Photo: Robert M. Bruno
California's Best of 2003
By Steve PitcherIn contrast to the hoopla surrounding the 2000 Bordeaux vintage - touted by critics on both sides of the Atlantic as the best since 1961, a "vintage that comes along once in a lifetime" - California's first vintage of the new millennium (or the last one of the old) came saddled with doubts about quality and quibbles concerning the wines' depth and concentration. The reds from this questionable harvest began appearing on merchants' shelves this past year, pushing aside the remaining small stock of reds from California's highly acclaimed, but low-yielding, 1999 vintage.
Vintners considered 2000 to be a "challenging" year for North Coast Cabernet and other Bordeaux varietals, as well as Zinfandel and Pinot Noir. The last time this word had been bandied about so often in California winegrowing circles was in connection with the much-maligned 1998 vintage, whose wines were widely viewed by consumers as less than desirable by the time they hit the shelves, thanks to the chorus of largely negative voices emanating from wine publications. It would be somewhat extreme, however, to draw a direct parallel between 1998 and 2000.
Compared to 1999 - with its cool spring, pleasantly mild summer and warm September that brought grape sugars into sync with their acidity - the 2000 North Coast growing season was mostly cooler and more humid than usual. Yet it was interspersed with several heat spikes that contributed to variability in quality, including a mid-June period in the Napa Valley with near-record, 110-degree-plus temperatures. And then it rained rather early. Late August rain was followed by more cool weather and some light rain in mid-September, which slowed ripening. Later rainstorms, beginning in mid-October, slowed maturation further in late-ripening varieties such as cabernet and zinfandel. More than a few vineyards were hit by rain at harvest.
Extended cool weather plus intermittent rain during picking and crushing theoretically equal red wines with less concentration and lighter color than in warmer, drier years such as 1994, 1997 and 1999. Joel Aiken, in charge of winemaking at Beaulieu Vineyard, observed that, "Many exceptional grapes were delivered to the winery in 2000, however, with good color and weight, and others with slightly lighter body. The best of the cabernet is very good with a subtle 'Bordeaux' style due to the prevailing conditions at harvest."
Dan Duckhorn was particularly pleased with the vintage. "The 2000 harvest year for Duckhorn Vineyards had much in common with the 1997 vintage," he asserted, "with an early start of harvest and the larger-than-expected crop. After having harvested the prior two vintages late, it felt odd to be crushing grapes in August. The timing was deceptive, however, as the harvest was actually lengthy, but the mild weather was ideal for maximum hang-time for the grapes. The fruit quality of the red grapes bordered on greatness, with the resulting wines showing excellent depth and fruit."
Chuck Wagner of Caymus had a similar take: "To me, this harvest had a very natural flow, alternating days of quite high temperatures with days when the temperature throttled down to the moderate level more typical of our Napa Valley growing season. The warmer days brought lush, ripe flavors to the grapes, while the cooler days ensured the excellent balance that I believe marks this vintage. We picked small sections of vineyard blocks separately as our cabernet achieved both physical maturity - reaching the Brix and acid levels we were seeking - and physiological maturity - with its deep color and ripe tannins - in each area. In some seasons with periods of high heat, flavors can develop more quickly than tannin maturity, trying our patience, but in this vintage the two coincided beautifully."
In Sonoma County, winemaker Margo Van Staaveren, who monitored the fruit development for Chateau St. Jean, reports that "2000 represented the longest period of harvest for our winery in recent memory, lasting over twelve weeks. It began as a return to what I would consider 'normal' for California standards after the 1998 and 1999 vintages."
Mark Lyon, who makes Sebastiani's superb, bargain-priced Pinot Noir from the normally chilly Sonoma Coast region, recalls that, "The 2000 growing season was a roller coaster of temperature highs and lows." Despite the fluctuations, as with 1998, some North Coast wineries managed to produce exceptional wines that defy the theoretical disadvantages of the vintage.
In the South-Central Coast, the 2000 growing season was more of a classic. Stephan Bedford, winemaker/proprietor of Bedford Thompson Winery, called it "long and cool" and reported that the rain held off until after harvest. Byron "Ken" Brown, winemaker at Mondavi-owned Byron Vineyards, concurred. "The Santa Maria Valley experienced an excellent harvest in 2000 with a cool, prolonged growing season that is the signature of the region," he observed.
In the end, vintage 2000 may suffer most from being the unfortunate interval between superb 1999 and extraordinary 2001.
Chardonnays from vintage 2001 began showing up in large numbers in 2003, confirming the excellence of the vintage that had initially been proclaimed by the Sauvignon Blancs that hit the shelves the year before. The Sauvignons in 2003 were delivering the same message about vintage 2002, leading many wine lovers to salivate in eager anticipation of the arrival of red wines from those back-to-back great harvests. First appearances in 2003 of 2001 Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels only heightened that anticipation regarding the Bordeaux varietals and blends.
The Criteria
Most of the wines cited on the next few pages are produced in sufficient quantity -- 1,000 cases or more -- to be reasonably easy to find or worth a diligent search, at least in better restaurants and at fine wine merchants. Winery Web sites are another option (visit www.cawinemall.com or www.travelenvoy.com for links) for readers in states where direct shipping is permitted (visit www.freethegrapes.org for current information). A Web search by vintage and wine name may also yield a retail source.
Case production figures are provided for all the wines mentioned, including the limited-production gems grouped together separately. Production described as "1,000+ cases" indicates that the winery declined to provide the exact case figure, but assures that it exceeds 1,000 cases.
As is my custom, point scores are not assigned because the wines singled out here are best served by description and, where not described, by being listed in association with the described wines. Suffice it to say that most are "Outstanding" and would score at least 90 to 95 points on the BuyLine's 100-point rating scale, with the cream in each category meriting at least 96 points, or a "Superb" rating. In the "Best Value" listings, which highlight moderately priced bottlings of impressive quality, the scores would range from 88 to 92ish (or from the high end of "Very Good" to the low end of "Outstanding").
Prices began to ease slightly in 2003 in the face of the California wine glut and the sluggish national economy, resulting in greater choices for wine lovers in the "Best Value" category, which for this article are bottles priced at less than $20 for reds and $15 for whites.
Here, then, on the pages that follow, are the best California wines I encountered in 2003. They've been painstakingly culled from the hundreds of tasting notes I recorded throughout the year from blind panel tastings, focus groups, major wine competitions, winery visits, in-depth appellation tours, trade events, public programs and a deluge of samples.
Publication deadlines precluded consideration of any wines released after mid-October.
