2014 Merlot
Aromas: currant jam, porcini mushrooms, savory, raspberry
On the palate: raspberry/red fruit, terra cotta pot, juicy acid livens flavors

2015 Merlot
Aromas: earthy, plum jam, roses, youthful
On the palate: black cherry, licorice, slightly dry tannins, more fruit than the ‘14

2017 Merlot
Aromas: dark cherry, soy - savory element, rosemary, coffee, sweet impression like powdery sugar probably from the oak
On the palate: raspberry, spot-on acid, juicy fruit, smooth tannins with a long finish, no green anything, often a problem for Merlot

— Summary —

The common threads in the Merlots are red fruit (raspberry, cranberry, tart cherry), a savory note, Provencal herbs, and bright acid.

The Cabernets, especially the ‘16 and ‘17, are more toward the black fruit (dark cherry, blackberry), chocolate, coffee, and subtle spice. The tannins are substantial but in keeping with the volume of fruit. They have a full mid-palate and long finish with balanced acidity.

The Cabs seem more like cooler Chalk Hill than warmer Alexander Valley to me. The herbal, earthy, savory notes along with the dark but not overripe berry flavors are typical Chalk Hill. The Merlots are very interesting and complex – must be the awesome vineyard! Again, they lean more toward a cooler area with the bright red fruit and acidity. The aspect of the vineyard and proximity to the river certainly influence the character of the wines.

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Beautiful dark color
Aromas: black cherry, blackberry, anise, dark chocolate, complex aroma profile
On the palate: flavors echo the aromas - lots of dark berry with some oak spice, big wine with a very long finish, good acid balance, doesn’t fight with tannins

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas: blackberry, black cherry, earthy-soil note, subtle chocolate
On the palate: dark fruit, black currant/plum jam, soy-umami, full mid-palate, very long finish with smooth tannins

2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas: raspberry, cranberry, herbal/tea
On the palate: red fruit, slightly dry tannins, medium weight and length
More elegant style than the ‘14 and ‘16 - seems the fruit was picked early

2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Beautiful dark color
Aromas: black cherry, blackberry, anise, dark chocolate, complex aroma profile
On the palate: flavors echo the aromas, good acid balance, elegant tannins
This is my favorite of the group. I expect the ‘14 was much like the ‘16 at a comparable age. Bottle aging has really smoothed out the ‘14.

2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas: Blackberry pie, dark cherry, unsweetened cocoa, coffee beans, orange peel and white pepper.
On the palate: Juicy ripe blackberry, mouthwatering cranberry and savory rosemary. Firm tannin structure with a very long finish. A big young wine with a great potential.