BUYINGGUIDE
128 | WINE ENTHUSIAST | OCTOBER 201993
Dawn’s Dream 2017 Rachael Pinot Noir ( Santa
Lucia Highlands). Part of a three-sister series,
this bottling offers aromas of subtle raspberry com-
pote with thyme, lavender and white pepper. Snappy
flavors of raspberry and cranberry skin pop on the
palate, rounded out by sage and pine needle, and
framed by a firm texture. —M.K.
abv: 12.8% Price: $4093
Domaine Serene 2016 Two Barns Vineyard
Pinot Noir (Dundee Hills). This fruit-driven
wine shows berry, cherry and plum tones, yet as the
wine breathes, layers of barrel spice and ripe tan-
nins build to a long finish. It is still young and firm,
with lingering notes of cinnamon and mocha. Drink
through 2030. Cellar Selection. —P.G.
abv: 14.4% Price: $9593
Durant 2016 Bishop Pinot Noir (Dundee
Hills). Sourced from vines planted in 1973
and 1984, this is 100% Pommard clone, layered
with peppery red fruits highlighted by lemon rind.
It really gathers strength on the midpalate and
extends brilliantly through a full-throttle, well-
balanced finish. Editors’ Choice. —P.G.
abv: 13.6% Price: $6093
Eighty Four 2018 Albariño (Carneros). This
rare find in the Napa Valley is bright and flo-
ral, with bristling acidity. From an estate-grown site
planted in 2012, this white saw no oak, preserving
its fruity core of melon, peach and jasmine. Editors’
Choice. —V.B.
abv: 13.8% Price: $2893
Epiphany 2016 Rodney’s Vineyard Grenache
(Santa Barbara County). Rich red-fruit aro-
mas meet with rose petals and loamy soil on the
concentrated nose of this bottling. Flavors of rose
petal and lavender consume the palate, giving depth
to the crisp pomegranate and red-currant elements
on this lively, textural wine. —M.K.
abv: 14.9% Price: $3293
Fess Parker 2017 Ashley’s Pinot Noir (Sta.
Rita Hills). Aromas of black plum, sage,
violet and a hint of tar combine for a dynamic and
intriguing nose in this single-vineyard expression.
Violets and lavender are prominent on the deftly
balanced palate, with a pleasing plum flavor and a
salt-and-pepper finish. —M.K.
abv: 14.1% Price: $6093
Fess Parker 2017 Older Barrels Pinot Noir
(Sta. Rita Hills). This bottling offers heavily
layered aromas of red cherry, wild thyme and sage.
It hits the palate with heft, delivering boysenberry,
bay leaf and peppercorn flavors to make for a full
expression of the grape. —M.K.
abv: 14.1% Price: $6093
Gary Farrell 2018 Russian River Selection
Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley).
Quince, lime and fig jump from the glass in this
floral and earthy white wine, fermented and aged
both in stainless steel and neutral oak. Stony min-
eral aspects complement the fruit amidst a textured
palate. —V.B.
abv: 12.8% Price: $3293
La Spinona 2013 Söri Gepin (Barolo). Dark
spice, rose, menthol and damp earth aromas
shape the classic Nebbiolo nose. On the elegant,
already approachable palate, polished tannins gen-
tly support strawberry compote, red cherry and
licorice, while bright acidity keeps it balanced.
Drink through 2028. Frederick Wildman & Sons,
Ltd. —K.O.
abv: 14% Price: $90