Bobdog Winery at Skypine Vineyards

Decided one afternoon to explore an AVA from the top down, so I went to the highest AVA in Sonoma County - Pine Mountain AVA.   Actually, it is the highest AVA in the United States.  This AVA is most known for Bordeaux grapes, with some Rhone varietals grown.  What is interesting is that grapes grown at elevation (between 1500 to 2500 ft) produce grapes with a higher skin to juice ratio than at lower elevations.  This give a very intense, robust, flavor profile.  Also increases the value of the juice, as less is produced and difficult growing conditions.  The wines produced at elevation are part of a growing ultra premium wine category you may be hearing about.
Now...to Bobdog. The owners, Kandi and Tim, purchased the property over 25 years ago and are growers first.  In the last few years they have started producing wines themselves.  They grow the Noble 5 Bordeaux and make a few blends and a Merlot port-style wine.  When I first got to the winery I realized just how steep a drive it really was and thought what a pain it must be to grow and harvest grapes here.  The view up her is just amazing.  You are in this tiny AVA, bridging Sonoma County and Mendocino Counties and looking down on the hills over Cloverdale.  
These people are a hoot.  Very down to earth.  Very knowledgable.  They do tastings right in the room they produce the wines in.  They even let me join in the process, stirring the "must" for fun (it is a lot of work, btw.)  Tim and Kandi are about the grape...growing it...and making wine with the grape being the star of the show.  They don't want to mess with it or throw too much at it, and don't believe it pushing up the flavors with some oak.  They let the wine shine on it's own merits.
The tasting is well thought out.  They even pair with foods, knowing their wines stand up best to the palate this way.  It was a very nice experience.
All the wines had nice acidity, balanced tannins, and great flavors.  If you tried these without food, you may think them a bit too strong.  With food, however, they are perfectly balanced and give you a great mouthfeel as well as delivering a lush taste compliment to your chosen bite.  I spent a good two hours just talking to the owners about their wine, their vineyard, and their history.  Bobdog was named after their first dog, a Rottweiler named Bob.  The winery is now patrolled by a McNab named Cabernet, Cabbi for short.
Wines are very decently priced, around $30-48.
Definately call for an appointment.  It is a drive up the hill. They are very nice people, but it is a small production winery and they will sit down with you when you come.
This winery is worth the trip up the hill.  Especially if you want to explore the different AVA's or see really what a change in terroir can do to a grape.

http://www.bobdogwine.com/contact/

Cheers.!