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Inventory updated: Thu, Apr 22, 2021 04:02 PM cst
90+ points Domestic Pinot Noir
Today we would like to highlight our collection domestic Pinot Noirs that have garnered a score of 90 points or higher. Featuring many options with over 10 years of bottle age and spanning nearly every desirable appellation in both Oregon and California. Here we have a list that offers both collectable names such as Peter Michael, Aubert (in Magnum), Williams Selyem and Archery Summit with popular labels Antiquum, Bergstrom, Ken Wright and Rhys. There is certainly something for everyone with over two-thirds of the listed wines under $100.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Alesia |
2016 |
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir  |
$44.95 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (5/2018): The 2016 Alesia Pinot Noir Anderson Valley is unabashedly delicious, bursting with fragrant aromas of dried flowers, raspberries, wild plums and sweet forest floor. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, supple and satiny, with a juicy core of succulent, mouthwatering fruit that's framed by melting tannins. This bottling is already expressive, and I'd expect it to drink well for a decade, perhaps more. Note that this vintage hails entirely from Kevin Harvey's Bearwallow Vineyard. |
|
|
2008 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$44 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2010): Vivid red. Strawberry, raspberry and spicecake on the nose, with a sexy sandalwood quality. In a distinctly vibrant style, with the sexy spice and red berry qualities following through in the mouth. Sappy and fine-grained wine, finishing on a suave note of candied flowers. This will be the last vintage for this wine.
BH 89 (10/2010): A ripe and very pretty nose artfully blends both red and blue pinot fruit that is trimmed in subtle violet and mint hints that leads to round and rich middle weight flavors that possess fine intensity and volume on the solidly long finish. This delicious offering could easily be enjoyed now but should also age well. |
|
| Anthill |
2010 |
Comptche Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (7/2013): Autumn leaves, dried herbs, tobacco cedar and sweet spices all flow from the glass in the 2010 Pinot Noir Comptche Ridge. In this vintage, the Comptche Ridge comes across as delicate and at times even a bit fragile. Ideally it is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. The cold growing season was especially challenging in this northern part of Sonoma. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Antiquum |
2014 |
Luxuria Pinot Noir |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2018): Dark red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh blackberry, cherry cola, candied flowers and smoky minerals. Sweet, seamless and focused on the palate, showing excellent depth and intensity to the sweet red and blue and vanilla flavors. Rich yet impressively lively as well, thanks to a core of juicy acidity. Closes sweet, smoky and extremely long; harmonious tannins come in late to add gentle grip. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2014 |
Passiflora Pinot Noir |
$53 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2018): Brilliant red. Intense, spice-tinged red currant and strawberry aromas are complicated by suggestions of candied rose and smoky minerals. Taut and energetic on the palate, offering sappy red fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. Juicy and graceful in style, displaying excellent closing focus and silky, harmonious tannins that add gentle grip. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Archery Summit |
1999 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2001): The Outstanding 1999 Pinot Noir Red Hills Estate is medium to dark ruby-colored and has boisterous wild berry and fresh herb aromas. Medium to full-bodied and hugely concentrated, this elegant wine combines power with harmony, refinement with muscle. It is juicy, deep, and has loads of powerful blackberry and cassis flavors. Drink this marvelous Pinot between 2005 and 2015.
VM 92 (4/2002): Deep red. Sappy, highly nuanced nose combines black cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate, espresso and cola. Concentrated, silky and layered in the mouth, with sweetly oaky flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Impressively broad and rich, but also elegantly styled. Finishes very long, with chewy but sweet palate-dusting tannins.
WS 92 (9/2001): Delicate, supple and charming for its delicious plum, blueberry and vanilla flavors, lingering effortlessly on the polished finish. Drink now through 2006. 365 cases made. |
|
|
2005 |
Red Hills Estate Pinot Noir Slightly Depressed Cork |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2008): Dark red color. Intensely minerally aromas of graphite-accented raspberry and cherry, Indian spices and dried flowers. Juicy red fruit flavors are medium-bodied and strikingly sweet, with an energetic snap of zesty minerality adding lift. Finishes fresh and elegant, with no excess fat and superb cut. I love the clarity of this pinot.
BH 89 (10/2007): Noticeable if not intrusive oak presently fights for center stage with the otherwise pretty black cherry and blue berry infused nose where the rich, supple, lush and forward flavors also display the fruit character of the nose and culminate in a moderately structured and nicely long finish. The flavors are still a bit on the one-dimensional side though I like the balance here and there is enough material that the wine should eventually manage to integrate the wood. That said, I suspect the wood will always affect the texture to a certain extent by rounding off the finish somewhat. To be sure, there is very good quality here and once the wine has seen 3 to 6 years in the cellar it should be lovely. Drink 2010+. Outstanding!
WS 88 (2/2008): Firm in texture, with spicy notes and crisp tannins around a modest core of raspberry and nectarine fruit. Needs time to show what it has. Best from 2009 through 2012. 947 cases made. |
|
| Aubert |
2013 |
CIX Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$309 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (1/2015): One of the darker wines in the range, the 2013 Pinot Noir CIX Vineyard races across the palate in a compelling mélange of dark red and purplish stone fruits, graphite, wild cherries, new leather and smoke. The combination of Calera and Vosne-Romanée clones is magic here, as the CIX presents a super-intriguing interplay of intense fruit and structure influenced by this cool site in Forestville. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2014 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2015): As for the 2014 Pinot Noir UV, this wine comes two-thirds from the Calera clone of Pinot Noir and the rest from a Vosne-Romanée clone (which we all know, but no one’s saying, probably emanated from the famous Domaine de la Romanée Conti estate). Lots of soft strawberry, sweet cherry and blueberry notes emerge from this wine, giving it a Côte de Nuits-like character. Slightly lighter than the Ritchie, feminine, fragrant, and beautifully round and juicy, this wine should drink well young and last ten or more years.
