Chardonnay 2004 ~ $24  

This tiny 3-acre vineyard is nestled in the private valley of the Yokayo Ranch, where charcoal pits from Pomo cooking fires are still visible among the vines. Pamela Ricetti is the farmer - and a gifted opera singer. Her vision created this incredible gem and she tends each vine with love  - serenading them as she sits astride her big John Deere. We barrel ferment in 2-year-old French oak and find that even those who claim to hate chardonnay love this "medium" style.

Viognier 2009 ~ $24  New Release!

Our version of classic the Rhone varietal from vineyards along the Russian River Valley of Hopland.  Aged in stainless steel to retain crispness, this wine is a perfect compliment to seafood and lighter fare, but stands alone when that cool glass of white seems just right. We like it with oysters and our local Dungeness crab in season from December to June. If you’re lucky enough to get a taste of our local prized abalone, this is the perfect wine!

Pinot Noir ~ $28  New Release!

Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley is being noticed at last for the fine quality of its Pinot Noir grapes.  With the coolest climate of all appellations in California, essential for quality Pinot Noir, grapes ripen slowly and develop intense varietal character.  This elegant wine, a blend of two vintages, is 100% Pinot Noir, with a lovely garnet color and excellent balance.

Merlot 2005 ~ $  Just bottled to be released soon!

Picked from a 1-acre vineyard right next to Pamela’s Chardonnay, this Merlot has a complexity derived from the combination of small berry clusters, Pam’s expert farming, and the perfect spot. We made 300 cases and barrel-aged it for 30 months in European and American oak.

Zinfandel 2006 ~ $24           

This collaboration with our winemaker friend Marco Capelli produced an exceptional Zin from one of the best growing areas in California. Amador's hot and dry growing season assures full ripeness, while the high vineyard elevation gives it a natural acidity - a perfect balance with the legendary Zin fruit character of this area.

Petite Sirah 2005 ~ $32          

Within the last 10 years DNA science has been applied to grape varieties, identifying Petite Sirah as a cross between French Syrah (Shiraz in Australia) and an obscure grape called Pelorsin. Created in the 1880’s by a plant biologist named Dr. Durif – the grape is known as Durif in France and traveled to California with immigrants at the turn of the century. Susceptible to rot due to its tightly packed clusters, it is notoriously difficult to grow. Dipping to under 2,000 acres in the 90’s, a comeback is alive and well among winemakers who cherish its versatility in blends as well as its sturdy dark beauty.

Carignane 2005 ~ $24  

Huge trunks of these old head-pruned vines tell the story of multiple generations of the Ricetti family.  Tom & Pamela recognize the winemaker's need for fruit flavor intensity and prune this vineyard severely to allow a yield of only 3 to 4 tons per acre. Hard to say, but easy to drink - an easy pick for sipping.

Barbera 2006 ~ $32 

A long time favorite among our customers, good Barbera grapes are rare. We went to Amador to seek out this fine example of this nearly forgotten gem. We hope you'll enjoy it with hearty flavored dishes - a "food" wine if there ever was one! There were only 200 cases produced.

"Kick Ass Barbera!" ~ Stacy

It's My Fault ~ $12  

Our multiple vintage & varietal blend  (based upon Syrah, Charbono and Carignane) made upon the discovery of the PACIFIC STAR FAULT, named for the winery and announced to the Geologic community in 2006. Our fault runs directly under this building and is a part of the San Andreas system – possibly the northern extension of the Hayward Fault located in the East Bay region of San Francisco. Keep a bottle around for those moments when “I’m sorry” needs to be expressed in a creative way. An inexpensive gift too!

"It's My Fault Rocks" ~ Marcellus  

CORO Mendocino 2006 ~ $37 

48% Zinfandel ~ 25% Syrah ~ 9% Petite Sirah ~

9% Dolcetto ~ 5% Charbono ~ 4% Grenache 

In 2000 Pacific Star joined 8 other wineries to bring recognition to Mendocino County’s rich vineyard heritage. Strict production protocol defines a sophisticated blending program. Each winery’s blend is, by rule, based upon 40% to 70% Zinfandel and 9 other varietals can be blended in as components. All grapes must be grown in Mendocino County. Sample blends are tasted blind 4 times during the year where they’re carefully scrutinized by the entire group of CORO winemakers. Wines ultimately face thumbs up or down by a 3-winemaker panel before passing muster as a CORO. A minimum of 25% new oak and an entire year in bottle results in individually fascinating wines with a familial thread running through Blend: 40% Zinfandel.       

CORO Mendocino 2005 ~ $40

40% Zinfandel ~ 25% Petite Sirah ~ 15% Carignane ~

10% Charbono ~ 10% Barbera

"Love the CORO blend!" ~ Stephanie Lenox

Barbera 2003 ~ $45

Native to the Piedmont region in Northwest Italy, Barbera is uncommon in the US market because of a shortage of plantings in appropriate sites. Its naturally high acidity needs to be tempered by a slow ripening season made up of hot days and cool nights – we’re fortunate to find this ideal temperature range in the benchlands of Mendocino County. Try Barbera with your favorite Italian style foods.

"Incredibly Smooth" ~ Marcus, Westport CA