WHITE:

 Sonoma Chardonnay
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Winemaker: Bill Parker, formerly of Matanzas Creek.

From top-quality fruit sourced in the Sonoma Valley proper, as well as the cooler Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. The grapes were hand-picked (according to ripeness of flavor and texture), whole cluster pressed, fermented primarily in oak, and aged for 11 months in barrel, with frequent stirring of the lees. The result is a somewhat richer style than I remember from Matanzas Creek, but with the same freshness and vibrancy their chardonnays were always known for. Absolutely delicious now, (really mouth-wateringly so) and certainly capable of lasting (and maybe even improving) for 2-3 years. What California chardonnay should be all about.

RED:

Napa Merlot
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Winemaker: Bill Parker, formerly of Matanzas Creek.

The bulk of this classic Napa merlot hails from a prime Rutherford Bench vineyard, with the balance from a vineyard high atop Atlas Peak. Both were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness (determined by taste rather than measurements). The wine was fermented in stainless steel, receiving an extended maceration. The free run juice (no press wine added) then aged for 22 months in mainly French oak.

Again, comparisons to the old Matanzas Creek merlots are inevitable. But they were Sonoma wines, and thus perhaps more elegant. This is full-blooded Napa merlot, so a bit brawnier and more powerful in style. It may be an unfair comparison, but I’d love to put this one beside the 1999 Merlot from Matanzas Creek. If you love California merlot at its finest, this is definitely one to buy.