The light garnet hue is a first indication that this is not a big, over-the-top California Pinot Noir. The aromas really jump out of the glass—blackberries, cola, just-ripe plums and rose hips are framed by earthy notes of green tea, gunpowder and grilled asparagus. On the palate, pretty perfumed notes of sarsaparilla, strawberry jam, cardamom and lavender are really pushed out in front by the wine’s bright acidity, medium body and slightly earthy summer truffle low notes. The purity of perfume and fruit notes carries through the lingering finish, with a subtle toastiness in the background. This wine is meant to be accessible upon release, and should continue to improve through at least 2010.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Has a fair bit of acidity and sour red fruit upon opening, but opens up after time in the glass. Should probably decant for an hour or so. Once it opens up it has that classic RRV wild red fruit with a bit of earthiness. This is not a big wine but has a decent finish. Enjoy!!!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Brick-colored, particularly around the rim. On the palate, the initial sour cherry flavors moderate as the wine opens up, revealing cola and darker cherry notes. Decanting highly recommended. Pleasing tannins in the lengthy finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Professional reviews have copyrights and you can view them here for your personal use only as private content. To view pro reviews you must either subscribe to a pre-integrated publication or manually enter reviews below. Learn more.
6/25/2009 - mark chandler wrote:
The light garnet hue is a first indication that this is not a big, over-the-top California Pinot Noir. The aromas really jump out of
the glass—blackberries, cola, just-ripe plums and rose hips are framed by earthy notes of green tea, gunpowder and grilled
asparagus. On the palate, pretty perfumed notes of sarsaparilla, strawberry jam, cardamom and lavender are really pushed out in
front by the wine’s bright acidity, medium body and slightly earthy summer truffle low notes. The purity of perfume and fruit
notes carries through the lingering finish, with a subtle toastiness in the background. This wine is meant to be accessible upon
release, and should continue to improve through at least 2010.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/24/2009 - eSchrag wrote: 90 Points
Has a fair bit of acidity and sour red fruit upon opening, but opens up after time in the glass. Should probably decant for an hour or so. Once it opens up it has that classic RRV wild red fruit with a bit of earthiness. This is not a big wine but has a decent finish. Enjoy!!!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/23/2008 - Red White wrote: 89 Points
Brick-colored, particularly around the rim.
On the palate, the initial sour cherry flavors moderate as the wine opens up, revealing cola and darker cherry notes. Decanting highly recommended.
Pleasing tannins in the lengthy finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/13/2008 - sbwino wrote: 92 Points
Lovely, fine balance and great acidity with some spice, pepper and dusty red fruits. Very pleasant Russian River Pinot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/31/2007 - blaine wrote:
Consistent notes with last year's bottle, though I enjoyed it more last time
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment