Carolyn Tillie's Ultimate California Wine Blog

Amista Vineyards

I love discovering new players in the wine field. Through a series of articles I have been writing on women-owned wineries, I was fortunate to sit down and interview Vicky Farrow of Amista Vineyards; to learn her story and taste her wine. Amista means "making friends" in Spanish and that is the core philosophy behind the genesis of Amista Vineyards. For the Farrows, it is a social beverage that is all about sharing and romance.

Amista is the realization of an 11-year dream for the Farrows which actually started out as husband Mike's dream. While living in Saratoga, they decided to re-landscape their backyard with 130 Cabernet Sauvignon vines. This was in 1994 and at the time, there was no thought about what to do with the grapes. Knowing that a first year's grape growth is usually insufficient with which to produce wine, they purchased an additional 1/2 ton and some close friends helped them to make their first batch for fun: a barrel and a pony keg's worth.

Vicky's work with Sun Microsystems provided an opportunity to move to New Jersey but they brought their un-bottled wine with them and as Mike enjoyed the fruits of retirement, began to look for vineyard property as an investment, the dream never wavering. After searching on the internet, they found 27 acres in the Dry Creek region. For the first three years, they worked the vineyard remotely, selling their fruit to Rodney Strong Vineyards.

By 2002 Vicky and Mike could fight it no longer - starting to restore a 1908 cottage that sat in the middle of the vineyard, they decided to make that their home and become full-time, permanent residents. As soon as they landed and Mike's feet hit the ground, he wanted to be more than a mere grape grower -- the passion of his initial winemaking coming back to him. Against common sense, he produced six barrels from first leaf of recently replanted 8-acres of Syrah.

Supplementing their Syrah and Chardonnay vineyards with additionally purchased grapes, there is hopes of growing into Cabernet and Zinfandel. With many, many friends helping them along, the Farrows passion is less in the growing and producing than it is in the sharing and helping people learn about the entire wine experience. Chris Wills, known for winemaking at Kenwood and Lake Sonoma is advising and if the Syrah I tasted is any indication, this will be a winery to watch.

2003 Amista Syrah, Dry Creek, Morningsong Vineyards - Initial smoky aroma with deep core of blackberry and boysenberry. Faint hints of star anise and classic, dusty Dry Creek heather. Upon first opening the bottle, there were young, hot, tight flavors of blackberry and chocolate liqueur with dried roses and deep spices. After letting the bottle open, redolent vanilla aromas appeared with a heady, erotic, exotic flavors indicative of the grape showing amazing balance and a long, luscious finish. No price obtained.

Amista Vineyards ~ 3320 Dry Creek Road ~ Healdsburg ~ CA ~ 95448 ~ 707-431-9200
No tastings yet available.

Zahtila - 187

In the past, I have mentioned a great admiration for women winemakers. I have now started an investigation into women-owned wineries. I am very intrigued with the trials and tribulations facing women in what is generally considered a male-dominated industry. For this visit, fate has brought me to visit Zahtila Vineyards, located just a hundred yards north of the Silverado Trail and Calistoga's Lincoln Road juncture, to chat with Laura Zahtila personally.

Don't drive too quickly on the main road - the entrance to Zahtila is just on the right and almost hidden by large trees and brush. It would be very easy to drive right past it and head onwards toward Hidden Valley. After parking, I was immediately and warmly greeted by Zoe, the winery dog, who does her duty well as goodwill ambassador. She will guide you up the walkway, past the rose-covered house that acts as the office and administration building, towards the back of the property where the tasting room lies.

Laura is relatively new to the wine world. Having done well during the dot-com boom, a passion for wine brought her to Napa when she purchased her first vineyard from the Traulsen family in 1999. This had been a family endeavor with her husband, but they soon realized the passion was all hers and parted ways.

Laura now has complete control and the business is hers and hers alone and she is learning the business from the ground up. While not having any formal winemaking  training, she relies on a consulting winemaker for much of the technical aspects but ultimately makes all of the blending decisions. The wine has her name so while the buck stops here, she has every reason to be exceptionally proud of what she has created in such a short time! Now moving beyond her own Calistoga vineayrd, she has started contracting for additional grapes and this year released her first Chardonnay.

