Al Shikoh

9.3

medium yellow, pale watery rim; lemon, Golden Delicious apple, pear, vanilla extract, honeysuckle, lees; orchard fruit, citrus, creamy texture; medium body, good acidity, 14.2% ABV; whole cluster of Pinot Noir were gently pressed, taken off the skins, barrel fermented, and aged 14 months in 25% new French oak; easy to mistake for Chardonnay; $95 — 11 hours ago

Al Shikoh

9.2

medium straw color, pale watery rim; lemon, green apple, hints of white flowers; citrus, wet stone; medium body, good acidity, 14.1% ABV; the fruit comes mostly from Riddle Vineyard located on a ridge in Green Valley near the town of Occidental with small amounts from the vineyards represented in their single vineyard program; whole cluster pressed, barrel fermented, no less stirring, no new oak; very good value at $30 — 10 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.2

pale translucent ruby; red cherry, damp earth, herbal notes; medium body, bright acidity, silky tannins, 13.9% ABV; lovely if a bit on the lighter side although would drink now — 23 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.0

light golden brown, looks like creme soda, medium beaded mousse; ripe berries, toasted hazelnuts, slight herbal tang; medium body, 12% ABV; 100% Pinot Noir sourced from Seven Springs Vineyard, zero dosage, disgorged early 2019, bottled and finished in Petaluma by Michael Cruse of Ultramarine; $65 — 23 days ago

Al Shikoh

8.8

medium violet, medium tears; rhubarb, pomegranate, violets, SweeTarts candy; juicy, bright, wild berries, slightly spicy finish; medium body, medium+ acidity, a bit of slightly gritty tannin, only 12.3% ABV; blend of 50% Zinfandel sourced from Del Barba Vineyard in Contra Costa County planted in 1960 and 50% Carignan from Ricetti Vineyard in Mendocino County planted in 1948, both organically grown and dry farmed; crushable, crunchy, fruity, chillable, natural, summer red; $26 — 9 days ago

Al Shikoh

8.8

opaque, inky purple, very prominent tears; dark berries, smoke, coffee, violets; soft, very juicy, a bit lighter than expected in midpalate, some heat on the finish, 15.3% ABV; blend of 62% Merlot, 22% Malbec, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon; p$57 — 13 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.0

medium translucent ruby; red cherry, plum, mushrooms, potpourri; cranberry, strawberry, spice, lightly tannic finish, medium length; medium body, medium+ acidity, light tannins, 13% ABV; majority of fruit is from Lingua Franca estate, remainder from select neighbor vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills, about 25% whole cluster, fermented in stainless steel, aged 12 months in 20% new French oak; their entry level wine, very fresh, vibrant style; $40 — 19 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.2

light translucent ruby fading to pale watery rim; red cherry, mushrooms, rose petals; bright red fruit, bit of spice; medium body, medium+ acidity, light tannins, 13% ABV; sourced from famed Seven Springs Vineyard planted in 1984, built around a core of own-rooted Pommard and Wadenswil clones planted in iron-rich, rocky, volcanic soils, farmed biodynamically; lovely, nicely balanced; $35 — 10 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.0

pale yellow; subtle aromatics, peach, jasmine, slight musk; stone fruit, minerality, slightly viscous texture; medium to full bodied, surprising acidity for the variety, 14.1% ABV; sourced from their estate Purisima Mountain Vineyard, fermented in stainless steel, aged mostly in steel with small amount in neutral barrel; very refreshing, fresher, brighter style — 11 days ago

Al Shikoh

9.4

light golden, persistent mousse; lifted aromatically, ripe berry fruit, chalk, slight autolytic character; made from 100% Pinot Noir, 4.5 g/L dosage, disgorged September 2017, 12% ABV; lovely Champagne with Mother’s Day fried chicken brunch — 23 days ago