Complex but not complicated, supple yet structured; the 2005 Star Lane Cabernet is a wine that is intellectual as well as very sensual. Aromas of blackberry laced with the notes of sage brush and chaparral that have become the hallmark of our vineyard precede tiers of currant, wild blackberry and savory herbs.

The 2005 Star Lane Astral Cabernet Sauvignon shows immense concentration, with huge, lush tannins that frame tightly layered cassis, blackberry, plum, coffee, chocolate, spice, vanilla and smoke flavors. Sporting a suppleness that belies its youth, the wine is drinking beautifully now. But we suspect it will offer collectors many years of pleasure to come.

Merlot has slowly become one of the brightest jewels in the Star Lane portfolio. Aromas and flavors of chocolate covered cherries and freshly roasted coffee beans are complimented by a satiny texture, at once soft and firm. The wine is delicious now, and in no way would it be a tragedy to consume this wine very young. Meanwhile, the level of extraction and the deceptive structure of this Merlot suggest that as many as 7 years of careful storage will see fascinating nuances emerge from the wine.

Stainless steel lots bring vivid aromas of wild spring flowers, gooseberries and mandarin orange, while the wood lots contribute the rich lemon curd and grapefruit aromas that have been the hallmark of Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, the lots fermented in tank and stainless barrels offer a sense of balance and poise and barrel fermentation presents a mouthfeel marked by breathtaking depth. With plenty of natural acidity keeping things vibrant and structured, our 2007 is delicious!

Deep mango, grapefruit and lemon grass aromas balanced with fresh lemon peel notes and a creamy hazelnut impression. On the palate the wine is all citrus: lemon rind, lemon curd and lemon blossoms .With strong acidity and a tightly wound structure, the '05 Dierberg Vineyard Chardonnay drinks deliciously now.

The wine exhibits the “sauvage” sage-like note that has come to define the wines from our vineyard, but envelops it in a more elegant frame. It is a sublime and classy wine, with delicate aromas of tea leaf, raspberry and forest floor and a sneaky structural component that keeps it firm and age worthy.

Our 2006 Dierberg Syrah is a dense, backwards and brooding wine. Aromas of grilled meat, blackberry, blueberry, smoke, wild sage brush and classic Southern Rhône garrigue are complemented by similar, very rich flavors. On the palate, the wine is startling with its yin & yang combination of silkiness and an ironlike grip. Still, it retains a sense of grace and sophistication that is uncommon in Californian Syrah. Flattering now, the wine should reach peak maturity in 5 to 7 years and will age gracefully well into its second decade.

Intense aromas of blackberry, dark cherry and graphite are accented by hints of mocha and a haunting sage note. This dense & dark wine offers up juicy flavors of black fruit, wild berry, plum and an intriguing “sauvage” character.