The 1999 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard was muted the day I tasted it, but shows an impressive dark ruby/purple color in addition to streamlined, austere cranberry, red currant, and cherry flavors. With an underlying mineral note and spicy oak, this wine is quite most backward. There were only 93 cases produced of this wine, which will not be released for another 9 months. (Release date 9/01)Tel. (707) 578-3882; fax (707) 578-3884.

The dark ruby-colored 1998 Pinot Noir Coastlands Vineyard is a firm, backward wine. It exhibits subtle toasty oak, outstanding concentration, a tight personality, medium body, firm tannin, and a mineral structured, earthy finish. The 14.1% alcohol is remarkably well-hidden. Production was a minuscule 1/2 ton per acre. It should be alluring when released next year. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2007. Tel. (707) 578-3882; Fax (707) 578-3884 (release date 9/00)