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Tasting Notes |
| 2005 Aldine Vineyard Zinfandel |
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We are seeing a theme with Don and Jo Aldine’s Zin as one can sum this wine up in one word once again: Fruit riot! Well, OK, one word just won’t do it, but we also have wild berry, brambly mountain fruit & spice with this year adding an echo of black cherry and just a wisp of smoky Lapsang Souchong tea. Texture continues with last year’s theme of slippery elm, delicate white pepper & a great mix of red and dark fruits. Enough tannin and acid weight to carry the high-tone fruit volume well into the long, late palate. The finish is decidedly mocha/cocoa, almost confectionary in its richness. |
| 2006 Van der Kamp Pinot noir |
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The Van der Kamp family has been making wine from this highest (1,400ft) vineyard on Sonoma Mountain for over four decades. Martin has now turned vineyard management to son Ulysses, who does most of the pruning with his own hands. The Tibetan prayer flags that flutter through the vineyard (as well as in our winery as a gift from Martin to us) are fitting symbols of the rich and vibrant life that this family leads in respecting and tending to the land, to each other, and to their wine community. We are grateful to be a part of this van der Kamp winegrowing community, and are proud to bring to you this pure expression of unique terroir on which our friends raise their children, grandchildren, and wine. |
| 2006 Peloton |
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In 2006 we turn to our deep Pinot
roots with this blend. Fragrant raspberry and wisps of cola
first greet the nose, followed by just a kiss of smoked apple
wood bacon, morels, vanilla and maybe even mocha. This level
of complexity deepens on the palate, with all of the aromas
echoing the flavors, along with late hints of cocoa powder and
a finely balanced acidity framing tannins that carry late and
softly into a long, raspberry and Rainier Cherry finish.. |
| 2006 Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot
noir |
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The difficult vintage became an advantage, once great care was exercised both in vineyard and winery. Just a touch of Botrytis yielded hints of ripe berry, plum and even a touch of peach on the nose, which is also the spiciest Sangiacomo to date. This fruit-forward character continues on the mouth, with a roundness and viscosity that also echoes the challenges in the vineyard. The finish is long and rich, again with a touch of yellow fruit - loquat - and wisps of mocha fading soft and late. |
| 2006 Silver Pines Vineyard Pinot
noir |
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Deep, dark color foretells of
the wine's strength. Aromas: this is a young, brooding wine
with dark fruits, beeswax and hints of Ribena. On the mouth
the youthful presentation continues with a chewy, dense, thick
and powerful entry that shows off the tannins of the vintage
- big but broad and spreading, rather than attacking. This wine
takes time to open up to black cherry and dark plum with a tartness
of Acerola cherry on the late palate. This is a wine to taste
through several years to watch its evolution. |
| 2006 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay |
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A lot of vineyards talk the talk,
but these old vines do the walking. Born in a difficult year,
our 2006 Lorenzo shows the richness and texture that a brush
with "The Noble Rot" can produce when care is exercised.
The nose fills the glass with a spicy, perfumed presence that
leads perfectly into the rich and spice-laden palate. Hints
of the characteristic lime flavors are present, but this year
more layered, peach and ripe rock melon lead the cacophony of
flavors and aromas. The complexity continues to build through
the late palate, with a lasting impression of balanced viscosity
and seamless texture on the finish. Can you tell that we are
really excited about this wine? |
| 2006 Auction Block Pinot noir |
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Delicate perfume and floral notes
are laced around an intense and sheer volume of dark fruits,
smoked venison and gamey, forest floor. The aroma is VERY pretty,
complex and intense! The palate is still tightly wound, with
a big entry that speaks of both power and ageability. The mid-to
late-palate shows off what Pinot can do best: have power and
weight and still levitate, defying gravity with its elegance
and looooong finish. This is a wine that will speak now to your
hedonistic senses, yet will only increase in complexity over
the years. |
| 2006 Manchester Ridge Chardonnay |
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Be prepared for a new paradigm
of Chardonnay from California. The new Dijon 809 clone speaks
to a feminine, floral side of Chardonnay. The Old Wente clone
brings strength and weight to the palate, giving a balance and
harmony, a richness with strength that very few white wines
possess. |
| 2006 Sangiacomo Chardonnay |
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This 2006 Sangiacomo Vineyard
Chardonnay speaks first and foremost of the tumult and challenge
seen in the vineyards. Profound feral, sauvage et animale
aromas first greet the nose. With a bit of swirling to open
the wine up, these gamey, smoky characters delivered by the
native fermentation give way to exciting exotic tropical fruits:
very ripe guava, paw-paw and star fruit frame more delicate
notes of passionfruit and pineapple. The aromas are a veritable
kaleidoscope of feral and fruit, swaying back and forth over
an evening of tasting. The cacophony continues on the palate,
with intensely layered and rich flavors of the same tropical
fruits vying with apricot and yellow fruits for your attention.