2004 Napa Valley Chardonnay - From Bocannon fruit, this was a decidedly good first attempt. Clean, crisp grapefruit core with bright citrus pineapple. Very bright, clean entry showing green apple and carved, distinct fruit. $18.00

2003 Zinfandel, Dry Creek - Red berry black fruit with dusty floral tones. Brambleberry dominates the rich mouth entry and shows a hefty chocolate mid-palate. Clean and round, the full flavors produce a distinctive, spicy finish $20.00

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - From Conn Valley fruit, 30% new American oak. Rich ruby red to the edge produces earthy, erotic, smoky bouquet with hints of sage and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the expansive crisp fruit shows heightened acidity and perfectly integrated tannins. The palate is layered with earth and dark fruit and shows touch of smoke on the finish. $33.00

2002 Beckstoffer Cabernet Sauvignon - From Rutherford fruit, this dark magenta wine produces intense, rich plum aromas with layers of spice, black currant, and a touch of vanilla. Hedonistic in the mouth, the flavors are smooth and complex, a bit sweet on the entry, but rounding out to show opulence and immense quality. Needs to cost more... $48.00

Zahtila Vineyards ~ 2250 Lake County Highway ~ Calistoga ~ CA ~94515 ~ 707-942-9251
$5.00 tasting

Simon Levi - Cuttings Wharf - Pour la Vie - 180

Simon Levi Cellars is located on the main road that stretches between Santa Rosa and Sonoma in a community known as Kenwood. It is a small, two-lane road peppered with small tasting rooms, tiny restaurants, and an occasional shop or two. One of the main draws for me, after driving past a number of times, was a sign that said Champagne.   Now I know darn well that Champagne is made in France and that California makes sparkling wine, but vernacular aside, wine with bubbles is a really great thing, whether it is sparkling from California, Prosecco from Italy, Champagne from France, or Cava from Spain. I also tend to forget that there are more and more wineries producing sparkling wine, getting into my own rut of drinking from my personal Big 5 (Chandon, Mumm, Taittinger, J, and Schramsburg).

The building is very reminiscent of an old-style school house; probably because it was red and shingled and quaint. A few picnic tables on the surrounding wooden deck invite guests to relax and stay a while. While there, taste from four different labels. The three made under the Simon Levi auspices is SLC (Simon Levi Cellars), Cuttings Wharf, and Pour la Vie. (The fourth label will be its own blog entry.)

The Pour la Vie label is the name given to the sparkling wines and is made in three flavors; a Grand Cuvee, Almondine, and Framboise. I wanted to get a good cross reference to all the offerings and did not bother tasting the almond or raspberry sparkling, although others in the tasting room seemed to enjoyed it. The tasting room has some lovely things as well -- take a look at the suspended model train that runs above the pouring station! Open and spacious with some wonderful discoveries to be had.

2003 Cuttings Wharf Chardonnay - From Carneros fruit. Creamy tropical, kiwi nose with a bright, crisp entry. Not overly buttery or oaky, this fruity, balanced wine is easy to drink. $25.00

2002 Cuttings Wharf Pinot Noir - Light red color belies with intense, fruit-forward, fresh aromas of cherry and strawberry. Substantially more body and structure in the mouth with a defined, sculpted mineral mid-palate. $25.00

2003 Simon Levi Dry Creek Syrah - Dark, plummy colored wine. Smoke and candy dominate the nose. A tad hot on the mouth entry, flavors of spice and earthy mint tease until the slightly dry finish. $28.00

NV Pour la Via Grand Cuvee - 100% Chardonnay. Nutty, creamy, and slightly sweet on entry (probably because I was tasting it after the reds). Hints of light kiwi. $18.00

Simon Levi Cellars ~ 9380 Sonoma Highway ~ Kenwood ~ CA ~ 95452 ~ 707-833-5070
No charge to taste.

Foppiano - 169

My love of history brought me to Foppiano Winery and Vineyards. Someone told that it was the oldest family-owned winery in California. Well I knew it wasn't true (that honor belonging to the Bundschu family, dating their grape-growing history to 1850), but was still intrigued with the lineage which dates back to 1896 when Genoa native Giovanni Foppiano purchased and already working winery named "Riverside Farm."

Louis M. Foppiano, Jr., who took over the wine-making reigns from his father, still produces a second label wine under the Riverside name (although I didn't taste any). Much of the existing historical buildings can still be seen, as can a Southern Pacific Caboose (apparently the last of its kind), which has been converted to office space.

The tasting room is well appointed with many historical photographs and a very pleasant, helpful staff. The walls are bedecked with ribbons and behind the pouring counter lies the family history in bottles. In visiting this area, what I found most enjoyable was the effusive quality of the Petite Sirah -- three different wineries within a cat's throw all presented exceptional quality juice that I had to buy!