VM 92 (2/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard has a lovely immediacy, but it also comes across as ample and at times a bit heavy. Then again, this site is rich in clay, which tends to confer breadth. Dark red cherry, plum, leather, mint and spices meld into the powerful, resonant finish. This supple, engaging Pinot will drink well pretty much right out of the gate. UV is planted with a mix of Calera and Vosne-Romanée clones. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Benovia |
2006 |
Savoy Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2008): Bright red. Musky black raspberry, cherry skin and underbrush on the nose, with a suave floral quality gaining strength with air. Fleshy cherry and dark berry flavors are a touch youthfully wound up but slowly flesh out with air, gaining sweetness and a bitter chocolate quality. Finishes with exotic Asian spice and cherry flavors and very good persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Brewer Clifton |
2016 |
Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir |
$26.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a very good introduction to the Brewer-Clifton style, wafting from the glass with a nose of ripe cherries, candied red fruit, spice and dried herbs that's more fruit-driven than this bottling often is straight out of the gates. On the palate, the wine is supple, saline and medium-bodied, with nice energy and a crunchy core of fruit. This should drink well for the better part of a decade.
WS 90 (8/2018): A chiseled red, with notes of underbrush to the dried raspberry and red currant flavors that feature accents of persimmon and pomegranate. Cardamom details show on the finish. Drink now through 2022. 4,676 cases made. |
|
| Broadley Vineyards |
2010 |
Jessica Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (7/2013): Brilliant red. Spicy cherry and redcurrant on the nose, with suave floral and anise nuances adding complexity. Mineral-accented red and dark berry flavors are youthfully taut but wonderfully concentrated, with a succulent herbal quality adding complexity. Closes spicy and long, with excellent clarity, length and harmonious tannins. This should age gracefully. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Jessica Pinot Noir |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2016): (80 percent whole clusters and 50 percent new oak) Limpid red. Very suave, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry and Asian spices develop a subtle smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Silky, lithe and focused on the palate, offering alluringly sweet red berry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that stretch out and deepen steadily with air. Finishes impressively long and sweet, displaying excellent clarity and fine-grained tannins that come in late. This is a standout wine in this vintage. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Marcile Lorraine Pinot Noir |
$43 |
7 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (12/2016): Deep red. Aromas of ripe red berries and cherry pit, complicated by rose pastille, cola and woodsmoke flourishes. Bitter cherry, raspberry and spicecake flavors show very good depth, and a snap of juicy acidity provides focus and lift. The cherry and floral notes cling very nicely on a spicy, penetrating finish that's framed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Marcile Lorraine Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$43 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (12/2016): Deep red. Aromas of ripe red berries and cherry pit, complicated by rose pastille, cola and woodsmoke flourishes. Bitter cherry, raspberry and spicecake flavors show very good depth, and a snap of juicy acidity provides focus and lift. The cherry and floral notes cling very nicely on a spicy, penetrating finish that's framed by fine-grained, harmonious tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$39 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 90 (10/2015): Brilliant red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, cola, incense and vanilla. A zesty mineral quality adds lift and bite to the sweet black raspberry and rose pastille flavors, with a smoky quality emerging on the back half. This suave wine finishes with even, building tannins and lingering spice character. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label; Lightly Wrinkled Label |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 90 (10/2015): Brilliant red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, cola, incense and vanilla. A zesty mineral quality adds lift and bite to the sweet black raspberry and rose pastille flavors, with a smoky quality emerging on the back half. This suave wine finishes with even, building tannins and lingering spice character. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Chapter 24 |
2012 |
The Last Chapter Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2014): Vivid ruby-red. Heady, exotically perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola, Asian spices and potpourri. Densely packed yet lithe, offering palate-staining red and dark berry and spicecake flavors that gains sweetness and vivacity with air. Distinctly fresh and supple on the gently tannic, incisive finish, which leaves notes of allspice and candied flowers behind. Josh Raynolds.
WA 90 (3/2015): The 2012 Last Chapter comes from two sedimentary and two volcanic sites that are selected by Louis-Michel Liger-Belair conducting a blind tasting of different parcels. Matured in 75% new oak, the wood is neatly carried by the well-defined dark cherry, briary and sous-bois bouquet that feels very natural. The palate is medium-bodied and here, unlike the aromatics, the wood comes through quite strongly and layers mocha notes across the black plum and raspberry fruit, slightly obfuscating the nuances underneath. This is a delicious Pinot Noir, but I actually have a preference for the "The Fire" '12 in this vintage. |
|
| Copain Wines |
2011 |
Kiser En Bas Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2014): Vivid red. Shows more red fruit and vivacity on the nose and palate than the Kiser En Haut that Guthrie poured before this, with sexy floral and smoky mineral nuances and a touch of Asian spices. Lively and precise, with a silky texture and building sweetness. Finishes tight and very long, with subtle, harmonious tannins and resonating rose and allspice qualities. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2011 |
Kiser En Haut Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2014): Dark red. Powerful spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, floral pastilles and licorice, with a bright mineral overtone. Then livelier in the mouth, offering tangy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight with air. Structured, focused pinot with strong finishing punch, chewy tannins and a late jolt of peppery spices adding bite. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2011 |
Wentzel Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$64 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2014): Light, bright red. Zesty, mineral-tinged scents of redcurrant and strawberry, with subtle woodsmoke and floral notes adding complexity. Tangy, linear and stony on the palate, offering intense red fruit flavors and a touch of blood orange. A bitter cherry pit quality gives bite to the finish, which is framed by silky, slow-building tannins. No excess fat here but no lack of fruit either. |
|
| Day Wines |
2013 |
Crowley Station Pinot Noir |
$44.99 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (10/2015): Brilliant red. Suave, highly perfumed aromas of black raspberry and cherry-cola, with hints of rose pastille and allspice emerging with aeration. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering bitter cherry and red berry flavors that are given spine by a bright mineral nuance. Closes taut and spicy, with excellent clarity, supple tannins and lingering red fruit character. |
|
| Dom. Serene |
2015 |
Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir Raised Cork |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91+ (8/2018): The 2015 Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee is pale to medium ruby-purple with a nose of black cherries, black licorice, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon with touches of tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied with warm, ripe black fruits in the mouth framed by baking spice, it’s got a good frame of fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and very spicy. There's a definite oak presence here, but a very classy one. |
|
|
2015 |
Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir |
$43 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91+ (8/2018): The 2015 Pinot Noir Yamhill Cuvee is pale to medium ruby-purple with a nose of black cherries, black licorice, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon with touches of tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied with warm, ripe black fruits in the mouth framed by baking spice, it’s got a good frame of fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and very spicy. There's a definite oak presence here, but a very classy one. |
|
| DuMol |
2007 |
Eoin Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 92 (6/2010): Intense, taut and grounded in a loamy, earthy minerality that gives a rich foundation for the firm, ripe wild berry, raspberry and mineral notes that are slow to develop. A bit stemmy, but persistent, teasing and tempting. Best from 2011 through 2017. 375 cases made.
