The Drunken Cyclist • Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard 95 Points • April 2021

Source: The Drunken Cyclist • April 2021

2017 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard —Estate

The Dooleys entered into a lease agreement for the Stone Corral Vineyard back in 2001 and this 2017 marks the 15th vintage of this wine. I have four words for this wine: Give. It. Some. Time. While it will certainly benefit from some additional cellar time (at least three years), if you are as impatient as I am (OK, as my wife), please decant this lovely wine for a good couple of hours. Upon opening, it is certainly delightful, with bright fruit, tense acidity, and considerable earthiness. But. After a couple of hours open, this transformed from a “lovely Pinot” into a luscious rock-star in the waiting. Holy Cow. Initially, when compared to the Edna Valley ($38) from Stephen Ross, I was more impressed with the less-expensive wine (although only slightly). Now? Eight hours later. Whoa. Rich fruit, racy acidity, earthy tones, all in perfect concert. Yeah. I can hang out here indefinitely. Bravo Steve and Paula, bravo.

- Jeff Kralik.

The Drunken Cyclist • Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 93 Points • April 2021

Source: The Drunken Cyclist • April 2021

2017 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley —Estate

All of the fruit from this wine comes from the Stone Corral Estate Vineyard, but it is blended after the barrel selections for the two barrel, Black Label Arête and the five barrel Stone Corral Vineyard. For only $38? While, yes, that is likely beyond “Tuesday night” status for most of us, it is certainly a bargain for this quality of Pinot. Really light color in the glass with Bing cherry, Bay leaf (is that capitalized?), subtle eucalyptus, and a dash of black pepper. Yowza. The fruit takes the stage first on the palate, but it is quickly followed by the acidity, which ends up stealing the show. A bright, tart, fruity extravaganza of a wine. Whoa.

- Jeff Kralik.

Wine Enthusiast • Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard 94 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2018 Pinot Noir, Stone Corral Vineyard —Estate

Dark-cherry and black-raspberry aromas meet with loads of crushed slate and dried loam as well as hibiscus and rosewater on the dynamic nose of this bottling. The palate is also very rocky and mineral-driven, while showing darker plum and purple-flower flavors.

- Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast • Pinot Noir, Edna Valley 93 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2018 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley —Estate

Deep, dark and sharp aromas of black raspberry and crumpled lavender are coated in a slate-like minerality on the nose of this appellation blend. The purple -lower focus is pure and intense on the palate, where a bright acidity opens toward cinnamon and vanilla on the finish.

- Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast • Chardonnay, Bee Sweet Vineyard 92 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2018 Chardonnay, Bee Sweet Vineyard

Hints of coconut, meringue and light nectarine make for a suavely integrated nose on this bottling. It's pure and crisp on the palate with citrus-peel and tart apple flavors, leading into warmer spices on the finish.

- Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast • Chardonnay, Edna Valley 91 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2018 Chardonnay, Edna Valley

Bright on the nose with fresh lime blossoms, lemon-zest, crisp nectarine and light oyster-shell aromas, this is a solid appellation blend by veteran Stephen Ross Dooley. A pithy grip frames the sip, where richer hints of browned butter and dried apple emerge against the brisk citrus elements.

- Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast • Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County 91 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2018 Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County

This countywide blend begins with wet slate, dried herb, cinnamon spice and tart cherry aromas on the nose. There is a riper thickness to the palate, where black-tea, mace, dried lavender and boysenberry flavors align.

- Matt Kettmann

Wine Enthusiast • Albariño 91 Points • May 2021

Source: Wine Enthusiast • May 2021

2019 Albariño, Spanish Springs Vineyard

Subtle on the nose at first, this brisk bottling opens toward green pear, lime-peel and mossy stone aromas, with a bit of air. Zesty acidity and a chalky mouthfeel deliver what's most needed in a white wine of this style, with fresh flavors of grapefruit rind and flesh popping as well.

- Matt Kettmann