You might almost mistake this for a Grenache or Merlot, it’s so dark in color, soft and heavy. It’s not a bad wine, and actually quite tasty with its wealth of berry, cherry, currant and chocolate flavors. But it misses the keen, silky vibrancy a fine California Pinot Noir should possess.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 85

From cool Green Valley in this cool vintage comes this translucently colored young Pinot Noir. It’s silky and light in the mouth, but enormously complex, with spicy cherry, raspberry, cola, licorice, datenut, fig and soy sauce flavors that are heightened and brightened by crisp acidity. Thoroughly enjoyable now, and should develop for up to six years.——S.H.(6/1/2008)—— 94