Recently I had the pleasure of dinning with KimberlyPfendler owner and Greg Bjornstad winemaker of Pfendler Vineyards and toexperience their inaugural release of their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Thiswinery was started by Kimberly to honor the memory of husband who planted theoriginal vines that now produce such an exceptional wines. Made from all estatefruit grown in the Petaluma region of Sonoma and with Greg’s very talented handthey are producing a total of 550 cases a year. It is not often that you comeacross such a well-made and classic example of each veritial, layers of richfruit and structure with just the right amount of oak. With each sip I feltlike I was drinking a classic wine from Burgundy with a liveliness you find inCalifornia fruit.

The 2007 Chardonnay was an example of how this grape canshine, rich and creamy the layers of fruit flowed over the tongue beautifullyAromas of warm yellow baked apples and lemon custard filled the glass andtantalized the senses with anticipation. Once the wine hits the mouth all the magiccontinues, soft and warm with pears and dried apricots starting the tastingexperience, and a creamy meringue finish. Delicate hints of oak merry with thefruit to make a tasting experience out of the world. With a retail of $40 thisis one of those classics for special occasions and memorable meals, just makesure you get more than one bottle, with quality and flavors of this caliber andonly 150 cases produced this wine will not last long.

Now for the 2007 Pinot Noir, from the first rich and lushred fruit filled the mouth. The aromas of briar patch and spice all with subtlenotes of raspberries. These lead into a soft as velvet tasting experience. Softbright red fruit and layers of vanilla and creaminess married together and madethis one of the most elegant Pinot Noirs I have tasted in quite some time. At $50a bottle and only 200 cases produced I would stock up on a case; I feel thatthis wine will age nicely and continue to evolve in the next five to ten years.