The late palate moves back to the more visceral side of the
flavor spectrum, with late musky retronasal presentation and
along, late, and smooth finish that goes on and on… |
| 2006 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot
Meunier |
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Decidedly raspberry in the nose but particularly
in the late palate, this miniscule (65 case) bottling exudes
fruit! Great acidity folds in well with the moderate tannins
to accentuate the red fruits, yielding a delicate, nuanced
texture and fragrance that cuts against the guns-blazing,
bigger-than-life Pinot noir trend seen of late in California.
If you want nuance and balance, this wine is for you! |
| 2005 Auction Block Pinot noir |
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Great presence and backbone from
a cool vintage are present in this veritable "terroir tour"
blend of 4 vineyards on and around Sonoma Mountain. From the
best that Sonoma has to offer, our Auction Block delivers all
the intensity & balance you have come to expect of Tandem! |
| 2005 Chris Lee Vineyard Pinot noir |
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Deep color, intensity, and bright
red fruits describe this wine from an ancient volcanic ash field
on the lee of Sonoma Mountain. Tiny berries and struggling vines
give this wine its powerful character. |
2005 Sangiacomo Pinot noir |
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The adventure of sauvage et
animale continues! Color is the traditional Sangiacomo moderate
red with just a touch of brick to the rim. The aromas are distinctly
feral, also now a Tandem Sangiacomo trait, this year framing some
decidedly red fruits and savory spice aromas. On a bit of exposure
to air, cedar wood and fresh tobacco leaf evolve in the glass.
The flavors return from the 2004 ripe dark fruits to a linear,
more acid-driven fruit of cranberries and frambois in 2005. Acid
presents a firm backbone that complements rather than striates
the tannins. A touch of brown maple sugar echoes softly in the
late palate, evoking the sweetness first seen in the aromas. The
overall presentation is one of balance and harmony that will age
gracefully into the next decade. |
| 2005 Silver Pines Vineyard Pinot
noir |
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The cool 2005 vintage yielded
a refined, nuanced wine to overlay the power and extract that
this Sonoma Mountain vineyard has to offer. Great complexity
and vintage presence provide the perfect expression of terroir
in this bottling. |
| 2005 van der Kamp Pinot noir |
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Sage, California Lilac, brambly
underbrush and pine needle duff highlight the forward raspberry
and salmonberry fruit tones. The tannins, fruit and acid are
well-balanced on the mouth, showing off great harmony and aging
potential. The presentation to the palate continues evenly into
the late palate, finishing with bold juiciness and a mouth-watering
red fruit finish. |
| 2005 Lorenzo Vineyard Chardonnay |
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Rose's Lime Juice, subtle ginger flower and
a hint of fresh-cut white pineapple yield to more expressive
spice and Meyer Lemon. From the famed vineyard of John Bazzano
comes this age-worthy, mineral-driven, Euro-centric Chardonnay. |
| 2005 Porter Bass Chardonnay |
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The color speaks to the cool climate of this
site with just a hint of pale green in the straw color. The
aroma offers subtle elements of crème Brule and brioche along
with hints of lime and lemon zest. The palate continues this
theme with bright Meyer lemon flavors countering a richness
of touches of crème fresh and a long, late palate that speaks
of the tartness of citrus with just a touch of grapefruit
albido (the white of the grapefruit) on the late palate. Definitely
Euro-centric, decidedly cool-climate. |
| 2005 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay |
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As befitting of the vineyard, this wine is
an intensely rich, satisfying, fun, pleasure-filled experience
(what better way can a hedonistic winemaker expresses him/herself?).
