Recent California Winery Visits & Tastings
Inman Family Winery, Russian River Valley
Kathleen Inman, CoProprietor & Winemaker
2012 Inman Family Winery Russian River Valley Chardonnay
11.6% alc., $35, screwcap.
Primarily sourced from Pratt’s Cornerstone Ranch. Native yeast fermentation. Dijon clones vinified
40% in oak and 60% in stainless steel for 11 months. 100% Malolactic fermentation.
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Pale golden
yellow color. Bright and crisp, driven by lemon-lime aromas and flavors, with only hints of oak
contributions.
Score: 89
2013 Inman Family Winery Endless Crush Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.62,1,237 cases, $25, screwcap. Composed of 85% estate fruit.
Picked early from rows designated for Rosé production. Cold fermented in stainless steel.
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Light pink color in the glass. Aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon and cherries are
echoed on the dry palate which is bright and refreshing. Kathleen calls this very popular
wine, “Chef’s helper,” because of its versatility at the table.
Score: 91
2011 Inman Family Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
600 cases. Bottled for the Stanford
Alumni wine program. A blend of OGV and Thorn Ridge vineyards.
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Moderately light reddish purple
color in the glass. Very crisp, smooth and easy to like, with vivid flavors of red cherry, cola and spice
wrapped in supportive tannins.
Score: 89
2011 Inman Family Winery Thorn Ridge Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $68,
screwcap. 100% de-stemmed.
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Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Invigorating
aromatics of Bing cherry and spice. Soft and smooth on the mid palate with vivacious flavors of dark
cherry, strawberry and raspberry with a hint of herbs in the background. Some tannins surface on the
finish.
Score: 89
2011 Inman Family Winery Olivet Grange Vineyard (OGV) Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 550 cases, $68, screwcap. 75% whole cluster.
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Moderately light reddish purple hue
in the glass. Very deep cherry-infused nose with a little savory, earthy highlight. The luscious core of
fresh cherry fruit is framed in fine-grain tannins, leading to a very long and mighty finish. A subtle
savory and spice note from the whole cluster gives the wine character.
Score: 91
2010 Inman Family Winery Olivet Grange Vineyard (OGV) Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.55, 308 cases (40 cases left), $68, screwcap. Clones 114, 115, 667,
777 and “828.” 50% whole cluster fermentation.
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Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Hi-tone
scents of Bing cherry, baking spices, savory herbs and sandalwood. More savory and herbal than the
2011 vintage which is more fruit driven. Very elegant and smooth, with a delicious array of red cherry
and berry fruits that offer good intensity on the mid palate and length on the broad finish.
Score: 92
2009 Inman Family Winery Olivet Grange Vineyard (OGV) Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.4% alc., $68. 4-day cold soak, 20% whole cluster native fermentation, aged 10 months sur
lie in French oak.
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Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of fresh Bing cherries,
raspberry, and baking spice leap from the glass and persist over time. Great overall harmony, with a
charge of delicious cherry and berry fruits accented with spice. The tannins are noble, and the fruitdriven
finish is uncommonly persistent.
Score: 93
2012 Inman Family Winery Russian River Valley Endless Crush Sparkling Brut Rosé
12.0%
alc., pH 3.0, TA 0.81, 309 cases, $56. Disgorged March 14, 2014, released April 2014. Very slight
dosage (1%). 100% OGV Estate fruit.
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Light pink color with a good bead in the glass. Highly aromatic
featuring aromas of fresh-picked strawberries, red cherries and peach. A special wine that offers
intense strawberry and cherry flavor which embraces the mid palate and returns in waves on the dry
finish.
Score: 93
Inman Family Wines is open for tasting Thursday through Monday at 3900 Piner Road in Santa Rosa,
CA. There is a charming farmhouse adjacent the winery available for rent. The website is
www.inmanfamilywines.com.
Lynmar Estate, Russian River Valley
Shane Finley, Winemaker
Note: Some 2012 wines were vinified by Bibiana Gonzalez Rave (BGR), along with consulting
winemaker Paul Hobbs. Rave left Lynmar in 2012. Some wines were vinified with both Rave and the
current winemaker, Shane Finley (SF), and some were produced by Finley only. (The initials BGR and
SF indicate the winemaker(s) for each wine)
2012 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.2% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.74, 843
cases, $30. BGR & SF. A blend of about 50% Quail Hill Estate (40-year-old Rued clone) and
Sweeney vineyards (29-year-old Wente 4 clone), with a small amount from Zio Tony Vineyard
(Dijon 76 and 95). Aged 15 months in 32% new French oak barrels.
