Ed Kurtzman @ Artisan Wine Depot - 11/5/10

Freeman '07 Chardonnay Ryo-fu (Russian River Valley)
Nose- lovely finesse, warm broad earthy lemon and subtle spice.
Nice interplay of wood spice and cooked lemon, broad and earthy. 91 pts

Freeman '08 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Nose - lovely savory herbs and spices with sultry Sonoma Pinot fruit.
Nice dried herb, pithy, zesty, smoky, a bit firm, cherry-ish fruit. Drink '12+ 90 pts

Sandler '08 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Nose - deep smoky cherry, nutmeg, dried lemon rind, broad dusty spice.
Deep, sappy, sultry, spicy. Tight with a bit of burn, nice cherry and allspice. Drink '12-'15. 88+ pts

Sandler '08 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - gorgeous heady elegant fruit, touch of redwood.
Restrained, delicate smoky fruit, touch of lime zest. Seems closed - not showing what's on the nose. Needs time. Drink '12-'18. 92+ pts

Sandler '08 Syrah Connell Vineyard (Bennett Valley)
Nose - deep dark fruit with licorice, smoke. Reminiscent of an old Martin Ray Cab, with a hint of that green bamboo shoot interplay.
Inky smoky black fruit, licorice, smoked meat. Needs air/time. Charry tannins. Drink '14-20. 93 pts

Sandler '08 Zinfandel Buck Hill Vineyard (Sonoma County)
Nose - nice brambly zinberry, hint of dried fruit.
Smooth round zinberry and blackberry, dusty tannin, allspice. 89 pts

August West '09 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - deep smoky dried herb spice.
Light, round, saline, cherry, raspberry pie, dusty tannin, candied lemon zest. 90 pts

August West '08 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - gorgeous fruit well framed by lovely spice, savory smoke, touches of cranberry and blackberry.
Smooth and lovely, cranberry, blackberry, hint of orange, dusty tannin. Slips down the throat. Drink '12-18. 93+ pts

August West '08 Pinot Noir Graham Family Vineyard (Russian River Valley)
Nose - elegant minerally RRV fruit, good intensity, dried savory herbs, lovely redwood spice, lemon blossom, orange.
Smooth complete wine. Cherry/orange/lovely spice, dusty tannin, peppery tingle, smoky rhubarb, a bit firm, but ready. Drink '10-18. 93 pts

Roar '08 Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard (Santa Lucia Highlands)
Nose - Wow! Rich deft fruit, smooth, raspberry/nutmeg/cherry/cranberry.
Smoky cranberry, with some black plum and black cherry, touch of pepperiness, dried basil, hint of orange, dusty tannin, roasty plum. Drink '12-'20 92 pts