The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast, and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.
“Greg Morthole ferments this Chardonnay in French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic conversion, then he ages it for ten months. Still, the cool, spicy freshness of the fruit from this vineyard on Westside Road carries through the wine in notes of lemon blossoms, lemon zest and deeper tones of bay leaf. The wine’s density and savor keep it grounded, even as the bright fruit gives it a lift.”
“Impressive Davis Bynum Chardonnay: very distinct in character (pineapple, lemon, apple, white peach, lime, spearmint), full bodied, crisp, and very persistent on the finish. Great value. Can be aged a bit. Aged 12 months in French and eastern European oak barrels, 17% new. Clones 4, 15, 76, 809, Wente, Spring Mountain.”
92 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL - 2016 River West Chardonnay
90 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL - 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
“Davis Bynum’s 2016 Pinot Noir Jane’s Vineyard is a pretty, racy wine endowed with lovely fruit purity and fine balance. Bright raspberry, spice and floral notes add nuance to this mid-weight, racy Pinot.”
The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.
“The nose of the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Jane’s Vineyard Virginia’s Block opens with tropical aromas of mango and lemongrass with notes of lime zest, chopped herbs and stone. It’s light to medium-bodied, offering lots of tropical and green fruit in the mouth, with zesty acidity and a satisfying finish.”
“The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.”
“Medium ruby-purple, the 2016 Pinot Noir Jane’s Vineyard gives warm blackberries, red and black cherries and pomegranate liqueur on the nose, with background notions of earth and spice. Light to medium-bodied, it’s very soft and slick in the mouth with an uncomplicated finish.”
2018
94 points, Gold Medal - 2015 River West Chardonnay
90 points, Gold Medal - 2016 Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points - 2015 River West Chardonnay
“This has a toasty and flinty edge to the nose with an array of ripe peach and lemon-curd flavors in a fleshy, crisp and upbeat style. Drink now.”
91 points - 2016 Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
“A ripe and approachable, generously fruited style with a wealth of rich and ripe cherries on the palate. Smooth, open-knit finish. Drink or hold.”
“A ripe and approachable, generously fruited style with a wealth of rich and ripe cherries on the palate. Smooth, open-knit finish. Drink or hold.”
“This has a toasty and flinty edge to the nose with an array of ripe peach and lemon-curd flavors in a fleshy, crisp and upbeat style. Drink now.”
Bright and refreshing, this offers a mouthwatering mix of lemon curd, tangerine and melon flavors on a lip-smacking frame, with floral and spice accents on the finish. —M.W.
The 2014 Chardonnay River West Vineyard has an appealing struck match and savory character over a core of pineapples, guava and apricots, plus a suggestion of toasty oak. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely silkiness to the texture and plenty of tropical fruit and toasty flavors on offer in the mouth with a lively line of acid lending freshness, finishing long.
