Cork in excellent shape. Had stored in Vinotemp, dark, sideways in rack since acquired. Peppery nose typical of Russian River Pinots. Hints of chocolate, smooth and enjoyable even for its age.
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This is a benchmark pinot. Bold but somehow delicate….big beautiful nose of strawberry, bing cherry, and subtle cola. Magnificent is the operative term.
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A very juicy, chewy style. The hot year came through in overripe, cooked cherry/rhubarb pie. Not much complexity to speak of at 10 years. Would make a good pairing with heavier fare. Likely a great duck breast wine if sauced with savory vs sweet.
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4/2/23 and 3/22/23 notes were spot on. This bottle was in a great spot at 10 years. Dark cherry, great perfumed nose w cola hints, medium acidity, long finish. Super enjoyable at dinner out with snails first in a garlic mushroom cream sauce and then sweetbreads.
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Sorry but this is just an outstanding WS Pinot. They got this blend near perfect for 2013. I know some feel this is a mediocre WS but it’s really singing and at a moment when I’m really into CdP this one brought me right back.
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This is drinking great. Absolutely delicious with bright but balanced fruit and acidity. Enjoyable on its own or with your preferred food. An excellent wine. PS. Stop with your points novices. Tell me how much or little you enjoyed. It’s just wine.
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14.0% abv. Received partial bottle to try from a neighbor.
Had a sip. Clear Dark Ruby Red in the glass. Delicious, full-flavored, with complex notes of lush cherry and cola. Smooth tannins. Ample acidity and pleasant lingering finish.
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Slo-oxed for 30 minutes. Dark red fruits, earth, some spice and juicy acidity. A solid medium bodied "workman-like" pinot that just lacks the excitement of any of the single vineyard pinots from W-S. Should hold for a few years.
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Opened and decanted ahead of broiled salmon, watermelon, and wild grains. Dark, murky crimson color. The nose brings tart orange peel, cherry bitters, spring violets, lavender, and molasses. The palate is medium-full, square, compact, and chewy, bringing tart cherries, bramble blackberries, baked rhubarb, orange peel, pomegranate, and cloves. Not as complex as expected but still primary, so drink 2022-2028. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 90.
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Pop and pour. Bright red cherry fruit, a bit of oak, then some berry, then tart acidity, then a not-entirely-pleasant gravel finish. The latter attribute I'll blame on myself for not decanting, but even with that the whole thing seems very unbalanced. Be sure to decant next time.
4/2/2021 Different bottle this time. Still the bright red fruits, but didn't catch any of that gravelly nature this time and my notes comment how well integrated the oak is. So thinking that first bottle must have been corked.
1/17/2022 Highlight is still that bright red cherry fruit. Some forest floor and earthiness on the finish, but nothing like the mineral notes in the first bottle.
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PNP. This was pretty good once warmed to room temperature. Dark, ripe, nice finish. This seems to be drinking better than the Sonoma Coast we had recently and was very enjoyable. A-
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About 14% abv. Dark purple color. Quite fruity, suggestive of purple fruit (grapes, plums, and also dark cherries.) Speaks of the Russian River Valley terroir. Attractive but I prefer some of the single vineyard designates from Williams-Selyem. I would give it 88 or 89 points.
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What a difference an extra 18 months in the cellar have made - or was it bottle variation? Much, much more enjoyable that previous bottle. In fact, if I were to choose a bottle that captured the typicity of a RRV Pinot, this one would be a good contender. Unabashedly new world, with ample fruit (mostly cherries), and yet still mostly balanced and harmonious - some spices, some cola, and some acidity, prevent this from being too fruity. (Previous bottle came across as too big and fruit forward, and lacking acidity). However, not exactly good value - at over $50, there are, for my palate, better PNs out there.
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A solid RRV pinot but not anything that is life changing. Good fruit and restrained oak but lacking a little bit of verve and intensity. For $52 I can find better QPR for sure
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Same thoughts as almost a year ago but the balance and complexity has improved. It’s in a nice place right now. Red fruits minerality cola and spice all come together nicely.
