Not my usual preferred style for chardonnay, but you have to admit that as an example of an oaky/buttery California Chard, this is pretty good. I could have used a bit more acid to balance out the oak, but there was sufficient complexity to make my small glassful interesting on every sip.

Lordy, this is why we drink pinot, right? Huge, expressive nose of cherry, earth, cola, vanilla. Fruit-forward for sure, wrapped in a layer of silk that guides that power across the tongue with true grace. Nasally-challenged as I am, there were still opulent notes of spice and black fruits and cola and the finish was the perfect finish to a great song.

Pretty wine. Lighter in color and body than the KB (as you would expect), but providing a beautiful counterpoint with its delicate spice and oak. Great food wine, and priced to actually make this economical...

Structure, fruit, balance, overall there's quality here in spades. Almost no secondary characteristics beyond the expected cassis/leather/cedar, which are perfect. But the wine lacks personality and excitement, and did not show well with the '02 Insignia, which is a flirty slut of a wine for sure...

This bottle gets 91 for breeding, but it definitely has huge upside. In five years, I would assume that this will be an amazing bottle of wine.

Wine of the Year? Does anybody really think that means anything? Well, add me to the list of believers. This wine is a gorgeous construction of attributes, providing a nigh-ideal drinking experience. The nose is complex, full of dark fruit, some berry, leather, tar, and it draws you in. The palate feels like a continuation of the nose, inviting you to drain your glass quickly and get another taste before someone beats you to it. The finish lingers pleasantly. The wine doesn't feel massively structured, so I have no idea how long it will drink like this, but "like this" is pretty damn great and it seems like a real bargain at the original release price.

My first true Sauternes and a great match for the cheese plate. Apricot and citrus, with a nice acid/saline kind of flavor that bound the whole thing together. Very good.

Late harvest syrah. Distinct smell like balsamic vinegar--not a bad thing, but unexpected. Not particular complex, but fun. Paired nicely with chocolate truffles.