Davis Bynum Wines

Well, my "day" off stretched into a week, but I wasn't really taking a break from wine writing. In that time I attended three online tastings, submitted four articles for other publications, and caught up on receipts and invoices. Add to that the time spent picking up shipments of samples, photographing and organizing them, clearing out the empties (the neighbors are constantly baffled), and it was one busy week in the life of your humble correspondent.

Time to get back on schedule with a pleasant pair from Sonoma.

Davis Bynum was a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle in 1951 when he bought some Petite Sirah from Robert Mondavi. Twenty years later he would become well known as the first winemaker to produce single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, a subregion now famous for the style.

2012 Davis Bynum River West Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
100% Chardonnay
$30, 14.5% abv.

Pleasantly crisp with a balanced touch of oak. Bright acidity and flavors of overripe peach with a rounder, slightly buttery finish. Should be great with grilled quail and German potato salad this summer.

2012 Davis Bynum Jane's Vineayrd Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
100% Pinot Noir
$40, 14.5% abv.

Classic California Pinot Noir with a gentle profile of wild strawberries and mild tannins. Light hints of earth and spice in the background. Set out a platter of Spanish cheeses, olives, and salumi and enjoy a quiet evening snack.

Note: These wines were provided as samples for review.