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Light gold color and
clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, butterscotch, pineapple, green apple, baked pear
and spice are echoed on the silky palate. Easy to like, with refreshing acidity, and complimentary oak
highlights.
Score: 89
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.35,
TA 0.76, 623 cases, $55. BGR & SF. Primarily Rued clone. Aged 15 months in 40% new French oak
barrels.
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Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A step up from the solid Russian River
Valley bottling with more flesh, intensity and finish. Aromas of lemon curd, baked pear and white
peach lead to a very smooth palate of baked apple and pear fruits accented with honey and caramel.
Score: 91
2012 Lynmar Estate La Serenité Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.76,
245 cases, $70. BGR. 50% Quail Hill Estate and 50% Suzanne’s Vineyard, old Wente clone. Aged
15 months in neutral French oak barrels.
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Pale gold color and clear in the glass. Elevating aromas of
lemon curd, pear, butter brickle and apple. A little reserved on the palate with flavors of yellow and
green apple and lemon, backed by bracing acidity. A subtle herbal note brings up the finish. A tad bit
tight and could benefit from more cellaring.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Susanna’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.4% alc., $55. Old
Wente clone.
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Light gold color and clear in the glass. The aromas of spiced apple and honey are
enchanting. Very crisp in the mouth, like biting into a cold, fresh apple. Some ancillary flavors include
lemon and crème brûlée. A refined, sophisticated wine that finishes with grace and a spark of lemony
goodness. My favorite Lynmar Chardonnay in this vintage.
Score: 93
2012 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.63, 1,510 cases,
$40. SF. Aged 10 months in 23% new French oak barrels.
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Moderate reddish purple color in the
glass. Aromatically alive with scents of cherry, baking spices and oak. Mid weight flavors of cherry,
sassafras, spice and cola with complimentary oak highlights. Slightly creamy in the mouth with a juicy
finish.
Score: 89
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA
0.61, 2,360 cases, $60. Available as a Collector Edition Magnum also. SF. A blend of 14 clones from
the entire estate vineyard. Aged 10 months in 37% new French oak barrels.
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Moderately dark reddish
purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of fresh Bing cherry and baking spice. Mid weight flavors of
dark cherry, cola and sarsasparilla with a touch of oak in the background. The tannins are suave and
noble, and the finish is outfitted nicely with generous black cherry and black raspberry fruits.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Old Vines Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.65, TA
0.60, 301 cases, $70. SF. Swan selection from a 1971-1972 planting of 2+ acres.
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Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. I loved this wine! Enticing aromas of cherry, raspberry,
spice and cola lead to a full-bodied entourage of fruit flavors including black cherry, dark berry,
plum, cola and rhubarb. Layers of pleasure with nuances showing up with each sip. The
tannins are still a little firm and grippy in this young wine which will benefit from cellaring. The
finish is spectacular, with a velvety array of fruits fanning out in peacock fashion. A glorious old vine
offering.
Score: 95
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Summit Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.6% alc., pH
3.67, TA 0.58, 283 cases, $70. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Sourced from a specific block in the
estate vineyard planted to Calera selection in the mid-2000s. Aged 15 months in 50% new French
oak barrels.
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Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Copious black raspberry and cherry
fruits show up on the nose and palate, accented with seasoned oak, spices and a touch of herbs. Still
young, but giving, finishing long and mighty with firm tannins.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Block 10 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.8% alc.,
$70. SF. Equal amounts of clones 667 and 777. 25% whole cluster fermentation.
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Moderately dark
reddish purple hue in the glass. Demure aromas of black cherry and sweet oak. Bright, redder fruits
on the palate are backed by subtle, toasty oak, finishing long with plenty of cherry goodness. Good
overall harmony without a notable personality at this early stage.
Score: 90
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Lynn’s Blend Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3%
alc., $70. SF. Mt Eden clone and “828.” 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in French
oak barrels.
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Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose draws you attention with aromas of
black raspberry, plum, spice and graham. Plenty of plush fruit that is well sustained on the mid palate,
offering tastes of black raspberry, blackberry and black plum with a hint of anise. Noticeable sinewy
tannins and a sweetly fruited finish of numbing concentration.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Quail Hill Vineyard Bliss Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $70. SF. A massale selection of organically farmed fruit (? Dijon and Pommard).