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very ripe strawberry fruit on the nose Ripeness continues on the palate, some tannin and then some rather Rhone like spicy notes, touch of cedar on the finish Burgundy it ain't but this is lovely Californian pinot as it should be for £85!!
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Pop and pour and served with food (lemon-garlic roast chicken with quinoa, in case you were wondering). So inviting, with a nose of spice, red berries and dried rose petals. Fresh and lively red fruits, with some cranberry tartness/acidity and brown baking spices all in an elegant and refined package. Delicious.
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Rather disappointing, and not exactly good QPR. Simple, one-dimensional, and somewhat unrefined - especiallly on the palate. Usual RRV cherries, raspberries, and a touch of spices and cola on the nose and palate. But on the palate a bit alcoholic, bitter, and lacking on acidity. Might it improve with time? Will cellar my other bottle for 3 more yrs or so - lack of acidity is worrisome though.
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Cola, raspberry juice. A bit simple and not quite enough acid here (though had just switched from burgundy and Oregon, so it may have been a comparison)
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Very good RRR Pinot. Exactly what you'd expect from RRR. Red fruit with some cola and spice. Acidity leads to a brightness on the palate. Medium bodied.
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Cabo San Lucas/Puerto Vallarta Vacation (#3 of 6) Same impression as I had over a year ago when I scored it 91. Classic RRV cherry, spice, and smoothness. Maybe a bit mellowed since 2015. Paired with peanut M&Ms. I'm not a big fan of chocolate and wine unless it's dark chocolate and port, but this low-grade chocolate surrounding a peanut actually complemented the wine. Who knew?
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Medium ruby color. Floral and cedar aromas. Big mouthful of dark tart cherry flavors with a lengthy finish. Still a bit rough at this point and needs more time to evolve.
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Big fruity nose. Silky and big bodied, that packs a ton of red berries. Earthy tones with balanced acidity make this complex and interesting but also easy to drink. Long finish. Is simply delicious! Not the best QPR, but if you can find on sale, it's a wonderful treat!
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Less fruit forward than the Ferrington, but still has plenty of red and black cherry. Nice balance and enough forest and mushroom characteristics to keep it interesting. Grippy tannins need a bit of time to integrate still.
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More fruit and less spice than the 2012. This vintage seems brighter, smoother, and more polished than its predecessor. The nose is classic RRV cherry with tea/mushroom/spice. Flavor is all red berry and forest floor. Moderate length finish. A very promising start for the 2013 WS lineup.
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11/24/2023 - pdotterw Likes this wine: 90 Points
Cork in excellent shape. Had stored in Vinotemp, dark, sideways in rack since acquired. Peppery nose typical of Russian River Pinots. Hints of chocolate, smooth and enjoyable even for its age.
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10/19/2023 - Marshmarsh wrote: 92 Points
Garnet colored.
Very floral, dark fruits, elegant at first sip. Kind of lost some of the elegance and closed somewhat by end of the night.
Second day, tertiary flavor with nice balance dark cherry, dark fruits, some tobacco, balanced acid.
Was great bouquet at pop and pour and nice balance with tertiary flavor by day two.I have one more and will try in next six months
nice wine
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6/12/2023 - Goofienewfy Likes this wine: 97 Points
This is a benchmark pinot. Bold but somehow delicate….big beautiful nose of strawberry, bing cherry, and subtle cola. Magnificent is the operative term.
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5/30/2023 - tekygeek wrote: 89 Points
A very juicy, chewy style. The hot year came through in overripe, cooked cherry/rhubarb pie. Not much complexity to speak of at 10 years. Would make a good pairing with heavier fare. Likely a great duck breast wine if sauced with savory vs sweet.
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4/26/2023 - Sperls Likes this wine: 93 Points
4/2/23 and 3/22/23 notes were spot on. This bottle was in a great spot at 10 years. Dark cherry, great perfumed nose w cola hints, medium acidity, long finish. Super enjoyable at dinner out with snails first in a garlic mushroom cream sauce and then sweetbreads.
