This place doesn't have boutique winery hipster appeal so if you're looking for that, go elsewhere. The pourer we talked to works in the field with the winemaker; she said that they all wear many hats. The people behind the tasting counter are just wonderful. Last time it was the wine maker himself! Though he said it's rare to find him doing the tasting.

The winemaking at Woodenhead is pure and simple or, if you will, Burgundian done California-style. Woodenhead Vintners wine is handcrafted from a hard labor of love in tune to the natural rhythm of the land, the water, the air, and the seasons. No mechanical pumping is employed. Inoculated yeast and malolactic cultures, hand punching, basket pressing, French oak, and California fruit is what you get. Small and unique lots are their goal, ultra premium wine is the result.

Wow. Pretty big wines and pretty reasonable prices. It was hard to find one that wasn't a match for us, and had a re-pour of one of the Cabs to confirm the one we loved the most.

Pinots with 92-97 points, and very nice Cabs. Craig and Ziggy were just as cool as mentioned, and even helped us push our appointment time back after running a bit behind.

If you are like us, making appointments is sometimes tough. However, this place is totally worth planning your entire day around. Provided it's your only appointment of the day.

The wines, Pinot Noir's, range from garnet color to deeply colored (2009 Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir) with a hint of blue at the edge of the glass. Complex aromas open slowly to show savory spices, pungent cedar and subtle earth. Dark, brooding fruit aromas suggest a bramble of wild blackberries. Flavors follow aromas on the palate with a sweet, round core of cherries. The palate weight is significant and the mouth coating tannins are firm, but yielding.