Slightly more challenging to evaluate, but loaded with potential is the 2007 Pinot Noir Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard. A dark ruby color is followed by a distinctive bouquet of earth, graphite, black cherries, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied, and more tightly wound than the Julia’s Vineyard, with good acidity as well as an earthy, spicy character, it will benefit from another year of bottle age, and should drink well for 8-10 years. Tel. (805) 937-4251; Fax (805) 937-0415

Very rich and complex. Shows the immaturity of a young wine, with primary fruit flavors of cherries, black raspberries, red currants, red licorice, teriaki beef and cinnamon, accented with crisp acidity. Very good, but needs time. Best 2010–2013.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 93