Premium California Pinot Noir Tasting (WineStyles Columbia, SC): This Pinot Noir is especially bright and fruity. I'm starting to get the impression that 2009 was excellent for Sonoma Coast area Pinot Noir. This is one of those Pinot's whose relatively light color is no indication of the ensuing depth and character that is going to hit the palate. There is no question about the typical Pinot nose, an enhanced, spicy, floral strawberry and red raspberry. When the fruit hits the palate, it turns more toward the darker fruits, like black cherry, black currant, and plum. There is a very distinctive silky texture that just speaks long hang time with bright sunny days. I especially like some of those secondary flavors like caramel and licorice in the background. There is plenty of big new oak, possibly some medium heavy toast which imparts a sweetness, but also leaves some of that chocolate flavor that is really enjoyable. Does not seem to be overly alcoholic. Refined, almost perfect tannins. Balanced acidity. The long elegant finish has a surprising graphite and mineral characteristic alongside the big oak vanilla and pure dark fruit.
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1/7/2015 - SCosgrove wrote: 91 Points
Awesome pinot
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12/13/2013 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 90 Points
Pw/1 hour decant. Clear, dark purple/red color. Med/proper nose. Well balanced/med intensity wine, correct Pinot flavors. Good drinking window, nothing off. Gift, $53 full retail
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6/4/2013 - dlstrauss wrote: 89 Points
Disappointing
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5/5/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 92 Points
Great red and black fruit. Good structure and nicely layered flavors. Nice!
-Wine Spectator Grand Tour 5/5/12
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11/15/2011 - Mike Kopanski wrote: 91 Points
Premium California Pinot Noir Tasting (WineStyles Columbia, SC): This Pinot Noir is especially bright and fruity. I'm starting to get the impression that 2009 was excellent for Sonoma Coast area Pinot Noir. This is one of those Pinot's whose relatively light color is no indication of the ensuing depth and character that is going to hit the palate. There is no question about the typical Pinot nose, an enhanced, spicy, floral strawberry and red raspberry. When the fruit hits the palate, it turns more toward the darker fruits, like black cherry, black currant, and plum. There is a very distinctive silky texture that just speaks long hang time with bright sunny days. I especially like some of those secondary flavors like caramel and licorice in the background. There is plenty of big new oak, possibly some medium heavy toast which imparts a sweetness, but also leaves some of that chocolate flavor that is really enjoyable. Does not seem to be overly alcoholic. Refined, almost perfect tannins. Balanced acidity. The long elegant finish has a surprising graphite and mineral characteristic alongside the big oak vanilla and pure dark fruit.
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