Cabernet Sauvignon
1. Shafer, 1999 Hillside Select, Stags Leap District - $150 (Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year): A triumph from winemaker Elias Fernandez - a near-perfect, quintessential Stags Leap District Cabernet exhibiting the exhilarating combination of power and elegance that defines the appellation. Seductive aromas of ripe blackberry and cassis mingle with mineral, dried lavender and fruitcake spice. Deep purple, opaque and densely structured with ripe, medium-full tannins, this 100 percent Cabernet offers copious, rich, blackberry-cassis fruit with palate-coating notes of mineral, tobacco leaf and mocha that linger in the extended, vanilla-tinged finish. Amazing balance and finesse in the face of such barely concealed power and mass. (2,500 cases)
2. Joseph Phelps, 2000 Backus Vineyard, Oakville - $150: Warm, inviting nose of intense blackberry-cassis fruit and brown spice enhanced by subtle minerality. On the palate, there's a great burst of concentrated, black raspberry-cassis fruit that's incredibly deep and rich, accented by a rose petal-like floral component that lingers several minutes. A superbly concentrated, deftly balanced Cabernet from one of Napa Valley's first growth vineyards. (1,000 cases)
3. Kenwood, 1999 Artist Series, Sonoma County - $70: Forward, opulent aromas of black cherry-cassis fruit, dried savory, subtle mushroom, leather, white pepper and cedar, plus an intriguing hint of mint. Round, luscious and mouth-filling with medium tannins, this Sonoma classic is fairly brimming with black fruit enhanced by dried herbs and subtly spicy oak. A beautifully packaged, classy, complex, delicious wine with fine concentration and depth of flavor. (3,700 cases)
Caymus, 2000 Special Selection, Napa Valley - $136: Forward aromas of dark berry and black cherry accented by subtle green herbs, exotic spice and roasted meat notes. Rich, smooth, round and supple in the mouth; awash in plummy, berry-cassis fruit laced with toasty oak, a mild green herbaceousness, mocha and creamy vanilla leading into a cedar-tinged finish. (2,600 cases)
Etude, 2000 Napa Valley - $80: Sourced from an array of Napa's finest vineyards, each farmed to meticulous standards, Tony Soter's 2000 Cabernet transcends a difficult vintage (as his wines have done in the past, notably in 1998). Attractive, enticing scents of cassis enhanced by white pepper, vanilla and a touch of smoky oak. Lush, superbly textured with a deep core of ripe berry-cassis fruit enhanced by mocha and nicely integrated oak, the wine shows excellent extract and fine, supple tannins. (2,520 cases)
PlumpJack, 2000 McWilliams Oakville Estate Vineyard, Oakville - $54: Appealing, complex nose of creamy oak, subtle dried lavender, cassis and glove leather. Smooth, round and supple with medium-full, fine-grained tannins, this boldly flavored wine offers luscious cassis and blackberry fruit enhanced by dried sage and a hint of green olive. (9,000 cases)
Altamura, 1999 Napa Valley - $60 (3,000 cases)
Araujo Estate, 2000 Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley - $150 (1,650 cases)
Baldacci Family Vineyards, 2000 Stags Leap District - $44 (1,640 cases)
Beaulieu Vineyard, 2000 Georges de Latour Private Reserve, Napa Valley - $90 (16,000 cases)
Caymus, 2000 Napa Valley - $70 (1,000+ cases)
Chateau Souverain, 1999 Winemaker's Reserve, Alexander Valley - $35 (3,194 cases)
Clos du Val, 1999 Reserve, Napa Valley - $95 (2,400 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Estate Grown, Napa Valley - $80 (2,478 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Napa Valley - $55 (7,220 cases)
Groth, 1999 Reserve, Oakville - $150 (1,700 cases)
Jordan, 1999 Sonoma County - $48 (50,500 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 2000 Reserve, Napa Valley - $125 (1,000+ cases)
Provenance, 2000 Oakville - $35 (1,900 cases)
Shafer, 2000 Napa Valley - $48 (6,800 cases)
Sterling, 1999 Reserve, Napa Valley - $75 (8,450 cases)
Von Strasser, 2000 Diamond Mountain District - $45 (2,185 cases)
Best Value Cabs
1. J. Lohr, 2000 Seven Oaks, Paso Robles - $15 (Best Value Cab of the Year): Warm, inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, cassis, vanilla, cigar box and a touch of oak spice. Rich and luscious on the palate with supple tannins, this well-stuffed wine delivers copious black fruit flavors supported by balancing acidity. (200,000 cases)
2. Cellar No. 8, 2001 North Coast - $14: Forward, attractive scents of raspberry, cassis, plum and nuances of cedar and mocha. Moderately rich with medium-full tannins, the flavors replicate the nose and are deep and persistent. (30,127 cases)
3. Crosspoint, 2000 Paso Robles - $12: Vibrant aromas of black cherry and raspberry, brown spice and cocoa accented by a floral note of violets. Velvety smooth and rich with supple tannins, this wine offers a bold palate of red currant, plum and flambéed cherry, accented by brown spice and carob. (10,000 cases)
Dynamite Vineyards, 2000 North Coast - $17 (54,000 cases)
Geyser Peak, 2000 Sonoma County - $17 (60,000 cases)
Hawk Crest by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, 2000 California - $14 (34,000 cases)
Michael Pozzan Winery, 2001 Reserve, Sonoma County - $12 (2,400 cases)
Raymond Estates, 2000 Napa Valley - $18 (12,248 cases)
Sebastiani, 1999 Sonoma County - $17 (39,100 cases)
Shale Ridge, 2001 Monterey - $8 (3,000 cases)
Red Blends
1. Joseph Phelps, 2000 Insignia, Napa Valley - $137 (Red Blend of the Year): Forward, intense, attractive nose of ripe cassis and dark berry, fruitcake spice, vanilla and sweet oak that expands with airing. Medium-full bodied, concentrated and luscious with medium-full tannins, this noble blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, petit verdot, malbec and cabernet franc exhibits layers of cassis, red berry, brown spice, sweet oak and cocoa. Superbly balanced and generous, the wine is approachable now and is sure to gain additional complexity over the next ten years. (15,000 cases)
2. Niebaum-Coppola, 2000 Rubicon, Rutherford - $100: The nose entices with cassis and violets. Ninety-three percent cabernet sauvignon with small doses of petit verdot, merlot and cabernet franc, this wine is incredibly dense and viscous, offering complex, deeply concentrated flavors of cassis, blackberry, dried herb, mocha and a touch of loamy earth. A beautifully crafted wine with excellent aging potential. (6,425 cases)