10% whole cluster fermentation. Aged in 55% new French oak barrels.
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Moderately dark
reddish purple color in the glass. The fruit is remarkably expressive in this wine but not
overwrought. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and plum strike the mid
palate with a vengeance, expanding to coat every nook and cranny, before departing with
uncommon density and length. The tannins and oak are beautifully integrated and supportive. A
decadent wine that I really liked.
Score: 94
2012 Lynmar Estate Five Sisters Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $100. SF. A
special barrel selection consisting of five barrels. Includes Mt Eden, Swan, Calera, and Quail
Hill selections.
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Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A full-bodied, voluptuous
wine, with exuberant aromas and flavors of black cherry, black plum and black raspberry with a
subtle earthy underpinning. Very smooth and seductive on the palate with balanced tannins
and a remarkable finish that brings you to attention. This is a connoisseur’s wine that should age ten
years effortlessly.
Score: 94
2012 Lynmar Estate Jenkins Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $70. SF. This
vineyard is located in the Sebastopol Hills. Clones 115 and 777 planted in Goldridge soils. A warmer
site. Aged in 55% new French oak barrels.
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Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromatics
that brighten the glass with aromas of Rainier cherry, black raspberry and pie spice. The flavors of
dark berries and black cherries are accented with anise and dark chocolate. The wine is soft in the
mouth and pleasant, but the fruit doesn’t pop at this stage.
Score: 90
2012 Lynmar Estate Monastery Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., $70. SF.
This vineyard is located in the Sebastopol Hills at the border of the Russian River Valley and Sonoma
Coast. Clones 667 and 115. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels.
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Moderately dark reddish purple
color in the glass. Scents of black cherry, bark and spice lead to a full-bodied wine with a muscular
backbone and more grip. The flavors of blackberry and purple stone fruits are earthy bent and there
is a hint of sage. The oak sheen is noticeable.
Score: 89
2012 Lynmar Estate Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $60. Largely sourced from
Sexton Vineyard. Clones are “828,” 23, 115 and 777.
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Moderately dark reddish purple color in the
glass. A fine array of aromas include black cherry, basalt, graham, spice and oak. Very suave and
smooth in the mouth with very tasty core of darker cherries and berries accented by oak-driven notes
of dark chocolate and spice. Nicely balanced and very charming.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Terra De Promissio Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.59,
372 cases, $70. SF. Clones 115 and 777 grown in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast.
Aged 10 months in 63% new French oak barrels.
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Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass.
Multifaceted nose offering aromas of earthy dark fruits including raspberry, spice, and a hint of char.
Mid weight plum, blackberry and spice flavors are satisfying. The texture is silky soft, and the
gossamer tannins give an overall impression of elegance. The finish is noticeably intense.
Score: 92
2012 Lynmar Estate Kanzler Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $70. SF. Inaugural
bottling from this vineyard. Clones 667, Pommard and 115. Aged 10 months in 50% new French oak
barrels.
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Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark red and black berries,
savory mushrooms and the slightest oak. Soft in the mouth, with a giving array of ripe berries
supported by sinewy tannins. Still reserved, and will need cellaring for a year or two to bring out its
best.
Score: 91
2013 Lynmar Estate Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., pH 3.38, TA
0.60, 495 cases, $20. SF. Primarily a saignée. Vinified for 4 months mainly in stainless
steel tanks along with some older oak barrels.
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Moderately light salmon color and clear in
the glass. Bright aromas of fresh strawberries, cherries, dried rose petal and spice. Wakes
up the palate with refreshing flavors of strawberry, watermelon and a hint of orange-infused
cranberries. An excellent choice for summer enjoyment.
Score: 91
Dunstan Wines, Sonoma Coast
Kenneth Juhasz, Winemaker
2012 Dunstan Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 92 cases, $25 (sold
out). Grapes picked a little earlier from a certain block in the Ranch House Block. Grapes were lightly
crushed by foot before pressing to neutral French oak barrels for 6 months. Winemaker Kenneth
Juhasz.
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Light orange color in the glass. Lovely aromas and flavors of strawberry and blood orange
with good body and intensity. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Score: 89
2011 Dunstan Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
13.3% alc., $45. Aged 14 months in
40% new French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation.
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Bright yellow color and clear in the glass.
Aromas of buttery pear, lemon curd and caramelized oak lead to a silky palate of pear, white peach
lemon, and stony minerality. Bright and thirst quenching.
