What a wonderful Pinot Noir. I tasted this with a range of other good coastal Pinots and it stood out for the depth and complexity. You’ll find the silkiness, acidity and ripe cherries and blackberries in many other Pinots, but also a richly earthy, grilled Portobello, miso and tannin quality. There’s a ton of new oak, but it’s totally appropriate.
— S.H.
(2/1/2007)
Classic Cambria Pinot from the Santa Maria Valley, this is translucent in color, silky in texture and bone dry, yet unbelievably concentrated. Full bodied and warm in alcohol, it has massive flavors of cherry compote, cranberry, persimmon, sweet, smoky oak and crushed spice. It should age gracefully over the next six years.
— S.H.
(2/1/2013)
Great price for a Chardonnay this rich and attactive.Although the alcohol is relatively high, the wine feels balanced, with a proper tension between ripe fruit, oak, alcohol, lees and acidity. Offers savory flavors of lemondrop candy, pineapple tart and buttered toast.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
Our favorite of the experimental clones. The smoked bacon and underbrush aromas turn to a big mouthful of juicy black cherries and licorice, accented with a dusting of earth. It’s a big, lush Pinot that finishes with chocolate-covered cherries.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
A very big, rich and full-bodied Pinot that may strike some as too voluminous, but it sure is delicious. Shows intricate flavors of cherry tart, red currants, Dr. Pepper cola, anise, black pepper, sandalwood and smoke, wrapped into a silky texture. Drink now through 2013.
— S.H.
(3/1/2010)
This is the best Pinot Noir at this price on the market. Easily. It’s picture-perfect cool climate, absolutely dry and silky, with complex flavors of cherries, Mandarin orange, cola, pomegranates, licorice and cinnamon spice, made even richer by smoky oak. Just lovely, and gets even better as it breathes in the glass.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
This small-production Pinot is ripe and intense. It immediately strikes you with the sheer opulence of its cherry and blueberry flavors. But the structure is immaculate, with pure, refined tannins, plus bright, zesty acids. It has a lot of alcohol, and the wine is a bit warm, but Pinot-friendly foods like steak and lamb will help to balance it. Drink now–2016.
— S.H.
(2/1/2013)
Richer than the regular bottling, a monster of a wine, with fig, apple, pear and tropical fruit aromas and flavors. Even novices will know this is an “important” white wine.
— S.H.
(7/1/1999)