All that you have come to expect in the rich, deep, texture-laden
expression of the Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay is here, with
the added dimension of the zippy acid of the 2005 vintage.
Pleasure in a bottle... |
| 2005 Sangiacomo Chardonnay |
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As beautiful and perfumed as the nose is
on our 2005 Sangiacomo Chardonnay, the textured mouthfeel
is what you will best remember: deeply layered, complex and
intense yet balanced. Tandem is about mouthfeel, and this
wine delivers it in spades, late into the long-lasting, bright
and mouth-watering finish. THIS is Tandem! |
| 2005 Peloton |
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Peloton (pell-uh-tawn): a composite of many
into one; the vinous plaything of a whimsical winemaker; that
which is crafted to be "winner of the first empty glass"
contest; a seriously and deliciously irreverent Pinot-based
blend. Directions for use: do not dissect - drink and enjoy! |
| 2004 Auction Block Pinot noir |
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Comprised of the best barrels of our best
vineyards, this wine is always meant to show how enduring
and generous Pinot noir can be. This wine is built for the
long haul. |
| 2004 Hellenthal Pinot noir, Sonoma
Coast |
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Contiguous with the Hirsch Vineyard on the
Sonoma Coast, the spiciness and fine, balanced acidity and
tannin structure mark this wine with the grace and elegance
that speaks of its coastal upbringing. Still quite young and
tight in its initial presentation, this wine deserves air
time once the cork is pulled and will reward an evening of
discovery if one can resist the temptation to finish the bottle
too quickly! |
| 2004 Keefer Ranch Pinot noir,
Green Valley |
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Pure expression of dark berries/cherries and
classical Russian River “cola” notes on the nose.
These deep fruity and spicy tones are framed in wisps of sandalwood
and birch beer, giving an exotic element to the presentation
in the glass. The palate echoes the nose, with spicy, deep
and rich dark fruit tones and woodruff framing, with a long,
late aftertaste echoing the black cherry as well as a touch
of mocha. |
| 2004 Sangiacomo Pinot noir |
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A warm vintage adds up-front dark fruits to
the Sangiacomo Pinot noir’s trademark sauvage et
animale aromas and visceral, smoky flavors. Richly layered
textures on the mouth also speak to the year’s perfect
ripening conditions. |
| 2004 Silver Pines Vineyard Pinot
noir |
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Unmistakable Sonoma Mountain mark of smoked
venison, blackstrap molasses and forest floor duff/truffle,
this wine speaks clearly of its origin. The woodsy aromas
nicely frame dark berry and cocoa notes. On the palate,
one is presented with rich, almost creamy tannins that are
finely balanced by firm acidity. Flavors echo aromas with
a tip more to berry and even guava, with a long, fruit-driven
finish.
