam and cassis. Easy drinking, with minimal tannins and a very long, fruitladen finish. The sheer immensity of very ripe fruit obscures any terroir or vineyard identity, but the toothsome fruit is hard to ignore. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 En Garde Passion De La Reine Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

15.2% alc., 131 cases, $70. Clones 23 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 26.0º. A barrel selection. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, turmeric spice and unlit cigar. Similar to the Starkey Hill bottling in purple and black fruit profile but this wine is a bit more refined and grows on you over time in the glass. Toasty oak shows up in the background as a compliment and the tannic backbone is enough to escape flabbiness. The fruit is infused with many spices including cardamom that are more evident on the somewhat persistent finish. The alcohol is well-buried. A little more enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 En Garde Mendocino Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.588, 110 cases, $45. Harvest Brix 24.6º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 20% new, and stainless steel for 6 months. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A complex nose satisfies with aromas of lemon oil, brown butter, warm croissant and waffle cone. Soft, suave and velvety in the mouth, with enticing flavors of lemon, pear, creme caramel and vanilla. Nicely composed and highly enjoyable, but I should point out that it is not an aciddriven style. Score: 92. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 En Garde Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.755, 125 cases, $50. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Harvest Brix 24.3º. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of dark red and blue fruits accented with oak. Silky and gracious, with a middleweight essence of black cherry. Plenty of pleasing juiciness and vibrancy with good oak integration and a driven, persistent finish. Score: 92. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 En Garde Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.725, 175 cases, $50. Clone 115. Harvest Brix 24.3º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of macerated black cherries. The mid weight core of juicy black cherry fruit is infused with spice and energy as well as a touch of friendly oak. This wine has a welcoming “warmth” about it. Score: 91. Reviewed June 4, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 En Garde Pleasant Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 98 cases, $60. Vineyard is located in Sebastopol near Starkey’s Hill. 25+ year-old vines including clones 115, 667, and Pommard. 100% clone 115 in this wine. Harvest Brix 24.5º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is spectacular, offering hi-tone aromas of dark cherry, dark red berry, spice and rose petal. Delicious black raspberry, black cherry, spice and cola flavors in a mid weight plus style. Impressive energy and juiciness with a light dash of oak and a profound finish. This ephemeral wine is more giving upon opening than the Starkey’s Hill. Score: 94. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 En Garde Starkey Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.,138 cases, $60. 30+ year-old vines including clones 23, Pommard and “828.” Harvest Brix 24.8º-25.6º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with upbeat aromas of black cherry, baking spices and nutty oak. A deeply flavored black cherry core brings the taste buds to attention in this middleweight styled wine. A real cherry delight with impeccable oak integration, silky tannins and a wondrous finish. This wine took two days after opening to really reach its peak, when my notes say “great!” Score: 94. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 En Garde Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 121 cases, $80. Clones “828,” 23 and Pommard. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Loamy aromas join an array of dark fruits on the nose. The mid weight flavors of dark red and black cherry satisfy, yet the wine is a bit rustic and brooding initially. The alcohol is well integrated and the finest grain tannins provide textural interest as well as support for longevity. The finish is the longest of the three 2016 En Garde Pinots tasted. More giving with lively aromatics but with noticeable oak input when re-tasted two days after opening. This is a wine to put away in your cellar for a few years while you drink the more charming Pleasant Hill bottling. Score: 93. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 En Garde Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 130 cases, $45. Martini, Pommard, 667 and 23 clones. 10% whole cluster. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers aromas of oak-kissed black cherry, underbrush and peppery spices. The fruit core features black cherry with added accents of baking spice and smoky tobacco. Welcome balance with a sweet, black cherry finish that hangs on. Score: 89. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 En Garde Gold Ridge Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 96 cases, $55. Clones 667, “828,” 115. Harvest Brix 24.0º. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. The nose engages with fragrant notes of dark red Bing cherry and fertile earth. Light in weight, but flavorful, offering the essence of red cherry fruit framed by nutty oak. Crisp and elegant, with good transparency, a suede texture and an appealing cherry-blessed finish that has good length. Score: 91. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 En Garde Olivet Court Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 73 cases, $55. Vineyard is located on Olivet Road in Santa Rosa. Owned and tended by Bob and Ida Montgomery. 35+-year-old vines that are two different Martini selections. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 10% whole cluster. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The scent of plum, blueberry-pomegranate and spicy oak lead to a middleweight styled wine with real interest. Extroverted flavors of purple grape and purple and black berries have a gentle accent of oak spice. Well-rounded, with a beguiling attack and mouth presence set off by well-integrated tannins and an exit that is long and chewy. Score: 93. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 En Garde Starkey Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., 138 cases, $55. Vineyard is located in Sebastopol just outside the Green Valley AVA. Owned by Diane Starkey and cared for by Arturo Robledo. 30+-year-old vines including clones 23, “828,” and Pommard. Harvest Brix 23.6º. 15% whole cluster. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. A wine with special drive and purpose, offering engaging aromas of blueberrypomegranate, blackberry preserves and subtle oak. Enters with a charge of blue and black berry fruits framed by fine-grain tannins and maintains in the mouth. Impeccable harmony, with a long, powerfully aromatic finish. Score: 94. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 En Garde Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3%, 123 cases, $70. Favorite barrels. Clones “828,” 115, Martini, Pommard and 23. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is richly fruited with spiced black cherry and sumptuous oak. Tenacious flavors of black cherry and blackberry in a juicy, mid weight style with firm tannins for the long haul. The toasty oak is a bit too extroverted now but should integrate further over time. This wine is like an awkward teenager that will need a few years to mature and may be more deserving of a higher score at that time. The winemaker had a vision for this wine as it is composed of favorite barrels in cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Pleasant Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

