ended up in Healdsburg in the Russian River and started at a winery called Sausal winery. tried a Sangiovese, an Italian varietal that is not that common in NorCal and was the only one I tasted on this trip. Sadly the gentleman in the tasting room at SS was not the friendliest guy around. Happy Sonoma wine tasting! MORE >>

But now, my long overdue summary of the wines I was able to try at the Polaner tasting. Maybe given my "neophyte" status, I try to taste as many wines as possible and miss the point. Either way, while it was overwhelming, I tasted some very fine wines and met some very personable and charming winemakers (or winery proprietors). MORE >>

This guy had some money and was looking to diversify with vineyards all over Spain as well as California's Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley. We poured some tastes and the color was nice and pale. The wine had been chilled pretty well so the initial palate was a bit muted but you could still taste the balance to come. MORE >>

My previous experience with this wine, at a Wine Spectator tasting in 2007, was phenomenal. Previously, I had tasted one bottle damaged by heat - thin, bland, and boring. The 2006 of Dumol's "Lia," a Russian River Valley Viognier was super: rich and ripe fruit, tight body, good length. MORE >>

DuMOL "Clare" Chardonnay 2006 ** DuMOL is one of my favorites every year, and meeting Kerry Murphy and his wife for the first time was a blast. Tasted thrice and consistent notes. Hanzell Chardonnay Sonoma Valley 2005 hmmm, always one of my favorites. Almost tasted like American oak, although I know they use 85% French. MORE >>