Wine Reviews - Bouchaine - Carneros

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Wine of the Week, St. Helena Star, Thursday, June 12, 2008

"there I was at the Friday marketplace/barrel auction (Auction Napa Valley), when this woman walks by and I say to my wife, "Wow, she looks so much like Oprah...and it dawns on me that it was Oprah! She throwing bids around for the Bouchaine barrel, so I think, "What hidden secrets does Oprah knows aobut Bouchiane?" I promptly ran into town and bought a bottle of pinot noir, and well, what can I say, Oprah's got good taste."

"a smoky, richly spiced pinot that packs in a lot of notions: creme brulee, coffee, plums, cherries a little cranberry, caramel...all wrapped up in a round, lusty texture. Quite the crowd pleaser and priced right."

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine recommends a can't-miss visit to Bouchaine, April 2008

"Five Perfect Days in California Wine Country," Conde Nast Traveler, April 2008; online at Conde Nast Traveler website.

Conde Nast Traveler's "Five Perfect Days" series provides can't-miss destinations and insider tips. Usually a travel planner local to the destination or someone who's worked extensively planning trips to the area (refered to as "the best travel specialists" by Conde Nast Traveler editors) make the recommendations, which is then researched by a contributing editor at Traveler.

In the April 2008 issue, Jackie Richmond, one of the mosted respected travel planners in Napa (and someone who knows the California wine country like the back of her hand), is consulted for her recommendations. Bouchaine is pleased to be recommended on the itinerary for Day One in the California wine country!

"...[Bouchaine is] a classic Carneros chardonnay and pinot maker in the part of the valley known as the flatlands, where rolling fields of vines stretch in every direction. In contrast to the rather formal tone at Artesa, where a recording of chanting monks plays constantly in the barrel room, Bouchaine doesn't take itself too seriously..."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Burghound Report and Burghound.com by Allen Meadows

"88 POINTS! Pretty and perfumed nose, combines red and blue berry fruit aromas plus notes of violet and none of the vegetal character that sometimes pervades the typical Carneros pinot. The slightly earthy middle weight flavors possess a silky texture and good volume on the nicely persistent finish. This is really quite stylish and should drink well young."

2006 vintage Bouchaine Rose of Syrah in Ten Nice Wines

"In October I spent the best part of a day in Carneros visiting Bouchaine, a winery with which I wasn’t previously familiar. I’m glad that’s changed. I spent a couple of hours with winemaker Michael Richmond sampling Pinot Noirs from Carneros and the Sonoma Coast from the barrel; it was a special treat. Richmond is an enthusiastic Pinot Noir specialist from whom I picked up some interesting pointers. The products of his work were some of the best Pinot Noirs I tasted in California, elegant, aromatic, and bright in a style, different from some of the highly alcoholic blast furnace products being produced in the Golden State. Although it’s cold, as it is winter in New York, and I often think of rosé as a summer drink, I’m going to make an exception here. This rosé is darker than some but loaded with flavor, it’s dry and tastes of ripe strawberries and cherries with good acidity. It would go beautifully with a wide range of foods, from heavy fish dishes like seared tuna to lighter grilled meats."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, December 2007

"89 POINTS! Here's a very elegant, balanced Pinot that shows classic Carneros character. It's a vibrant, likeable wine, silky and dry, with pleasurable flavors of cherries, cola, herbs and spices. The finish is especially rewarding, lasting through a long, spicy aftertaste. Drink now."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Restaurant Wine Magazine

"Four-plus stars! A fleshy, finely flavored Pinot Noir, with full body, crisp acidity, and complex character (rose petal, clove, dark plum, blueberry, cedar, and tobacco); long, long finish. Best ever Pinot from Bouchaine."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Pinot Noirs in Strip Las Vegas Magazine, July 2002

"Bouchaine also creates a number of exquisite, earthy and delicious Pinots from Carneros..."--Bob Ecker (The Wine Dog)

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in About.com - Online Wine Guide

"The Bouchaine Pinot Noir a delightful red wine, with plenty of blackberry and cherry fruit to greet you. There is a smokiness that surrounds the palate and an earthiness that grounds the tannins and offers foundation for the structure. Nicely balanced, with an opulence that exceeds the price and a fine finish. You'd be hardpressed to find a food that this wine would not complement."

