Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir

2012 August Briggs Dijon Clones Napa Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 181 cases, $40. Sourced from Green Island Vineyard located in the very cool southern end of the Napa Valley. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated with Assmanhausen yeast. Inoculated malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% two and three-year-old. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Subdued aromas of black cherry and spice, with mid weight flavors of red cherry and cranberry. Forward drinking with soft tannins and well integrated oak. Not complex, but very easy to like. Score: 89

2012 August Briggs Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $38. Sourced from Dutton- Lorenzo Vineyard located in the Green Valley of Russian River Vally. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated primary and secondary fermentation, aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% two-year-old. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Expressive aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, cola and baking spices. The bright core of cherry fruit is luscious and ripe, holding court on the palate while subtle oak sings in the background. A harmonious wine that is stereotypical of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir at its best. Score: 90

2012 August Briggs Napa Valley Pinot Meunier

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $40. Sourced from Frediani Vineyard in Calistoga. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated with Assmanhausen yeast. Inoculated for malolactic fermentation, aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, and 75% two and three-year-old. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of red fruits and balsam lead to a cherry dominated wine accented with hints of purple fruits and oak. The wine is smoothly textured with suave tannins, and very drink able, but not particularly complex. Hard to tell this from a Pinot Noir in a blind test. Score: 88

2012 Bailiwick Londer Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.61, 175 cases, $38. Clones are 115 and 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is deeply perfumed with fresh cherry aromas as wine cave and sous bois play in the background. Delicious spiced cherry flavor that attacks with purpose and finishes with uncommon intensity. The wine has impeccable balance with modest tannins and integrated acidity. Additional time in bottle has benefited this wine. It’s cherry season now, so this is an appropriate homage to spring. Score: 94

2012 Bailiwick Silver Pines Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.60, 325 cases, $38. This vineyard was planted by owners Norma and Carole Silverman in 2000. It overlooks Bennett Valley at an elevation of 900 feet. Volcanic, low vigor soils. Clone 115. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is a nice contrast to the Londer Vineyard bottling. It is more full-bodied, more rustic and more tannic, and takes more time to open in the glass, yet it is almost equally satisfying. Black cherry is the aromatic and flavor theme, persisting through a very lengthy and mildly astringent finish. Bright acidity lifts the wine’s fruit load. I would decant or wait another year or two for this one to be fully committed, but its hard to complain now. Score: 93

2014 Bravium Signal Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.23, TA 0.712, 64 cases, $24. Three winemaking techniques involved: direct press, short-term maceration, and a saignée portion. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks and neutral French oak barrels with all wine aged in oak for a limited time. Unfined. · Light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is extremely heady for a rosé and I loved it. Aromas of cherries, rose petal, pine sap, and herbs lead to a flavorful core of cherry, strawberry, spice and herb flavors. A little more substantial than your usual rosé, with plenty of Pinot character, and inviting intensity of flavor on the crisp finish. Highly enjoyable. Score: 91

2014 Bravium Muns Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $24. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777. · Moderately light pinkish orange color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, blood orange, nectarine, apricot and a touch of spice and herbs have good intensity. A good grip of acidity underlies the fruit core and contributes a finishing burst of citrusdriven acidity. Score: 89

2013 Bravium Signal Ridge Vineyard Mendocino Ridge Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, 336 cases, $49. Released April 16, 2015. From a vineyard at 2,642 feet elevation that is extremely exposed to maritime influence. It is planted to a variety of Dijon and heritage clones in sandstone, clay and gravelly loam soils. Yield 1.6 tons per acre. 30% whole cluster, native fermentation in one-ton fermenters. Aged 10 months in Francois Frères 4-year air-dried barrels, 33% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate dark reddish purple color in the glass. The fresh aromas of black cherry and spice are framed by scents of espresso and tobacco. Soft in the mouth with middleweight, oak-kissed black cherry, boysenberry and pomegranate fruits that fill the mouth and really grab on to the expansive finish. The fruit load is tempered by plenty of lively, citrus-driven acidity. The fruit is this wine is very special, but there is too much oak at play. Check back in a year or two. Score: 89-90