WA 91 (2/2010): The 2007 Pinot Noir Eoin (100% Sonoma Stage Vineyard material planted with Calera and Swan clones, with about 25% whole clusters) exhibits copious aromas of pomegranates, black cherries, plums, and allspice interwoven with forest floor and raspberry nuances. With plenty of body, acidity, and length, it should drink well for a decade or more.
VM 91 (6/2010): Deep ruby-red with a bright rim. Smoky black raspberry and spicecake on the nose, plus a hint of dried rose. Sweet, concentrated and tightly focused, showing an attractive blend of power and vivacity to the flavors of dark berries and baking spices. Firmly structured pinot , with strong finishing cut and lingering florality. This fruit, half Calera and half Swan clones, came from Larry Hyde's Sonoma Stage vineyard. |
|
|
2010 |
Eoin Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2013): (made from fruit grown in the Sonoma Stage vineyard; 40% new oak): Bright ruby. Sexy, intense perfume of red berry liqueur, Asian spices and incense, with a smoky topnote. Sappy, penetrating and pure, offering juicy raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight in the glass. Suavely blends richness and vivacity, with excellent clarity of flavor. Alluringly sweet and seamless in texture, with superb length. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2014 |
Eoin Sonoma State Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (3/2017): The 2014 Pinot Noir Eoin Sonoma Stage Vineyard is a wild, powerful wine. The inclusion of 33% whole clusters gives the wine its distinctive savory profile. Red cherry, scorched earth, tobacco, game and smoke give the wine its decidedly dark, brooding personality. That element of burliness is reinforced by slightly coarse tannins and a rough around the edges feel. I expect the Eoin will come around, but it will be a few years before that happens. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91+ (2/2010): The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate from DuMol’s holdings in Green Valley is also a product of the Calera and Swan clones of Pinot Noir (only 200 cases produced). This impressive, dark ruby-hued effort is dominated by red and black fruits exhibiting plenty of rhubarb and wild strawberry notes as well as hints of black cherries and underbrush. Intense and backward, it appears to have closed down considerably after bottling. Give it another year or so of bottle age, and drink it over the following 12-15 years. |
|
|
2004 |
Ryan Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 94 (2/2007): A delicious Pinot. Rich, intense and concentrated, with layers of vivid black cherry, raspberry and wild berry fruit that's sharply focused, tightly wound and beautifully orchestrated. Finishes with a hint of toasty oak and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2012. 576 cases made.
VM 91+ (2/2007): Good medium red. Subdued but nuanced aromas of dark cherry, blood orange, smoke, meat and a whiff of white pepper. Round and broad but not at all sweet; offers very good depth and considerable sap and complexity. Finishes with suave tannins and very good structure. Very interesting, youthful pinot.
WA 91 (12/2006): There are 600 cases of the 2004 Pinot Noir Ryan, which offers wonderful sweet black cherry fruit intertwined with sassafras, Allspice, forest floor, and fresh mushrooms. This rich, medium to full-bodied Pinot should drink well for 7-8 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Ryan Pinot Noir |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Medium red. Deep, powerful scents of cherry-cola, sassafras and dried rose. Sappy, deep dark berry flavors are complicated by smoky mineral and floral qualities. There's surprising energy, though, and the finish leaves tangy mineral and berry skin notes behind. Still, I prefer the vivacity of the Aidan right now.
