Winemaker's Notes
There has already been much hype over the 2007 vintage. Much of it is well-deserved. With the usual mixture of red fruits, earth, perfume, etc. this wine is currently showing a hint of cumin spiciness as well. It has a good central core of flavor that gently lifts to a mouth-watering finish. Like past vintages of Pinot Noir, it will improve over the next couple of years, yet I see no reason why one cannot begin taking a peek at this one from time to time. However, if you are looking for something to open within the next few months, I’d recommend including some of the 2006 Sonoma County or Russian River Valley PN, which are drinking well right now. Get into the 2007s as your 2006s become harder to locate. It will be worth it. For the past few years, our Sonoma County Pinot Noir’s are actually all from Russian River Valley lots that had a different balance and personality than those that came together to form the RRV bottling. The Sonoma County bottling tends to hit its stride sooner, yet stays there effortlessly for several years. Both 2003 and 2004 vintages are still quite ‘in the zone.’
Judi Scherrer –
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar – May 2010
Medium red. Cracked pepper, Asian spices and raspberry on the nose, with suave mineral and herbal undertones. Lively, finely etched red fruit flavors gain depth and sweetness with air, with notes of licorice and rose adding complexity. Juicy and alluring Pinot with excellent finishing lift and clarity. 91 points. Josh Raynolds