This fully mature, outstanding Pinot Noir exhibits a dark garnet color with lightening at the edge. A sweet bouquet offers aromas of smoke, plums, cherries, and minerals in a delicate but forceful style. It is expansive and sweet on the palate, with good spice, excellent purity, medium body, and a long finish displaying admirable acidity as well as tannin.

Sometimes a young Pinot is deceptive. This wine is young and silky, supple and fruity and has some sharp acidity, but it doesn’t overwhelm. It’s the kind of wine that doesn’t overshadow food. But it’s excellent Pinot. The depth of flavor and long finish suggest aging possibilities, but there’s no reason not to drink and enjoy it now. ——S.H.(7/1/2002)—— 91