The 2002 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard’s dense ruby/purple color is followed by notes of plums, cola, raspberries, and cherries, a Bordeaux-like structure, and a clipped, short finish. It will be interesting to see if much develops as the wine ages in bottle. Tel. (707) 433-6425; Fax (707) 433-6546

Dark and strong, with lots of heft and weight, this full-bodied Pinot shows oodles of ripe cherries, wintergreen, vanilla and toast. Feels intense and creamy, with tons of cherry fruit flavor. For all the size, we wish it had greater finesse. ——W.E.(11/1/2004)—— 86