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4/2/2023 - Goofienewfy Likes this wine: 97 Points
Sorry but this is just an outstanding WS Pinot. They got this blend near perfect for 2013. I know some feel this is a mediocre WS but it’s really singing and at a moment when I’m really into CdP this one brought me right back.
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3/22/2023 - Galrob Likes this wine:
This is drinking great. Absolutely delicious with bright but balanced fruit and acidity. Enjoyable on its own or with your preferred food. An excellent wine. PS. Stop with your points novices. Tell me how much or little you enjoyed. It’s just wine.
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3/21/2023 - BGK810 wrote:
This one tasted off - some corky notes
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2/17/2022 - red freddy Likes this wine: 91 Points
14.0% abv.
Received partial bottle to try from a neighbor.
Had a sip. Clear Dark Ruby Red in the glass. Delicious, full-flavored, with complex notes of lush cherry and cola. Smooth tannins. Ample acidity and pleasant lingering finish.
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1/3/2022 - VlgJeff wrote: 89 Points
Slo-oxed for 30 minutes. Dark red fruits, earth, some spice and juicy acidity. A solid medium bodied "workman-like" pinot that just lacks the excitement of any of the single vineyard pinots from W-S. Should hold for a few years.
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12/8/2021 - Empirate wrote: 92 Points
Open 1 hour before serving with sweet/savory baked salmon. Great balance and depth. Terrific bottle of wine that had plenty of life left.
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8/29/2021 - BGK810 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Bright cherry fruit, some earth and dark spice. Medium length finish. Drinking well now. Tasty!
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5/11/2021 - Mneumeier Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice expression...will get better with more time.
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1/1/2021 - cobystilp wrote: 92 Points
New year eve bottle with AKS and Chinese food. Perfect match. Great fruits and depth. Wish I had more.
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9/28/2020 - rgkresek wrote: 92 Points
Nice well balanced fruit.
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8/25/2020 - jlhkiss Likes this wine: 91 Points
Opened and decanted ahead of broiled salmon, watermelon, and wild grains. Dark, murky crimson color. The nose brings tart orange peel, cherry bitters, spring violets, lavender, and molasses. The palate is medium-full, square, compact, and chewy, bringing tart cherries, bramble blackberries, baked rhubarb, orange peel, pomegranate, and cloves. Not as complex as expected but still primary, so drink 2022-2028. Technical score: 92. Enjoyment score: 90.
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8/11/2020 - underwds wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Bright red cherry fruit, a bit of oak, then some berry, then tart acidity, then a not-entirely-pleasant gravel finish. The latter attribute I'll blame on myself for not decanting, but even with that the whole thing seems very unbalanced. Be sure to decant next time.
4/2/2021 Different bottle this time. Still the bright red fruits, but didn't catch any of that gravelly nature this time and my notes comment how well integrated the oak is. So thinking that first bottle must have been corked.
1/17/2022 Highlight is still that bright red cherry fruit. Some forest floor and earthiness on the finish, but nothing like the mineral notes in the first bottle.
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3/24/2020 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted >2 hours. Similar notes to 2019. Beautiful fruit with hints of cola and vanilla. Drinking very nicely right now.
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2/19/2020 - PinotPaul Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice Pinot. Aged well.
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2/3/2020 - Brothers in Quarantine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Enjoyed with the Levinsons. Took awhile to open up. Nice cherry cola flavor. Still a little chalky at the finish.
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12/20/2019 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted >2 hours. Nice fruit with cola and vanilla. Finished the 2nd day and it was still fresh.
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12/14/2019 - JS199 wrote: 92 Points
Typical WS Russian River bottling, no surprises here except that it is still young.
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12/12/2019 - Djfermentation Likes this wine: 86 Points
Drank tonight in homage to Burt Williams passing yesterday... very nice with smoked salmon. Our visiting family loved it!