WA 89 (12/2008): The only two that had been released include the 2006 Pinot Noir Ryan, which is a dark ruby, full-bodied wine with notes of clove, allspice, red currants, and hints of plum and sassafras. It is medium-bodied and well-made, but too short in the finish to merit an Outstanding score. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Ryan Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91-93 (12/2008): The 2007 Pinot Noir Ryan (a blend of two vineyards, Widdoes and Abbot, also in the cold Green Valley) is a bigger cuvee. It exhibits plenty of black cherries, raspberry, plum, and forest floor as well as some damp earth, underbrush and spice. It is complex already, with an intense fragrance, medium to full body, and a long, heady finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2016. |
|
| Durant Vineyards |
2014 |
Ava Roan Pinot Noir |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2018): Limpid ruby-red. Incisive red fruit, anise and Asian spice scents, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering mineral-laced raspberry, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that deepen and become sweeter with air. Delivers an attractive blend of power and finesse and finishes with fine-grained, harmonious tannins and very good clarity, cut and persistence. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2011 |
Bishop Pinot Noir |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (7/2013): Vibrant red. Heady, spice-accented aromas of red fruit preserves, Asian spices and musky earth. Sweet and penetrating, with very good energy to its sweet raspberry and spicecake flavors. Closes silky and long, with lingering spiciness and a hint of bitter herbs. This vineyard was planted to the Pommard clone in 1973 and grows on its own roots, meaning it hasn't been grafted over from something else during the last 40 years. The winemaker is Isabelle Duarte, who is also responsible for the excellent wines at De Ponte Cellars and her own 1789 brand. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Bishop Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2016): Dark red. Intense, mineral-tinged red berry and cherry scents are complicated by suggestions of allspice, rhubarb and cola. Vibrant and precise on the palate, offering juicy red currant and bitter cherry flavors that deepen and spread out slowly on the back half. Shows very good focus and lift on the long, penetrating finish, which features silky tannins and resonating spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2014 |
Bishop Pinot Noir |
$50 |
10 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2018): Deep brilliant red. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied rose, cola and succulent herbs. Nicely concentrated yet energetic, offering sappy raspberry, spicecake and candied licorice flavors that are given spine by a core of juicy acidity. Shows impressive clarity and spicy thrust on an impressively long, floral-dominated finish shaped by smooth tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2014 |
La Casita Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2018): Vivid red. Dark berry, cherry cola and mocha aromas, along with a suave floral overtone that gains strength in the glass. Stains the palate with sweet black raspberry, cherry pie and violet pastille flavors sharpened by a suggestion of peppery spices. Manages to be rich as well as vibrant, showing strong closing thrust and persistence and supple tannins that fold quickly into the lush fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2012 |
La Paloma Pinot Noir |
$45 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (7/2014): Vivid ruby-red. Displays pungent scents of dark berries, cherry-cola, spicecake and potpourri, with a zesty mineral nuance adding lift. Sappy red and dark berry flavors are sweetened by a vanilla note and show very good depth and energy. Round and gently tannic in the style of the vintage, with repeating cola and cherry notes on the persistent finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Olivia Grace Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (12/2016): Brilliant red. Highly perfumed aromas of fresh red fruits, spicecake and potpourri are lent vivacity by a peppery element. Sappy and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant, spice-tinged raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a smoky mineral nuance. Finishes gently sweet and long; fine-grained tannins build slowly and add grip. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Foxen |
2012 |
La Encantada Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$51 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is another of the many highlights in this range. Here the flavors are dark, smoky and gamy. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco and cured meats flesh out in a resonant, highly expressive Pinot endowed with notable depth, especially within the context of the vintage. Hints of dried rose petal and violets linger on the finish. From start to finish, the Encantada is superb.
WA 93 (8/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills is a beautiful effort that spent 16 months in 33% new French oak prior to being bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Showing notions of cherry pits, framboise, mint and spring flowers, it flows onto the palate with a rich, seamless texture, Outstanding purity of fruit and a nicely focused, layered finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Completely destemmed, it shows the prettier side the variety, and will shine for 5-7 years.
WS 88 (9/2014): Tight, firm and vibrant, centered on vivid dark berry, mineral, cedar and crushed rock notes, ending with a dusty, earthy aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. 580 cases made.
BH 88 (4/2015): Here the nose derives primarily from the red side of the fruit spectrum where top notes of spice and tea add breadth. There is a slight tanginess to the middle weight flavors that possess a lovely sense of verve though the finish is a bit awkward as the tangy character cuts it somewhat short. To be sure this is not without a certain appeal but the overall sense of harmony isn't ideal. Drink 2018+. |
|
|
2012 |
La Encantada Vyd. Pinot Noir Torn Label |
$51 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard is another of the many highlights in this range. Here the flavors are dark, smoky and gamy. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco and cured meats flesh out in a resonant, highly expressive Pinot endowed with notable depth, especially within the context of the vintage. Hints of dried rose petal and violets linger on the finish. From start to finish, the Encantada is superb.
WA 93 (8/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills is a beautiful effort that spent 16 months in 33% new French oak prior to being bottled un-fined and unfiltered. Showing notions of cherry pits, framboise, mint and spring flowers, it flows onto the palate with a rich, seamless texture, Outstanding purity of fruit and a nicely focused, layered finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Completely destemmed, it shows the prettier side the variety, and will shine for 5-7 years.
WS 88 (9/2014): Tight, firm and vibrant, centered on vivid dark berry, mineral, cedar and crushed rock notes, ending with a dusty, earthy aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. 580 cases made.
BH 88 (4/2015): Here the nose derives primarily from the red side of the fruit spectrum where top notes of spice and tea add breadth. There is a slight tanginess to the middle weight flavors that possess a lovely sense of verve though the finish is a bit awkward as the tangy character cuts it somewhat short. To be sure this is not without a certain appeal but the overall sense of harmony isn't ideal. Drink 2018+. |
|
| Ghost Hill Cellars |
2012 |
Bayliss-Bower Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (10/2015): Bright ruby-red. Potent, smoke-tinged aromas of ripe red and dark berries, cola and sassafras, with a subtle floral element building in the glass. Sappy and focused on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering juicy black raspberry and candied rose flavors with a sweetening touch of vanilla. Dusty tannins provide shape and grip to the long, toasty finish, with the dark berry note echoing. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Holmes Gap |
2014 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| WS 91 (2/2017): Bright and lively, with raspberry and cherry flavors on a taut frame. The fruit and hints of tomato leaf expand on the persistent finish. Best from 2018 through 2022. 350 cases made. |
|
| Hyde de Villaine (HDV) |
2014 |
Ysabel Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (3/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Ysabel Van der Kamp Vineyard is bright, perfumed and lifted, with expressive red fruit and floral notes. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, game, orange peel, mint and crushed flowers are nicely delineated in this attractive, mid-weight Pinot. The 25% whole clusters are well-integrated. Even so, this is decidedly rustic relative to the level Hyde de Villaine achieves with their top wines. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| JK Carriere |
2014 |
St. Dolores Estate Pinot Noir |
$58.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2016): Lurid red. Intensely perfumed aromas of fresh red berries, cherry liqueur and a hint of star anise on the deeply perfumed nose. Seamless, broad and open-knit, offering sweet raspberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors; a suggestion of blood orange adds back-end cut. Closes smooth, floral and impressively long, showing serious persistence and gentle tannins that add shape and grip. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Ken Wright Cellars |
2010 |
Guadalupe Vyd. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (6/2013): Sleek and appealing, offering white pepper-accented dark berry and roasted meat flavors that glide through polished tannins to the long, transparent finish. Drink now through 2018. 778 cases made. |
|
|
2016 |
Savoya Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (2/2019): Dark and well-built, with scrappy cherry, orange peel and savory anise flavors that take on power toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best after 2019. 746 cases made. |
|
| Lutum |
2014 |
Gaps Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2016): Toasted spice, caramelized meats, black raspberry and licorice notes all flow from the beautifully textured, balanced, silky 2014 Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Vineyard, which has fabulous tannin quality and length. It's beautiful now, but I can see no reason it won't evolve for a decade or more. This spent 15 months in 30% new French oak.
