Looking more like a Syrah than Pinot Noir, the 2003 Flax Vineyard boasts a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, blackberries, and sweet cassis. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, with high extract, tangy acidity, firm tannin, and an inky style, it requires 1-2 years of bottle age, and should keep for a decade. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

Looking more like a Syrah than Pinot Noir, the 2003 Flax Vineyard boasts a gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, blackberries, and sweet cassis. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, with high extract, tangy acidity, firm tannin, and an inky style, it requires 1-2 years of bottle age, and should keep for a decade. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

This is a big, full-bodied wine, huge in fruit, yet it has the silky elegance that Pinot needs. It’s bone dry, with adequate acidity and a young, unresolved mouthfeel. There’s a tremendous core of baked cherry pie fruit, drizzled with cinnamon and vanilla. Cellar this puppy for a couple years, or decant for up to 24 hours now. ——S.H.(3/1/2006)—— 92