Though two years older than the widely available Oregon bottling from Firesteed, this wine is almost its twin. Elegant and balanced, with light flavors of wild berry and an herbal underpinning.——P.G.(3/1/2012)—— 87

Firesteed’s Willamette Valley-designated Pinot Noir benefits from better grapes and, in this instance, a riper vintage, than the Oregon bottlings from 2006 and 2007. This is a chunky, fruity, forward wine, with black cherry the dominant fruit. It’s blocky and quickly turns hard, the tannins showing green tea and herbal flavors. ——P.G.(12/15/2008)—— 86

The 2003, though still just 13% alcohol, seems to have more stiffness to the structure, more tannin and more density than the 2002. It’s harder, chewier, less open and more challenging. It may also age more slowly. Right now there is a certain stemminess and bitterness to the tannins that keeps the fruit at bay, though the aromas seem to promise more. It may profit from an hour or two of breathing.——P.G.(11/15/2007)—— 87