91
points
Mayo 1998 Piner Ranch Vyd Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$35
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)
91
points
Mayo 2001 Piner Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
-
$30
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)
91
points
Mayo 2001 Ricci Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)
-
$25
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)
89
points
Mayo 2004 Emma's Vineyard Unwooded Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley)
-
$20
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)
89
points
Mayo 2002 Page-Nord Vineyard Syrah (Sonoma Valley)
-
$30
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)