3. Paraduxx, 2000 Napa Valley - $48: Very fragrant scents of liqueur-like blackberry, black cherry, cassis and violets with an initial subtle smokiness, and vanilla and coconut emerging with airing. Full bodied with medium-full tannins, this unique proprietary blend (66 percent zinfandel, 34 percent cabernet sauvignon) is rich and generous with flavors of ripe cassis and blackberry jam enhanced by brown sugar, clove and crème brûlée. The smooth finish lingers with hints of white pepper and dried herbs. (6,832 cases)
Geyser Peak, 1999 Reserve Alexandre, Alexander Valley - $45: An impressive blend of all five Bordeaux varieties offering an effusive, open nose of cassis, strawberry and blueberry accented by floral notes hinting of jasmine and lavender. The mouth-feel is warm, supple and rich with flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon, dried sage and vanilla framing a core of succulent black cherry-cassis fruit. (5,000 cases)
Chateau St. Jean, 2000 Cinq Cépages, Sonoma County - $70: Slow-to-open nose of berry-cassis fruit accented by blueberry, mocha and violets. Concentrated and extracted with medium-full tannins, this blend of all five Bordeaux varieties offers layers of delectable flavors - from bittersweet chocolate and coffee bean at entry to blackberry and dark plum fruit, brown spice and anise - that persist into the extended finish. (15,500 cases)
Quintessa, 2000 Rutherford - $100: Rich, elegant and well crafted, offering attractive scents of black fruits and violets accented by mocha, dried sage and anise. Elegant and poised on the palate with ripe, supple tannins and deep flavors that echo the nose, this wine impresses with its Bordeaux-like restraint and finesse. (9,500 cases)
Beaulieu Vineyard, 2000 Tapestry Reserve, Napa Valley - $40 (22,000 cases)
Beringer, 1999 Alluvium, Knights Valley - $30 (9,000 cases)
Bonny Doon, 2001 Le Cigare Volant, California - $32 (11,000 cases; screwcap)
Chimney Rock, 2000 Elevage, Stags Leap District - $68 (3,000 cases)
Robert Craig, 2000 Affinity, Napa Valley - $48 (3,500 cases)
Lail Vineyards, 2000 J. Daniel Cuvée, Napa Valley - $80 (1,400 cases)
St. Clement, 2000 Oroppas, Napa Valley - $50 (5,500 cases)
St. Supéry, 1999 Meritage Red, Napa Valley - $50 (4,036 cases)
Shafer, 2000 Firebreak, Napa Valley - $33 (2,500 cases)
Spring Mountain Vineyard, 2000 Elivette, Spring Mountain District - $90 (3,018 cases)
Swanson, 2000 Alexis, Napa Valley - $50 (4,635 cases)
Von Strasser, 2000 Sori Bricco Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District - $60 (1,053 cases)
Best Value Red Blends
1. Ravenswood, 2000 Icon, Sonoma County - $18 (Best Value Red Blend of the Year): White pepper entices the nose, along with wild strawberry and raspberry. Smooth with medium tannins, this flashy Rhône blend offers bright red fruit, nuances of smoke and bittersweet chocolate, ample acidity and a white pepper flourish in the finish. (9,695 cases)
2. Ca' del Solo, 2002 Big House Red, California - $10: Bonny Doon's bargain blend of twelve varieties (48 percent syrah, 10 percent petite sirah and single-digit percentages of carignane, barbera, zinfandel, malbec, charbono, mourvèdre, petit verdot, cabernet franc, sangiovese and montepulciano) is remarkably Rhône-like in its aromas of fresh strawberry-blueberry fruit dusted with white pepper and dried lavender and a hint of mocha. Smooth, luscious and round on the palate with bright, lively, spicy red fruit flavors that are wonderfully deep and framed by medium-full tannins. (132,000 cases; screwcap)
Beckmen, 2001 Cuvée Le Bec, Santa Ynez Valley (Rhône blend) - $14 (3,000 cases)
Fife, 2000 Redhead Red, Mendocino (Rhône blend) - $12 (3,000 cases)
Lolonis, 2000 Lady Bug Red Old Vines, Redwood Valley (carignane, merlot, Napa gamay, zinfandel) - $13 (1,000 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Chateau La Paws Côte du Bone Roan, San Francisco Bay (Rhône blend) - $16 (4,000 cases)
Talomas, 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot, California - $15 (1,000+ cases)
Talomas, 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah, California - $15 (1,000+ cases)
Zaca Mesa, 2001 Z Cuvée, Santa Ynez Valley (Rhône blend) - $16 (4,287 cases)
Merlot
1. Duckhorn, 2000 Napa Valley - $46 (Merlot of the Year): While not the priciest of its four 2000 Merlot offerings, Duckhorn's approachable Napa Valley bottling is simply a knock-out. Intensely aromatic nose of sweet black cherry and red berry, accented by spicy plum compote, vanilla, espresso bean and minerals. Gloriously textured, plush and round with supple tannins, the wine is both powerful and well balanced, offering the mélange of flavors suggested by the nose, enhanced by notes of caramel and mocha. (18,300 cases)
2. Niebaum-Coppola, 2000 Estate, Rutherford - $44: Come-hither scents of ripe raspberry and black cherry, tobacco leaf, Asian spice, mocha and vanilla are replicated on the palate of this velvety smooth, generous Merlot. Lots of extract in the dense core of ripe cherry-blackberry fruit complemented by notes of dark chocolate and coffee bean, matched by toasty oak and chewy tannins. Rich notes of black-berry and mocha linger in the finish. (1,915 cases)
3. Joseph Phelps, 2000 Napa Valley - $40: Fragrant aromas of cassis-black cherry fruit accented by strawberry, sweet oak, mocha and subtle dried sage. Muscular for Merlot, yet velvety smooth and round with complex, spicy flavors of black fruit, vanilla bean, mineral and a hint of green olive; medium-full tannins. (10,000 cases) >
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, 2000 Napa Valley - $40: Warm, inviting scents of black cherry, black plum, mocha, vanilla bean, dried sage and a hint of glove leather. Powerful and persistent on the palate with flavors of deep black fruit enhanced by mocha; finishes with a note of dried red cherry dusted with finely ground sage. (6,950 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Three Palms Vineyard, Napa Valley - $75: Complex, intriguing nose of raspberry jam, mocha, smoked meat and toasty oak with dark chocolate that emerges with airing. Still quite young, but loaded with potential, this bold Merlot is mouth-filling and rich with well-integrated tannins and flavors of black fruit, chocolate, plum and toffee. (1,744 cases)
Cosentino, 2000 Reserve, Napa Valley - $38: Blended with 25 percent cabernet franc, this scrumptious Merlot is plush and smooth, definitely on the voluptuous side of the varietal, offering aromas of ripe boysenberry-black cherry fruit, vanilla and dried sage with similar flavors that are generous, deep and undiminished by fining; ripe, supple tannins. (1,500 cases)