Stacy Slinkard
About.com Wine Guide

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Sprig.com

"Rich flavor layers of cherry and berry are complemented by a touch of earthiness and hint of orange peel."

Sprig.com
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2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2007

Wine Enthusiast Magazine's September 2007 Buying Guide

"87 POINTS! A very pretty Pinot...one of those wines that goes gently with almost anything you serve it with... elegant, its flavors veer toward cherries, tobacco, and herbs."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Colorado Wine News, July-September 2007

"opens with smoke, earth, blackberry, black raspberry, and black cherry which repeat as flavors...light tannin and finishes long and medium-broad."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Colorado Wine News, July-September 2007

"shows oak and baked apple on the nose before flavors of apple, lemon, and mineral. All continue through the long, broad finish. Straight-forward and well put together."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, September 2007

Wine Enthusiast Magazine's September 2007 Buying Guide

"90 POINTS! Nice, dry and complex, a crisp wine with quite a bit of minerality undergirding the fruit and oak. Feels fine and balanced in the mouth, and should take a couple years in the cellar."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in InsideBayArea.com & Oakland Tribune

"There is genius at work in this wine...a wine on the way to finding a new set of manners for the grape. It is winemaker Mike Richmond's belief that he has seen the light and can find a way to craft a balanced, elegant, flavorful, rich wine without needing the extra alcohol and ripeness that accompanies so many of the tastiest wines on the market today. This wine offers a mix of fuji apple fruitiness, creamy oak and solid yet not stiff structure...one can see firsthand how close Richmond is getting to his goal."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Appellation America by Catherine Fallis, August 3, 2007

"Bright, lightly saturated ruby with crimson highlights and fairly viscous, this highly-perfumed wine intoxicates the senses with sultry berry-patch, countryside, sea spray, deep forest, scrub, and garrigue notes. It is classic Pinot Noir on the nose and on the palate. Round and smooth, the fruit is ripe, as in height of season raspberries and cherries."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in WineReviewOnline by Patrick Comiskey, July 31, 2007

"Wines that Move Me" story

"91 POINTS! Elegant and vinous, tethered to the earth. Part of that earthiness is the result of the whole-cluster pressing that I detect in the wine's aroma. The wine leads with tea-like scents and spicy dark fruit, almost to the depth of plums. On the palate it's elegant and reserved, old school in the best way, with a lovely texture and, at a mere 13.5% alcohol, admirable restraint."

"...the Bouchaine Pinot [was] classic, and there was much to appreciate. While I enjoyed [it] immensely, probably more than the new school wines, it was [its] restraint that I was appreciating; what was left out, rather than what was put in. What I really wanted at the end of the day were wines that fell in the middle of old and new school--a new new school, where the flavors are at once vibrant and restrained."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in WineReviewOnline by Gerald Boyd, June 19, 2007

"this delicious Chardonnay was made from 30 lots of slightly different Chardonnay. The balance and structure of this wine is excellent, with layered flavors of cooking apples, hints of spice, all supported by crisp acidity. A lightly chilled glass of this Chardonnay with a simply roasted chicken, or a roaster stuffed with lemon halves, makes a most pleasant match. 92 POINTS"

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Appellation America by Alan Goldfarb, July 10, 2007

Wine Recommendation

"lots of minerality and Crenshaw melon in the nose, while on the palate the wine is lush and elegant...with time the oak will integrate and over the following half-dozen years, you'll see what Carneros can do."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Sun-Sentinel, May 24, 2007

Wine of the Week!

SELECTION: The 2005 Bouchaine Chardonnay, produced from grapes grown in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, is a complex white with layers of flavor.

SERVE WITH: Roast chicken, grilled white fish, lobster and New England clam chowder.

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Wine Adventure Magazine

“This elegant new release is fully estate grown in Napa’s Carneros region and has intense flavors of cherries and berries, with a touch of coffee and a lingering finish. For a company-worthy dinner, serve with grilled duck breasts.”

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, June 2007

“88 POINTS! Certainly leaning towards ripeness but holding back enough to remain in the balanced camp, this wine starts with concentrated black cherry filled out by noticeable richness… an invitingly round entry, and there is a suggestion of velvet in the wine's texture…service with savory dishes.”

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in 2006 Critics' Challenge International Wine Competion

"CRITICS' GOLD MEDAL" WINNER!

