88
points
Firefly Night 2008 Lone Oak Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
-
$55
This is a heavy, full-bodied wine, with the weight of a Rhône variety, perhaps Grenache. Purists will criticize it for lacking the elegance you want in an expensive Pinot Noir. It’s dry and tannic, with deep flavors of red currants, cherries, licorice, Canadian bacon and peppery spices. Could develop in the bottle, but it’s risky.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
87
points
Firefly Night 2008 Split Rock Vineyard Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast)
-
$40
A gigantically flavored wine, massive in pineapple, guava and apricot flavors, liberally accented with 65% new French oak. Although it’s dry, it may even have a touch of botrytis, to judge from the honeyed concentration. Defines a particular style, but it doesn’t seem to have a future, so drink up.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
87
points
Firefly Night 2008 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
-
$40
A bit too heavy and direct, offering strong, upfront flavors of red and black berries, stone fruits, cola and currants, liberally spiced and oaked. The mouthfeel is full and weighty, lacking some elegance, but it is totally dry. Could be a sleeper.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)