Beringer, 1999 Bancroft Ranch, Howell Mountain - $75 (4,500 cases)
Clos du Val, 2000 Napa Valley - $25 (9,000 cases)
Duckhorn, 1999 Howell Mountain - $65 (1,610 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Estate Grown, Napa Valley - $80 (1,590 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 2000 Stags Leap District - $40 (1,000+ cases)
Joseph Phelps, 2000 Napa Valley - $40 (10,000 cases)
Shafer, 2001 Napa Valley - $39 (9,500 cases)
Silverado Vineyards, 1999 Napa Valley - $25 (13,900 cases)
Sterling, 1999 Reserve, Napa Valley - $65 (2,929 cases)
Whitehall Lane, 2000 Napa Valley - $26 (11,100 cases)
Best Value Merlots
1. Sebastiani, 1999 Sonoma County - $17 (Best Value Merlot of the Year): Forward aromas of ripe black cherry, blueberry and plum, vanilla and subtle oak char. Full-bodied and rich, the wine is almost jammy on the palate with copious black cherry-currant fruit laced with vanilla and mocha, framed by medium tannins and buoyed by excellent acidity. (53,100 cases)
2. Murphy-Goode, 2000 Alexander Valley - $19: A moderately complex, smooth Sonoma Merlot with pretty aromatics of red fruit, crushed mint, chocolate, and lush flavors of ripe cherry, cassis, mint and mocha, finishing with a spicy cinnamon-clove flourish. (16,200 cases)
Chateau Souverain, 2000 Alexander Valley - $18 (26,000 cases)
Crystal Valley Cellars, 2001 Reserve, California - $16 (3,390 cases)
Delicato, 2001 California - $8 (100,000 cases)
Gallo of Sonoma, 2001 Reserve, Sonoma County - $11 (116,000 cases)
Geyser Peak, 2000 Sonoma County - $17 (53,000 cases)
J. Lohr, 2000 Los Osos, Paso Robles - $15 (26,000 cases)
Shale Ridge, 2001 Monterey - $8 (1,550 cases)
Pinot Noir
1. Sanford, 2001 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills - $43 (Pinot Noir of the Year): The best Sanford Pinot ever from this grand cru vineyard, and one of the first wines to be crafted from start to finish in Sanford's new, state-of-the-art winery. Complex and intricate with forward aromas of black cherry-dark berry fruit accented by dried lavender and intriguing minerality from the vineyard's flinty, chert-rich soil. Ultraplush, round and luscious on the palate with medium-full, ripe tannins, the wine seduces the senses with copious dark cherry-berry fruit, smoky oak and exotic spices buoyed by lively acidity. (2,200 cases)
2. Byron, 2000 Nielson Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $40: A complex, richly layered Pinot with aromas of dried herbs, oak spice, dark berry-cherry fruit and violets. Extracted and dense on the palate without heaviness, the wine's flavors focus on crushed wild strawberry and cherry of almost liqueur-like richness, rose petal and subtle brown spice; supple, medium tannins. (2,259 cases)
3. Merry Edwards, 2001 Sonoma Coast - $27: The product of five carefully selected, individually fermented clones: two classics from California (Swan and Mt. Eden) providing expansive, succulent fruit flavors, and three from Dijon that lend structure and length. This cool-climate Pinot delivers enticing aromas and layered flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, hints of cola, lavender and an attractive forest floor earthiness. Silky-smooth texture, fine acid balance and supple tannins complete the elegant package. (1,480 cases)
Foley, 2001 Santa Maria Valley - $38: Nose of ripe, freshly crushed strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, smoky oak, a touch of cedar and vanilla. Rich and smooth on the palate with copious wild strawberry and cherry fruit, and creamy oak. The wine exhibits great fruit expression and exquisite balance. (3,321 cases)
Byron, 2001 Santa Maria Valley - $25: Spicy aromas of ripe red fruit, tobacco leaf, red meat and medium-high-char French oak. Smooth, round and silky in the mouth with medium tannins, this opulent, intensely flavored wine has a delicious core of strawberry-raspberry-red cherry fruit accented by smoky oak and brown spice. (9,200 cases)
Melville, 2001 Estate, Santa Rita Hills - $25: Forward, intense, fragrant nose of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit, a hint of rosemary and lavender herbaceousness, and spicy, toasty oak. Plush and densely layered with rich black raspberry-cherry extract laced with spice that lingers into the extended finish. An elegant wine despite its extract. (4,400 cases)
Baileyana, 2001 Edna Valley - $23 (3,956 cases)
Belle Glos, 2001 Santa Maria Valley - $30 (6,000 cases)
Beringer, 2000 Stanly Ranch, Carneros - $30 (1,400 cases)
Carpe Diem, 2001 Firepeak Vineyard, Edna Valley - $29 (4,000 cases)
Chalone, 2001 Estate Grown, Chalone - $25 (10,500 cases)
Etude, 2001 Carneros - $40: (7,600 cases)
Fiddlehead Cellars, 2001 Seven Twenty Eight, Fiddlestix Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley - $38 (1,200 cases)
Kendall-Jackson, 2000 Great Estates, Monterey County - $28 (2,238 cases)
Rochioli, 2001 Russian River Valley - $42 (2,555 cases)
Sanford, 2001 La Rinconada Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills - $55 (1,300 cases)
Best Value Pinots
1. Navarro, 2001 Mendocino - $15 (Best Value Pinot of the Year): A zingy, wild-strawberry-laced Pinot whose Mendocino fruit came mostly from Anderson Valley (87 percent) rounded out with a dollop of inland county fruit to add a bit of weight. Sensuous nose of rose petal and freshly crushed strawberry accented by clove spice. Elegant and delicate, yet persistently flavorful, focusing on delectable, shyly spicy red fruit led by strawberry and supported by bright acidity. (3,041 cases)
2. Sebastiani, 2001 Sonoma Coast - $15: Vibrant aromas of red cherry and raspberry infused with slightly toasty oak and spicy notes of ginger and allspice. Soft and velvety smooth with medium, supple tannins, this upfront, wonderfully drinkable Pinot delivers luscious cherry-berry fruit barely kissed by oak seasoning. (10,000 cases)
Beaulieu Vineyard, 2001 California Coastal Signature Series - $11 (100,000 cases)
Camelot, 2001 California - $8 (57,000 cases)
Echelon, 2001 Central Coast - $12 (37,000 cases)
Fetzer, 2001 Five Rivers Ranch, Santa Barbara County - $14 (25,000 cases)
Lafond, 2001 Santa Rita Hills - $18 (1,000 cases)
Syrahs & Petites
Shafer, 2000 Relentless, Napa Valley - $55 (Syrah of the Year): Sensational successor to Shafer's first Syrah (last year's No. 1 in this category). A single-vineyard field blend of 81 percent syrah and 19 percent petite sirah offering an intensely fragrant nose of very ripe blackberry-blueberry fruit, black pepper, dried lavender and oak spice. Rich and powerful on the palate with ripe, medium-full tannins, the wine's opulent flavors are as intense and deep as its aromas with similar components. A giant of a wine that impresses rather than overwhelms. (2,000 cases)