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| 2004 Van Der Kamp Pinot noir |
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Classic Sonoma Mountain Van der
Kamp smoke and roasted venison, with touches of California Bay
forest floor after a morning rain. Dark fruits frame this forest
with black cherry, Santa Rosa plum and a touch of molasses around
the edges of the aromatic envelope. The flavors begin with ripe
and exotic tropical fruits, leading into a mid-palate of smoky,
intense and rich dark fruits including again black cherry. The
late palate transitions with baked apple sweetness into a richness
that comes from finely balanced acid/tannin levels and leads
to a long lingering dark fruit and mouth-watering tamarind fade. |
| 2004 Porter Bass Chardonnay |
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2004 Porter-Bass has delicate floral notes
and wisps of sauvage on the nose, with a mineral, flinty presentation
on the mouth. Fine acid and tannin balance indicate this wine
will age incredibly well. Delicacy, strength, balance - the
hallmark of Tandem Porter-Bass Chardonnay. |
| 2004 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay |
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Characteristic deep, rich scents
of the Ritchie Vineyard greet one with the first aromas. Flavors
continue to develop to tropical fruit and ripe guava, along
with hints of citrus blossoms. On the palate the theme of richness
continues with layered textures and generous, spreading mouthfeel
that leads into a late palate of tropical fruit and spice. Late
tannins are just present enough to suggest that this wine will
have the backbone to age well for several years |
| 2004 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay |
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The sauvage et animale
excitement of this wine continues with the 2004 edition. A downright
sexy wine on both the nose and palate, this wine is literally
a textbook of how “mouthfeel” is defined in its
most rich and positive sense. |
| 2004 Gabrielli Sangiovese |
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Red cherry - cherry and dusty
cocoa with touches of cassis and sandalwood lace this Tuscan
native gone Californian. The trademark Sangiovese tannin and
acid profile is well-couched in smooth, firm layers of complexity
and balance. |
| 2004 "Talmage Bench"
Aldine Vineyard Zinfandel |
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Fruit riot! Wild berry, brambly
mountain fruit and spice. Texture is mouth-watering, with delicate
white pepper and a great mix of red and dark fruits framing
the high-tone core of the wine. Enough tannin and acid weight
to carry the berry fruit volume well into the long, late palate.
An important component of our Peloton wine, we selected eight
barrels to bring the varietal expression of Don Aldine’s
old-vine Zin to your glass! |
| 2004 Peloton Red |
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Classic Peloton profile, with this
edition presenting a deep and rich aroma and flavor profile.
Decidedly ripe and black fruit character, this wine will continue
the “winner of the first empty glass” contest! |
| 2003 Auction Block Pinot noir |
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Dark color. Rich, warm spice and
cola notes first greet the nose, followed by dark fruits. The
complexity continues to evolve in the glass with forest floor,
truffle and other earth tones fading into hints of fresh-roasted
coffee beans. The palate is well-structured with the acidity
and tannins that come from our cool-climate coastal vineyards.
As with the nose, dark fruits again present themselves in the
taste, with the complex flavors in the mouth following the nose.
This wine is a young pup that was built to last – saving
a few bottles for the next few years will be rewarded with increased
complexity and roundness that only aging can bring to such a
wine. |
| 2003 Keefer Ranch Pinot noir,
Green Valley |
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Blended
from clones Wadenswil 2A, Pommard, Mariafeld, & Dijons,
Keefer presents aromas of dark fruits black cherry, blackberry
and black plum while still holding spice/cola notes for
which this coolest valley of the Russian River is known.
The palate is concentrated, rich, demonstrating the generosity
and sweetness which is uniquely Pinot noir whilst providing
the tannin & acid structure to make this wine a true
vin du garde.
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| 2003 Sangiacomo Pinot noir |
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The
fruit grown by the Sangiacomo family has long been distinctive,
with wild, feral and visceral gamey tones echoing its wild
Sonoma Coast heritage. The animale et sauvage presentation
continues in the palate entry, with intensely fruity red berry
flavors and a mouth-watering red fruit finish that continues
long into the late palate giving one an impression that will
last long after the bottle is finished. |
| 2003 van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot
noir |
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High-mountain
intensity characterizes this full-throttled yet gravity-defying
gentility of a wine. With grapes from the last of the oldest
commercial Pinot in Sonoma County, this James Beard-awarded
wine is the fullest expression of what Sonoma Mountain Pinot
noir can be.
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| 2003 Porter Bass Chardonnay |
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Our most Euro-centric Chardonnay, with a
delicate floral presentation balanced by wisps of visceral,
smoky aromas. These two juxtaposing aroma and flavor profiles
continue to duke it out in the bottle, with the knife-edge
balance and finish of mineral and wet stone making the consumer
the winner.
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| 2003 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay |
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This
Sonoma County viticultural treasure is from some of the
oldest Chardonnay vines in the Russian River Valley. Taste
the reason why Tandem’s Ritchie Chardonnay is always
among the top dozen Chards of the year and has
been one of the most respected vineyard-winery combinations
in the wine industry.
