An extraordinary wine, although it’s very young and thick now and needs time in the bottle. Totally dry, it shows elaborate flavors of cherries, raspberries, cocoa and sandalwood, with exotic notes of wild fennel, violets and nutmeg. Distinctive and compelling.——S.H.(9/1/2009)—— 94

The wine is a beauty. Dry, silky and pure in red cherry, raspberry, red currant and cola flavors, it was aged 16 months in 100% new French oak barrels, which give an appropriate measure of smoky caramel. With a sturdy acid-tannin structure, this supple Pinot classically exhibits the best of Anderson Valley terroir. Drink this in its flashy youth, over the next five years.——S.H.(12/15/2007)—— 94