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photo by Sandy Crozier
I always look forward to Pinot Days, as Steve and Lisa Rigisich do such a great job of corralling a host of great California and Oregon producers, and a few stray French ones, for a very well organized and comprehensive event. There are so many strong California producers available that one can get a pretty good sense of what the current vintage is like up and down the state.
In a shift from the past several years, the grand tasting this year was held on a Saturday instead of a Sunday, and a week earlier than in the past. The Saturday seminars were therefore eliminated, but there were a couple of seminars offered on Friday afternoon and evening (Williams Selyem and Oregon Pinots) which I did not attend, and a seminar Saturday evening (originally featuring a dozen, and ultimately 14, “Noble Stars” celebrating “Pinot’s diversity”), which I did attend. My notes are therefore based on the Saturday grand tasting and the evening seminar, between which I managed to taste 183 wines from 65 producers. Of these, the 2009 vintage dominated with 87 samples, 55 were 2008s, 29 were from 2007, seven (mainly rosés and barrel samples) were 2010 babies, and five more hailed from older vintages. Four were rosés, five were whites and the rest–174–were reds. Most were, appropriately, Pinot Noirs–a total of 174–with the rest being Chardonnay (3), Pinot Gris (2), Syrah or Syrah blend (2), rosé blend (1) or Pinotage (1).
In terms of vintage, 2007s continue to be impressive, structured and made for aging. The 2008 vintage was a very challenging one, both due to weather conditions and fires that raged up and down the state, leading to noticeable smoke damage on Pinot and other red varieties. It was California’s weakest vintage by far in many years, and I consider it a near miracle that some producers were able to pull out a good Pinot in such a difficult vintage. A number of these near miracles were featured at this tasting, as well as some that reminded me of all the 2008 “ashtray” wines I’ve had to taste to date as a result of this smoke-plagued vintage. So far, 2009s are showing expressive fruit and balance, with many producers having dialed back on the ripeness levels of two and three years ago. The regrettable trend that I wrote about last year, and that I’m continuing to see too many examples of, is high stem or whole cluster inclusion levels. I’ve written here a number of times about my concern that Pinot Noir’s delicate fruit is easily overwhelmed by a high percentage of stems, or whole cluster inclusion. Unlike Syrah, which can really stand up to, and benefit from, high percentages of stem inclusion, Pinot with high stem inclusion turns into “vin de stem”–a stemmy wine, with a lot of green notes, and barely discernable fruit. At best, I get green peppercorn on some of these wines, but very little of the silky red fruit and cherry, with good acid levels and overall balance, that makes Pinot Noir my favorite red grape. Pinot with fairly low stem inclusion–at most, 10 to 15%–can often lead to good texture and complexity of flavors with a few years of age. In my fervent opinion, however, based on lots of tastings, it is the extremely rare Pinot Noir that merits or benefits from inclusion of more than 15% whole cluster. I won’t bother to list the producers whose wines veered into the vin de stem territory here, but you can easily pick them out from my tasting notes below.
There were over 200 producers on hand, so in deciding which wineries to taste in the several hours I had, I ruled out several great Pinot producers that I had tasted recently: August West, Big Basin, Cargasacchi, Etude, Siduri (except for the one I tasted at the evening seminar, as I usually get to taste most of the lineup every year with Adam), and Sojourn. I also try to get to as many new producers, or at least new-to-me producers as I can.