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| 2003 Sangiacomo Chardonnay |
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Rich,
brilliant pale gold color. Aromas of peach, orange peel,
animale/sauvage visceral notes with hints of green
curry and Asian spice. On the palate, ripe peach again shows
through with a background of animale/sauvage with
laces of miso. Texture is firm with good acid structure
and balance that keeps lingering through a long, late palate
of viscous ripe peach & late echoes again of the feral
nature of this wine.
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| 2003 Gabrielli Sangiovese |
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Pure Sangiovese fruit
exudes from the glass with this vintage effort. Red currants,
Ribena/blackcurrant and lingenberry pour forth with both aroma
and flavor. Tannins are varietally firm to match the Tuscan
acidity, leading to a long, late, red berry mouth-watering
finish. A wine for the ages. |
| 2003 Peloton Red |
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Moderately
dark red/purple to the eye, this wine expresses a good balance
between fruit and complexity on the nose. Elements of “sauvage”
& feral notes complement the dark fruits and hints of
roasted butternut squash, later yielding to spice and hints
of white pepper on the edges of the aroma envelope. On the
palate, the wine is rich in texture with broad and spreading
tannins, supporting the fruit/acid in equal measure. Can
you guess the varietals?
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| 2002 Auction Block Pinot noir |
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Great
front-to-back pull-through on the palate characterizes this
wine, blended from the best barrels of our best vineyards.
With this wine we seek the purest expression of the “iron
maiden in the velvet evening gown” (a misquote of Greg
L’s from the Wine Spectator), revealing why
Pinot can caress and love your tongue like no other varietal.
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| 2002 Sangiacomo Pinot noir |
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Pure
cherry aromas are ringed with feral, smoky tones in this decidedly
Burgundian style of Sonoma Coast fruit. The Coastal influence
continues on the palate, with tight, linear, focused flavors
of bright red fruits & excellent acid structure matching
finely spread tannins on the late palate. Very late palate speaks
of pomegranate, cherries & cranberry red fruits. Not your
typical Calif. Pinot, this wine will gain in weight & complexity
with patient cellaring. |
| 2002 Porter Bass Chardonnay |
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Greg
L has made this wine the #1 Chardonnay in the world two
times (Wine & Spirits “Top 100 wines of the year”).
Biodynamically farmed by Sue Porter and Dirck Bass and their
son Luke. One of the few age-worthy Chardonnays made in
California.
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| 2002 Gabrielli Sangiovese |
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Dark,
dense presentation does not give this wine away as a Calif.
Sangiovese. Nose: cassis/redcurrants, gooseberry & other
small, red-berried fruits along with a smoky, dusty aroma
that might place one in the Tuscan hills. The flavors are
rich & layered, with big, spreading Sangiovese tannins
& the distinct acid profile that can only be this Prince
of Tuscany. The finish is long & complex, with echos of
mocha, tar & cedar cigar box along with red & later
dark fruit flavors. |
| Non-Vintage California Syrah |
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Decidedly of the Northern Rhone style, this
Syrah from Gabrielli Vineyard and the Granite Hills presents
a classic Syrah frame of smoke and plum with touches of
tarry Lapsang Souchong tea and currant. The mouth is firmly
structured, with a tight backbone of balanced acid and tannins
that will complement roast meats and cheeses.
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| 2002 Halleck Pinot noir |
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| 2002 Keefer Pinot noir |
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| 2002 Kent Ritchie Chardonnay |
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| 2002 Sangiacomo Chardonnay |
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| 2002 Peloton Red |
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| 2001 Halleck Vineyard Pinot noir |
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| 2001 Keefer Ranch Pinot noir |
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| 2001 Pisoni Pinot noir |
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| 2001 Sangiacomo Pinot noir |
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| 2001 van der Kamp Pinot noir |
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| 2001 Kent Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay |
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| 2001 Sangiacomo Chardonnay |
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| 2001 Gabrielli Sangiovese |
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| 2001 Porter Bass Zinfandel |
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| 2001 Peloton Red |
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| 2000 Pisoni Pinot noir |
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