Winemaker's Notes
We first used this name as part of a pair of Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs from 1999: ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Little Sister’ was an effort to describe their personalities. I resurrected part of this designation as a way to describe the scope of this particular wine and that it has darker fruits as well as the more typical coastal red fruit. It is very full and generous yet seems quite able to keep its ample self contained within its corset of structure (not so ‘brotherly’ terms, I’m afraid. Probably should have called it ‘Hoochie Mama.’) Everyone who has tasted this from barrel or shortly after bottling has inquired as to when it would become available, which is a very good sign.
Judi Scherrer –
Burghound – July 2009
An expressive nose that is at once elegant, pure and ripe offers up lightly spiced blue and red pinot fruit aromas that carry nuances of briar, cassis and earth, all of which continue onto the beguiling and utterly delicious big-bodied flavors brimming with extract that renders the otherwise firm tannic spine almost invisible. While this wine will certainly be capable of up to a decade’s worth of cellar time, it is so good right now that it will hard to resist. In a word, terrific. 92/2014+ Allen Meadows
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2009
Saturated,vivid red.Exotically perfumed bouquet of red and dark berries, tarragon, Asian spices and potpourri. fleshy red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth, with dusty herb and candied flower notes adding complexity. The spicy note recurs on the finish, which is impressively sweet and persistent. I’d have no trouble drinking this right now. 91 points. Josh Raynolds
Judi Scherrer –
California Grapevine – October 2008
Medium-light to medium ruby color; attractive, forward, complex, spicy, fragrant, cranberry and cherry fruit aroma with hint of sassafras; full body; forward, rich, plummy, spicy, raspberry and ripe cherry fruit flavors with good depth; well balanced and structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very enjoyable to drink now and should continue to develop and improve with several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended. 91 Points. Nick Ponomareff