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!

2008 Dierberg Chardonnay Steel, opens with a nose that joins bright citrus and tropical fruit character to more subtle, non-fruit nuances- Meyer lemon, plantain, grapefruit and guava are accented by fresh pine, fennel, and flint. On the palate, bright acidity provides plenty of energy and vivacity, while the citrus character of the bouquet is echoed and amplified, giving lift and purity.

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.

Chocolate, smoked game, gunpowder and coffee bean tones leap from the glass. On the palate, the chocolate note persists with huge blackberry fruit and an exciting blueberry nuance. Texturally, the wine is as soft and enveloping with supple tannins that caress the palate and fresh acid lending to the vibrancy of the wine.

Our Three Saints Chardonnay is characterized by its strong impression of acidity and by a finish that lingers on the palate. Striking papaya, grapefruit, lemon oil and tropical flower aromas are balanced with a creamy hazelnut impression. On the palate the wine is all citrus: lemon rind, lemon curd and lemon blossoms.With its bright but lushly textured mouthfeel.

Our most overtly fruity and exuberant Three Saints Pinot Noir to date, the 2007 shows bright blackberry, crushed raspberry and subtle black tea notes. On the palate the wine is both vibrant and luxuriously rich, with decadent creamy blackberry flavors underpinned by satiny tannins and a blast of fresh acidity.