According to winemaker Erik Kramer, there was a lot of berry shatter with the 2005 Pinot Noir Evenstad Reserve and the wine was brawny in its youth. Deep in color, it has a very attractive wild berry nose with a faint hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly coarse tannin, but pleasant, mocha-tinged red berry fruit with light bay leaf and clove notes toward the gamy finish. Drink now and over the next five years.

Lithe in texture, with a distinctive range of red cherry, black cherry, cinnamon and mocha flavors that ride smoothly over a graceful frame, lingering nicely on the clear, expressive finish. Drink now through 2015. 6,500 cases made. -HS