"Smokey and earthy with red cherries and spices."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, June 2007

“87 POINTS! Outgoing elements of ripe black cherries are accented here by a light touch of dried herbs and careful oak spice in both scent and flavor, and, if never less than fully ripe, this moderately rich wine runs to firmness rather than fat in structure.”

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

GOLD MEDAL WINNER!

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, June 2007

"90 POINTS! Winemaker Mike Richmond demonstrates here that balance and depth are not enemies in the production of attractive Chardonnay. Indeed, Mr. Richmond, who cut his eyeteeth back in the halcyon days of the early 1970s and knows a thing or two about how to get the best of the grape without pushing it into excess or tightening the reins until the wine squeaks, is proving that there is a way to serve the masters of refinement and filling at one and the same time. The mix of fuji apple fruitiness, creamy oak and solid yet not stiff structure presented here may be a little too open for oysters but will work with dishes ranging from sauteed scallops to chicken in light sauces."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Wine Review Online by Michael Apstein, May 15, 2007

"90 POINTS! The cool Carneros region spans the southern ends of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys and is well suited for Pinot Noir, a variety that thrives in cooler climes. Bouchaine's is a delightful combination of red fruit-strawberry, raspberry-like flavors--with just enough earthiness to keep it interesting."

--Michael Apstein, Wine Review Online

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in San Diego Union-Tribune and signonsandiego.com, February 14, 2007

Wine journalist Robert Whitley first predicted Bouchaine's Estate Chardonnay as one of the top wines that will redefine California Chardonnays, then he selected it as the best white wine to pair with Thanksgiving dinner, now he has chosen it as a perfect Valenine's gift that "will slake any white-wine enthusiast's thirst."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in San Francisco Chronicle, May 4, 2007

"THREE STARS 2004 Bouchaine Estate Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay ($30) After years of unsightly labels, Bouchaine appears to have settled on a dignified parchment-like look with a small winery drawing. We're glad, because a strongly expressive wine deserves good packaging. This Burgundian-style wine has plenty to say: The fruit flavors range from yellow plum to red berries, it has toasty and minerally notes, and there's a powerful earthiness in the aroma. Give it a couple years in the cellar."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences, April 19, 2007

Under the section Tasting Notes and the category Exceptional Wines, Dan Berger recommends Bouchaine 2005 Estate Chardonnay, "Citrus with a bit of apple and pear. Round, medium-full entry, but dry and delicately crisp so it works handsomely with a wide array of foods. One of Bouchaine's best efforts."

Also in the same issue, Bouchaine's winemaker Michael Richmond is called a "superb winemaker," who is "one of the industry's most inquisitive and philosophical winemakers."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Annapolis Capital Gazette, April 2007

"Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir 2005. Medium body, pleasant cherry flavors and good balance."

--Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr in Capital-Gazette Wine Picks

2005 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in San Jose Mercury News, April 11, 2007

In Laurie Daniel's San Jose Mercury News wine column that addresses "what wines to buy if you can splurge," she writes, "...you might be interested in a celebratory splurge...but your don't want to waste it on something disappointing. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for some wines that are worth the splurge." She recommends Bouchaine's 2005 Estate Chardonnay from Carneros-Napa Valley among one of three Chardonnay splurges!

"2005 Bouchaine Chardonnay has flavors of lemon cream and mineral."

2005 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Press Democrat, April 4, 2007

Named by Press Democrat as one of the best Pinot Noirs to pair with lamb, Bouchaine's 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir earned 3.5 stars out of 4!

"Pairs well with lamb. Bold, with concentrated flavors. Has a tannic grip. Notes of strawberry, plum, and toast."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in San Diego Union-Tribune and signonsandiego.com, February 14, 2007

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in San Diego Union Union-Tribune, December 20, 2006

In the story "They'll Be Toasting Your Taste," Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay is recommended as a great holiday gift for friends and loved ones!

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in The Tennessean, November 29, 2006

The Tennessean advises "Splurge on a nice bottle for the boss" with Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay.

"Tropical and citrus notes combined with apples, melons and minerals in an appealing aroma. A strong character in the mouth did not overreach but elegantly stated its case as a great food companion."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Wine Review Online, November 17, 2006

Robert Whitley again recommends 2004 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay from Carneros-Napa Valley, this time as Thanksgiving dinner white wine!

