The light ruby-colored 2000 Pinot Noir Van der Kamp Vineyard is disappointing. It tastes like the fruit from this Sonoma Mountain vineyard did not achieve full phenolic ripeness in 2000. A green, herbal note mixed with Chinese black tea, damp earth, and a spicy, red currant and sour cherry aromatic and flavor profile are found in this medium-bodied Pinot with a short finish. Over the last few years, Siduri has garnered a high reputation for limited production, interesting, high quality Pinot Noirs made from some of California and Oregon's finest Pinot Noir vineyards. One might quibble over the number of offerings, but they are all individualistic efforts, even though they are treated much the same (i.e., aging in Francois Freres barrels - 15% to 65% new, little racking, and bottling without fining or filtration). Pricing is realistic for wines of such caliber. Tel. (707) 578-3882; Fax (707) 578-3884

Atypically for Siduri, this wine lacks intensity and body, coming off lean, with dry, ashy flavors that are rather shallow. A surprising disappointment that closes a bit prickly, with cocoa and astringent lemon hints. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.——W.E.(10/1/2002)—— 83