2. Joseph Phelps, 2000 Napa Valley - $40: Opulent, inviting scents of dark chocolate fudge, ripe blackberry, dried lavender and white pepper. Concentrated and mouth-filling with medium tannins, this 100 percent Syrah is loaded with rich, succulent plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit tinged with brown spice; extended berry finish. (1,000 cases)
3. Babcock, 2001 Santa Barbara County - $20: Could easily be labeled "Reserve" and priced twice as high. Resonates with meaty, berry and white pepper aromatics reminiscent of the Rhône that are replicated on the plush, dramatic, well-stuffed palate enhanced by black cherry and exotic spice, and framed by medium-full, chewy tannins. (2,186 cases)
Stags' Leap Winery, 2000 Petite Syrah, Napa Valley - $31: Deeply fruited nose of crushed black-berry, cassis, blueberry and anise accented by pleasant oak spice, a whiff of white pepper and a note of vanilla. Smooth, round, juicy and loaded with ripe blackberry and red cherry fruit, along with hints of dried herbs and white pepper. The winery's flagship offers minerality in the nose and more subtly on the palate with ripe, medium tannins; finishes long with a blackberry syrup-like richness tinged with peppery spice and vanilla. Decant for full effect. (14,000 cases)
Fess Parker, 2000 American Tradition Reserve, Santa Barbara County - $35: A gamy rendition of Syrah showing an appealing Rhône-like funkiness. The palate broadens to include pepper, dried herbs and a hint of leather. Truly distinctive; its limited-production Rodney's Vineyard sibling ($40/440 cases) is even more attractively "funky." (1,200 cases)
Chateau Souverain, 2000 Alexander Valley - $20: Blended with 13 percent petite sirah, 8 percent mourvèdre and 3 percent viognier, this is a rich, plush Syrah that starts off with aromas of oak and tar; with airing, plum, blackberry and strawberry emerge. Similar flavors define the palate, enhanced with chocolate, vanilla and black pepper spice extending into the leather-tinged finish. (2,029 cases)
Anapamu, 2001 Paso Robles - $20 (10,000 cases)
Bedford Thompson, 2000 Thompson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County - $25 (1,563 cases)
Chalone, 2001 Estate, Chalone AVA - $25 (2,627 cases)
EOS Estate, 2000 Petite Sirah Reserve, Paso Robles - $25 (16,300 cases)
IO, 2001 Ryan Road Vineyard, San Luis Obispo County - $35 (1,152 cases)
IO, 2001 Upper Bench, Santa Maria Valley - $35 (1,281 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 England Shaw Vineyard, Solano County - $30 (1,004 cases)
Best Value Syrahs & Petites
1. Delicato, 2002 Shiraz, California - $8 (Best Value Syrah of the Year): Bold aromas of blueberry, blackberry and dark plum compote mingle with spicy oak and a hint of leather. Jammy and generous on the palate with ripe, supple tannins, this full-bodied Shiraz has amazing depth of flavor and complexity, starting with a lush core of blueberry fruit and revealed in layers of flavor - from blackberry and black cherry to leather and loamy earth. Will make any picnic seem like a banquet. (150,000 cases)
2. Bogle, 2001 Petite Sirah, California - $10: Distinctive nose of old leather and dried savory, plum compote and black fruit (blackberry and boysenberry) with blueberry undertones. Moderately rich, smooth and very easy to drink with juicy, jammy blackberry fruit and vanillin oak tones, this attractive Petite - Bogle's flagship - is almost liqueur-like in its richness with ripe, medium tannins and a long, white pepper-tinged finish. (75,000 cases)
3. Lafond, 2001 Santa Rita Hills - $18: Forward nose of white pepper, smoke and ripe black fruits plus a hint of leather. Enormously rich and concentrated on the palate with chewy, medium-full tannins, this complex Syrah offers opulent blackberry extract, peppery spice and some red meat character. This beauty would take first place if only there were more of it. (1,040 cases)
Novella, 2000 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles - $13: Slow-to-open nose of berry, fudge and brown spice that gradually picks up some oak char and tack room leather, creamy oak and a hint of Petite funk. Smooth, plush, juicy and luscious with copious dark berry fruit. (Made by EOS Estate.) (1,462 cases)
Bonny Doon, 2001 California - $18: Perfumed nose of strawberry, black cherry, white pepper, violets and anise with an undertone of red meat. Super smooth, round and plush with similar flavors, this cleverly packaged Syrah is easy to drink, but can inspire conversation, too. (4,000 cases)
Crystal Valley Cellars, 2001 California - $16 (2,040 cases)
Foppiano, 2001 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles - $14 (2,500 cases)
Marietta, 1999 Petite Sirah, California - $18 (1,500 cases)
Fess Parker, 2001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County - $18 (8,000 cases)
Qupé, 2001 Central Coast - $15 (11,000 cases)
Shale Ridge, 2001 Monterey - $8 (1,554 cases)
Zinfandel
1. Rosenblum, 2001 Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley - $38 (Zinfandel of the Year): Attractive, intense aromas of wild black raspberry, cassis and mocha that expand with airing. Bold, full bodied and mouth-filling with medium-full tannins, this old-vine, mountain Zin offers deep flavors of ripe, high-extract blackberry-dark cherry fruit laced with cracked black pepper, chocolate and vanilla cream; finishes with a flourish of red cherry and toasty oak. Benefits from decanting. (1,250 cases)
2. Ravenswood, 2000 Teldeschi, Dry Creek Valley - $35: A field blend that includes petite sirah and carignane (12 percent each), this is a dramatic Zinfandel full of ripe cherry-black raspberry fruit, accented by delightful black pepper spice and vanilla. Not the huge extract of previous vintages, but precisely defined and focused with medium tannins and balancing acidity. (2,357 cases)
3. Rosenblum, 2001 Rockpile Road Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - $26: A rich, extracted Zin that offers a bouquet of ripe, brambly dark berries and dark cherry enhanced by notes of black pepper spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak and vanilla. The palate replicates the nose and exhibits a luscious core of black fruits and ripe, chewy tannins. (3,200 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Carla's Vineyards, San Francisco Bay - $23: From vines over 100 years old, head-pruned and dry-farmed, this warm-climate Zin combines both ripeness and fruitiness without heaviness thanks to balancing acidity. The aromas deftly define and replicate the palate and include a huge core of black cherry fruit accented by cassis and blackberry, chocolate, anise and black olive with medium-full tannins. Twelve percent carignane adds a certain brambly quality. (2,030 cases)
Mariah, 2001 Mendocino Ridge - $30: Very appealing scents of dark berry and cherry, freshly cracked black pepper and mocha. Luscious and generous with medium-full tannins, this high-altitude Zin exhibits great concentration and depth of flavor as defined by the nose, and is wonderfully peppery. (1,200 cases)
Lake Sonoma, 2001 Saini Farms Old Vine, Dry Creek Valley - $20 (1,300 cases)
Niebaum-Coppola, 2000 Edizione Pennino, Rutherford - $44 (1,904 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 2001 Napa Valley - $20 (1,000+ cases)
Ravenswood, 2000 Barricia, Sonoma Valley - $35 (2,133 cases)
Ravenswood, 2000 Monte Rosso, Sonoma Valley - $35 (1,513 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Annette's Reserve, Rhodes Vineyard, Redwood Valley - $28 (2,200 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Eagle Point Vineyard, Mendocino County - $27 (1,200 cases)
Seghesio, 2001 Home Ranch, Alexander Valley - $28 (2,492 cases)
Best Value Zins
1. Chateau Souverain, 2001 Dry Creek Valley - $18 (Best Value Zinfandel of the Year): Attractive scents of raspberry, black cherry and red licorice accented by peppery spice and plum compote. Lush, berry fruit flavors spiced with black pepper (from 13 percent old-vine petite sirah), mocha and brown spice. Full bodied with medium-full tannins. (9,168 cases)
2. Rosenblum, 2001 Planchon Vineyards, San Francisco Bay - $19: Heady aromas of plummy black cherry-cassis fruit, smoky oak, vanilla and cocoa. Ripe, full bodied and silky smooth with supple tannins, this is a juicy wine with bold flavors of black fruit, smoked bacon, coffee bean, chocolate and toasty oak. (1,400 cases)
Bogle, 2001 Old Vine, California - $11 (45,000 cases)
Cline, 2001 California - $10 (87,900 cases)
Franciscan, 2000 Napa Valley - $18 (3,616 cases)
Lake Sonoma, 2001 Dry Creek Valley - $16 (8,000 cases)
Rancho Zabaco, 2001 Dancing Bull, California - $10 (206,100 cases)
Rancho Zabaco, 2001 Sonoma Heritage Vines, Sonoma County - $14 (100,100 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Alegria Vineyard, Russian River Valley - $18 (1,600 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Continente Vineyard, San Francisco Bay - $14 (2,700 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Richard Sauret Vineyard, Paso Robles - $18 (5,000 cases)
Valley of the Moon, 2000 Sonoma County - $17 (7,850 cases)
Chardonnay
1. HdV, 2000 Carneros - $45 (Chardonnay of the Year): Debut release from the partnership of the Hyde family of Carneros and the Villaine family of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fame, this is a lovingly crafted, sleek, elegant Chardonnay with aromas of creamy citrus, apple, pear and shy spice with hints of peach, vanilla and minerals. Creamy without being cloying, the wine is rich and deeply flavorful, tasting of the fruit announced by the nose and accented by subtle spice and minerality. Poised, focused and impeccably balanced with no one element intruding, this fully integrated Chardonnay seems more Burgundian in its finesse and understatement than Californian. (1,500 cases)
2. Patz & Hall, 2001 Napa Valley - $33: Highly fragrant, appealing aromas of mineral-laced tangerine, pear, shy honeysuckle and toast. Luxurious, rich, round and fleshy in the mouth with bright acidity and layer upon layer of creamy pear, citrus, sweet oak and subtle spice. (3,900 cases)
3. Shafer, 2001 Red Shoulder Ranch, Carneros - $37: Deep aromas of ripe pear, spicy apple and tropical fruit nuanced by subtle, smoky oak. Bold, luscious and mouth-coating with copious tropical fruit, apricot and green apple flavors enhanced by toasty oak; bright citrus marks the finish. (6,500 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2001 Woolsey Road Vineyard, Russian River Valley - $38: Attractive scents of apple-pear fruit, spice and creamy oak. Rich, round and bold with generous oak-tinged fruit enlivened by notes of fig and apricot, and buoyed by crisp acidity. (1,200 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 2000 Reserve, Napa Valley - $38: Generous bouquet of smoky oak, creamy citrus, tropical fruit, mineral and subtle caramel. Rich, silky-smooth and plush with layers of tropical fruit, lemon meringue, apricot, spice, hazelnut and brioche framed by toasty oak. (1,000+ cases)
Babcock, 2001 Grand Cuvée, Santa Ynez Valley - $25 (1,737 cases)
Beringer, 2001 Private Reserve, Napa Valley - $35 (9,000 cases)
Chalone, 2001 Estate, Chalone - $25 (26,000 cases)
Chateau St. Jean, 2000 Reserve, Sonoma County - $45 (1,800 cases)
Chateau Souverain, 2001 Winemaker's Reserve Russian River Valley - $25 (1,958 cases)
Geyser Peak, 2001 Block Collection, Ricci Vineyard, Carneros - $21 (1,200 cases)
Navarro, 2001 Premiere Reserve, Anderson Valley - $18 (3,435 cases)
ZD, 2000 Reserve, Napa Valley - $48 (1,843 cases)
Best Value Chards
1. Navarro, 2001 Mendocino - $14 (Best Value Chardonnay of the Year): A truly remarkable buy offering pretty scents of Fuji apple and fully ripe pear, clove-cinnamon spice and brioche. Sleek and nimble with crisp acidity, the wine is plush and juicy without being heavy; deep flavors echo the nose and a smidgen of oak imparts a nice roundness. Finishes with subtle spice and Meyer lemon notes. Classy and understated, exhibiting purity and finesse. (3,728 cases)
2. Chateau Souverain, 2001 Sonoma County - $14: Classic aromas of pear, apple blossom and tropical fruit. The entry is marked by a creamy, round and rich mouth-feel with fairly complex flavors of spiced apple, tropical fruit, ripe pear and mild butterscotch; a toasty, nutty backdrop resonates throughout the long finish. (35,500 cases)
Beringer, 2001 Founders' Reserve, California - $12 (150,000 cases)
Crystal Valley Cellars, 2001 California - $14 (1,129 cases)
Gallo of Sonoma, 2001 Sonoma County - $11 (172,600 cases)
Geyser Peak, 2001 Sonoma County - $12 (54,000 cases)
Hess Select, 2001 California - $11 (185,000 cases)
Indigo Hills, 2001 Central Coast - $12 (21,400 cases)
Meridian, 2001 Santa Barbara - $11 (600,000 cases)
Rodney Strong, 2001 Sonoma County - $14 (46,400 cases)
Sauvignon Blanc