"I always like to have a white wine at the Thanksgiving table, alongside an array of reds. This one in particular should go very well because of its emphasis on bright, clean fruit. Fruit-driven wines are essential for this feast because of the combination of sweet and savory flavors that abound at Thanksgiving. Bouchaine's Estate Chardonnay is plenty rich enough to stand up to bold flavors, and yet proves refreshing as well, thanks to lively, palate-cleansing acidity."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Robert Whitley Wine Reviews, October 2006

"93 points. If this is the wave of the future in California Chardonnay, I want to catch it. Winemaker Mike Richmond, who gained fame working with Burgundian varietals long ago at nearby Acacia Vineyards, has crafted a brilliant Chardonnay from Bouchaine's estate vineyards, which overlook the San Pablo Bay. The dominant note is a smooth lemoncreme palate with bright acidity and subtle spice notes. The oak is beautifully integrated. This well balanced wine speaks volumes about the new direction of Chardonnay in California."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Appellation America Wine Recommendations, August 23, 2006

Recommended by Appellation America!

"When Michael Richmond, a longtime progenitor of Los Carneros took over Bouchaine several years ago, he faced the task of putting this property back into the public’s consciousness. After falling from grace sometime back in the late 80s, Bouchaine has undergone many changes, including its winemaking team. With this 2004 Pinot, I believe that Richmond has fully resurrected this property."

"The wine – not unlike the unassuming but complex Richmond – is full of character with deep, earthy tar and mineral fronted by wild cherry and backed by substantial tannins and a goodly, palate-cleansing dose of acidity. It’s a true representation of what a Carneros Pinot can be and blows any notion of a wimpy, translucent cherry-flavored pop wine – a Carneros caricature – out of the water once and for all."

"Most important of all perhaps, is the fact that Richmond brought this wine in at under 14 percent alcohol (the listed percentage is 13.5 percent), which is where a cool-climate Pinot from the Carneros should be."

--Alan Goldfarb

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Vineyard & Winery Management

In his quest to uncover the well-documented mysteries of Pinot Noir, wine writer Wilfred Wong brought Bouchaine winemaker Michael Richmond to mind as the one person who can speak with decades of experience, selecting Richmond for his insights and experiences. Together they tasted Pinots from Burgundy, Carneros, and other regions renowned for Pinot Noir. Their discussions appear in his feature titled, “Pinot Noir: the “Heartbreak Grape” (September/October issue of Vineyard & Winery Management). Wong called his conversation with Michael Richmond “an almost timeless marathon of discussing pinot noir and its metaphysical constructs,” and credits Richmond and Joseph Swan Vineyards winemaker Rod Berglund for their part in carrying “the torch 24/7, both are setting the scene to reveal the realities of pinot noir.”

Excerpted from Wilfred Wong’s article:

The holistic mind of Michael Richmond theorizes, “You can’t take the human element out of the terroir.” As I was two-fisting the bold 2003 Joseph Swan Trenton Estate and the enticing 2004 Bouchaine Bacchus Collection pinot noirs, I took a double take and asked him, “What are you talking about?” I had never heard the notion that people could affect the terroir of the vineyard. Richmond further added that traditions (such as in Burgundy) handed down from generations, father to son and to grandson, has everything to do with how a wine turns out.

For a copy of the full article, please contact Lee Hodo at Bouchaine, lhodo@bouchaine.com or 707-252-9065 x28.

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir on KSRO Wine Minute Daily, June 6, 2006

"Sonoma County Wine Guy" Tom Simoneau reviews 2004 Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir, "Baked cherry and toast, delicate, balanced. Bouchaine--one of the best! Rated 4.5 out of 5."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Sante Magazine, September 2006 and Sante Annual Buying Guide 2007

"Prestige Chardonnay. Medium bodied, fresh, and clean with ripe pineapple, guava, banana, vanilla and white pepper; vibrant, zingy citrus-rind finish. Grilled portabello salad."

Recommended to restaurateurs and hospitality trade buyers for wine list inclusion at top restaurants!