VM 91 (9/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard is bright, focused and nuanced. Today, the Gap's Crown comes across as a bit austere and tightly wound, with the fruit pushed into the background. There is good energy to match the wine's distinctly savory profile, but the 2014 remains a bit compact, especially through the middle. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Martinelli |
2012 |
Blue Slide Ridge Pinot Noir |
$149 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2014): Brilliant red. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are complicated by cola and rose pastille, with a sexy note of Asian spices gaining power as the wine opens with air. Fleshy black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are braced by a nervy mineral quality, which adds lift and cut. Finishes with lingering sweetness and excellent persistence, leaving a spicecake note behind. There's 15.2% alcohol here, and 80% new oak, but the impression I get is one of elegance. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$58.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 92 (7/2012): A hint of sautéed morel mushroom adds an aromatic note to the generous ripe plum and black cherry flavors. A nice loamy earth, forest floor and cedary edge marks the finish. Drink now through 2020. 624 cases made.
VM 91 (5/2012): Bright red. Intense, oak-spiced aromas of raspberry preserves and cherry-cola, with a floral topnote. Rich and firm on the palate, offering intense red fruit flavors sweetened by a strong vanilla quality. Shows impressive power on the broad, lush, persistent finish. |
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| Patz & Hall |
2004 |
Alder Springs Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (5/2006): Good full, deep red. Sexy spices and exotic dark berries on the nose, along with a whiff of licorice. Large-scaled, chewy and sweet, with powerful flavors of briary mountain berries. Finishes with huge building tannins and an uncompromisingly dry impression. These very small berries require a delicate maceration, notes James Hall. This seems clearly more successful than the 2003 release, even if it calls for some time in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2011 |
Katherine Lindsay Estate Cuvee Augustina Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (2/2014): Rich and concentrated for the vintage, dense and chunky, with extracted dark berry, mocha and savory herb notes, gripped by firm, chewy tannins. Needs time. Drink now through 2019. 155 cases made. |
|
| Penner-Ash |
2011 |
Zenas Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$57 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 91 (10/2013): Surprisingly dark for the vintage, with firm tannins giving way to light-weight flavors, offering berry and black tea notes that linger enticingly against velvety texture. Drink now through 2017. 281 cases made.
VM 90 (8/2013): Vivid ruby-red. Dark berries and cherry pit on the fragrant nose. Sappy and nicely focused, offering bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors, with a touch of orange zest lending a tangy edge. Closes smooth and gently sweet, with very good clarity and fine-grained tannins.
WA 89 (10/2013): Tart-edged plum and black raspberry are laced with orange rind and smoky black tea on the nose and frisky, firm palate of Penner-Ash’s 2011 Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard. There is a bit of gum-numbing to the tannins here, and it’s possible that the limited use of whole clusters here accentuated them, while not (or not yet noticeably) adding floral or spice nuances of the sort I more positively associate with that technique. But there’s certainly serious grip and energy here, and it should be fascinating to follow the wine’s evolution through at least 2018. |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2010 |
Le Caprice Pinot Noir |
$355 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2013): A spectacular effort, the 2010 Pinot Noir La Caprice is one of the most complex Pinots I have ever smelled. Resembling a great grand cru from the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, it offers up aromas of rose petals, wild strawberries, black raspberries, forest floor and Chinese black tea. This full-bodied, rich Pinot has an undeniable Cote de Nuits personality as well as an amazing finish. Production of this profound Pinot was 730 cases. It should drink well for 10+ years.
WS 95 (8/2012): Ripe and generous, with plush, rich blackberry and wild berry fruit that's pure and focused, gaining depth and nuance and ending with a long, persistent finish, where this picks up a touch of smoky oak. Drink now through 2022. 730 cases made.
VM 91 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Fresh raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by star anise, cinnamon and rose oil. Fleshy and smooth on entry, then tighter in the mid-palate, offering tangy red fruit flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Shows a suave floral quality on the finish, which clings with impressive tenacity. |
|
|
2005 |
Le Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir Very Lightly Torn Label |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2007): Dark red. Sexy raspberry and blackberry aromas, with gentle spice notes adding complexity. Lush and sweet, with pure red and dark berry flavors unsullied by herb, earth or animal. Fresh and juicy on the finish, with a subtle hint of smoked meat rising on the back. This is very elegant and balanced for cellaring.
WA 91 (12/2007): The 2005 Pinot Noir Le Moulin Rouge has a dark ruby/purple color, with tart acidity holding back the wine’s forceful black cherry and raspberry notes intermixed with licorice, spring flowers, and forest floor. The wine is tightly knit and will benefit from several years of bottle age; it will last at least a decade or more.
