6-7-07 2005 Porter-Bass Estate Chardonnay Our 2005 Chardonnay reminds me of summer. Like the 2004 there is a strong mineral component but unlike 2004 which smelled of wet stones this vintage smells of tilled soil on a foggy morning with the distant smell of the ocean. The fruits are those of tart apricot, lemon and kumquat. There is the rich smell of honey suckle mingling with the smell of lemon blossoms. There is a background of balsawood. This wine is tightly structured and will take time to reveal all of its richness. - 4-2004 2004 Porter-Bass Estate Chardonnay $40 Our 2004 Chardonnay speaks of the soil. These soils have a high clay content with pockets of decomposing sandstone. The wine shows a strong mineral backbone with aromas of wet stones and limestone. The fruit is driven by citrus with flavors of meyer lemon sorbet. In the background there is a barrel flavor of toasted hazelnuts. As the wine opens there is the promise of tart apricot. The strong core, long finish and slight reduction imply that the wine will age gracefully. - 12/2003 2001 Porter-Bass Zinfandel The wine leads with the flavors of cherry, blackberry and cinnamon. The oak imparts flavors of roasted chestnuts and a hint of espresso bean that seamlessly blend with the fruit. The flavors are supported by firm tanins. - 4-16-15 2002 Porter-Bass Zinfandel This wine is rich in the scent of an early summer rose garden and vivid red cherry and raspberry, wrapped in the perfume of fresh baked almond tart. The finish leaves lingering hints of anise and espresso. - - 3-20-06 Notes courtesy of John Dawson - 2001 Porter-Bass Zinfandel: Plum/ ruby colored. Aromas reminiscent of pie crust, vanilla, dry earth and herbs, with an attractive " lift" to the wine. On the palate the wine shows flavors reminiscent of cassis and black raspberries, with a distinct tannic backbone that is reminiscent of an aged St. Emilion - 2002 Porter-Bass Zinfandel Light-Purplish hue, with notable glycerine in the legs. On the nose , the wine shows red raspberries and teh oak imparts scents reminiscent of vanilla and graham crackers. From the softness evident on the attack to the long finish, the wine displays a sexy, fleshy mouthfeel, copious amounts of fresh cherries, black and red berries, and an attractive freshly-turned soil component. This wine is less tanic and more balanced than the 2001 - 2003 Porter-Bass Zinfandel Notable for its intense aromatics, the 2003 displays a strong floral component, as well as notes of melted chocolate/ chocolate liquer, banana, lemony herbs , sweet ceder: with areation, citrus aeromatics emerge, reminiscent of grapefruit zest. On the palate, black raspberry flavors are deftly balanced by the wines crisp acidity. - 2004 Porter-Bass Zinfandel A bit tight at present and thus somewhat difficult to judge. Showing aromas of black pepper, thyme, mint and pine. On the palate, the wine shows distinctive briary qualities, along with flavors of banana, with a bit of orange zest on the back end. With aeration, the finish becomes sweeter , which indicates that the wine will undoubtedly evolve in a positive manner over the next 12-18 months. There is a greenness similar to the 2001 when it was young which should soften with time