Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast, California, United States: Liquid satin! This is a wine for diehard hedonists. Seductive aromas of black cherry and raspberry wrap themselves around dark spices and a kiss of oak. Medium- to full-bodied with a finish that doesn't end. About 40% of the wine was fermented and aged in new French Oak barrels where the staves were aged/air dried for three years prior to coopering. Most barrels are air-dried for two years but the winery makes the extra investment in an additional year to leach any residual “green” tannins from the wood. That way, the wines get exposure to new wood without it overpowering it with too much smokiness. Both the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs spend no more than 10 months in barrel. This wine will age well for another 7+ years, but I'll bet you can't wait that long. Drink: 2011-2019. 38091 14.20% XD 750 mL  $42.00 Score: 94/100. April 22, 2011 Full Review

Rombauer Chardonnay 2013, Carneros, California, United States  441089 14.60% XD 750 mL  $59.95. February 20, 2016 Full Review