Dry, smoky, yet richly complex, opening with a potent bouquet of tart cherry, earth, fern, stable and bacon fat aromas. The palate was leaner than expected, showing very brisk acidity and cranberry, cherry-vanilla and toast flavors. Still, it’s quite attractive in a bright, angular manner, closing with tart, tangy tannins.——W.E.(10/1/2002)—— 89

Only 120 cases of this wine from the Sonoma Coast, where cool weather limits ripeness. There are Burgundian aromas of grilled meat, raw meat and mushroom, with dark berries. Very dry, but with a glyceriney sweetness, it’s light and supple on the palate. Might age; might not. This is still unexplored territory for Pinot Noir. ——S.H.(7/1/2002)—— 92