2002 Russian River Pinot Noir - Warm berry and sweet candy shop aromas. Easy mouth entry that is smooth and balanced with a bit of minerality on the finish. Medium-bodied and quaffable. $23.00

2002 Alexander Valley Sangiovese - Earth and cranberry and touch of funk. I think it was corked. $17.50

2002 Dry Creek Zinfandel - Warm, rich, sweet spice of cinnamon and clove. Pomegranate flavors on the mouth entry in this medium-bodied offering. The entry seems at first a bit soft but expands to s

how warmth and integrity. $15.00

2003 Russian River Petite Sirah, Bacigalupi Vineyard - Medium red color with some cloudiness. Blueberry liqueur and smoke in the nose. Easy entrance of blueberry that is dry in the mid-palate and tangy on the finish. $17.50

2002 Russian River Petite Sirah, Estate - Rich, dark blueberry. Intense, dark and hefty extolling virtues of smoke and spice and well-integrated oak. Complex and rich, the finish is brooding and hefty. $23.00

Foppiano ~ 12707 Old Redwood Highway ~ Healdsburg ~ Ca ~ 92448 ~ 707-433-7272

St. Francis - 143

St. Francis Winery is one of the larger, more well-known wineries established in the Sonoma area. It is a winery that was started in the early 70s and has grown exponentially, now negotiating grapes from top-shelf growers from all over Sonoma.

As an homage to St. Francis of Assisi, for whom the winery is dedicated, the buildings are distinctly modeled after the classic California missions that speckle the state. The facilities include three separate wine-tasting bars, visitors center, and surroundings gardens. The winery hosts of a variety of events including aroma workshops and taste explorations.

They offer three different tastings; the Classic Wine Tasting is $5.00 which is much of the standard wine found in larger grocery stores such as their Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon, the Reserve Wine Tasting priced at $10.00 includes many of the more obscure grapes such as Viognier and Syrah, and a special Reserve Wine & Food Pairing which occurs every hour on weekends for $20 for four tastes and four bites.

I opted for the Reserve Tasting but plan on going back for the Wine & Food Pairing.

2003 Chardonnay, Behler Reserve, Sonoma Valley - Extremely lemony color shows tremendous, almost viscous buttery entry that has layers of green apple. The finish heightens with acidity and lemon tones. $22.00

2002 Pinot Noir, Neras Family Ranch, Russian River Valley - A potentially single offering of this varietal - the grapes were offered and because St. Francis had never produced a Pinot before, instead of adding to the expense of presenting a Pinot in a properly shaped Burgundy bottle, they instead simply bottled it in a Bordeaux-shaped bottle. Classic aromas of integrated earth and cherry, although the cherry seemed darker and a bit more cooked than usual. The mouth entry was initially sweet but blossomed to demonstrate darker mushroom qualities with a spicy, mineral finish. $30.00

2002 Petite Sirah, Zichichi Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley - Astonishing liqueur-like nose of a Zinfandel port. Intensely sweet nose of cooked black fruit with deep earthy notes. Balanced and well-integrated with a distinct, long finish. $40.00

2002 Zinfandel, Bacchi Vineyard, Russian River Valley - From 75 year-old vines. Jammy, smoky blackberry starts the bouquet which finishes with distinct minty eucalyptus and a depth of chocolate. Sweetish entry shows tastes of a tangy chocolate Andes mint. $35.00

2002 Zinfandel, Pagani Vineyard, Sonoma Valley - From 117 year-old vines. Lighter bodied than the previous offering, with bright, dusty violet aromas. Supple mouth feel that has a heightened acidic mid-palate but finishes long and smooth. $45.00

2001 Anthem Meritage, Sonoma Valley - A blend of Petite Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot (in no particular order or volume). Aromas of intense spicy blackberry jam and dusty floral. While the aromas were exotic and enticing, the mouth entry is more simple and basic - a slight disappointment considering the aroma. Easy with some deep, well-developed herbal qualities. $55.00

St. Francis Winery ~ 100 Pythian Road ~ Santa Rosa ~ CA ~ 95409 ~ 707-543-7713

Passalacqua - 83

From the delight of a personal invitation, I was honored to visit and sit down with Jason Passalacqua at his Dry Creek winery. He has the enigma of being a relative newcomer on the block with his winery, but also having  four generations of history on which to build his business. Sound confusing? Not really...

