Winery - Sanctuary
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The aim here seems to have been to produce something drier and earthier than the usual Napa Cab, and in this, this Brown-Forman-owned winery has succeeded. It shows the tannic structure of Rutherford, where the vineyard is, and the cherry and herb flavors of that area. But the wine has an elegance and balance that make it particularly useful at the table. Very nice now, and should age for a decade.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Grove Mill’s second label. Great bargain here, with pretty aromas of citrus, grass, hay and honey. Fruity and lively, with cleansing acidity. Bold and refreshing.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A terrific Pinot from a winery that’s building up a great track record with this bottling from Santa Maria’s most famous vineyard. It’s their best yet, with near-perfect acid-tannin balance, and gorgeous, opulent flavors. Tremendously rich in raspberry and cherry pie, with dusty Indian spices, Provençal herbs and a lovely coat of sweet, smoky oak. So easy to like, and should develop for a good six years.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Dense and closed, this wine needs some cellaring to let it develop. It seems to have everything a young Pinot needs: balanced acids and tannins, a silky texture, dryness, and a hearty core of blackberry and cherry fruit. Let it be through 2007, then open for another five or six years.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Cabernet is instantly likeable for its soft, lush tannins and blackberry and smoky oak flavors that finish with the taste of cocoa-dusted cappuccino. It’s a bit on the light side, but tasty.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Obviously well-grown and well-made, this Pinot is totally dry and balanced, with a wealth of currant, plum, pomegranate and cola flavors spiced with powerful cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper. It has a tannic toughness that suggests future possibilities. Best from late 2009 through 2012.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Complex and rich, with a wealth of black currant, blackberry and cedar flavors wrapped into softly firm tannins. There’s an herbal quality that makes the wine suited to stews and casseroles. Drink now through 2011.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Robust and briary, this Zin is bone-dry and pretty tannic, with earthy flavors of blackberries, tobacco, currants and spices. Could mellow with age, but will never be particularly complex.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This full-bodied Pinot has classic Santa Maria character. It’s fairly tannic, but very dry, with blue and black fruit and berry flavors veering into leather, overtones of violets, and masses of crushed spices, not to mention smoky oak. Few California Pinots are ageable, but this seems like a slam dunk. Best 2008 through 2012.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nothing subtle about this big, fruity, tannic wine. It’s bone dry and the tannins are soft and dusty, in the Rutherford way, but definitely there. They add an astringency to the black currant, mushu plum sauce and cedar flavors. Quite good, in the manner of previous vintages, but needs time. Best after 2011.
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