The 2008 vintage was cool and resulted in lighter-bodied wines that also were lower in alcohol. That trend benefited wines like this lovely one from Regale. It has a transparent, silky texture, yet is very rich in cherry pie filling, bacon and Indian spices. Feels beautiful and complex now, and should develop bottle nuance over the next six years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
This young Pinot is rather fruity and heavy now, like the liquid version of a raspberry and cherry pie. Yet it has vibrant acidity and fine tannins, leading to the eternal question: Will it age to something more refined? My bet is yes. Give it 5–6 years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Dark in color, soft in structure and rather heavy, this is a good Pinot Noir that doesn’t quite rise beyond a drink-me-now polish. It has jammy flavors of cherries, blackberries and mocha. Drink now.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Soft in acids, with gentle, dusty tannins and an official alcohol level of only 12.8%, this straightforward Cabernet offers pleasant raspberry and tobacco flavors. It’s light-bodied and dry.
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)
An atypical Rutherford Cabernet, being sweeter, jammier and more simple than you’d expect, especially at this price. Raspberries, cherries, cola and licorice are the flavors.
— S.H.
(4/1/2011)