Jason is a local, having grown up in a family that was making wine as early as 1930. His parents were growing grapes and, like most upstart kids not wanting to be in the family business, Jason dashed off to earn his own way in the Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom. But family and friends and a desire for a slower life brought him back home and in November of 2003 he purchased the historic Pezzi King Winery putting his own name on the shingle (now I have to investigate where Pezzi King moved to...). He and his wife, Noelle, spent several months making it their own and in March of 2004, Passalacqua Winery was officially born.

The winery has a lot of great things going for it. Outside, there is an enclave of picnic tables, some under private arbors, others on a wooden deck adjacent to the tasting room. Fountains and cobblestone pathways intersect herb and flower-bedecked trellises. Because of the slight hillside on which the estate lies (apparently the only one in the valley!), a unique vantage point of meandering vineyards is the view from these alluring grounds.

The newly decorated tasting room has been repainted in lighter more inviting tones than the darker, more maudlin colors which existed when Pezzi King was in residence. Regarding the wine's availability, herein lies another remarkable difference; the wine is only obtainable at the estate itself or through its wine club -- it is not distributed whatsoever. At a production level of 4,000 to 5,000 cases and with a great following, many of the wines are already sold out. There is no charge to taste in the main room, but a private back room is under development which Jason informs may include some light fare along the lines of cheese or tapenade to pair with the wine for a modest fee.

2003 Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc - Light and clear, an initial aroma of lemon and cream tantalizes with a hint of sweetness (undoubtedly from the Muscat clone from which the vine is grown). Bright, floral qualities show easily upon the mouth entry but blossomed to a fresh herbal grass with elements of the elegant Japanese shiso leaf. $15.00

2004 Chardonnay - An unreleased wine which I was privileged to taste. 30% malo fermented in 25% new American oak shows sweet fruit in a Sauvignon Blanc style, producing a modicum of cat pea aroma (which I have never minded). Dried floral in aromas and taste, accentuated with a crisp, teasing finish. Not yet priced.

2002 Dry Creek Valley "Old Vine" Zinfandel - From vines that average 70 years old, this wine saw 25% new French oak and was clear and medium ruby in color. I was initially astonished by the floral tones of dried lavender and heather which were matrixed with spicy black pepper and dark fruit. A jammy entry showed both some of the dustiness of the heather but also heightened spice, especially in the mid-palate. Long, even finish with a touch of wood. $29.00

2003 Sonoma Valley Zinfandel - Made from both Russian River and Dry Creek fruit, this was another unreleased wine which showed light garnet in color. Enticing aroma of jammy plum, clove, and a hint of eucalyptus. Even, moderate fruit flavor which demonstrated more even, dried floral qualities on the finish. No price yet available.

2002 Sonoma County Merlot - Much of this fruit was obtained from the Carneros region so it is no surprise that bright, distinguished cherry qualities are initially evident. These tones give way to well-integrated floral and dried twigs in the nose which mirrors in the mouthfeel of subtle smoothness. Elegant lavender and sweet herbs highlight the mid-palate and a hint of menthol reveals itself on the finish. $19.00

2002 Dry Creek Valley, "J.R. Passalacqua" Cabernet Sauvignon - Dark, purplish color shows initial qualities of dried twigs, dried flowers, and a hint of green bell pepper, all beneath a full showing of dark berry fruit. Black raspberry and cassis integrate with spice and cocoa in the mouth entry which subsides to reveal hints of lavender and heather. The balanced tannins finish in an enticing, dusty finish. $40.00

Passalacqua Winery ~ 3805 Lambert Bridge Road ~ Healdsburg ~ CA ~ 95448 ~ 877-825-5547

Lambert Bridge - 82

Lambert Bridge Winery is a minor anomoly in the Dry Creek appellation -- in an area known for peppery, spicy Zinfandels and crisp, fruit-forward Chardonnays, Lambert Bridge's mission is that of Merlot. They want to make the best Merlot possible.

Named after the historic Lambert trestle bridge which lies nearby, Lambert Bridge was initially started by Gerard Lambert in 1969. Gerard must have considered it divine providence to find such an estate as he was not remotely related to the C.L. Lambert after whom the bridge was named in 1920.

The current building is stunningly beautiful with private gardens and a dark wood-construction that is warm and inviting with its vine-covered entrance. The opening to the tasting room reveals a large, expansive bar set centre-stage in the room marked with vaulted ceilings and elegant darkwood. The tasting room staff are obviously enjoying themselves and their gregarious nature rubs off easily on the guests.

