A powerful and dramatic Pinot Noir. The first thing you notice is the depth. The range of flavors goes on and on, ranging from cherries, oranges and cola through mocha to more classic notes of forest floor, mushrooms and peppery spices. Bone dry, with ultra-fine tannins, it’s a gorgeous wine now, and should age gracefully for 6–8 years.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)
Very fine and complex. This deeply flavored Pinot Noir is powerful, but it’s also elegantly silky, which is the magic combination. Shows perfectly ripe cherry and raspberry fruit, with gorgeous overtones of oak and spices. Beautiful now, and will age well through 2014 or so.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)
Made solidly in the California style of ripe fruit and plenty of oak. Shows luscious pineapple tart, pear jam and buttered toast flavors, but balanced with firm acidity and a stony minerality.
— S.H.
(7/1/2011)
The flavors are rich, spanning cherry pie and raspberry tart, vanilla and cinnamon-sprinkled cappuccino, and a hint of ripe, sweet Heirloom tomato. For all the richness, the wine is dry, silky and balanced.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
Very bright and zingy, with that brilliant shine of citrusy acidity you find in a good Carneros Chard. The apple, peach and spice flavors finish in a rich, creamy swirl of fruit and oak.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
Lots of richness in this dry, minerally Chardonnay. It has forward flavors of peaches, pears, baked green apples and flint, while lots of new oak contributes honey and caramel notes.
— S.H.
(8/1/2008)
Smoke, burnt toast and vanilla aromas are all indicative of a full-fledged barrel regimen, but that’s O.K., because the raspberry fruit can handle it. This wine has near-perfect structure: The acidity is bracing but stops short of being sharp, while the tannins are firm but friendly. By the time winter rolls around, this should be just about ready.
— W.E.
(10/1/2002)
Provides that extra edge of meaty complexity you find in the better Pinots of this appellation. That’s on top of the blackberry, coffee, rhubarb, herb and cola flavors. Very dry, and marked by rich, sweet tannins and crisp acids, this wine will hold for several years.
— S.H.
(6/1/2004)