A fruity, spicy, vibrant Pinot Noir, easy to like for its richness, yet balanced and elegant, if a little direct in its appeal. It shows jammy flavors of raspberries, cherries and blackberries, with hints of cola and anisette liqueur and a sweet coating of sandalwood. Drink it now.——S.H.(10/1/2011)—— 91

Sharp in acidity, which gives the mouthfeel excessive tartness. Otherwise it’s a very rich wine, with deep, complex flavors of cherry preserves, raspberries, cola, cranberries and red currants, accented by smoky oak. The sharpness seems to limit ageability.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 88

This is the winery’s best blend. It’s been a consistently excellent wine, showing a fuller body, richer, deeper fruit and an oakier overlay than the regular Pinot Noir. The red fruits veer into blue and black fruits, even ripe blue plums and mocha. With some dusty tannins, it could develop over the next six years.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 92