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12/9/2019 - SCosgrove wrote: 92 Points
Beautiful, currents on the nose and front end, strawberries on the finish, loved it.
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7/29/2019 - tamfrezo wrote: 85 Points
Okay but not worth the price
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6/30/2019 - MC wrote:
PNP at room temperature. Good ripe red fruits, and drinking well right now. Not as balanced and complete on the finish as the Sonoma Coast. B+
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4/28/2019 - MC wrote:
PNP. This was pretty good once warmed to room temperature. Dark, ripe, nice finish. This seems to be drinking better than the Sonoma Coast we had recently and was very enjoyable. A-
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1/5/2019 - chetlee wrote: 93 Points
Began to show after 2.5 hours.
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12/14/2018 - wondersofwine Likes this wine:
About 14% abv. Dark purple color. Quite fruity, suggestive of purple fruit (grapes, plums, and also dark cherries.) Speaks of the Russian River Valley terroir. Attractive but I prefer some of the single vineyard designates from Williams-Selyem. I would give it 88 or 89 points.
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10/3/2018 - tamfrezo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good Pinot but could have more flavor
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9/23/2018 - Francophile1 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Straight laced, simple, but pure Pinot Noir that shows the elegant side of the grape. Not over extracted like many other Cali Pinots.
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8/5/2018 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 91 Points
ruby, bright cherry on the nose, hints of spice, tasty, good finish
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7/10/2018 - pdadams66 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Drinking well now. Good restraint.
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7/7/2018 - akpace wrote: 91 Points
Nose of peach, apricot, toasted oak, flavors of oak, mineral, tangerine, canned peaches.
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7/6/2018 - bravo.solares Likes this wine: 91 Points
What a difference an extra 18 months in the cellar have made - or was it bottle variation? Much, much more enjoyable that previous bottle. In fact, if I were to choose a bottle that captured the typicity of a RRV Pinot, this one would be a good contender. Unabashedly new world, with ample fruit (mostly cherries), and yet still mostly balanced and harmonious - some spices, some cola, and some acidity, prevent this from being too fruity. (Previous bottle came across as too big and fruit forward, and lacking acidity). However, not exactly good value - at over $50, there are, for my palate, better PNs out there.
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5/25/2018 - chanote44 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Better than my last bottle. More complexity and structure. Great pinot fruit with a nice savory component. Ready to drink now.
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5/10/2018 - Griffeyfan04 Likes this wine: 89 Points
A solid RRV pinot but not anything that is life changing. Good fruit and restrained oak but lacking a little bit of verve and intensity. For $52 I can find better QPR for sure
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4/21/2018 - cobystilp Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice wine. Medium to heavy density for WS. Cola notes.
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3/3/2018 - BoulderWine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Has improved with time. Very enjoyable.
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1/6/2018 - Deepdrop Likes this wine: 93 Points
Same thoughts as almost a year ago but the balance and complexity has improved. It’s in a nice place right now. Red fruits minerality cola and spice all come together nicely.
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10/12/2017 - henrygjeffreys Likes this wine:
very ripe strawberry fruit on the nose
Ripeness continues on the palate, some tannin and then some rather Rhone like spicy notes, touch of cedar on the finish
Burgundy it ain't but this is lovely Californian pinot as it should be for £85!!
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7/10/2017 - t_moderne wrote: 92 Points
Pop and pour and served with food (lemon-garlic roast chicken with quinoa, in case you were wondering).
So inviting, with a nose of spice, red berries and dried rose petals.
Fresh and lively red fruits, with some cranberry tartness/acidity and brown baking spices all in an elegant and refined package.
Delicious.
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6/11/2017 - suarezd Likes this wine: 92 Points
Excellent balance, medium body, drinking very well.
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4/1/2017 - jonbellante Likes this wine: 91 Points
Following sparkling wine, with guac. Medium body. White pepper, then cherry, berry, and subtle coffee or chickory. Lingering finish.
