Really delicious, in that ultraripe, juicy style. Black cherry, plum, blackberry, cassis, spice, pepper and herbs blend in a bold manner, making this a very satisfying wine. Spicy, bright and long on the finish, with firm ripe tannins to frame it.
— W.E.
(11/1/2003)
Richer and denser than Mayo’s Sangiacomo bottling, this one also seems more marked by oak, with vanilla, menthol and toast aromas all riding over black cherries. In the mouth, the fruit really comes forward; there’s impressive depth and body here, and a lushness that’s balanced by a long finish with fresh acidity. Should age for up to 5 years—maybe more. Only…
— J.C.
(12/15/2000)
Has the extra depth of earthy meatiness you want in a Russian River Pinot. This is a big, complex wine whose flavors range from cherries through rhubarb, cranberry, cola and sweet heirloom tomato to sage, pepper and oregano. It feels great in the mouth, light and lilting but serious.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
Very ripe and extracted, verging on blackcurrant marmalade, although it’s technically dry, but lavish oak lends a wood-sap sweetness. The tannins are ripe and gentle, providing a plush mouthfeel. Glamorous and balanced.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
It’s unusual to see a Pinot Gris from this appellation, much less a vineyard-designated one. This wine easily lives up to its address. It’s sleek, slick and clean in high acidity, with a vibrant minerality that explodes with fig, grapefruit and white pepper flavors. Absolutely yummy.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
The full, grapey nose is vintage Cabernet, but it’s not particularly complex. There’s a little razor’s edge to the cherry fruit, with herbal notes on the astringent finish. In a word, it’s crisp and tight.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
Mayo has struggled in the past with these grapes but this vintage brings them back to form. Lush, ripe and intense in plum, cherry, violet and smoky leather flavors, in a dense, complex wine that will develop additional complexities through 2006.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)
With no wood, all you get is pure fruit. The flavors are young and vibrant, suggesting succulent ripe grapes, grapefruits and white peaches, set off by keen acids. What a pretty wine this is, bone dry, long on the finish and complex.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)