Critics Speak

"I believe this is the debut vintage for the wines from Dain, all of which are creatively packaged with labels composed of old black and white portrait photographs (all family members according to their website). The medium ruby-colored 2005 Pinot Noir American Beauty Amber Ridge reveals attractive aromas of spice box, herbs, and sweet strawberry, plum, and cherry fruit. This seductive, fruit-driven Pinot is not as nuanced and complex as some of its siblings, but there is no doubting its seductive style. The 2005 Pinot Noir Savage Juliette possesses more blue fruit, mineral, and flower characteristics, a racy, elegant style, and a more backward personality. While not as up-front and obvious as the American Beauty, it is a pure, nicely built effort to enjoy over the next 4-5 years. The 2005 Pinot Noir Dandy Brosseau Vineyard, from the Chalone appellation, offers lovely plum, black currant, cherry, forest floor, cola, earth, and spice notes. Plump, fleshy, and medium to full-bodied, it is a luscious Pinot that should drink well for 4-5 years. The 2005 Pinot Noir Rebel Rancho Ontiveros offers lovely sweet fruit along with notes of beet root, currants, plums, lavender, and spice box. This pretty, elegant wine displays good flavor authority. It can be drunk over the next 5-7 years."

"A more backward, denser cuvée, the 2005 Syrah Smart Set White Hawk Vineyard emerges from a well-known Syrah site in the Santa Barbara appellation. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by abundant aromas of blackberries and cassis, good acidity, a backward, tart style, and impressive purity as well as structure. It will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 5-7 years. More seductive, open knit, and obvious is the expressive, dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Syrah Las Madres. Scents of blackberries, pepper, flowers, and earth emerge from this round, generous Syrah. It is ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years."

Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Savage Juliet Hein Vineyard 2005
Score: 92

"Sleek and focused, with complex spice, wild berry and blackberry fruit that's elegant, supple and delicate, ending with a pleasant, rich aftertaste that shows a hint of smoke and mineral. Drink now through 2012. 50 cases made."

Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Rebel Rancho Ontiveros 2005
Score: 90

"Floral wild berry, lavender and black cherry aromas are clean and supple on the palate, turning smooth and polished while keeping a focus on the fruit. Drink now through 2010. 75 cases made."

Pinot Noir Amber Ridge Russian River Valley 2005
Score: 90

"American Beauty" Light red. Vibrant and alluring scents of wild strawberry, redcurrant and raspberry, with subtle smoke and fresh floral accents. The crisp red berry flavors display impressive energy and are braced by racy acidity. The long, pure finish shows no obvious tannins. This delicate and balanced pinot offers an impressive expression of pure red fruit.

Pinot Noir Juliet Hein Vineyard Anderson Valley 2005
Score: 91

"Savage" Light red. Suave red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by licorice, musky underbrush and sweet mocha. A medium-bodied wine with a gently chewy texture; bright, juicy raspberry and blackberry flavors are supported by firm but well-integrated tannins. Gains sweetness on the long, sappy finish, which echoes the blackberry tone. This is flat-out delicious.

Pinot Noir Rancho Ontiveros Santa Maria Valley 2005
Score: 90

"Rebel" Dark red. Powerfully aromatic nose features deep kirsch, cassis and mocha scents and a lively floral accent. Deep and rich, with strong cherry and dark berry flavors given an exotic twist by floral pastille and licorice notes. Finishes with a burst of ripe cherry and espresso and impressive breadth as well as length.