While surprisingly busy (by their account), the feeling of comraderie and ease is prevelant. No stress and no hard sell on the wine - just a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. Adjacent to the main tasting room is the Reserve Wines section, which is also their barrel room. Purposefully darkened, atmospheric candles were lit and placed amongst the barrels which added a touch of elegance.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley - Aromatic with florals, some intriguing light citrus, and the faint hint of grass. Crisp entry stays fruit forward to the bright, acidic finish. $16.00

2003 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley - Medium ruby color produces an easy, balanced Merlot-like fruitiness in the nose. Heightened mid-palate shows more fruit which diminishes to produce herbs on the tail end. $24.00

2002 Old Vine Cuvée, Bacchi Vineyards - 70% Zinfandel and 30% Petite Sirah with vines from 98-year-old vineyards from Limerick Lane in the Russian River Valley. Well-integrated red brambleberry and dried floral qualities predominate. Black pepper shows up in the mid-palate and combines well with red fruit to produce an even, velvety finish. $32.00

2002 Merlot, Sonoma County - I'm curious why the Merlot was poured after the Zinfandel, usually it is the other way around. I was then told this was their flagship, signature wine so it is best to pour last for showing purposes, but I somewhat question that decision. This Merlot shows classic Dry Creek terroir qualities of dried floral aromas, with well-integrated, medium-balanced fruit in the mouth. Slightly elevated tannins produced a dry mid-palate, but all-in-all, an easy drinking wine. $26.00

From The Reserve Room

2002 Syrah, Teldeschi Vineyards - Delightfully aromatic, showing dark, rich jammy fruit with some hints of minerality. Spicy and enticing flavors don't dissapoint. $30.00

2002 Cabernet Franc, Jones Vineyards - Dark berry and mineral qualities are layered and evenly balanced. Medium in intensity and ripe spice produces a rich offering. $30.00

2001 Crane Creek Cuvée, Dry Creek Valley - A Bordeaux-blend comprised of 70% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% 'other' shows nice, integrated aromas of dark spice, brown toast, and then some surprising green bell pepper. The initial flavor was more green than I expected with brighter fruit flavors than the earlier dark aromas indicated. $50.00

Lambert Bridge Winery ~ 4085 West Dry Creek ~ Healdsburg ~ CA ~ 95448 ~ 800-975-0555

Dry Creek Vineyard - 81

Dry Creek Vineyard was actually my very first stop in the acclaimed Dry Creek appellation. I had recently enjoyed a glass of their Fumé Blanc at a dinner and looked forward to tasting their whole line-up.

Arriving at the building, one is immediately drawn not only to the vine-covered rustic beauty, but also the leaded-glass sailboat motif which is repeated on most of the wine labels. Founder David S. Stare is an impassioned sailor and that love of sailing is evident throughout the estate.

The tasting room has a number of various model sailboats on display adjacent to the tasting bar. The staff were exceptionally pleasant and accommodating -- learning that it was my first time in the area, several immediately pulled out local maps, offering recommendations, and making sure I would come back another time.

2004 Dry Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg - Clear and almost colorless, lemon predominates the aromas but subsides to produce hints of lime and grapefruit. Clean, balanced acidity with a tantalizing, crisp finish. $10.00

2003 Fumé Blanc - This is their flagship wine at 30,000 cases. Intensely clean and easy-drinking, this wine is a welcome respite to heavy chardonnays and overly sweet German wanna-be's. Classic citrus with a creamy undercurrent thins a bit to show some minerality. $13.00

2002 Chardonnay - A 100% malo with nine months on both French and American oak, this is another easy-drinking, classically styled wine. Creamy with citrus hints of lemon and grapefruit, a mineral mid-palate shows surprising melon sweetness on the finish. $16.00

2003 Chardonnay, Russian River - Coming off the creamy lemon of the previous Chard, the Russian River offering shows decidedly more crisp green apple and brightness. This was being poured from a 350ml and is being sold for $8.25.