This year, my favorite producers outside of those above, whose wines I rated an average of 91 points or more, were Arcadian, Archery Summit, Baxter, Benovia, Clos Pepe, Copain, Dutton-Goldfield, Fort Ross, Gypsy Canyon, Hirsch, Kosta Browne, Ladd Cellars, Loring, Mahoney, Roar, Romililly, Scherrer, Small Vines and Zotovich. My favorite Pinots of the tasting, which I rated 91+ points or higher, were:
2007 Arcadian Pisoni – 91+ points
2005 Arcadian Fiddlestix – 91+ points
2009 Archery Summit Arcus Estate – 93 points
2008 Archery Summit Arcus Estate – 92 points
2007 Baxter Toulouse Vineyard – 91+ points
2007 Baxter Oppenlander Vineyard – 92 points
2009 Benovia Sonoma Coast – 91+ points
2009 Benovia Savoy Vineyard – 92 points
2009 Benovia La Pommeraie – 93 points
2009 Clos Pepe Vigneron Select – 93 points
2009 Copain Wentzel Vineyard – 92+ points
2009 Copain Les Voisins – 91+ points
2009 Dutton-Goldfield Fox Den – 92 points
2009 Failla Hirsch Vineyard 92+ points
2009 Failla Occidental Ridge – 92+ points
2007 Fort Ross Symposium – 92+ points
2009 Fort Ross Sea Slopes – 92 points
2007 Fort Ross Reserve Fort Ross Vineyard – 93+ points
2009 Hirsch San Andreas Fault – 91+ points
2009 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast – 91+ points
2009 Kosta Browne Russian River Valley – 92+ points
2009 Kosta Browne Gap’s Crown Vineyard – 92 points
2008 Ladd Cellars Russian River Valley – 91+ points
2008 Ladd Cellars Cuvee Abigail – 92 points
2008 Ladd Cellars Moore Ranch Vineyard – 92 points
2007 Le Cadeau Diversite – 91+ points
2007 Londer Paraboll – 91+ points
2007 Londer Estate Grown – 91+ points
2007 Mahoney Las Brisas Vineyard – 91+ points
2007 Mahoney Mahoney Ranch – 92 points
2009 Roar Rosella’s Vineyard – 92 points
2009 Roar Pisoni Vineyard – 92+ points
2008 Scherrer Sonoma County – 92 points
2007 Scherrer Russian River Valley – 92 points
2008 Scherrer Russian River Valley – 91+ points
2007 Scherrer “Big Brother” – 92 points
2008 Scherrer Platt Vineyard – 92+ points
2009 Small Vines – 91+ points
2009 Small Vines MK Vineyard – 92+ points
2009 Small Vines Baranoff Vineyard – 92 points
I have just a few more brief notes about some standouts from the tasting before getting to my detailed tasting notes below. It’s true what you’ve heard about Kosta Browne–the 2009s are more balanced than these wines have ever been before, and I was quite impressed by them. Their fruit sources have always been top notch, and by getting with the modern trend of picking for balance, rather than maximum sugar levels, they’ve created some beautiful wines that also have some good aging potential. Archery Summit was my favorite of the Oregon producers, and it’s nice to see their wines showing strongly again. A relatively new producer, Baxter, continues to impress. The 2009s from Benovia were the best overall I’ve tasted from them so far–they’re clearly going from strength to strength, and make excellent Chardonnays too. I didn’t get a chance to taste the whole Clos Pepe lineup this time, unfortunately, but the 2009 Vigneron Select was definitely one of my wines of the day. Well done! The Failla lineup was really good overall, except for a very bretty Sonoma Coast bottling. Fort Ross continues to be a great source of ageworthy wines, and the ’07 Reserve was another WOTD. The Ladd Cellars 2008s were among those miraculous 2008s I’m talking about. I don’t know how Eric did it in such a challenging year, but all four were very good Pinots. Mahoney continues to be a great source of undervalued and under-the-radar Pinots. The combination of Ed Kurtzman’s winemaking and Gary Franscioni’s great fruit leads to continuing pleasures from Roar. Fred Scherrer is one of California’s great underappreciated winemakers, and his recent Pinots are as strong as everything else he does. Paul Sloan’s Small Vines 2009s are continuing his winning streak, and showing what his young but maturing vineyards are capable of. And, finally, the French offerings the last couple of years have been minimal and weak. Does it make sense to keep offering a few Burgundies at these events? Shouldn’t the focus be on what Pinot Days showcases so well: West Coast Pinot Noir?
Adastra - 2008 Adastra Pinot Noir - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Black fruit, tart black fruit nose; tart black fruit, plum palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
- 2007 Adastra Pinot Noir Proximus - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Berry, black fruit nose; berry, blackberry palate; medium-plus finish (80% new oak; Pommard, 777 and 115) (90 pts.)
Aeshna - 2007 Aeshna Wines Pinot Noir Split Rock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Focused berry, plum nose; plum, berry palate; medium-plus finish (87 pts.)
- 2008 Aeshna Wines Pinot Noir Split Rock Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Berry, plum nose; berry, plum palate; medium-plus finish (87 pts.)
