2010 marked the first crop from these young vines. We used the tiny first yield to create our reserve Pinot – barely enough fruit for a mere 25 cases. The minuscule crop gave us just enough juice for a single barrel. We selected new French Oak and aged the wine in barrel for 12 months. An early tasting of the wine reveals the classic characteristics of the 777 clone – blackberries, black cherry and even a hint of leather and tobacco. Foggy Bottom Reserve is an elegant Pinot that’s ready to drink now but should age gracefully for the next 7 to 10 years.

Illuminatus is a classic Sangiovese from head to toe. A nose full of flowers, wild cherry, blueberry and cassis. Luscious and vibrant on entry with explosive red fruit, violet and mineral. The acidity is lively and juicy, and gives way to a full body and soft, supple tannins. Finishes long and clean. Drink now through 2025.

GOLD MEDAL WINNER 90 points - 2013 Affairs of the Vine Cabernet Shootout

The 2009 Assassin retained the characteristics of the 2008 vintage, striking the perfect balance between the rich fruit and signature tannins of the Howell Mountain juice. Spicy red fruit on the nose with hints of eucalyptus and cedarwood. Blueberry, black cherry, dark chocolate and vanilla notes intertwine on the mid-palate. Hints of leather and tobacco are revealed in the long finish, enhanced by velvety tannins. Drink now through 2020.

Many central coast growers produce ultra ripe, high sugar fruit allowing their winemakers to take the “fruit bomb” approach to their Zins. We used a somewhat more nuanced approach to Skull & Bones, in order to showcase the subtle characteristics of our Westside fruit. The result is a restrained, elegant wine that exhibits both complexity and balance. While many Paso Robles zinfandels boast alcohol levels approaching 17%, Skull and Bones clocks in at just 14.5%. An excellent example of why sometimes, less is more.