December 9, 2018 - I bought three bottles of this wine way back in 2011 at the winery. That was before I started this blog, and a few years before my now ten year-old learned how to ride a bike. The first two bottles were evidently less than stellar since I did not write a note for the first one and the second was corked. Such is life, I guess, in the wine appreciation “biz.” This bottle, though? Whoa. Stellar from the jump, which is what I expected from one of the legends of Santa Rita Hills (the first vintage was in 1982). Although I have never met Richard Longoria, tasting this wine makes me want to jump in a Saab and drive to his doorstep. Eucalyptus and black cherry dominate the nose with hints of black earth and anise. The palate is simply luscious: great fruit, plenty of depth, and a finish that would linger until the closing credits. Outstanding. thedrunkencyclist.com
February 10, 2018 - shared with pat at selkirk manor to celebrate the end of the work week. this bottle had languished in the cellar waiting for an opportunity to share with pinot loving friends which never arose. lack of feedback from other tasters also contributed to this bottle having been forgotten. the wine proved to have outlived it's projected longevity. flavor profile also improved since last when last tasted 6/2014. availability of proper glassware may have contributed somewhat but developmental evolution of the wine over time cannot be discounted. the wine shows greater balance than before with more fruit evident. no green pepper this time. this wine demonstrates that california pinot is capable of ageing gracefully. even moreso, considering that this was a half bottle. overall, an enjoyable experience. would buy this again in a recent vintage. need to explore other st. rita hills producers as well.
December 27, 2015 - Lovely, rather "blew the socks off" 2007 Rochioli Little Hill that preceded.
April 10, 2015 - wow - I had feared this stuff was over the hill but it was still delightful today. Perhaps not quite as good as at it peak, but still very very nice. It is aging gracefully, with the fruit showing strong for about 15-20 minutes after opening but then fading back to a really rich and balanced experience after that. Yeah, I'd open it soon if you have it - but you don't need to race to the cellar... I'm kicking the "drink by" date out to 2016 even though this was my last one... Enjoy!
January 6, 2015 - Drinking nicely
November 30, 2014 - Drinking great now. Strawberry, mushroom and a hint of kirsch on the nose. Fruit forward, but definitely on the balanced, red fruited side of the line. Well-resolved structure, again fresh strawberry and cherry on the attack with a rounded mid-palate. Finishes with mushroom and integrated oak flavors (spicy, gentle sweet tannin). Everything in place, and a long clean finish. I don't see much upside in further aging, as the fruit may begin losing some of its freshness in the near future.
June 28, 2014 - Pat and i brought this to have with Marty and Sandy at their home after enjoying dinner at The Poached Pear in Point Pleasant. Marty chose to serve this in a cordial glass which may have thrown off the flavor profile. I picked up mostly green pepper which I would not expect in a pinot. Have to say this was not to my liking. But, given the circumstances I can not consider this a final judgment.
March 22, 2014 - Excellent wine, no issues with proper aging, very nice
November 27, 2012 - Dark ruby color with beautiful notes of black cherry, raspberry, and fresh turned earth. The palate is lovely with a very nice balance and an acidity that makes the wine fantastic with food. The finish is fantastic and leaves you wanting the next sip. Overall a very good, beautifully balanced pinot noir.
November 3, 2012 - exceptional pinot. Drinking very well right now. Smoot.