- 2008 Aeshna Wines Pinot Noir Two Pisces - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Brett, tart red fruit nose; brett, tart berry palate; medium-plus finish (86 pts.)
- 2009 Aeshna Wines Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Light black fruit nose; black fruit, berry palate; short medium finish (85 pts.)
- 2009 Aeshna Wines Pinot Noir Doctor's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Black fruit, plum nose; black fruit, plum palate; short-medium finish 85+ points (85 pts.)
Alma Rosa - 2008 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Tart cherry nose with a touch of smoke; smoke, tart raspberry palate; medium finish (88 pts.)
- 2008 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Black red color with pale meniscus; tart black cherry, red berry nose with a green note; tight, tart cherry, tart red fruit, tart raspberry palate with green notes; medium-plus finish (667, 777, 115, 114, clone 4 and Swan) (90 pts.)
Ancient Oak Arcadian - 2007 Arcadian Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Focused, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry nose; tasty, poised, tart cranberry, tart cherry, mineral palate; medium finish 91+ points (40% whole cluster) (91 pts.)
- 2005 Arcadian Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Hibiscus, rosehips nose; light, tart cranberry, hibiscus, rosehips, mineral palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2007 Arcadian Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Tart red fruit, brett nose; tasty, tart red fruit, cranberry, mineral, brett palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2005 Arcadian Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Earthy, floral, tart strawberry nose; tasty, tart strawberry, tart cranberry, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
Archery Summit - 2009 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvée - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Sous bois nose with a touch of brett; better on palate, tart cherry, brett, sous bois, mineral palate; medium finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
Brett, tart red fruit, floral nose; silky textured, medium bodied, tasty, tart cherry, mineral palate; medium-plus finish (93 pts.)
- 2008 Archery Summit Pinot Noir Arcus Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
Sous bois, brett nose with a touch of stem; tart cranberry, rosehips, mineral palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
Baxter 
- 2007 Baxter Pinot Noir Toulouse Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Cherry, raspberry, spice nose; tasty, poised, raspberry, tart cherry, spice palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2007 Baxter Pinot Noir Oppenlander Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County
Spicy cherry, berry nose; tasty, spicy, cherry, tart berry palate; long finish (92 pts.)
Benovia 
- 2009 Benovia Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Nice, floral, tart cherry nose; very tasty, rich but poised, tart cherry, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2009 Benovia Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Pre-release (Fall release) - raspberry, black raspberry nose; tasty, plush, raspberry, black raspberry, black cherry, balanced palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2009 Benovia Pinot Noir La Pommeraie - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lifted, floral, tart cherry, tart raspberry nose; tasty, balanced, tart raspberry, floral palate; medium-plus finish (clones 828 and 777; single guyot; 2x2 plantings) (93 pts.)
Carabella - 2008 Carabella Pinot Noir Estate - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
Tart raspberry, light oak nose; tart raspberry, light oak palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2008 Carabella Pinot Noir Mistake Block Carabella - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
Cherry, roses nose; tight, tart cherry, tart raspberry, light oak palate; needs 1-plus year; medium-plus finish 89+ points (89 pts.)
- 2008 Carabella Pinot Noir Inchinnan Carabella Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains
Tart cherry, roses nose; silky textured, tart cherry, tart raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
Clos Pepe - 2009 Clos Pepe Estate Pinot Noir Vigneron Select - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Dark cherry red color; cinnamon, focused cherry, raspberry, spice nose; spicy raspberry, ripe cherry palate with depth; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (1/3 each 667, 115 and Pommard clones; 2/3's new French oak) (93 pts.)
Copain - 2009 Copain Pinot Noir Wentzel Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Nice cherry, raspberry, lifted nose; tasty, medium bodied, tart cherry, tart raspberry palate with lift; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2009 Copain Pinot Noir Les Voisins - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Cherry, light oak, raspberry nose; tasty, raspberry, tart cherry palate; medium finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
Couloir - 2009 Couloir Pinot Noir Monument Tree - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Tart red fruit, stems nose; tasty, tart red fruit, stems, menthol palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (1/3 whole cluster; 1/3 new oak) (89 pts.)
