The 2007 Eisrebe, made from 100% Scheurebe, has 7.8% alcohol and 23 grams of residual sugar. It falls between an Auslese and Beerenauslese in style, offering notes of marmalade, maple syrup, and caramelized tropical fruit, terrific acidity, and beautiful purity. It should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. The Freestone Vineyard, a 100-acre, cool climate site planted on the Sonoma Coast by Joseph Phelps, is finally coming into production, offering consumers a bevy of different Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. There are three Chardonnay offerings, all of which emphasize the minerality and citrusy characteristics of this varietal with little intrusive oak, despite the fact that they are barrel-fermented and aged primarily in new French oak. The Cabernet Sauvignon program consists of three wines, the Cabernet Sauvignon, their famous proprietary red wine called Insignia, and their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the western hillsides of Oakville, called Backus. The regular Cabernet is a solidly made, reliable effort usually comprised of about 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec. The single vineyard offering comes from Oakville’s Backus Vineyard. There are typically 1,500-2,500 cases produced from this biodynamically farmed vineyard.Tel. (707) 963-2745; Fax (707) 963-4831

A beautifully sweet, honeyed dessert wine with savory flavors of apricots, green apples and pineapples, this sweety is balanced with crisp acidity. Easy to drink, with just 8% alcohol.——S.H.(9/1/2008)—— 88