WS 88 (9/2007): Offers a mix of mineral, herb and dried currant flavors that are firm and well-structured, clamping down a bit on the finish. Yet this is still alluring for its complexity. Drink now through 2011. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 600 cases made. |
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|
2014 |
Le Moulin Rouge Pinot Noir |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 93 (9/2016): A graceful, refined style that captures suppleness and finesse. Charming, delivering elegant plum and wild berry flavors. Most impressive for the subtle structure and delivery. Drink now through 2022. 526 cases made.
WA 90 (10/2016): From the purchased fruit, the 2014 Pinot Noir Le Moulin Rouge Pisoni Vineyard displays a decent plum color, plenty of straightforward black cherry fruit, spice, forest floor and loamy soil undertones. It is a delicious, excellent Pinot Noir, but pales in comparison to the estate offerings in 2014.
VM 88 (8/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Moulin Rouge, from Pisoni in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is a holdover from the days before Peter Michael’s estate vineyards came online. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice and chocolate are all pushed forward. Drink this overt, fruit-driven Pinot Noir over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Pisoni Estate |
2010 |
Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2012): Bright ruby. Vibrant raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by Asian spices and candied rose. The palate offers lively red berry and bitter cherry flavors enlivened by notes of blood orange and smoky minerals. The strikingly long, spicy finish features fine-grained tannins and a late floral kick.
VM 92 (8/2012): The 2010 Pinot Noir Pisoni comes across as more structured than most of the wines made by the Pisoni family in this vintage. Firm yet well-integrated tannins form the backdrop for an expressive tapestry of bright red fruit, flowers, licorice and spices that gradually unfold in the glass. The use of 20% whole clusters brings out an aromatic register that is quite appealing. A poised, beautifully articulated finish rounds things out in style. This is a great showing from the Pisoni family, one of the early pioneers of the Santa Lucia Highland and one of its most eloquent exponents today. |
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| Presqu'ile |
2011 |
Presquile Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59.95 |
12 |
|
| |
VM 91 (12/2013): Brilliant ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of candied red fruits, fresh rose and blood orange. Tangy and precise, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry flavors that become sweeter with air. Weightless but deep in flavor, finishing with excellent clarity and silky tannins.
WA 89 (8/2013): Coming from estate vineyards and 10-year-old vines located just outside the winery, the 2011 Pinot Noir Presqu’ile Vineyard also saw 100% whole cluster and was aged in 30% new French oak for 17 months. In this case though, the stems are more integrated with the wine showing quality cherry, crushed flowers, rose petal and spice as well as a medium-bodied, elegant, supple feel on the palate. Nicely textured, balanced and with juicy acidity, it’s a delicious 2011 that will drink nicely for another 3-5 years. Drink now-2018. |
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| Radio-Coteau |
2006 |
Savoy Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2008): Bright red color. Sexy, intensely perfumed aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, fresh rose and minerals. Fleshy red fruit flavors stain the palate and offer excellent vivacity, picking up fine-grained tannins with air. A clean, brisk style of pinot, with no excess weight and great finishing thrust. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Rhys |
2011 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2013): The 2011 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is one of the wilder wines in this range of 2011 Pinots. Game, tar, licorice and dark fruits all take on an intensely mineral personality with distinct volcanic overtones reminiscent of Aglianico and Taurasi. The layered, exotic finish is compelling and full of character. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (4/2015): Still showing its oak elevage, with some char and vanilla in its sweet cherry, old hearth, roasted herbs and licorice aromas and flavors, the 2011 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is medium-bodied, nicely textured and has notable acidity that comes through on the finish. This is one of the few wines from Kevin where the oak sticks out (it does integrate more with air), nevertheless, it's still Outstanding and has lots to love. I suspect it will evolve nicely for another 5-7 years.
WS 89 (3/2015): Aromas of damp clay and wet earth join dried herb and savory dried berry notes in this taut, distinctive wine. The tannins are earth-laced and gritty, so this may be best after a few years in the cellar. Best after 2016.
BH 88 (1/2014): This is completely different as there is plenty of wood toast and even a hint of tar that fights somewhat with the black raspberry and plum aromas. There is good vibrancy to the concentrated and extract-rich flavors that are overtly robust, all wrapped in a muscular finish where the tar character resurfaces. This is impressively scaled but awkward today as the style is not consistent with the other wines in the range. Drink 2019+. |
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|
2012 |
San Mateo County Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$27 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2014): Bright ruby. Pungent dark berries and cherry on the nose, with smoky mineral and rose nuances adding complexity. On the palate, juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice and candied rose. Spreads out nicely on the finish, which is framed by supple, well-knit tannins. This sexy pinot is delicious right now. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2010 |
Silver Eagle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (2/2012): The 2010 Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard is a rich, deep wine endowed with considerable depth in its black cherries, exotic spices and licorice. This is an especially juicy, dark wine from Rivers-Marie. A final burst of fruit intermingled with floral and spiced notes inform the finish. This is the second vintage for the Silver Eagle, one of the warmer sites near Occidental. The principal clones are Calera, 828 and a Vosne-Romanee suitcase clone. Only 7 of the 12 barrels made it into the vineyard designate bottling, the rest of the wine was blended into the Sonoma Coast Pinot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2011 |
Hallberg Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$78.99 |
9 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2015): The 2011 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard is fleshy, succulent and expressive. Sweet red cherries, plums, mint, pine and small red berries open up nicely. The Hallberg has a slightly redder profile than the Russian River bottling, where it is the main component, but also, interestingly, just a little less persistent through the finish. Still, there is more than enough pedigree for the 2012 Hallberg to drink nicely for the next handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Platt Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$70 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2019): The 2015 Pinot Noir Platt Vineyard is soft, fruity and exuberant, delivering a good deal of immediacy and up-front appeal, but it is also a bit less multidimensional than some of the other wines in this range. Even so, there is lovely density to the ripe red berry fruit. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$51 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 89+ (4/2019): The 2014 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is lovely. Supple and racy, with plenty of Russian River juiciness, the 2014 has much to offer. Like all of these Pinots, the Russian River speaks in soft tones. Even so, it is quite expressive of the appellation. The 2014 has room to grow in bottle, as Fred Scherrer's wines often do. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2003 |
Omega Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$1,200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2005): The top-notch 2003 Pinot Noir Omega Shea Vineyard offers up beautiful aromatics of raspberries, plums, blueberries, and flowers. This deeply fruity, medium to full-bodied Pinot boasts tremendous opulence, a sweet mid-palate, admirable purity, and a seamless finish. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. After 2003, Elaine and Manfred Krankl will no longer produce a Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir due to the logistical problems of moving fruit from Oregon to their winery in Ventura.
