Winemaker's Notes
This is what many of you have been waiting for (with varying degrees of patience). I believe this to be our finest Russian River Valley (RRV) bottling to date. It is a synthesis of some fantastic, ‘complete’ fermentation lots as well as some amazing, complementary components from others. The goal is to achieve something exciting, complex, harmonious, age worthy, and compelling. It has its signature cherry cola and mysterious, fresh loam aromas and flavors, yet has finally ‘resolved’ enough of its substantial structure to allow us to perceive and enjoy the beginning of a long, happy relationship with this wine. I feel satisfied that at this time anyone who understands and loves Pinot Noir will find fulfillment in this wine upon opening. I will attempt to evaluate this wine on as close to a daily ritual as my better judgment will allow.
There has been much hype over this vintage for Pinot Noir, so there is no need to pile on unnecessarily. Let me simply add that the material from this vintage was right down my alley stylistically. This wine and the previously released Sonoma County Pinot Noir were recently reviewed in a flight of 9 wines of the same vintage by California Grapevine (Feb–Mar 2008). They were the top two wines of the flight, most of which cost significantly more.
Judi Scherrer –
Connoisseur’s Guide – October 2008
Although not among the bigger or more bombastic Pinots to be found, this buoyant youngster exhibits plenty of precise, cherry-like fruit and a nice dollop of sweet oak spice. Its soft and fairly mannerly tannins provide structure yet in no way interfere with near-term enjoyment, and the wine looks to be a good bet for service with savory pork dishes. 88 points, 1 puff