Early Reviews Are In

We're very excited to pass along the first reviews for our 2009 pinot noirs, from Keith Hoffman at BrainWines.  We'll be pouring all three of these pinot noirs at our release party on Sunday and we plan to make them available for sale online next week.

2009 Hayley Vineyard, Anderson Valley

Nose = Delightful peach skins. Quite a signature! Dry earth. Taffy. Cherry.  Spice (cardamom was mentioned in the tasting group, and it rings true). Light, black pepper.

Taste = Medium mouthfeel. Elegant. Dripping cherries, raspberries, and cranberries. Quite a wonderful fruit basket. Cranberry tasting acid pop is high, but perfectly balanced by all those juicy fruits. Acid kissed earth and dry leaves. Clean. Long, confectionary-laced finished.

A marvel.

A+

Note: Even California folks, that adore pinots with massive fruit and little acid, will be seduced by this slightly old world style, acid-laden, delight.

2009 Doctor’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

Nose = Compared with Hayley… she has softer cherry, more earth, and is deeper and damper on the nose. Leather, deep and thick. Light, crushed granite. Raw pork fat – in a clean, fresh, delicious way. Sautéed mushrooms.

Taste = Medium-full mouthfeel. Dripping ripe blackberries and cranberries. Acid, sugar, and wood work in excellent harmony once again. Long, full finish.

A-

2009 Split Rock Vineyard, Sonoma Coast

Nose = Stewed and smoked cherries. Black tea. Spiced pipe tobacco.  Wet granite. Prosciutto. Cedar.

Taste = Medium-full to full mouthfeel. Dripping black cherries and blackberries. Slightly tannic.  Acid muted, when compared with Haley and Doctor’s. Ripeness is so full, that it outweighs the acid and wood work, but that should all come into balance with a little more time in the bottle.

For typical California-style pinot lovers = A-

For me = B+

Wow - we certainly hope you all enjoy these wines just as much!