Dutton-Goldfield - 2009 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Noir Fox Den - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Medium dark ruby color with 4 millimeter clear meniscus; silky textured, ripe raspberry, ripe cherry nose; tasty, ripe raspberry, ripe cherry palate; medium-plus finish (16 mos. in barrel) (92 pts.)
Eric Kent - 2009 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Small Town - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Black fruit, black cherry nose; black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Sascha Marie - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Nice black cherry, berry nose; silky textured, black raspberry, black cherry, berry palate; medium finish (90 pts.)
- 2009 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Stiling Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Deep, burnished, black cherry, berry nose; tasty, ripe, black cherry, berry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2010 Eric Kent Wine Cellars Pinot Noir Stiling Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Barrel sample - primary, black cherry nose; youthful, black cherry, tart black fruit palate; medium-plus finish 90-92 points (90 pts.)
Failla 
- 2009 Failla Pinot Noir Pearlessence - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Lovely, roses, floral, black raspberry, black cherry nose; tasty, roses, black raspberry, black cherry palate; medium finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Failla Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - focused, tart cranberry, black cherry nose; luscious, tart black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2009 Failla Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - black cherry, black raspberry, berry nose; tasty, rich, black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2009 Failla Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Brett, tart cherry nose; bretty, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish (88 pts.)
Fog Crest - 2009 Fog Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir LAGUNA WEST - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Cinnamon, tart red fruit nose; cinnamon, tart red fruit palate; needs 1-plus year; medium-plus finish (35% new French oak) (89 pts.)
- 2009 Fog Crest Vineyard Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Cinnamon, tart red fruit nose; tight, cinnamon, tart red fruit palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish 89+ points (89 pts.)
Fort Ross 
photo by Sandy Crozier
- 2007 Fort Ross Pinot Noir Symposium Fort Ross Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Light medium garnet color with 9 millimeter clear meniscus; lovely, floral, aromatic, strawberry nose; tasty, delicate, tart strawberry, tart raspberry, mineral palate with orange acidity; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2008 Fort Ross Pinot Noir Fort Ross Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Floral, hibiscus, lifted, tart strawberry nose; tasty, light-medium bodied, tart strawberry, mineral palate with a little smoke; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery Pinot Noir - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Lovely, floral, roses, rosehips nose; tight, tart raspberry, rosehips, black raspberry palate; needs 3-plus years; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2007 Fort Ross Pinot Noir Reserve Fort Ross Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Lovely, roses, tart cherry, tart raspberry nose; tight, roses, tart raspberry, ripe cranberry, black raspberry palate; needs 3 years; medium-plus finish 93+ points (93 pts.)
- 2006 Fort Ross Pinotage Fort Ross Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart black fruit, light oak, cranberry nose; tight, tasty, tart black fruit, meat jus, tart prune palate with tart edges; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
Foursight Foxen - 2009 Foxen Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Tart cranberry, pine nose; tight, tart red fruit, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (88 pts.)
- 2009 Foxen Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Lifted, tart red fruit nose; ripe red fruit, tart cherry, cinnamon palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
Freeman - 2009 Freeman Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tart cherry, stems nose; tart cherry, stems palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2009 Freeman Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart red fruit, stems nose; tasty, tart red fruit, stems, raspberry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Freeman Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tart cherry, tart raspberry nose; tart raspberry, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2009 Freeman Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvée - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart red fruit, tart cherry nose; tight, tart red fruit, cinnamon palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
Frogmore Creek Furthermore 
- 2008 Furthermore Pinot Noir Amber Ridge - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tart cherry, spice, touch of smoke nose; tart cherry, spice, light smoke palate; medium finish (88 pts.)
- 2008 Furthermore Pinot Noir Bohemian Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Brett, tart cherry nose; brett, menthol, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2008 Furthermore Pinot Noir La Encantada - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Nice, rich cherry, berry nose; tasty, ripe cherry, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
Gary Farrell - 2007 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Russian River Selection - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
French oak, cherry nose; tart cherry, French oak palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2008 Gary Farrell Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Cherry, berry nose; berry, smoke palate; medium-plus finish (88 pts.)