21 months · Delicate aromas of muddled cherry, warm spices and brown sugar. Very suave in the mouth, with bright cherry and raspberry fruit flavors framed by cooperative tannins. The finish is noticeably long and satisfying. Previously 93 Score: 92. Reviewed February 4, 2018 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $45. Martini, Pommard and 23 clones. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Bing cherry is the theme in this light to mid weight, forward drinking wine with added flavors of baking spices, dark chocolate and cola. The tannins are silky and the modest black cherry finish satisfies. The wine shows Russian River Valley typicality and represents an ideal entry wine. Score: 90. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Gold Ridge Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

100 cases, $54. Clones 667, “828,” and 115. Harvest Brix 24º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · This moderately light cherry red colored wine is a cherry bombast. Aromas of fresh cherry and earthy flora lead to a red cherry, strawberry and spicy array of flavors having noticeable mid palate richness that trails off slowly on the long finish. There is good cut for vibrancy and silky tannins making this forward drinking wine very satisfying. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Olivet Court Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 75 cases, $54. Martini clone. Harvest Brix 25.0º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, sarsaparilla and herbs lead to a mid weight styled wine with a mix of fruity and savory elements including Bing cherry, marzipan, spice, herbs and shitake mushroom. Silky in the mouth with seamless integration of tannins and acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Pleasant Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

100 cases, $54. Clones 115 and 667. Harvest Brix 25º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Supportive oak embellishes the black raspberry fruit on the nose. Impressive attack of luscious black raspberry and black cherry fruits that are well spiced and accented with oak. Lively, with perfectly matched tannins, admirable harmony, and noticeable finishing power and length. The finish is particularly glorious. Score: 93. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Starkey Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

100 cases, $54. Clones are 32, “828,” and Pommard. Harvest Brix 25º. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of an array of dark red berries. The mid weight blueberry core is inviting, as is the juicy finish. Like all the En Garde wines, the balance is impressive in this mid weight wine that sports complimentary oak enhancements and a soothing mouthfeel. Score: 92. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 En Garde Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

150 cases, $60. Clones are Martini, Pommard, 23, 667. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 83% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is somewhat reserved, opening slowly to reveal lovely aromas of black cherry, spice and bark. A gorgeous black cherry cola core alerts the taste buds, offering more pop than any other wine in the 2013 En Garde lineup. There are more substantial tannins and more oak infusion, but the composite picture is harmonious. Bold, with serious intentions, yet seductive and refined. I liked this wine incrementally more over time in the glass and even more the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 En Garde Olivet Court Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 100 cases, $48. Release spring 2015. Martini clone. 40-year-old vines planted in gravelly, clay loam soil located across from De Loach Winery. Aged 18 months in 50% new Francois Fréres oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy aromas of cherry and raspberry. Very tasty core of black cherry and black raspberry with a hint of dark chocolate and spice. Modest in weight with muscular tannins and a very lengthy finish. The least showy wine in the lineup, but should blossom with more time in bottle. Score: 90-91. Reviewed January 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 En Garde Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 175 cases, $48. Released September 1, 2014. Martini and Pommard clones. Aged 10 months in 28% new French oak barrels. · Moderate cherry red color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherry with hints of nutty oak. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, dark raspberry, plum and cola with oak and dried herbs in the background. Very approachable and easy to drink, with supple tannins and a bright cut of acidity on the dry finish. Two bottles tasted. Score: 87-88. Reviewed January 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 En Garde Starkey Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 125 cases, $54. Release summer 2015. 25% “828,” 25% Pommard, 50% 23. 35-year-old vines planted in Goldridge soil and located just outside the Green Valley AVA. This vineyard is owned by Csaba’s spouse’s best friend. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal scents of dusty cherry and strawberry. A plentiful black cherry attack is augmented with notes of spice, cola and tea. Nicely crafted with supple tannins, a good acid underbelly and a lip-smacking, cherry-driven finish. Score: 91-92. Reviewed January 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 En Garde Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 150 cases, $60. Release summer 2015. Clones “828,” 23, Pommard and Martini. Aged 18 months in 80% new Francois Fréres oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Extroverted nose featuring scents of Bing cherry, spice, tea and sous-bois. Delicious flavors of fresh, perfectly ripened strawberry, cherry and cranberry with harmoniously integrated oak. Very juicy and charming with plenty of grace, tannins so fine as to be imperceptible, and a long, powerfully scented finish. Still hitting on all cylinders the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93-94. Reviewed January 22, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 EN GARDE Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $48. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of strawberry, cut flowers and sandalwood. Mid weight flavors of strawberry, raspberry with a compliment of nutty oak. Noticeable tannin and zippy acidity producing a tangy finish of some length. Score: 89. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 EN GARDE Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 100 cases, $58. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very nice perfume of Bing cherry, raspberry, caramel and spice. Tasty essence of Bing cherries with a long cherry-driven finish. Seamless with balanced t n‘ a. Juicy and very satisfying. Highly accessible now, but has the balance to age effortlessly. Score: 91. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 EN GARDE Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $48. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light reddish purple color in the glass. Initially, the aromas of red strawberry, red cherry, spice and sandalwood are quite charming, but oak dominates over time in the glass. Light weighted flavors of red berries, rhubarb and cherry with a tarry oak note that intrudes in the background. Supple tannins and some finishing intensity. Score: 87. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 EN GARDE Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $58. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. Deep, glorious aromas of black cherry with a hint of spice and sandalwood. More structure and finish and a riper fruit profile than the regular bottling offering flavors of black cherry, plum reduction sauce, cola, dark chocolate and anise. The fruit pushes the ripeness envelope resulting in a cooked fruit tone and a little heat peaks out on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed April 19, 2014 ARTICLE »