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Colorado Wine News, July-September 2006

"Aged in French and Hungarian oak, 30% new, shows smoke and earth on the nose before smooth, clear flavors of black tea and cherry plus moderate tannins. The long finish shows persistent, very strong black tea. Well balanced structured, and integrated."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Appellation America Wine Recommendations, June 14, 2006

"The wine is full of character that includes a deepness of earth, tar, and minerality fronted by wild cherry and backed by substantial tannins and a goodly palate cleansing wash of acidity. The wine is drinking nicely now, but over the next 10 years it will reward those even more who have the patience and prescience to wait a bit longer."

--Alan Goldfarb

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Wilfred Wong at Bevmo.com, July 2006

"90 Points. A Solid effort, backed nicely with Carneros ripeness and elegance, the flavorful '04 Bouchaine Pinot Noir delivers excellent palate textures; perfect with grilled salmon."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in The Press Democrat, July 5, 2006

"A good chardonnay, with rich flavors. Notes of creamy mango, apple, pear, melon and mineral."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Bloomberg.com and Bloomberg Markets Magazine, August 2006

Recommended as one of four summer red wines to try and enjoy, in the August 2006 issue of Bloomberg Markets Magazine and at Bloomberg.com, "Warm cherry flavors and a hint of spice."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir in Wine Adventure Magazine, July/August 2006, and wamagazine.com

"This elegant new release is fully estate grown in Napa's Carneros region and has intense flavors of cherries and berries, with a touch of coffee and a lingering finish. For a company-worthy dinner, serve with grilled duck breasts."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Capital-Gazette, September 27, 2006

"A little over a year ago we had dinner with winemaker Michael Richmond who described to us his plans to improve the quality of Bouchaine’s wine — this wine is testimony to his efforts. The wine exhibited pronounced pinot noir varietal characteristics with a wild cherry, gamey nose and flavors that are very intriguing. A wonderful, thoughtful glass of wine."

--Patrick Darr & Tom Marquardt

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Capital-Gazette, June 21, 2006

"Big mouthfeel with citrus flavors, good oak and acidity to make it a nice food wine."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine, "Lean and Tasty Chardonnays," May-June 2006

"Bouchaine's Estate Chardonnay, featuring only 30% new oak, allows the wine to capture the up-front fruit, flavors of citrus, peach, and tropical notes that are complemented by subtle hints of oak.

"Winemaker Michael Richmond, who has been working with Chardonnay grapes since the 1970's, believes that balance is key to letting the Chardonnay grape express itself in the bottle.

--Christopher Sawyer, "The Newest Oyster for the Wine Industry: Lean and Tasty Chardonnays," Vineyard & Winery Management

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Appellation America Carneros Regional Tasting

Bouchaine 2004 Estate Chardonnay was named a Carneros Signature Wine during Appellation America's Carneros Regional Tasting of over 20 Chardonnays from the 2004 vintage.

“A new era of Carneros Chardonnay reveals a uniform regional style of elegance"

"Unbeknownst to him, this [Bouchaine 2004 Estate Chardonnay] was one of the wines that Mike Richmond said, ‘fits Carneros.’ This is a fresh, bright yet restrained wine with excellent oak integration and nice acidity, with pineapple notes. A fairly big wine with aging potential.”

--Alan Goldfarb, Napa Regional Editor, Appellation America

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, April 2006

"89 points. I just love this wine...This balanced, rich, nicely fruited, very well-made Chardonnay reaches for smooth drinkability and suggestions of complexity yet never overreaches and shows handsomely at every stop. Its mid-volume aromas of fresh apples are kissed with a dollop of creamy oak, and its polished feel on the palate comes with nary a hint of the harshness or excessive alcoholic heat that bedevils too many of the competition."

2004 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Anthony Dias Blue Reviews, May 2006

"90 points. Former Acacia co-founder Mike Richmond makes this balanced, bodacious beauty."

2003 vintage Bouchaine wines in Quarterly Review of Wines, Autumn 2005

Famed wine writer Larry Walker reveals the exciting dynamic advances that have occurred at Bouchaine Vineyards under the direction of reknowned winemaker Michael Richmond. The current issue of Quarterly Review of Wines, which can be found in newsstands as well as Four Seasons Hotels, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Relais and Chateaux Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, refers to Bouchaine as "an exhilarating tasting experience." Walker also mentions his tasting experience here at the winery where he tasted "lovely wines in barrel after barrel."

