May 27, 2015 - Sour cherry cough syrup notes at first. Got better over time, becoming smoother and with a ssilkier mouthfeel, albeit with an acidity at the lower end. It finally smelled and tasted like a RRV Pinot one hour in. Paired quite nicely with salmon marinated in a sweet soy base.13.8% ABV.
87-88
August 3, 2013 - Has softened. Drink now. Sour cherry is now predominant. Best 30 minutes after opening.
June 23, 2012 - OK...not very complex. berry forward.
March 10, 2012 - Solid RRV pinot but nothing great. Very dark for a pinot. Lots of cherry up front with mild spice on the finish. Very little acidity.
February 14, 2012 - Notes of cherry-rhubarb pie. The juice is very thin, but enjoyable. Boysenberries on the finish. I would but this again for the price, good value. Not the best Pinot out of Russian River Valley, to be sure...just an above-average wine for anytime drinking.
January 13, 2012 - On par with the also very good 2007, this one really benefits from some quick aeration or time in the glass as it sheds some quirky aromas present on initial opening. Once that passes this settles in and becomes a really enjoyable wine. On the high side of very good California Pinot Noir for me, so if you can find it in the $10-$13 range it's a "buy".
November 21, 2011 - Very thin. Bold rim variation indicative of this trait. Bright cherries and nutmeg. Lacking a sustained finish but exciting hints of vanilla and cinnamon that may show potential for future vintages.
November 18, 2011 - Good overall. Color is rich, but lighter in taste.
November 2, 2011 - Not bad, but thin and unremarkable.
October 19, 2011 - Cherry juice w/alcohol and sugar added. Marked down 50% to $15? I understand the reason why. Frankly, not even worth the reduced price.