2009 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine & Spirits
92 Points, Best Buy

"From the Roth Estate vineyard in the hills at the south end of the Alexander Valley, this is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (83 Percent) with merlot and one percent of franc. It's powerfully structured and somewhat inaccessible when first opened, with the floral black fruit character of pomegranate and a savory earthiness. The flavors gain clarity and focus with two days of air, turning mouthwatering, zesty and plump. It's an elegant cabernet..." -- Joshua Greene, February 2012

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2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Panel
94 Points
Excellent, Highly Recommended.

Beverage Dynamics
92 Points, Five Stars

"Dark fruit in the nose followed by a hint of plum and spice; in the mouth, a rich core of dark cherry, blackberry, blueberry and cassis; great depth, richness and balance with a touch of chocolate and oak on the finish."

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2008 Alexander Valley Merlot

Tim Fish, The Wine Spectator
88 Points/Very Good

A Wine With Special Qualities. “Late summer has a sort of swift momentum that always leaves me unprepared for Labor Day. For the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, I’m mulling over the menu a week or two in advance, but after the long, hot chaos of summer, I lack the gumption to give Labor Day much thought.

And yet the heady aroma of red meat or pork sizzling on the grill is one of my favorite addictions, so I know the wine I’m drinking will be red. Like the menu, I doubt I’ll fuss over the wine either. I want something that’s easy to drink, a no-brainer. Recently I tasted what seems to be a likely candidate: Roth Merlot Alexander Valley 2008 ($20).

Roth is the value-oriented second label for Lancaster Estate. The grapes come from the estate’s vineyards in the eastern hills of southern Alexander Valley, and like many of the best Merlots from this part of Sonoma County, the wine has good structure and soft tannins. The 2008 is supple, rich and packed with black cherry fruit, plus toasty vanilla and brown spices.”

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2009 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

Wine & Spirits
91 Points, Best Buy

"It has a spicy, conifer forest edge to contrast ripe, high-toned raspberry flavors.  The finish is juicy, pungent and clean, with the fruit sweetness to match roast duck." -- Joshua Greene

The Wine Spectator
89 Points/Very Good

"Tight and firm with grainy mineral, pebble, dried berry, blackberry and sage notes. At points rustic, chewy and tannic, yet also personable, full-bodied and worthy of a second or third sip. Drink now through 2013. 4200 cases made.”  

Allen Meadows 
Burghound -- 89 Points

2009 Pinot Noir – Sonoma Coast: (Sonoma County, 4200 cases, SRP $27, 14.5%). An expressive nose offers up liqueur aromas of cherry and raspberry that evidence discreet top notes of cranberry. The lacy light to middle weight flavors possess a gorgeous mouth feel before culminating in a mildly tangy but energetic finish. This somewhat fruit-driven effort does display a hint of backend warmth but I like the style as well as the sophisticated delivery. 89/2013+

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2010 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Spectator
Top Value –89 Points

"Pretty and delicate, with floral and white pepper aromatics that compliment the lemon, pear and apple flavors."

California Grapevine
Highly recommended.

"Light yellow; attractive, floral, herbal, citrus and baked apple aroma with hints of honeysuckle and wet stone; medium to medium-full body; crisp, tight, lemon and melon flavors with tropical notes and crisp acidity; slightly lingering aftertaste."

The Tasting Panel, October 2011
Tasting with Mark

"It's a mouthwatering style with tropical undertones.  I find it crisp and bright with grapefruit, lime and underlying melon-and the finish goes on and on." -Mark Molitor, Corporate Wine Director for Harry Caray's 

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