The 2007 'Rosella's Vineyard' Pinot Noir presents intense aromas of dark cherries and spiced plums, accompanied by complex notes of fresh flowers, tilled soil, tea leaves, cola and vanillin. A certain measure of spiciness shows in the flavors as well, with licorice woven together with the cherry and strawberry characters. The texture is gracious and supple at the front and the edges, tapering to a long finish with a moderate amount of fine-grained tannins. While quite elegant and enjoyable in its youth, the wine will also reward short to medium term cellaring.

Gracious complements. This year's Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir comes from a combination of three different vineyards. The majority is from Paraiso Vineyard, which lies at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands bench and is certified sustainably farmed. Comprising about 61% of the wine, it provides rich plum, dark cherry fruit, and licorice characters. <p>

The remaining portion (30%) comes from a newer parcel planted specifically for us to clone 174 in 2001. Both locations are decidedly cool climate, however they are sheltered from the wind on slopes of 25 and 20 percent respectively. The soil for both is shallow, decomposed granite, which keeps vine vigor in check and yields low.

Being that Mesa del Sol is quite a warm, protected location and Paraiso is a considerably cooler site, the intent of this wine is to fuse the characters of the two appellations into a fruit-forward, but relatively complex Syrah that showcases Monterey's fine overall climate for the variety.

The vineyard is maturing, the growing season was fantastic. So, employing attentiveness and patience, I set out to raise our Les Tournesols to the next level. This year's blend succeeds in marrying force to finesse, and distinctiveness to deliciousness. Each year we are lear'ning and growing with this wine, and this vintage represents a tremendous leap forward for us in style and substance.

We have been repeatedly told: this is the best California Sangiovese for the money. In 2007, we had our second opportunity to make sangiovese from our favorite organic vineyard, Mesa Del Sol. This site also yields syrah of intense richness and character, true to form in the inaugural vintage of Sangiovese in 2006. We prefer the richer and more muscular style of Brunellos, and the vineyard provides that kind of depth. All of the fruit for this wine was grown organically, and it was bottled without fining or filtration.

Frequently there's one member of the family that's a bit of a renegade. For us it is this wine. The climate of Monterey generally does not conform to that of prime Zinfandel areas, but there are a few warm spots with which to have fun.