VM 91 (8/2005): Dark red.Deep, very ripe aromas of blackberry and chocolatey torrefaction. Large-scaled and deep, with the blackberry, black cherry and black raspberry flavors carrying a strong load of chocolate, not to mention 15.5% alcohol. Finishes impressively broad and uncompromisingly dry, with very good length and decent grip. A big fellow. |
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| Solomon Hills |
2013 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir |
$54.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills offers lovely notes of spice, autumn leaves, red currants and framboise in a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished package. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and raised 18 months in 40% new French oak, it has terrific complexity, and its tight, lively feel on the palate should allow it to age gracefully over the coming decade as well.
VM 90 (9/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard is dark, pliant and expressive. Sweet black cherries, plum, menthol, licorice and lavender blossom in the glass. I would prefer to drink this soft, mid-weight Pinot over the next handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Trisaetum |
2014 |
Family Reserve Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2016): Dark red. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, cherry cola and Asian spices develop a subtle mineral quality in the glass. Sweet and velvety in the mouth, offering deep-pitched red berry liqueur, vanilla and smoky mineral qualities and a touch of allspice. Very long and appealingly sweet on the close, where slow-building tannins add framework and gentle grip. Josh Raynolds. |
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| Under the Wire |
2014 |
Hirsch Vyd. Sparkling Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (4/2018): Under the Wire's 2014 Pinot Noir (Sparkling) Hirsch Vineyard is beguiling and eccentric in every way. Then again, this is Hirsch fruit we are talking about & grapes that are exceedingly hard to come by these days. Lifted, exquisitely perfumed aromatics meld into a core of silky, sensual fruit. A wine of captivating beauty, the 2014 Hirsch continues to open up in the glass with myriad layers of nuance and complexity. What a gorgeous and totally unique wine this is. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Walter Hansel |
2017 |
Cahill Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$41.95 |
36 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2019): Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane has a broody nose of sliced blueberry, black cherry and warm blackberries with cinnamon, nutmeg, tree bark and amaro accents plus crushed red cherries, raspberry jam, warm strawberries and dried flowers. Medium-bodied and silky, it fans out in the mouth with lush, concentrated fruits and tons and tons of spicy and earthy accents, with a firm frame of grainy tannins and very juicy acidity, finishing very long and layered. 750 cases produced. |
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| White Rose Estate |
2014 |
Guillen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 90 (7/2017): This savory style weaves sassafras and tree bark notes into red berry and cherry flavors, finishing with brightness and distinctive character against fine tannins. Best from 2019 through 2024. 424 cases made. |
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| WildAire Cellars |
2014 |
Beacon Hill Pinot Noir |
$49 |
10 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2018): (50% new French oak) Brilliant red. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by floral pastille, vanilla and cola nuances. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated, oak-spiced red and dark berry and mocha flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Shows bright spice and mineral notes on an impressively long, penetrating finish framed by silky, even tannins. I like the interplay of richness and vivacity here. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2014 |
Beacon Hill Pinot Noir Lightly Nicked Label |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2018): (50% new French oak) Brilliant red. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by floral pastille, vanilla and cola nuances. Sappy and expansive on the palate, offering concentrated, oak-spiced red and dark berry and mocha flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Shows bright spice and mineral notes on an impressively long, penetrating finish framed by silky, even tannins. I like the interplay of richness and vivacity here. Josh Raynolds. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2014 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 89 (6/2017): A notably ripe (though not jammy) nose features notes of cherry liqueur, plum and pretty spice elements. There is good volume to the delicious, round and caressing middle weight flavors that possess good if not special depth on the nicely persistent finish. This seductive effort should both drink well young but be capable of repaying 6 to 10 years of cellaring if that's your preference. Drink 2021+. |
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2014 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2017): An attractively perfumed and overtly spicy nose combines notes of sandalwood, anise, Asian-style tea and an array of both red and dark pinot fruit aromas. Once again the mouth feel of the medium-bodied flavors is quite sleek while displaying fine definition on the delicious, complex and less obviously structured finish that also flashes a touch of youthful austerity. While not quite as firm, I would still advise allowing this at least 5 to 7 years of bottle age as it's presently fairly tightly wound. Drink 2021+. Outstanding! |
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2017 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and is youthfully shy, slowly offering scents of raspberry preserves, red and black cherries and touches of cured meats, peppercorn, autumn leaves, dried rose petal and potpourri. It's light to medium-bodied, rounded and silky with slowly evolving earth and spice layers, a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long with baking spice touches. This is very youthfully coiled, and my score may look conservative a year from now. 1,289 cases produced. |
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|
2014 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (8/2016): A bold, racy wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard hits the palate with striking depth and purity of fruit. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice and new leather all flesh out in the glass. This is an especially succulent, juicy Pinot Noir that will drink well with minimal cellaring, although readers who prefer more tertiary nuance will want to cellar it for a few years. Today, the fruit is front and center. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (6/2017): A cool, pure and airy nose combines notes of freshly picked dark cherry, red raspberry and exotic tea scents. There is a wonderfully silky and refined mouth feel to the medium weight flavors that possess a beguiling sense of underlying tension that carries over to the sappy, focused and ever-so-slightly drying finish. Like the Coastlands I suspect that with a few years of bottle age the dryness will largely if not completely dissipate. Drink 2021+. |
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|
2014 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 90 (6/2017): This is also aromatically pure, cool and airy with a similar if slightly spicier mix of aromas. There is more volume and richness to the generously proportioned middle weight flavors that don't possess quite the same refinement on the dusty, delicious and well-balanced finale that exhibits a bit of youthful austerity. This needs to develop more depth in order to rival the best in the range so I would suggest cellaring the Foss for at least a few years first. Drink 2022+. |
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|
2017 |