From his "Tasting Notes" section on 2003 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros-Napa Valley, "Well, this is a beauty all around. The fruit is deeper, more focused with an earthy edge and mineral elements similar to the Estate Chardonnay. The finish is long and echoing, with opening flavors looping back to a very satisfying finish."

2003 vintage Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay in Quarterly Review of Wines, Autumn 2005

From his "Tasting Notes" section on 2003 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay, Carneros-Napa Valley, "There's a delicious, embracing minearlity that excites the palate and invites a second glass. A truly splendid Chardonnay."

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay in Quarterly Review of Wines, Autumn 2005

From his "Tasting Notes" section on 2003 Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay, "Balanced and harmonious with underlying citrus, focused on lemon just edged with lime and essence of green apple. You have to look hard for any oak, which has become a part of the total structure of the wine, not a flavor component."

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay in The Wine News, February/March 2005

Bright gold hue. Creamy, sweet aromas of new oak, vanilla and lemon zest. Ripe and extremely juicy with nectar-like texture and flavors of apricot and peach. Clean, dry, balanced finish.

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay in Gourmet, Gerald Asher, July 2005

RECOMMENDED!

Gerald Asher on Carneros Chardonnays, "...the sequential unfolding of flavors - called finesse - and delicate balance in Carneros Chardonnays give them a hallmark elegance," and on Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay, "Bouchaine Chardonnay is typical of the Carneros appellation..."

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay in Wine & Spirits, February 2005

88 POINTS/HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Peppery as fresh-pressed olive oil, this has bright flavors of nectarine and white cherries - emphasizing the savory skin of the fruit. Chill for a seared salmon steak.

2003 vintage in Dallas Fort Worth Star-Telegram, July 5, 2005

WINE OF THE WEEK! Michael Richmond has played a key role in the development of the California wine industry for the past 30 years...this wine is an example of California wine at its best, food-friendly with true berrylike pinot noir flavors.

2003 vintage in San Francisco Chronicle, Recommended Carneros Pinot Noirs, August 25, 2005

Subtle loam, black cherry, raspberry nose; black cherry, raspberry, fig, plum and oak flavors; mouthwatering acidity; slight tannins; mineral on the finish.

2003 vintage in Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, February 2005

ONE PUFF! Ripe black cherry with suggestions of dark chocolate and toast provide a good sense of depth and richness to the wine's nicely fruited aromas, and the same notion of balance and quiet richness lift the flavors as well.

2003 vintage in Allen Meadows' Burghound.com, Fall 2005

88 POINTS! Deep black cherry cola and subtle spice aromas, framed by noticeable but not intrusive oak toast, blends into round, sweet and dusty medium full flavors...I like the complexity here as well as the punch.

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Chardonnay in Restaurant Wine Guide, Issue #107

FOUR STARS! Medium yellow color. A full bodied, supple, crisp Chardonnay, tasting of lemon peel, grapefruit, pineapple, roasted nut, and oak.

2003 vintage in Restaurant Wine Guide, Issue #107

FOUR STARS! A supple, full bodied Pinot Noir, with medium richness, complex character, and a long finish. It tastes of plum, dark chocolate, toasted oak, and nutmeg.

2003 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in 2005 Affairs of the Vine, Pinot Noir Shootout

91 POINTS! Love at First Sip
Spicy raspberry and cherry with hints of plum and floral notes. Luscious berry flavors, clove, and soothing oak...Smooth velvet that makes Pinot Noir so special...This one is a keeper.

2003 vintage in Quarterly Review of Wine, Autumn 2005

From his "Tasting Notes" section on 2003 Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir, "The opening is round and supple, leading to underlying serving of that pretty Carneros Pinot fruit, but with a darker edge that lingers on and on. The finish is bright, with traces of strawberry and red cherry, with once again a darker element keeping it honest."

2002 vintage in Favorite Pinots of 2003-Darryl Beeson's Wine on the Web

87 POINTS! "Soft, velvety aromas, flavors of black chery and spice."

2002 vintage in Restaurant Wine, January/February 2004 Issue #99

“4+ Stars...Supple and fruity in style, this is a full bodied, well balanced Pinot, with good flavor (plum, cherry, toast), and a medium long finish. Excellent value.”

2002 vintage in Spirit Journal, Spring 2004

"this lemony/grassy, fundamental Chardonnay fills the everyday bill very nicely. RECOMMENDED."

