Balkan Crest

90 PTS WINE ENTHUSIAST. The 2010 Willow Crest Pinot Gris is medium bodied with citrus and melon character and a clean, crisp finish.

91 PTS WILFRED WONG. A superb effort from an unlikely area, the lively '03 Fasi Crest from Madera County proves that an ultra-premium red wine can indeed flourish from this area; rich yet balanced.

88 PTS WILFRED WONG. A wine that is hard not to like, the tasty, straight-forward '07 Walnut Crest has plenty to boast about; long and flavorful on the palate; fine, textured finish.

Ripe flavors of blackberry, bay leaf, olive, and anise are balanced by savory acidity and supple tannins. The finish is long and rich with aromas of vanilla, tea leaf, and mocha.

Soft and easy, a pretty red that everyone one will enjoy; smooth on the palate and in the finish; nicely done.

90 PTS WILFRED WONG. Showing aromas of nectarine and mineral, the demonstrative '08 Fog Crest Chardonnay offers oak, peach skin and tropical fruit on the palate.

The fruit-forward Walnut Crest Shiraz has appealing dark berry, plum, pepper-spice and vanilla flavors, a soft texture and a satiny finish.

86 PTS WILFRED WONG. An urban wonder, the richly built '02 Angeles Crest breaks out with plenty of ripe berry aromas and flavors; lasts nicely on the palate; a solid pick with a rib-eye of beef.

85 PTS WILFRED WONG. On the porty side in aromas and flavors, the nicely balanced '04 Angeles Crest Zinfandel dances on the palate with fine vigor and vitality; a good choice with grilled beef ribs.

85 PTS WILFRED WONG. Round and ripe, the deeply hued '05 Angeles Crest Chardonnay comes across with fine ripe citrus flavors; a fully developed with; enjoyed with grilled pork chops.

The Angeles Crest Reserve Merlot is a delicious red-fruited wine with soft, easy tannins; drinks well upon release.

92 PTS WILFRED WONG. A big, broad-shoulder wine with lots to offer, the bold '05 Cougar Crest Winery Anniversary Cuvee, a blend of Bordeaux vareitals, serves up a tremendous rush of superb flavors.

87 PTS Wilfred Wong.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL BEST OF SHOW 2006 SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITS COMPETITION. the only scotches used in this blend are Glenlivet 1977 and North of Scotland 1974, a rich honey barley palate, lingering finish.

85 PTS WILFRED WONG. No mystery here, the '07 Walnut Crest Merlot is a good, straight-forward red; ripe, dusty, and round; soft tannins and easy on the palate; fine with a charred-grilled steak.

A pleasing wine, the fresh and lively Walnut Crest Pinot Grigio is a well-made wine for the everyday dinner table; give it a nice chill and enjoy.

A great value from the Columbia valley of Washington; the brightly fruited Arbor Crest Riesling offers ripe core fruit flavors, with a wonderful balance; a perfect wine for any occasion.

Arbor Crest Sauvignon Blanc is ripe, round and effusively fruity, a nice mouthful of peach and tangy lemon flavors reverberating nicely on the finish.

BRONZE MEDAL, 2003 SAN FRANCISCO INT'L WINE COMP. An alluring wine, the '99 Arbor Crest Dionysus shows how superb the Columbia Valley does with Bordeaux varieties; a great wine with a rib-eye steak.

A good red for simple enjoyment; no fanfare needed here, just common sense enjoyment of a straight-forward Merlot.

On the elegant side, with red currant-like flavors is primed for the dinner table; would do wonders with a roast pork tenderloin.

A tangy wine, with melon and citrus in abundance. A fine wine for light meals with fish or poultry.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, BEST OF CLASS, 2008 SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMP. A very successful effort, the lively and well-balanced '06 Hawk Crest Chardonnay serves up pleasant and lasting core fruits.

Enticing aroma of ripe summer fruit with refreshing flavors. Shellfish, light pasta go well; made at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.

A fruit forward wine with flavors of red fruit and currant complete with a smooth finish.

85 PTS WILFRED WONG. No mystery here, the '07 Walnut Crest Merlot is a good, straight-forward red; ripe, dusty, and round; soft tannins and easy on the palate; fine with a charred-grilled steak.

An easy-drinking Cabernet, the Walnut Crest shows up with pretty red fruit flavors and a light yet persistent palate; one of the country's top value red wines.

88 PTS WILFRED WONG. A wine that is hard not to like, the tasty, straight-forward '07 Walnut Crest has plenty to boast about; long and flavorful on the palate; fine, textured finish.

Tangy orange and zesty lime blend with tropical fruit for a lush smooth palate, while citrus aromas fill the nose. ABV 11.3%