Score: 90
2012 Dunstan Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 400+ cases, $45. Release
September 20, 2014. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation.
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Very fresh
nose redolent of lemon curd, nutty oak and salt air. Crisp and bright on the palate with good intensity
of lemon, nectarine, pear and honey flavors
Score: 93
2011 Dunstan Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 316 cases, $55. Bottled 14
months ago and just released. Composed of 5 clones grown in volcanic soils.
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Moderate reddish
purple color in the glass. Endowed with hi-tone aromas of fresh cherry, strawberry, spice and a hint of
oak. Rather exotic tasting with mid weight flavors of cherry, raspberry, other wild berries, red plum,
and peppery spice. Silky with complimentary barrel management.
Score: 90
2012 Dunstan Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., Unreleased. Same
vinification as the 2011 vintage. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. Bottled 1 month before this
tasting.
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Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasant aromas of red cherry,
loam and spice. Delicious with obvious potential, featuring vivid flavors of raspberry, cherry and spice.
The oak is fully integrated and the fine-grain tannins are only modestly imposing. Terrific charm with
a glorious cherry-driven finish.
Score: 93
Photos below are of the Ranch House Block surrounding the owner’s home at Durell Vineyard.
Planted in 2005 by owner Ellie Phipps Price, it is located at the southern end of the vineyard on an
east-facing slope. It is subjected to cool coastal fog in the morning and warm, breezy afternoons.
The vineyard is more densely planted than other area of the vineyard. All Dunstan wines come from
this 8.5-acre Ranch House Block at Durell.
En Garde Winery, Sonoma Valley
Proprietor and Winemaker Csaba Szakal
It is a rarity to discover a winemaker of Hungarian origin crafting Pinot Noir along with other varietals
in Sonoma Valley. Csaba grew up in a family that had made wine for four generations in Hungary. He
successfully made Rosé and white wines in his garage using grapes from his grandfather!s vineyard,
but yearned to seek a career in technology. He left Hungary in 1996 for work as a computer
programmer in Silicon Valley. Csaba met his wife, Sandy Scott, a CPA who had grown up in Sonoma
County, and because of her exposure to wine, urged him to make wine again.
Csaba began crafting wine again in his home garage in 2001, using Merlot grapes sourced from a Dry
Creek vineyard in Healdsburg. The wine, which was aged in (surprise!) Hungarian oak barrels, won a
gold medal in an amateur wine competition. By 2007, he had decided to start a commercial label, En
Garde, in a leased space in Livermore. In 2010, the couple quit their jobs, with him crafting the wines
and she managing the business side of the winery. Three years later, the family moved to Santa
Rosa where he pursued fruit sources. A stylish tasting room was opened on Sonoma Highway in
Sonoma Valley, and Csaba now makes his wines at the nearby Mayo Winery facility where I tasted
barrel samples with him.
The first Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was released from the 2008 vintage and currently there is a
Russian River Valley AVA blend and an AVA Reserve blend. The first vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs
will be released from the 2012 vintage. Csaba crafts a number of other excellent varietals, including a
2012 Albarino ($28) that I am particularly fond of. His Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-blend
wines have won numerous awards.
The 2010 and 2011 vintage Pinot Noirs have previously been reviewed in the PinotFile. The 2010
vintage wines are riper, with more purple and black fruits. The 2011 wines are brighter, with redder
fruits and spice. I am particularly fond of the 2011 Reserve which is mellow with vivid red fruits, spice
and a very long finish. The 2012 wines tasted from barrel will be released in the late fall 2014.
2012 En Garde Olivet Court Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Barrel sample. Martini
clone. Still tight with oak dominating, but good mid palate attack, long finish, fine-grain tannins, and
the telltale dark chocolate of Martini clone.
2012 En Garde Starkey Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 25% “828,” 25% Pommard, 50% 23.
Vineyard is owned by spouse's best friend. Invigorating nose offering aromatic cherries and spice.
Very elegantly styled with refined tannins and a pleasing spice-driven finish. A winner.
2012 En Garde Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Martini and Starkey selections. A barrel
selection. The biggest, most intensely flavored wine with a knockout nose of fresh stone and berry
fruits and exotic spices. The oak is already nicely integrated. The finish is incredibly long and
satisfying.
I don!t consider myself an expert when it comes to other red varietals, but the Malbec (10% Petit
Verdot) and the Petite Sirah sourced from Livermore and aged in American oak were both great
wines. Clearly, Csaba is a very talented and versatile winemaker.
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