Gypsy Canyon - 2009 Gypsy Canyon Winery Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Lifted, ripe cherry, raspberry nose; tasty, ripe raspberry, cherry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
Hilliard Bruce - 2008 Hilliard Bruce Pinot Noir Moon - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
From magnum - French oak, ripe cherry nose; ripe cherry, spice, French oak palate; needs 2-plus years; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Hilliard Bruce Pinot Noir Sun - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - Rich berry, raspberry nose; cherry, French oak, spice palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Hilliard Bruce Chardonnay - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Nice tart lemon, green apple nose; tart green apple, apple palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (1st vintage) (90 pts.)
Hirsch - 2009 Hirsch Vineyards Chardonnay - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart apple nose; tasty, tart apple, ripe green fruit palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir The Bohan-Dillon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Lifted cherry, raspberry nose; soft cherry, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Hirsch Vineyards Pinot Noir San Andreas Fault - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - big cherry, raspberry nose; tight, spicy cherry, raspberry, French oak palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
J.K. Carriere - 2010 J. K. Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Light orange pink color; tart watermelon, tart apple nose; tasty, tart cantaloupe, tart orange palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2009 J. K. Carriere Pinot Noir Provocateur - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tart red fruit, floral nose; clunky, heavy, tart black fruit palate; medium finish (10% new oak) (83 pts.)
- 2008 J. K. Carriere Pinot Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tart berry, brett, raspberry nose; tart raspberry, brett palate; medium-plus finish (84 pts.)
Joseph Jewell - 2008 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Appian Way Vineyards - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Smoke, tart black fruit nose; smoke, tart black fruit, black cherry palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
- 2008 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Elk Prairie Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Humboldt County
Light oak, black cherry nose; light bodied, black cherry palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
- 2009 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir Floodgate Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Slight VA, raspberry nose; raspberry, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish 87+ points (87 pts.)
- 2009 Joseph Jewell Pinot Noir - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Berry, black cherry nose; black cherry, berry palate; medium finish 85+ points (85 pts.)
Joseph Swan - 2007 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Saralee's Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Raspberry, light oak nose; raspberry, berry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2009 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Cuvée de Trois - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lifted, raspberry, black raspberry nose; black raspberry, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2007 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Trenton View - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Reticent, black cherry, brett nose; black cherry, black raspberry, brett palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2008 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Trenton View - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Intense black cherry, black raspberry nose; black cherry, black raspberry, berry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2007 Joseph Swan Vineyards Pinot Noir Trenton Estate - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Black cherry, black raspberry nose; black cherry, black raspberry, cola, berry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
Kanzler - 2009 Kanzler Vineyards Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Green peppercorn, cherry nose; tight, tart raspberry, green peppercorn palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (about 20% whole cluster) (88 pts.)
Keefer Ranch - 2008 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Oak, tart berry, baked cherry nose; black cherry, oak, berry palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
French oak, black cherry nose; black cherry, French oak palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (90 pts.)
Kosta Browne - 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Lovely raspberry, ripe cherry nose; plush, raspberry, tart cherry palate with balance; medium finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lifted black cherry, berry, black raspberry nose; tight, tasty, raspberry, black raspberry palate with balance; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2009 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Sandalwood, cedar, tart cherry nose; tasty, tart cherry, spice, sandalwood palate; needs 2-plus years; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2008 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Medium dark cherry red color with pale meniscus; reticent, tart cherry, red berry nose; rich, ripe cherry, ripe raspberry, red berry palate with a little heat; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
Ladd Cellars - 2008 Ladd Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Cherry, French oak nose; cherry, raspberry, French oak palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2008 Ladd Cellars Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Black cherry, black raspberry nose; black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2008 Ladd Cellars Pinot Noir Cuvée Abigail - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Poised raspberry, French oak nose; tasty, delicate, raspberry, floral palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2008 Ladd Cellars Pinot Noir Moore Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Floral, tart cherry nose; tasty, tart cherry, tart raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
Lattanzio - 2009 Lattanzio Pinot Noir Manchester Ridge Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino Ridge
Stems, red fruit nose; tart red fruit, cinnamon, stems palate; medium-plus finish (25% whole cluster) (86 pts.)
- 2009 Lattanzio Pinot Noir W.E. Bottoms - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Black cherry, stems nose; black cherry, stems palate; medium-plus finish 87+ points (87 pts.)
