I started with another taste of the 1996 Saddleback Sangiovese – this bottling is 85%Sangiovese and 15% Pinot Noir (of all things ) from a highly regarded source – this wine is really evolving very, very nicely – rich and deep Sangiovese aromas in the nose – on the palate this wine is just delicious – shows excellent balance, medium body, just a touch of tannin to suggest the wine has some productive aging in front of it.

As I was standing at the table chatting with Mary, Nils returned after spending some time out on the pier "barking with the seals"!

1997 Plumpjack Sangiovese – beautiful deep color – a very shy nose, but this is to be expected – according to Mary: "this is just a baby." – nevertheless, lovely flavor profile and good varietal character – lots of tannins now, but the wine just needs a little time to come around.

Preston Vineyards 1997 Barbera Estate – unfined and unfiltered – very attractive dark color – restrained in the nose, but very pleasing purple and black plum fruits on the palate – still has some tannins and astringency, but I think will develop into a nice food wine with some time. This was the first time I’ve had a chance to meet Lou Preston. I hope he brings a personality with him next time.

Phoenix Vineyards – 1996 Sangiovese Napa Valley – "Blood of Jupiter" – very striking artwork on the label - contains about 13% Pinotage (a varietal grown mostly in South Africa) – The winemaker here is Aaron Bader, a young man I had the pleasure of meeting during a tour and tasting at Opus One. He is both personable and knowledgeable, and I was pleased to see him here today.

Medium color, slightly cloudy – very pretty and deep Sangiovese fruit in the nose – clean entry – bright, but deep fruit flavors on the palate.

The wine still needs time to resolve the tannins, but has good balance, and I think, overall, is a very fine effort. I would like to taste it again a few months, or a year down the road.

Next is Geyser Peak, under the Venezia label – 1998 will be the fourth harvest of Italian varietals for this winery.

1996 Sangiovese Van Noy Vineyard Russian River Valley – rich color – shy nose – delicious flavors on the palate – clean finish with a touch of astringency.

1996 Sangiovese Alegria Vineyard – Bill Nachbaur and his wife are the owners of this Russian River property, and I had the pleasure of meeting them at a ZAP event a few years ago. Ridge Vineyards bought their Zinfandel for seven years or more, and made six single vineyard ATP (Advanced Tasting Program) wines. I believe that Kent Rosenblum will be making wine with this fruit starting with the 1997 vintage.

Very pretty strawberry and cherry notes on the nose – very pretty – lovely balance with sweet flavors – a very harmonious wine.

1995 Sangiovese Alegria Vineyard – again, lovely aromatic Sangiovese fruit in the nose, a bit more mysterious, but very pleasing – just a little awkward on the palate – lacks the harmony of the 96 – a nice effort, but clearly the 96 is superior.

1996 Sangiovese Nuovo Mondo North Coast – 10% Syrah (of all things!) – lovely depth of fruit on the palate, although the nose is a bit restrained.