GOLD MEDALS in 2004

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

2002 vintage in Tacoma News Tribune, May 5, 2004

"interesting mix of tangerines, butter, and vanilla. Soft, creamy style shows a lot of barrel influence, but not in-your-face oak. Easy to like, with pear and citrus peel lingering on the finish."

2002 vintage in WINE ENTHUSIAST, June 2004 Buying Guide

"lots of rich fruit in this smooth, affordable wine...a good value in a big, gooey Chard brimming with tropical fruit, buttered toast and smoky spices."

2002 vintage in The News Journal (Delaware)-October 2003

"Fresh, fragrant, and clean. Good value!"

2002 vintage in Restaurant Wine, January/February 2004 Issue #99

“4+ Stars. Excellent value. This is a supple, full bodied, finely flavored Chardonnay, with good balance and a medium long finish. It tastes of banana, apple, roasted nut, peach, and toast.”

2002 vintage in Los Angeles County Fair Wines of the World Competition

GOLD MEDAL!

2002 vintage in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

GOLD MEDAL!

2001 vintage in California Wine and Food Magazine, February 27, 2003

Pick of the Week
"This chardonnay is absolutely first rate and a good value at the suggested retail price. Bouchaine specializes in the Burgundian varietals and their 2001Chardonnay shows splendid Carneros fruit."

2001 vintage in Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, April 2003

One Puff (87)!
...this rounded, balanced, well-defined Chardonnay keeps solid varietal fruit in the picture from beginning to end. Its impressions of ripe apples come with a sweep of sweet oak enhancement, and it finishes with mildly toasty notes to its very comfortable fruit.

Four Plus Stars, Restaurant Wine, Issue #83

A luscious Chardonnay, in a full-bodied, lightly oaked style. It is well balanced and long on the palate, and tastes of apple, baked bread, roasted nut, and vanilla..

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

Elements of both ripe and slightly green apples surface in the rather straightforward aromas of this bright and cleanly made young Chardonnay. The wine follows through with likeable, crisply finished flavors that reiterate the lively fruit of the nose.

Riverside International Wine Competition

Chairman's Award

Wine & Spirits

89 POINTS! This big wine has the super-ripe chardonnay flavors of orange peel, golden apples and golden raisins. Yet even with the caramel scent of the wood, the wine retains a savory character, a spiciness that will build on grilled Pampano or other substantial, fleshy fish.

Yellow Ribbon

2004 Houston Rodeo Wine Competition

2002 vintage in Dallas Morning News Wine Competition

GOLD MEDAL!

2002 vintage in Los Angeles County Fair Wines of the World Competition

GOLD MEDAL!

2002 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in PinotReport, March 2004

92 POINTS! "black cherry, berry and spice on the nose; full flavors of cherry, spice and cinnamon, nice sweet oak, good balance and structure, long finish. Beautiful, aromatic Pinot from Mike Richmond and his new team at Bouchaine, this wine is an indicator of a bright future for this Carneros winery."

2002 vintage Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir in Wine Enthusiast, November 2004 Buying Guide

89 POINTS! "A pleasant wine, with lots of rich and refined notes of cherries, coffee, and dried herbs. Silky and delicate, showing zesty acidity, this classy wine is easy to drink."

1999 vintage Gee Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anniversary Release Annapolis Capital, Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr

Great Pinot noir depends on soil and a perfect climate. The anniversary release of this Carneros wine is simply outstanding. Good extract of flavors that show muscle and concentration. Enticing flavors that range from jammy cherries to blueberries touched by dollops of smoke and cedar. This wine will age well. The Gee vineyard produced the producer's best grapes and were reserved for this special occasion.

2002 vintage in 2004 Affairs of the Vine, Pinot Noir Shootout

91 POINTS! Love at First Sip
Smoke and spice on the nose lead to black cherry, strawberry jam and plum flavors on the palate. Well balanced with concentrated flavors all around.

2002 Gee Pinot Noir Pinot Noir Overview, Darryl Beeson

Complex aromas of fruit and earth are followed by chewy flavors of bright red cherry, coating the palate with jam-like strawberry and herbal complexity. Though this bottle is a limited production, realize that Bouchaine's standard pinot noir at about half the price is always a safe bet.