RATING:

 (88-90) points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

Santa Maria Valley , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA,

VARIETY:

Pinot Noir

DRINK:

2007 - 2012

ESTIMATED COST:

$79

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

Ambullneo’s 2006 Pinot Noir Bulldog Reserve was made from Dijon clones primarily from the Solomon Hills Vineyard combined with a small amount from Laetitia Vineyard. Thirty percent or more was whole clusters. Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by notions of spicy oak, plums, black cherries, pomegranates, and currants. This well-made, pure, rich 2006 does not quite measure up to the 2005, but it is an elegant, lighter-styled, pure, nicely textured Pinot to enjoy over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker

RATING:

 (92-94) points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

Santa Maria Valley , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA,

VARIETY:

Pinot Noir

DRINK:

2007 - 2017

ESTIMATED COST:

$95

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

Linn’s single vineyard offering, the 2006 Pinot Noir Rancho Ontiveros, is 100% whole cluster cuvee that represents a stunning expression of both the vintage and Pinot Noir. Its dark ruby/purple hue and big, sweet bouquet of black cherries, earth, forest floor, and spice are followed by a full-bodied wine with terrific concentration, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and beautiful sweetness and length. This beauty will drink well for a decade or more. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker

RATING:

 (89-91) points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

Santa Maria Valley , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA,

VARIETY:

Pinot Noir

DRINK:

2007 - 2014

ESTIMATED COST:

$95

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

The 2006 Pinot Noir Rim Rock will please consumers looking for lower alcohols (13.5%) and modest pH’s (3.4). It reveals lovely sweet cherry and cranberry fruit intermixed with hints of forest floor and flowers. Medium-bodied with good acidity, moderately rich aromatics, and superb purity as well as length. It should turn out to be outstanding, and age nicely for 5-7 years. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker

RATING:

 87 points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

Santa Maria Valley , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA,

VARIETY:

Chardonnay

DRINK:

2012 -

ESTIMATED COST:

$59

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

Displaying exotic notes of orange rind and white peaches, the 2006 Chardonnay Big Paw offers good minerality, crisp acidity, and a tart finish. While not one of his top Chardonnays, it is a light, zesty effort to consume over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker

RATING:

 88 points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

California, USA,

VARIETY:

Chardonnay

DRINK:

-

ESTIMATED COST:

$59

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

Slightly bigger than the Big Paw, the 2006 Chardonnay Fang Blanc is made from a combination of stainless steel-fermented and aged as well as barrel-fermented fruit. Only small amounts of new oak are utilized. It offers up hints of pineapple, guava, and mango in its medium-bodied, crisp, zesty, fresh personality. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker

RATING:

 93 points

PRODUCER:

Ambullneo Vineyards 

FROM:

Santa Maria Valley , Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California, USA,

VARIETY:

Chardonnay

DRINK:

2010 -

ESTIMATED COST:

$79

SOURCE:

WA, #172
Aug 2007

Ambullneo’s debut single vintage white is the 2006 Chardonnay Solomon Hills, a 100-case cuvee that was put through full malolactic fermentation. Deep, full-bodied, and rich, with a Batard-Montrachet-like, honeysuckle, marmalade, lemon butter, and popcorn-scented style, this fat, fleshy Chardonnay possesses good acidity as well as a long, heady finish displaying loads of tropical fruit. Enjoy this striking effort over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (805) 474-5678

-Robert Parker