2002 Taylor's Vineyard Chardonnay - Decidedly elegant teasing with both melon and mineral qualities in aroma and taste. Lively entry with a tang that excites. $22.00

2002 Merlot - Surprising aroma of menthol upfront, and then some integrated cinnamon and ripe bell pepper. Moderate fruit seem to fight with green olive flavors in the mouth. Time might help that. $18.00

2002 Heritage Zinfandel - Surprisingly light fruit aromas with green twigs and green bell pepper predominating. Pales on the finish. $15.00

2001 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel - Great fun in discovering chocolate-covered mint and a twiggy earthiness in the aromas. The chocolate re-appeared in the mouth but with a more concentrated flavor, pairing itself with dark cherries. Chewy and opulent, the finish showed more of the classic Dry Creek dustiness. $30.00

2002 Old Vine Zin - From 80 to 100 year-old vines, this is not slated to be released until August. Port-like jammy aromas produce velvety mint. Mint and dark cocoa surprise in the mouth with a dry finish behind the dark bramblefruit. $21.00

2001 Petite Sirah - Intensely dark purple with garnet tinges on the edge. Supple candy-shop aromas with layering of dark menthol and dried twigs and flowers. Jammy spice enters the mouth and the tannins overpower just a bit on the end. $19.00

2001 Cabernet Sauvignon - Green olive and dried lavender marry with the subtle brett qualities in the nose. A soft, Merlot-like fruit entry heightens with an exciting, spicy finish. $19.00

2000 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - Well-integrated green bell pepper and dried twig/floral qualities. A hint of brett on the back of the nose but all balanced. Soft entry does not disappoint as all flavors are even and complementary. $35.00

1999 Endeavor Cabernet - Aromas of jammy black brambleberry behind sweetish cocoa. Stunning layers of elegant dustiness with complex oak and balanced fruit. $55.00

Dry Creek Vineyard ~ 3770 Lambert Bridge Road ~ Healdsburg ~ CA ~ 800-864-9463

Amphora - 80

Wandering around the Dry Creek appellation for the first time was quite illuminating with its stunning, low-rolling hills of luscious vineyards, hidden enclaves of wineries, and enchantingly kind locals. Having stumbled on both large and mid-sized wineries in Dry Creek, it was certainly a surprise to happen upon a small, precariously placed roadside sign with nothing other than a name and a phone number: Amphora Winery.

Hardly grandiose or inviting, and never being one to pass up an adventure, I turned down the long, unpaved road which lead I knew not where... Along the way, I was greeted by some workmen in the field and a dog who was determined to take a bite out of my car.

Persevering, I stumbled onto a mishmash of buildings, mostly old barn structures and seemingly abandoned cars. A small sign indicated I was in the right place, however it was questionable if I was at a storage facility or an actual tasting room.

Walking into the nearest barn, I found owner/winemaker Rick Hutchinson holding court in a barrel storage room, thief in hand, dispensing futures tastings and great jocularity. It seems I had actually found the tasting room - or at least one of the two tasting rooms, both barrel storage facilities. The formal "tasting room" is actually a few picnic tables seated outside, behind the big barn. From there, Rick talks about his history, his love of pottery (hence the name of his winery) and the actual amphorae he throws on his potter's wheel.

During the brief time I was able to speak with Rick, in between his single-handedly hosting upwards of twenty guests, he spoke of the pride in which his wine is made: 90% of it is foot-crushed entirely with only the feet of women. He explained that it takes over 200 women each harvest to assist in these endeavors, but there is never a lack of willing muliebrity for the job (I even offered my own feet, but from the looks of the pictures which cover the walls, I am already twenty years too old.) Does it make a difference in the taste of the wine? Obviously only you can tell for yourself, but I'd like to believe I could taste the great pulchritude in the wine.

Futures - all with March, 2006 release dates, priced determined based on quantities purchased:

2004 Merlot, Mounts Vineyard - Easy, berry, opulent spice.

2004 Syrah, Mounts Vineyard - Perfumey and inky purple. Already smooth and accessible.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Jacob's Ridge - Fruity with cassis and black berry. Some hints of cocoa and dark chocolate.

2004 Petite Sirah, Mounts Vineyard - Astonishing aroma of dried fruit and dried floral which followed into the mouth entry.

2004 Zinfandel Port - Thick and enticing, spicy dark berry is already very smooth and approachable.

Current Release Wines:

2003 Zinfandel, Mounts Vineyard - Very intense and elegant dried floral aromas. Jammy, dark berry fruit with hints of black pepper on the finish. $24.00

2003 Syrah, Mounts Vineyard - Inky dark plum color with caramelized plum aroma and flavors. Teasings of blackberry with balanced dried flowers in the forefront and hints of menthol on the finish. $30.00

2003 Petite Sirah, Mounts Vineyard - Purple in color with dusty lavender and heather tones behind the chocolate-driven fruit. Chewy tannins with dried fruit filling the mouth. $30.00

Amphora Winery ~ 5540 West Dry Creek Road ~ Healdsburg ~ CA ~ 707-431-0258