Sonoma’s Great Grape Hunter

by Robert Parker

Winemaker Bill Hunter is the force behind Chasseur Wines’ beautiful chardonnays and pinot noirs (”chasseur” is the French word for “hunter”). The artisanal winery—5,000 cases are made per year—specializes in small lots of wine from some of the Russian River’s finest vineyards.

94 POINTS
2005 Pinot Noir Freestone Station. The deep ruby-hued wine boasts a striking chocolate, sweet cherry, spice, and floral-scented nose. It is elegant, with loads of intense strawberry and black cherry fruit on the palate, and abundant richness. Enjoy this stunning 2005 over the next 5 to 6 years. $60

94 POINTS
2005 Pinot Noir Sylvia’s. The 2005 Pinot Noir Sylvia’s exhibits notes of roasted Provençal herbs, sweet black cherry, and strawberry jam, with sweet tannins and lovely fruit flavors. Drink this hedonistic pinot over the next 3 to 4 years. $60

94 POINTS
2005 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard. Lemon, peach, crushed rock, toasty oak, and tropical fruit characteristics emerge from this full-bodied, expressive, and flamboyantly aromatic wine. This sensual, seductive, super-intense, pure effort should drink well for 2 to 3 years. $55

Read the entire article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_12/b4076082846246.htm?chan=globalbiz_europe+index+page_after+work