Le Cadeau - 2008 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Côte Est - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Black cherry, caramel nose; tight, black cherry, plum palate; medium finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2009 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Rocheux - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Berry, caramel, plum nose; caramel, plum palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
- 2009 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Diversite - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Black cherry, plum nose; tasty, black raspberry, plum palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Équinoxe - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Cherry, black cherry nose; tart cherry, tart black cherry, stems palate; medium finish 89+ points (89 pts.)
- 2008 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Aubichon Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Plum, black cherry nose; Damask plum, tart cherry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2007 Le Cadeau Pinot Noir Diversite - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Medium dark cherry red color with 1 millimeter clear meniscus; tart red fruit, hibiscus, floral nose; tasty, silky textured, tart cherry, hibiscus, tart red fruit, mineral palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
Londer - 2009 Londer Pinot Noir Anderson Valley - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Tart cherry nose; spicy, tart cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2007 Londer Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyards - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Tart cherry, oak nose; tart cherry, spice palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2007 Londer Pinot Noir Paraboll - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Raspberry, spicy cherry nose; tasty, ripe raspberry, French oak, spicy cherry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2007 Londer Pinot Noir Anderson Valley - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley
Ripe cherry, raspberry nose; tasty, ripe cherry, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
Loring Maboroshi Mahoney 
- 2010 Fleur de California Pinot Noir Vin Gris North Coast - USA, California, North Coast
Ripe watermelon, strawberry nose; tasty, ripe watermelon, strawberry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Fleur de California Pinot Noir Carneros - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Cherry, raspberry nose; tasty, ripe raspberry, cherry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2007 Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir Carneros - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Deep roses, floral, cherry nose; tasty, tart cherry, tart raspberry, roses palate; medium-plus finish (always a good value, well-made Pinot) (91 pts.)
- 2007 Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir Las Brisas Vineyard - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Roses, cherry nose; tasty, balanced, roses, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2007 Mahoney Vineyards Pinot Noir Mahoney Ranch - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Dark cherry red color with pale meniscus; roses, tart cherry, red fruit nose; tasty, silky textured, tart cherry, roses, tart red fruit palate with structure and near medium acidity; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
Martinelli - 2009 Martinelli Pinot Noir Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Oak, smoky, red fruit nose; cinnamon, roasted red fruit palate; medium finish (85 pts.)
- 2008 Martinelli Pinot Noir Lolita Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Raspberry, red fruit nose; ripe raspberry, light oak palate; medium finish (86 pts.)
- 2009 Martinelli Pinot Noir Grace Nicole Zio Tony Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Oak, cherry nose; cherry, oak palate; medium finish 86+ points (86 pts.)
Masút - 2009 Masút Pinot Noir - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
Primary, tart red fruit, light oak nose; tart red fruit, ripe cranberry palate; medium finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
Morgan - 2010 Morgan Pinot Gris R & D Franscioni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Tart apple nose; tart apple, tart peach palate with near medium acidity; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Morgan Pinot Noir Twelve Clones - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Ripe red fruit nose; red fruit, ripe cranberry palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Morgan Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Brett, tart red fruit nose; brett, tart red fruit palate; medium-plus finish (87 pts.)
- 2009 Morgan Pinot Noir Double L Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Tart cherry, roses nose; tart cherry, roses palate; medium finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2009 Morgan Pinot Noir Tondre's Grapefield - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Floral, cranberry, red fruit nose; tasty, plush, tart cherry, caramel, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2009 Morgan Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Ripe raspberry, cherry nose; plush raspberry, cherry, light caramel palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
native9 - 2009 Alta Maria Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Raspberry, light oak nose; raspberry, light oak palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2008 native9 Pinot Noir Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Stemmy, green peppercorn, tart red fruit nose; green peppercorn, stemmy, tart cranberry palate; medium-plus finish (clones 1A, 2A, 113, 114, Swan, Benedict, Pommard; 100% whole cluster; 60% new French oak) (86 pts.)
Pelerin - 2007 Pelerin Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Tart cherry, black cherry nose; tart cherry, tart black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (75% Pisoni clone, 25% 777; 16 mos. in barrel) (90 pts.)
