The 2006 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve offers crisp underlying acidity that focuses the plum, black cherry, and earthiness of the wine as well as the dark ruby color and soft tannins. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (800) 600-5985

Shows the polish and finesse of a wine costing far more. Made from selected Monterey vineyards and with considerable new French oak, the wine is flashy and complex, with cherry, cola, pomegranate and spice flavors, and a rich earthiness that suggests sauteed mushrooms or truffles. Really notable for its balance and depth.——S.H.(7/1/2008)—— 92

I was unimpressed with the 1997 Pinot Noir Grand Reserve, especially when compared to the less expensive Vintner's Reserve. The wine is a smokier, more herbaceous-scented, with more depth, body, and tannin, but I preferred the lighter-styled Vintner's Reserve.The Grand Reserve wines are more expensively made offerings than the Vinter's Reserve, using better fruit sources. All are aged in French oak, given considerable lees contact, and enjoy 100% malolactic fermentation. There are significant differences between these cuvees and the Vintner's Reserves. The Grand Reserves, in addition to being oak-aged, are unquestionably deeper, broader, and richer.Tel. (800) 769-3649; Fax (707) 579-3419