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2/19/2017 - bravo.solares wrote: 89 Points
Rather disappointing, and not exactly good QPR. Simple, one-dimensional, and somewhat unrefined - especiallly on the palate. Usual RRV cherries, raspberries, and a touch of spices and cola on the nose and palate. But on the palate a bit alcoholic, bitter, and lacking on acidity. Might it improve with time? Will cellar my other bottle for 3 more yrs or so - lack of acidity is worrisome though.
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2/16/2017 - ews3 wrote: 89 Points
Cola, raspberry juice. A bit simple and not quite enough acid here (though had just switched from burgundy and Oregon, so it may have been a comparison)
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2/7/2017 - ocwineo Likes this wine: 89 Points
Plenty of life left for this wine. Ample fruit and well balanced to boot. Clearly a level above the lower priced offerings from the 2013 portfolio
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2/4/2017 - Deepdrop Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very good RRR Pinot. Exactly what you'd expect from RRR. Red fruit with some cola and spice. Acidity leads to a brightness on the palate. Medium bodied.
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1/24/2017 - StraightnoChaser Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cabo San Lucas/Puerto Vallarta Vacation (#3 of 6)
Same impression as I had over a year ago when I scored it 91. Classic RRV cherry, spice, and smoothness. Maybe a bit mellowed since 2015.
Paired with peanut M&Ms.
I'm not a big fan of chocolate and wine unless it's dark chocolate and port, but this low-grade chocolate surrounding a peanut actually complemented the wine.
Who knew?
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1/5/2017 - ShadowIII Likes this wine: 91 Points
bright ruby, berry and cherry with a very nice hint of orange zest (typical of the WS RRV), nice mouth feel and full finish
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1/3/2017 - kleinahoe wrote: 92 Points
Well rounded.
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9/10/2016 - BoulderWine wrote: 88 Points
Medium ruby color. Floral and cedar aromas. Big mouthful of dark tart cherry flavors with a lengthy finish. Still a bit rough at this point and needs more time to evolve.
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7/27/2016 - Scmanski Likes this wine: 95 Points
Despite the light flavors they hold up well against spicy food. A cascade of complexity to a smooth finish
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5/20/2016 - Alex & Beibian Diaz Likes this wine:
In my opinion, could probably have used a bit more time. Enjoyable nonetheless.
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4/16/2016 - pipedream Likes this wine: 92 Points
Well balanced but still a bit young. Nevertheless, a really nice Pinot
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2/12/2016 - bplant13 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Big fruity nose. Silky and big bodied, that packs a ton of red berries. Earthy tones with balanced acidity make this complex and interesting but also easy to drink. Long finish. Is simply delicious! Not the best QPR, but if you can find on sale, it's a wonderful treat!
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12/27/2015 - ohne_musik wrote: 90 Points
Less fruit forward than the Ferrington, but still has plenty of red and black cherry. Nice balance and enough forest and mushroom characteristics to keep it interesting. Grippy tannins need a bit of time to integrate still.
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12/19/2015 - StraightnoChaser Likes this wine: 91 Points
More fruit and less spice than the 2012. This vintage seems brighter, smoother, and more polished than its predecessor. The nose is classic RRV cherry with tea/mushroom/spice. Flavor is all red berry and forest floor. Moderate length finish. A very promising start for the 2013 WS lineup.
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9/6/2015 - lettykatie Likes this wine: 89 Points
light and fruity.
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7/26/2015 - Murf130 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cherry w/ a kiss of oak on the nose. Medium body, medium (+) finish. Drinking great. Well balanced with fruit and acid.
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5/19/2015 - glenn_house Likes this wine: 92 Points
Smooth red raspberry taste. Fruity and very light. It is a delightful.
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4/20/2015 - wabi47 wrote: 88 Points
Big ripe fruit; noticeable oak in the background; young and a bit brawny right now
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4/18/2015 - Black Kat Likes this wine: 89 Points
Full of ripe cherries, still needs time.
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4/6/2015 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very aromatic. On the palate, spicy and energetic. Nice Pinot in the modern style.
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