Comes down on the heavy, full-bodied side for Pinot Noir, with plenty of cherry, pomegranate and persimmon flavors. Sweetened with toasty oak, there’s also a spicy sandalwood richness that brings an exotic note. Doesn’t seem likely to improve, so drink up. ——S.H.(12/31/2011)—— 88

This is one of the palest Pinots of the vintage, so translucent, you can hardly believe its power. A blend of various Dutton Ranch vineyards the result is serious and fabulous, a complex wine with cherry, cola and spice flavors and a luxuriously silky texture. This is textbook, world class RRV Pinot from a very great vintage.——S.H.(3/1/2008)—— 94