Some will critique this Pinot Noir as being too big and extracted, and lacking delicacy. But Olivet Lane Pinots are seldom delicate. You look for massive fruit and elaborate construction, and that’s what you find in this fabulously exotic wine. It’s a beauty, rich, dense and opulent, with complex cherry, rose petal, dark chocolate and new oak flavors, wrapped into firm, refined tannins. Just gorgeous now, with a few hours of decanting, but it will easily develop bottle nuances for a good eight years. ——S.H.(2/1/2012)—— 95

Tight and aloof now, showing brawny tannins that accentuate the dryness, and the oak has not yet been integrated. But this is clearly a very fine wine. It’s bone dry and silky and classically structured, with a deep, impressive core of berries and cola, as well as earthy, foresty mushrooms and balsam. Needs time. Give it a good six years in the cellar. ——S.H.(4/1/2011)—— 92

There’s tons of cherry, cola and licorice flavor in this vigorous young Pinot. It also shows an earthy streak of herbs and mushrooms, suggesting a sauteed Portobello splashed with balsamic. The result is complex and fascinating, yet vigorous tannins and keen acidity warrant time in the cellar. Give it through 2011.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 93