August 16, 2020 - Ripe and mature black cherry and berry with good depth. New oak character hasn't fully integrated, even if not too pronounced. Still fresh enough.
December 24, 2015 - Very well made wine, nicely aged and near peak at this point. Showing classic Red Hills terroir -- spicy notes, especially cinnamon. Red cherry, leather, hints of blood orange. Palate balanced, if rich; maintains strong acid and mineral finish. Still rich, ripe fruit. Tannins mostly resolved, slightly tea-like.
November 9, 2013 - Another Saturday at Knightsbridge - mostly blind (Northbrook, IL): Served double blind to the tasting group alongside the same wile from 1997. Very attractive spice start with slightly mature black fruit aromas. Very good power and depth, everything in excellent balance with great new oak contributions and integration. At its peak now, I would expect it to drink this well for at least several more years. Just as good 5 hours after opened vs when popped-and-poured.
November 4, 2012 - 16th Annual Lyon 10 Year Retrospective (Same Old Place): A decent start to difficult flight. This is even better than a bottle had in '08. Very smooth red fruit and minerals, w/ a hint of smoke. Nice long finish. 89 on day 2.
December 24, 2011 - Nice but not overwhelming. Everything is in balance but just doesn't excite.
November 12, 2011 - Nice but not overwhelming. Some nice fruity flavors but a bit sweet and no depth.
November 17, 2010 - Very pleased with the way this is showing. Dark fruit and earth on the nose, balanced and elegant with a long finish. Oak has settled down nicely. Good stuff!
July 25, 2010 - good balance between earth and fruit; surprised the community ratings weren't higher
May 14, 2010 - dark color great pinot nose that I would describe as earthy and barnyard
Nice fruit and very soft on the palette
October 24, 2009 - After reading Ct reviews decided not to decant, again expectations were mixed after reading the ct notes and the fact I had never had a pinot from this producer I did'nt like. Very good vintage to work with and a little bottle age to boot, this bottle showed a lot of dark fruits, vanilla, smoke and spice on both the nose and palate. Very big for a pinot and the fruits were a bit jammy and sweet. Did not detect any alcohol, however some tannins were present on the long finish. Maybe not as smooth as most Oregon pinots and this bottle appeared to be more old world than new. All that said, went well with roasted duck breast, roasted endive and butternut squash. Again based on this bottle plenty of life left and maybe some improvement in its future.