1. St. Supéry, 2002 Napa Valley - $16 (Sauvignon Blanc of the Year): A sensational follow-up to the marvelous 2001 (last year's No. 1 in this category), it opens boldly with effusive aromas of grapefruit, sweet lime, gooseberry and tangerine. The taste buds are then regaled with copious zippy flavors of ruby red grapefruit, guava and passion fruit accented by chopped fresh asparagus that display tremendous depth and dimension on the palate. A racy, unabashedly varietal Sauvignon in the New Zealand style that finishes crisp and clean. (34,107 cases; synthetic closure)
2. Araujo Estate, 2002 Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley - $32: Intriguing aromas of green melon, white grapefruit and straw accented by subtle notes of orange zest and white flowers from the small amount (4 percent) of viognier in the blend. Round, smooth and creamy in the mouth, this elegant, easy-on-the-grass Sauvignon exhibits crisp acidity and flavors that replicate the nose with the addition of wet pebble and subtle spice. (1,300 cases)
3. Chateau St. Jean, 2001 Fumé Blanc, La Petite Etoile Vineyard, Russian River Valley - $20: Attractive, mildly grassy nose of creamy lemon curd, honeydew melon, light vanilla and oak spice, plus a touch of fig. Round and opulently textured, this barrel-fermented-but-no-malo Sauvignon offers bright flavors of citrus and tropical fruit, a pleasant lemon grass herbaceousness and a hint of smokiness. (2,500 cases)
Whitehall Lane, 2002 Napa Valley - $15: Fruity, slightly spicy nose of melon, pear and fig accented by mineral and very subtle grass. Round, juicy and luscious with bright acidity, this elegant, generous Sauvignon delivers flavors that echo the nose and are deep and concentrated. (7,310 cases)
Hanna, 2002 Slusser Road Vineyard, Russian River Valley - $16: Very forward scents of Meyer lemon, green apple and prominent gooseberry that are replicated on the palate. Round and silky-smooth with crisp acidity, this appealingly grassy Sauvignon is both generous and elegant. (8,003 cases)
Rochioli, 2002 Russian River Valley - $27: Attractive, floral, moderately herbaceous aromas of melon and lemon-lime, fig and a touch of loamy earth. Rich and creamy on the palate with firm acidity, offering flavors of honeydew melon, citrus and tangerine, shy grass and a noticeable flintiness that extends into the rich finish. (3,950 cases)
Chateau Potelle, 2001 Napa Valley - $15 (4,466 cases)
Dry Creek Vineyard, 2001 Fumé Blanc, DCV3, Dry Creek Valley - $18 (2,000 cases)
Duckhorn, 2002 Napa Valley - $22 (18,480 cases)
J. Lohr, 2002 Carol's Vineyard, Napa Valley - $18 (1,300 cases)
Mason, 2002 Napa Valley - $16 (20,000 cases; synthetic closure)
Preston of Dry Creek, 2002 Hartsock, Dry Creek Valley - $18 (1,596 cases)
St. Supéry, 2001 Meritage White, Napa Valley - $22 (3,745 cases)
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, 2001 Napa Valley - $20 (5,775 cases)
Best Value Sauvignons
1. Dry Creek Vineyard, 2002 Fumé Blanc, Sonoma County - $13 (Best Value Sauvignon Blanc of the Year): Continuing its winning streak (No. 1 in this category last year), this cheerful wine offers fresh, moderately intense aromas of hay, citrus, peach and lemon grass. Bright and lively on the palate with vibrant acidity, this crowd-pleasing, wonderfully varietal Sauvignon offers fresh, grass-tinged flavors of lemon-lime and succulent pear. (40,000 cases)
2. Sanford, 2001 Central Coast - $13: Forward, intense scents of tropical fruit and citrus, chopped fresh herbs, gardenia and sweet pea. Round and rich in the mouth with zingy acidity, the wine is brimming with flavors suggested by the nose and is expressive, elegant and generous. (8,000 cases)
Baileyana, 2002 Paragon Vineyard, Edna Valley - $13 (2,945 cases)
Beckmen, 2002 Santa Ynez Valley - $12 (3,500 cases)
Canyon Road, 2002 California - $9 (32,500 cases)
Geyser Peak, 2002 Fumé Blanc, California - $10 (73,000 cases)
Honig, 2002 Napa Valley - $14 (15,000 cases; synthetic closure)
Lake Sonoma, 2002 Fumé Blanc, Dry Creek Valley - $14 (3,100 cases)
Kenwood, 2002 Sonoma County - $11 (78,000 cases; synthetic closure)
Napa Wine Co., 2002 Napa Valley - $14 (2,400 cases)
Rancho Zabaco, 2002 Dancing Bull, California - $10 (42,700 cases)
Limited Production Wines WORTH seeking
(The highest-rated wines are noted in bold type)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Barnett Vineyards, 2000 Rattlesnake Hill, Spring Mountain District - $95 (195 cases)
Baldacci Family Vineyards, 2000 Brenda's Vineyard, Stags Leap District - $66 (107 cases)
Barnett Vineyards, 2000 Peacock Family Vineyard, Spring Mountain District - $95 (232 cases)
Cosentino, 2000 Reserve, Napa Valley - $80 (328 cases)
Robert Craig, 2000 Howell Mountain - $40 (900 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Estate Grown Monitor Ledge Vineyard, Napa Valley - $90 (471 cases)
Duckhorn, 2000 Estate Grown Patzimaro Vineyard, St. Helena - $90 (499 cases)
Elyse, 2000 Tietjen Vineyard, Rutherford - $57 (570 cases)
Flora Springs, 2000 Hillside Reserve, Rutherford - $100 (800 cases)
Hartwell, 2000 Estate Vineyard, Stags Leap District - $100 (900 cases)
Livingston Moffett, 1999 Moffett Vineyard, Napa Valley - $55 (488 cases)
Marston, 2000 Spring Mountain District - $60 (600 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 1999 Reserve, To Kalon Vineyard, Oakville - $150 (under 1,000 cases)
Monticello Vineyards, 2000 Tietjen Vineyard, Rutherford - $50 (224 cases)
Silverado Vineyards, 2000 Stags Leap District - $65 (912 cases)
Terraces, 1999 Napa Valley - $60 (240 cases)
Zahtila Vineyards, 2000 Reserve, Rutherford - $40 (890 cases)
ZD, 1999 Reserve, Napa Valley - $100 (776 cases)
Red Blends
Frog's Leap, 2000 Rutherford - $65 (750 cases)
Babcock, 2001 La Moda Toscana, Santa Ynez Valley (sangiovese-syrah blend) - $24 (562 cases)
Benessere, 1999 Phenomenon, Napa Valley - $40 (92 cases)
Corley Family, 2000 Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley - $50 (425 cases)
Chalone, 2001 Gavilan Red, Chalone AVA (Rhône blend) - $30 (543 cases)
Cosentino, 2000 M. Coz Red Meritage, Napa Valley - $100 (700 cases)
Harrison, 2000 Claret, Napa Valley - $37 (800 cases)
Lewis Cellars, 2000 Alec's Blend, Napa Valley (Rhône blend) - $47 (900 cases)
Origin Napa, 2001 Heritage Sites Red Wine, Napa Valley - $35 (762 cases)
Merlot
Nickel & Nickel, 2000 Harris Vineyard, Oakville - $40 (675 cases)
Amizetta, 2000 Napa Valley - $45 (450 cases)
Barnett, 2000 Napa Valley - $45 (868 cases)
Chateau St. Jean, 1998 Reserve, Sonoma County - $90 (485 cases)
Cosentino, 2001 Reserve, Oakville - $75 (350 cases)
Etude, 2000 Napa Valley - $48 (540 cases)