Lewis MacGregor Estate Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$260 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (5/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard is decidedly boisterous, with a huge core of ripe fruit and equally imposing tannins. This is an especially muscular style of Russian River Pinot. All the elements meld together effortlessly in this powerful, resonant Pinot. Readers will have to be patient, though, as the 2017 needs time. Hard candy, blood orange, spice and star anise add an exotic flavor to this potent Pinot. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Precious Mountain Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (7/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Precious Mountain Vineyard is another of the more reticent wines in this range from Williams Selyem. Intensely mineral and savory notes are at the forefront, while the fruit is pushed into the background. Chalk, white pepper, citrus peel and smoke add character to the earth tones. Perhaps the 2016 will blossom a bit more in bottle, but today it is austere and unyielding, especially within the context of the other 2016s here. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2016 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (4/2018): Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley gives lovely black cherries, mulberries and warm plums with nuances of Chinese five spice and dried flowers plus a touch of dusty soil. Medium-bodied with plush, approachable tannins and just enough freshness lifting the expressive black fruit, it finishes on an earthy note. 2,405 cases produced. |
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|
2015 |
Terra Di Promissio Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (3/2017): Sweet dark cherry, tobacco, earthiness, new leather and licorice are some of the notes that give the 2015 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio Vineyard its distinctly savory personality. The interplay of ripe 2015 fruit and some of the more floral/earthy nuances that develop in the glass make for a highly appealing Pinot. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2017 |
Terra Di Promissio Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is a wine of exquisite nuance. Bright and delineated, the 2017 shows the more understated side of the vintage off to great effect. Everything is in miniature in a Pinot that speaks with a quiet, reserved voice. And yet, it's all there. Bright and vibrant, the 2017 will drink well for many years to come. A closing flourish of red-toned fruit and floral overtones add to the wine's allure. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2014 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (8/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard is pretty, gracious and nicely lifted throughout. Sweet floral overtones, red berries and gently spiced notes give the 2014 much of its perfumed, aromatic personality. Open-knit, elegant and medium in body, the 2014 can be enjoyed upon release or cellared for up to a handful of years. This is the most airy, weightless wine in the range. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Wind Gap |
2013 |
Chenoweth Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$64.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Chenoweth Vineyard is the first of these 2013s I would drink, as the style is soft, forward and inviting. Crushed flowers, orange peel, white pepper and dried cherries are given a little bit of extra lift from the 100% whole clusters. Rosewater, mint and savory herbs are some of the notes that are woven throughout the finish. This is the warmest Pinot site Wind Gap works with. The 2013 Chenoweth was aged in 500 liter barrels to help preserve a measure of freshness. |
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| Antiquum |
2013 |
Juel Pinot Noir |
$40 |
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2014 |
Juel Pinot Noir |
$40 |
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2014 |
Juel Pinot Noir Lightly Nicked Label |
$40 |
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2015 |
Juel Pinot Noir |
$40 |
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2015 |
Juel Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$40 |
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| Aubert |
2014 |
CIX Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$360 |
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| Benovia |
2006 |
Bella Una Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$43 |
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2006 |
Cohn Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
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| Bergstrom |
2013 |
Croft Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
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2016 |
Gregory Ranch Pinot Noir |
$59 |
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2013 |
Silice Pinot Noir |
$65 |
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2016 |
Silice Pinot Noir |
$62 |
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2013 |
Winery Block Pinot Noir |
$59 |
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| Bien Nacido Estate |
2014 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir |
$59.99 |
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| Day Wines |
2013 |
Cancilla Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$44.99 |
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| DuMol |
2010 |
Ryan Pinot Noir |
$85 |
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| J. Rochioli Vineyards |
2016 |
Sweetwater Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
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| Ken Wright Cellars |
2012 |
Canary Hill Vyd. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir |
$49 |
|
Sold Out
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|
|
2012 |
Carter Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$49 |
|
Sold Out
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|
|
2013 |
Carter Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$43 |
|
Sold Out
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|
|
2012 |
Savoya Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$54 |
|
Sold Out
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| Liquid Farm |
2016 |
Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir |
$48.95 |
|
Sold Out
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| Maison l' Envoye |
2012 |
The Attache Willamette Valley Pinot Noir |
$36 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Martinelli |
2011 |
Bondi Home Ranch Water Trough Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Occidental |
2011 |
Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth Pinot Noir |
$125 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Bodega Headlands Cuvee Elizabeth Pinot Noir |
$149 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
|
2011 |
Occidental Station Vyd. Cuvee Catherine Pinot Noir |
$105 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
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| Patz & Hall |
2004 |
Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir |
$25 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Hyde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
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| Peter Michael Winery |
2009 |
Clos Du Ciel Pinot Noir |
$170 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Radio-Coteau |
2006 |
Alberigi Pinot Noir |
$39 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
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| Resonance |
2014 |
Pinot Noir |
$34 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
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| Rhys |
2012 |
San Mateo County Pinot Noir |
$79 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
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| Soter |
2003 |
Beacon Hill Pinot Noir |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| WildAire Cellars |
2014 |
Yates Conwill Pinot Noir |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2014 |
Burt Williams Morning Dew Ranch Pinot Noir |
$115 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$85 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$70 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Hirsch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$120 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Lewis MacGregor Estate Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$119 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$110 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
| Winderlea Vineyards |
2015 |
Weber Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
|
Sold Out
|
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