Awards & Accolades
Out of 9,800 establishments nationwide, including 175 restaurant groups and chains, Davis Bynum was ranked #2 Pinot Noir producer in the $16-18 segment in the BTG category.
“Gentle fresh-herb and fresh grass notes add interest to the succulent kiwi fruit, lime, and tropical flavors. Winemaker Greg Morthole aged approximately 60% of the wine in neutral oak and acacia barrels, which enhanced the mouthfeel without interfering with the wine’s vibrancy.”
“From a five-acre block of Sauvignon Blanc on loamy soils, this wine is fattened up by a portion of fruit that’s fermented and aged in neutral French oak and acacia barrels. It doesn’t go through malolactic, so it sustains its tangy freshness, with notes of tart apple, white cranberries, Crenshaw melon and some green-peppercorn spiciness. Juicy and clean, it’s ready for melon with prosciutto.” - J.G.
“Greg Morthole sourced fruit for this 2017 from vineyards in the Santa Rosa Plain, the Middle Reach of the Russian River Valley and Green Valley. Some of the fruit also came from an estate vineyard in the Petaluma Gap. Those varied sites provided enough generous fruit flavor to balance the wine’s brighter notes of sassafras and earthy notes of roots. It’s a clean, fragrant and spicy Pinot Noir to pour with grilled pork.” - J.G.
The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast, and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.
“Greg Morthole ferments this Chardonnay in French oak barrels, where it undergoes malolactic conversion, then he ages it for ten months. Still, the cool, spicy freshness of the fruit from this vineyard on Westside Road carries through the wine in notes of lemon blossoms, lemon zest and deeper tones of bay leaf. The wine’s density and savor keep it grounded, even as the bright fruit gives it a lift.”
“Impressive Davis Bynum Chardonnay: very distinct in character (pineapple, lemon, apple, white peach, lime, spearmint), full bodied, crisp, and very persistent on the finish. Great value. Can be aged a bit. Aged 12 months in French and eastern European oak barrels, 17% new. Clones 4, 15, 76, 809, Wente, Spring Mountain.”
92 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL - 2016 River West Chardonnay
90 POINTS, GOLD MEDAL - 2017 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
“Davis Bynum’s 2016 Pinot Noir Jane’s Vineyard is a pretty, racy wine endowed with lovely fruit purity and fine balance. Bright raspberry, spice and floral notes add nuance to this mid-weight, racy Pinot.”
The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.
“The nose of the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc Jane’s Vineyard Virginia’s Block opens with tropical aromas of mango and lemongrass with notes of lime zest, chopped herbs and stone. It’s light to medium-bodied, offering lots of tropical and green fruit in the mouth, with zesty acidity and a satisfying finish.”
“The 2016 Chardonnay River West Vineyard opens with notes of lemon, crème fraîche, toast and yellow tree fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with tropical-tinged fruit and toasty accents, with refreshing acidity on the finish.”
“Medium ruby-purple, the 2016 Pinot Noir Jane’s Vineyard gives warm blackberries, red and black cherries and pomegranate liqueur on the nose, with background notions of earth and spice. Light to medium-bodied, it’s very soft and slick in the mouth with an uncomplicated finish.”
2018
94 points, Gold Medal - 2015 River West Chardonnay
90 points, Gold Medal - 2016 Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points - 2015 River West Chardonnay
“This has a toasty and flinty edge to the nose with an array of ripe peach and lemon-curd flavors in a fleshy, crisp and upbeat style. Drink now.”
91 points - 2016 Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
“A ripe and approachable, generously fruited style with a wealth of rich and ripe cherries on the palate. Smooth, open-knit finish. Drink or hold.”
“A ripe and approachable, generously fruited style with a wealth of rich and ripe cherries on the palate. Smooth, open-knit finish. Drink or hold.”
