This wine has both brightness and earthy tones amidst the brambly fruit backdrop.  Deep, plummy color and floral aromatics. The cooler Westside climate moderated ripeness and gave us grapes that allowed us to produce an "old world" style wine, with balanced fruit and integration. All the classic zinfandel aromas and flavors are present, nuanced by an austerity that is hard to come by in most California Zinfandels.

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 2017.

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.