Tip Top is, unsurprisingly, Green & Red’s highest-elevation vineyard. At elevations of 1,800 to 2,000 feet, the parcel includes a mix of cordon- and head-trained vines planted in the green-tinged serpentine gravels and red chert for which the winery is named. Winemaker Aaron Whitlatch has preserved mountain environs in the fruit here, warm plums scented with pine, bay laurel and madrone. It’s focused and lean, with a claret-like center of gravity tethered to foresty tannins. For lamb shoulder.

94 Pts Wine & Sprits