2004 Bodacious
National Women’s Wine Competition, April 2007, Bronze Medal

2003 Bodacious
"The wine has great structure and a unique character that reminded us somewhat of an Italian Sangiovese with its savory spices and refined red fruit flavors. The acidity is mouthwatering which would make it a great food wine and there are nice grippy tannins that make the wine hang on and entice your palate. It should mellow and improve with age. A great buy with lots of interest." Bon Vivant, Bordeaux Varietal Wine Guide, January 2007 Best Buy, "A" Peak Grade

Orange County Fair, May 2006, Gold Medal

Patterson’s Beverage Journal, May 2006
The 2003 vintage of Toad Hall "Bodacious" is a 50/50 blend of Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that we found startling from the get-go. Or should we say "Rivet"-ing.

Our 2005 Willow Pond Pinot Noir has a new label and name. In 2004 we simply called this same wine Carneros Pinot Noir. In 2003 it called Carneros Pinot Noir with a Lavender Hill Vineyards designation on the front label. We apologize for the confusion. The wine is indeed made in the same style as previous vintages and now sports a new look and identity!

2005 Willow Pond Pinot Noir
No accolades to report at this time

2004 Carneros Pinot Noir (now called Willow Pond)
“Possesses pretty cranberry and strawberry notes, good acidity, decent concentration, and a medium ruby color.” Robert M Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate, December 2005, rated 86 points.

2003 Carneros Pinot Noir-Lavender Hill (now called Willow Pond)
“Medium-deep ruby purple color: deep, spicy concentrated berry aromas with a hint of pepper; deep and rich with reduced cherry and berry flavors, spice and sweet oak; good structure and balance, long finish. Deep and full, with oak in balance, this Pinot from Toad Hall is a nice example of how complex Carneros Pinot can be.” Gregory S. Walter, PinotReport, June 2005, rated 90 points

2005 Lavender Hill Pinot Noir
Ratings.com, Mat 2007, rated 89 points, silver Medal
“Brilliant deep ruby color. Creamy spice, cedar, and white clay aromas. A supple, round entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity medium body or tart cranberry and raspberry flavors with a toasty oak-accented fade and moderate tannins. A nicely balanced pinot with fine acidity. Leave this for a year or two in the cellar.”

National Women’s Wine Competition, April 2007, Silver Medal

The San Diego International Wine Competition, April 2007, Bronze Medal

2004 Lavender Hill Pinot Noir
Monterey Wine Competition, March 2007, Bronze Medal

“Reveals blacker fruits intermixed with the cherry and strawberry characteristics. It reveals excellent ripeness, nice spice, and Medium body.”