Kelham Vineyards, 1999 Oakville - $45 (820 cases)
Hartwell, 2001 Estate, Stags Leap District - $60: (550 cases)
Nickel & Nickel, 2000 Suscol Ranch, Napa Valley - $70: (435 cases)
Pinot Noir
Melville, 2001 Carrie's, Small Lot Collection, Santa Rita Hills - $40 (425 cases)
Acacia, 2001 Beckstoffer, Las Amigas Vineyard, Carneros - $60 (556 cases)
Au Bon Climat, 2001 La Bauge Au Dessus, Santa Maria Valley - $30 (200 cases)
Babcock, 2001 Cargasacchi Vineyard, Santa Barbara County - $40 (400 cases)
Casa Cassara, 2001 Burning Creek Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills - $50 (340 cases)
Claudia Springs, 2001 Klindt Vineyard, Anderson Valley - $28 (420 cases)
Copain, 2001 Hein Vineyard, Anderson Valley - $40 (275 cases)
Merry Edwards, 2001 Olivet Lane, Russian River Valley - $48 (630 cases)
Merry Edwards, 2001 Windsor Gardens, Russian River Valley - $54 (200 cases)
Etude, 2000 Heirloom, Carneros - $80 (400 cases)
Fiddlehead Cellars, 2001 Lollapalooza Fiddlestix, Santa Ynez Valley - $50 (450 cases)
Foxen, 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $40 (700 cases)
Gainey, 2001 Limited Selection Unfiltered, Santa Rita Hills - $38 (900 cases)
Goldeneye, 2000 Anderson Valley - $48 (920 cases)
Greenwood Ridge, 2000 Estate, Mendocino Ridge - $25 (345 cases)
Hitching Post, 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $30 (400 cases)
Lazy Creek, 2001 Unfiltered, Anderson Valley - $35 (700 cases)
Londer Vineyards, 2001 Parabol, Anderson Valley - $42 (110 cases)
Longoria, 2001 Mt. Carmel Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills - $50 (100 cases)
Navarro, 2000 Deep End Blend, Anderson Valley - $38 (900 cases)
Ojai Vineyard, 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $45 (200 cases)
Fess Parker, 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Barbara County - $40 (268 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2000 Hyde Vineyard, Carneros - $50 (900 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2000 Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands - $65 (330 cases)
Rusack, 2001 Reserve, Santa Rita Hills - $32 (239 cases)
Sea Smoke, 2001 Botella, Santa Rita Hills - $25 (536 cases)
Silver, 2000 Lake Marie Vineyard, Santa Barbara County - $40 (278 cases)
Tantara, 2001 Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands - $56 (144 cases)
TAZ, 2001 Santa Barbara County - $25 (203 cases)
Testarossa, 2001 Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $50 (606 cases)
Whitcraft, 2001 N Block, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley - $30 (140 cases)
Syrahs & Petites
EOS Estate, 2000 Petite Sirah, Cupa Grandis, Grand Barrel Reserve, Peck Ranch Vineyard, Block P7, Paso Robles - $40 (300 cases)
Araujo Estate, 2000 Eisele Vineyard, Napa Valley - $75 (450 cases)
Beckmen Vineyards, 2001 Clone #1, Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Santa Barbara County - $40 (125 cases)
Robert Biale, 2000 Petite Sirah, Thomann Station, Napa Valley - $40 (400 cases)
Cafaro, 2000 Napa Valley - $32 (328 cases)
Carlisle, 2001 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley - $36 (54 cases)
Curtis, 2000 Crossroads Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley - $32 (515 cases)
Gregory Graham, 2000 Napa Valley - $28 (860 cases)
Guenoc, 1999 Petite Sirah Reserve, Serpentine Meadow, Guenoc Valley - $40 (512 cases)
Hamel, 2000 Sonoma County - $36 (878 cases)
Handley Cellars, 2001 Mendocino County - $18 (580 cases)
Jade Mountain, 2000 Napa Valley - $28 (425 cases)
J.C. Cellars, 2001 Caldwell Vineyard, Napa Valley - $40 (52 cases)
La Filice, 2000 Petite Sirah, Hames Valley, Monterey - $22 (133 cases)
McDowell, 2001 Reserve, Mendocino - $24 (250 cases)
Mason Cellars, 2001 Napa Valley - $20 (300 cases)
Rockland, 2000 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley - $30 (500 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Petite Sirah, Rockpile Road Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - $34 (650 cases)
Stephen Ross, 2000 Petite Sirah, Napa Valley - $32 (220 cases)
T-Vine Cellars, 2001 Petite Sirah, Frediani Vineyard, Napa Valley - $31 (360 cases)
Voss, 2001 Reserve, Napa Valley - $35 (300 cases)
Zaca Mesa, 2000 Estate, Black Bear Block, Santa Ynez Valley - $45 (483 cases)
Zinfandel
Rosenblum, 2001 Maggie's Reserve, Samsel Vineyard, Sonoma Valley - $42 (500 cases)
Clos du Val, 2001 Reserve, Stags Leap District - $55 (950 cases)
Moon Mountain Vineyard, 2002 Monte Rosso, Sonoma Valley - $30 (536 cases)
Nickel & Nickel, 2000 Ponzo Vineyard, Russian River Valley - $45 (318 cases)
Preston of Dry Creek, 2001 Old Vines/Old Clones, Dry Creek Valley - $24 (810 cases)
Ravenswood, 2000 Dickerson, Napa Valley - $35 (940 cases)
Ravenswood, 2000 Old Hill, Sonoma Valley - $46 (850 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Reserve, Hendry Vineyard, Napa Valley - $40 (575 cases)
Rosenblum, 2001 Harris-Kratka Vineyard, Alexander Valley - $30 (800 cases)
Terraces, 2000 Napa Valley - $25 (518 cases)
Von Strasser, 2001 Monhoff Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District - $45 (150 cases)
Chardonnay
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, 2001 Arcadia Vineyard, Napa Valley - $45 (572 cases)
Clos du Val, 2001 Reserve, Carneros - $46 (500 cases)
Cosentino, 2001 The Sculptor, Napa Valley - $30 (225 cases)
Gainey, 2001 Santa Rita Hills - $32 (120 cases)
Livingston Moffett, 2001 Genny's Vineyard, Carneros - $35 (843 cases)
Nickel & Nickel, 2001 John's Creek Vineyard, Napa Valley - $50 (685 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2001 Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County - $55 (320 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2001 Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Valley - $38 (450 cases)
Patz & Hall, 2001 Hyde Vineyard, Carneros - $48 (967 cases)
Trefethen, 2000 Harmony, Napa Valley - $36 (850 cases)
Von Strasser, 2000 Rainin Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District - $40 (350 cases)
Sauvignon Blanc
Origin Napa, 2001 Gamble Vineyard, Yountville - $24 (725 cases)
Beckmen, 2001 Purisima Mountain Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley - $20 (100 cases)
Handley, 2001 Anderson Valley - $14 (643 cases)
Robert Mondavi, 2001 Fumé Blanc, To Kalon Vineyard "I Block," Napa Valley - $65 (423 cases)
Work Vineyard, 2001 Napa Valley - $23 (325 cases) - SP
Based in San Francisco, Contributing Editor Steve Pitcher has authored this comprehensive, year-end report since 1997. He can be reached via e-mail at wine2words @aol.com.