- 2008 Pelerin Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Black cherry, black raspberry nose; ripe black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2009 Pelerin Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Pre-release - deep, tart black cherry nose; tart black cherry, tart black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
Perception - 2008 Perception Pinot Noir Orsi - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Big cherry, raspberry nose; tangy, tart cherry, tart black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2008 Perception Pinot Noir Windsor Oaks - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Big berry, black cherry nose; ripe black cherry, berry palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
Raptor Ridge - 2009 Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tart cherry, subtle oak nose; tasty, silky textured, tart cherry, roses palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2008 Raptor Ridge Pinot Noir Reserve - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Earthy, baked raspberry, smoke nose; light-medium bodied, tart red fruit, smoke palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
Riverbench - 2009 Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Tart cranberry, stems nose; tart cranberry, stems palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2008 Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir The Mesa Riverbench Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
French oak, plum nose; tart cherry, oak, stems palate; medium-plus finish (88 pts.)
- 2009 Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir One Palm - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley
Tart red fruit, stems nose; tight, tart red fruit, rosehips, tart raspberry palate with near medium acidity; medium-plus finish 88+ points (clone 667) (88 pts.)
Roar 
- 2009 Roar Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Nice tart cherry, roses, roshipes nose; tasty, medium bodied, tart cherry, roses palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2009 Roar Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Focused, tart cherry, black raspberry nose; tasty, focused, tart cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
Romililly Sandole - 2009 sandole Pinot Noir Oehlman - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tart red fruit, red currant, light oak nose; tart red fruit, cherry, coffee palate; medium-plus finish (88 pts.)
Sarapo Scherrer 
- 2010 Scherrer Winery Explorations Dry Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County
Light orange pink color; nice strawberry, red fruit, orange nose; tasty, strawberry, orange, cantaloupe, cherry palate; medium finish (91 pts.)
- 2008 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma County - USA, California, Sonoma County
Very nice tart cherry, strawberry nose; tasty, poised, tart strawberry, tart black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
- 2007 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Floral, roses, tart red fruit nose; tasty, tart cherry, roses palate with near medium acidity; medium finish (92 pts.)
- 2008 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Floral, roses, tart cherry nose; tasty, tart cherry, roses, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2008 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard Sonoma Coast - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Pre-release - medium cherry red color with 2 millimeter clear meniscus; tart cherry, roses, floral nose; tasty, plush, tart cherry, roses, tart raspberry palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2007 Scherrer Winery Pinot Noir 'Big Brother' - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart cherry, raspberry nose; tart raspberry, tart black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
Sequana - 2009 Sequana Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Deep red fruit, tart cherry, stems nose; tart cherry, stems, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2009 Sequana Vineyards Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Green Valley of Russian River Valley
Tart red fruit, green peppercorn, stem nose; tart red fruit, green peppercorn, stems palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
Domaine Serene Siduri - 2009 Siduri Pinot Noir Clone 943 Sierra Mar Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Dark ruby color; floral, hibiscus, tart cherry, tart strawberry nose; soft, baking spice, raspberry, black raspberry, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
Small Vines 
- 2009 Small Vines Wines Pinot Noir - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lifted, floral, roses nose; tasty, poised, floral, roses, tart cherry, tart raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (91 pts.)
- 2009 Small Vines Wines Pinot Noir MK Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Very floral, beautiful cherry, tart raspberry nose; tasty, raspberry, tart cherry, floral palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
- 2009 Small Vines Wines Pinot Noir Baranoff Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - tart cherry, cinnamon nose; silky textured, cinnamon, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish (92 pts.)
Stomping Girl - 2009 Stomping Girl Pinot Noir Lauterbach Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Tart raspberry nose; light, tart raspberry, tart cherry palate; medium finish (88 pts.)
- 2009 Stomping Girl Pinot Noir Beresini Vineyard - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Spicy cherry, French oak nose; spicy cherry, tart raspberry palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2009 Stomping Girl Pinot Noir Corona Creek Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
Menthol, tart red fruit nose; menthol, tart red fruit palate; medium-plus finish 87+ points (87 pts.)
Straight Line - 2009 Straight Line Pinot Noir - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino
Tart red fruit, stems nose; tart red fruit, stems palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
Suacci Carciere - 2010 Suacci Carciere Wines Rosé - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart red fruit, cranberry nose; tasty, watermelon, red fruit palate; medium finish 88+ points (90% Syrah, 10% Pinot Noir) (88 pts.)
