'Very Good,' PinotFile: "14.0% alc. Light straw in color. Aromas of buttered toast and toasted oak overshadow aromas of pear, apple and petrichor. Flavorful, featuring baked apples, pear, toffee, and an appealing mineral character. Slightly creamy with a steely finish. A restrained and delicate, acid-driven style. (6/25/12)"

Anthony Filiberti, one of the trio of winemakers at Anthill Farms, has joined forces with Peter Knez to create Pinot Noir and Chardonnay exclusively from Knez's parcels of the Demuth and Cerise Vineyards. These vineyards are arguably some of the best in the Anderson Valley, and it looks like the Knez wines are going to be a force to be reckoned with. The 2009 Demuth Chardonnay sees 45% new oak, spends eight months in barrel and is then racked in stainless for another four months. Given the demand and high accolades it is already receiving, this stellar first vintage will evaporate quickly.

Tasting notes: On the nose, juicy lemon curd aromas abound. Mineral. Good concentration leading to not-so-ripe pineapple notes. On the palate, the wine is silky and sexy. Oak influenced, but not overly so. Spicy, clean and exotic. Forward and ready to go. Very polished texture. Long, lemony finish with a touch of anise.