- 2008 Suacci Carciere Wines Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Tart apple, lemon nose; tart apple, lemon palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2008 Suacci Carciere Wines Pinot Noir Suacci Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Lovely, ripe cherry, ripe raspberry nose; tasty, ripe raspberry, cherry palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2009 Suacci Carciere Wines Pinot Noir Suacci Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
Pre-release (Fall '11 release) - ripe cherry, black cherry nose; black cherry, black raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
Talisman - 2007 Talisman Pinot Noir Wildcat Mountain Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast
Floral, tart cherry nose; tart cherry, floral, cinnamon palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
- 2007 Talisman Pinot Noir Adastra Vineyard - USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros
Cherry, black cherry nose; tasty, cherry, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2007 Talisman Pinot Noir Pommard Clone Red Dog Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain
Floral, hibiscus nose; tight, tart red fruit, hibiscus palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2007 Talisman Pinot Noir Dijon Clone Red Dog Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain
Medium red color with pale meniscus; lifted, floral, hibiscus nose; tight, tart red fruit, cinnamon, hibiscus palate with grip; medium-plus finish (Dijon clones 115, 777; 70% new oak) (90 pts.)
Domaine de la Vougeraie - 2006 Domaine de la Vougeraie Beaune La Montée Rouge - France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune
Light garnet color with pale meniscus; nice, rich strawberry, sous bois, soy sauce nose; tasty, sous bois, tart strawberry, mineral palate; medium finish (89 pts.)
- 2006 Domaine de la Vougeraie Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos des Corvees Pagets - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru
Floaty, strawberry, cranberry nose; tight, light bodied, tart cranberry, mineral palate with near medium acidity; needs 3-plus years; medium-plus finish 88+ points (88 pts.)
- 2008 Domaine de la Vougeraie Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes - France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru
Medium cherry red color with 6 millimeter clear meniscus; brett, tart cherry, sous bois nose; tart red fruit, sous bois, brett palate; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
White Rose - 2009 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Tart red fruit, cinnamon, stems nose; tart red fruit, cinnamon, stems palate; medium-plus finish (20% whole cluster; 50% new oak) (89 pts.)
- 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Appellation Series Dundee Hills - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills
French oak, red fruit nose; soft, red fruit, cherry, French oak palate; medium-plus finish 89+ points (89 pts.)
- 2008 White Rose Estate Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
French oak, black cherry nose; soft, black cherry, black raspberry palate; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (20% whole cluster; 13% new oak) (90 pts.)
Willamette Valley - 2009 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Gris Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Intense, ripe grapefruit, lemon grass nose; soft, tart grapefruit, citrus palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (90 pts.)
- 2010 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Whole Cluster Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Light red color with 4 millimeter clear meniscus; chalk, roses, nose; light bodied, tart roses, chalk, lime, citrus palate; medium finish (87 pts.)
- 2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Willamette Valley - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Light raspberry, roses, nose; light bodied, tart red fruit, tart orange palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish (10 mos. in French oak) (88 pts.)
- 2008 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard - USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley
Reticent, roses, tart cranberry nose; tart cranberry, rosehips palate with medium acidity; needs 1-2 years; medium-plus finish (89 pts.)
Wind Gap Windy Oaks - 2008 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir 100% Whole Cluster Schultze Family Vineyard - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Hibiscus, floral nose; hibiscus, floral, red berry palate; medium finish (87 pts.)
- 2008 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Wild Yeast - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Rich berry, raspberry nose; tasty, raspberry, ripe cherry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2008 Windy Oaks Estate Pinot Noir Proprietor's Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard - USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains
Medium red color with 3 millimeter clear meniscus; French oak, graham cracker, cinnamon, bright red fruit nose; tight, cinnamon, French oak, graham cracker palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (30% whole cluster, 34-day fermentation; 70% new French oak; 24 mos. in barrel) (90 pts.)
Zotovich 
- 2007 Zotovich Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Black cherry, black raspberry nose; poised, tart black raspberry, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish (90 pts.)
- 2008 Zotovich Pinot Noir - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Black cherry, black raspberry nose; tasty, tart black raspberry, black cherry, cola palate; medium-plus finish (91 pts.)
- 2008 Zotovich Syrah - USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills
Berry, blackberry nose; pepper, tart berry, white pepper, mulberry palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92 pts.)
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