2013 Bravium Wiley Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

12.7% alc., pH 3.29, TA 0.77, 190 cases, $49. Yield 1.58 tons per acre. Pommard, 37, 115, 538, 667 and 777. 15% whole cluster. 5-day cold soak, spontaneous fermentation in 1-ton fermenters, pressed into Francois Frères 4-year air-dried French oak barrels, about 15% new. Aged 10 months and bottled in July 2014. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, strawberry and earthy flora with a significant oak overlay. Light weighted and elegant, this wine features delicate red cherry and berry flavors framed by suave tannins. The wine is a bit dilute, under ripe and oak-driven with a somewhat short finish. Score: 87

2013 Bravium Beau Terroir Vineyard Napa Carneros Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.73, 147 cases, $39. Prerelease. Vineyard planted in 1994 and located adjacent Stanly Lane Vineyard. Swan, 115, Pommard clones. Yields 1.4 tons per acre. 100% de-stemmed. Native yeast fermentation. Aged 10 months in Francois Frères 4-year air-dried French oak barrels, 10% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of herbs, cherries, and mushrooms on the grill. The light to mid weight flavors of darker cherries and raspberries are accented with tastes of spice, herbs, mushroom and noticeable oak. The tannins are soft and supportive and there is bright acidity on the finish. Score: 88

2013 Bravium Muns Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.73, 147 cases, Prerelease. Clone 114, 115, 667, 777. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. 20% whole cluster, native fermentation in 1-ton fermenters. Aged 10 months in Francois Frères 4-year air-dried French oak barrels, 20% new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant out of the bottle with aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, apple and spice. Intensely fruity, with flavors of blueberry, pomegranate and black raspberry framed by balanced tannins. Smoothly textured and easily approachable. The intensity carries over to the finish that features an acidic tang and a charge of oak. Score: 88

2014 Charles Heintz Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.65, RS 0.1%, 250 cases, $19. This rosé is made from Dijon clone 113 farmed intentionally for a rosé wine. Aged 4 months on lees with no stirring in neutral French oak barrels and 60-gallon stainless steel drums. · Moderate pinkish red color in the glass. Highly fragrant with scents of cranberry, orange peel, marzipan and vanilla. Soft and smooth with good richness of flavor on the palate, offering tastes of strawberry, cranberry and peach. Thoroughly satisfying, with a dry, somewhat lengthy finish. Score: 90

2013 Charles Heintz “Valentina” Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.54, 100 cases, $48. This wine is named after, and is a tribute to, Charles Heintz’s grandparents who first settled Heintz Ranch in 1912. This is a blend of clones and field selections grown on the Heintz Estate. Aged 11 months sur lie in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromatically pleasing, with scents of strawberry, cranberry, cherry, and sandalwood. Middleweight flavors of red berries and cherry are complimented by a welcome touch of spice and oak. Composed in a soft, seamless and easy to like format, the wine finishes with plenty of upbeat, red fruit goodness. Score: 90

2013 Decoy Sonoma County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 52,200 cases, $25. Predominantly from the Russian River Valley and Carneros, and includes acclaimed vineyards such as Sangiacomo and Dutton Ranch. As many as 70 Pinot Noir fermentations are performed each vintage, and the wines are aged in a modest 25% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is more woodsy than fruity, with aromas of dark cherries and raspberries overlain with prominent oak toast and spice. Easy to like, with a smooth and silky demeanor, modest tannins, and a tasty core of black cherry and black raspberry fruit. A dependable daily Pinot drinker that will work nicely with a range of foods. Impressive quality at this large production level. Score: 87

2013 Frank Family Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.61, 5,000 cases, $35. Aged 20 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new, 67% once and twice-filled. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Captivating aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and spice initially, fading some over time in the glass. An elegant offering featuring very ripe cherry and berry fruit flavors with underlying hints of spice, savory mushrooms and toasty oak. Eminently like able and approachable. Score: 89

2013 Frank Family Vineyards Reserve Lewis Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.59, 1,000 cases, $65. Clones 115, 667, and 777. Aged 19 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% once-filled. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens reluctantly over time to reveal ever-expanding aromas of plum, dark berry jam, black raspberry preserves, and BBQ rub spices. An opulent, full-bodied wine with deep berry and cherry flavors that fill every nook and cranny in the mouth. The oak is beautifully integrated, offering a pleasurable seasoning. The luscious fruit really taps into the brain’s pleasure centers and provides waves of goodness that last and last on the finish. Score: 93

2013 Longoria Lovely Rita Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.60, 480 cases, $32. Sourced from Fe Ciega Vineyard and includes Pommard, Mt. Eden, and Dijon 115 and 667 clones. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 100% de-stemmed, aged in French oak barrels, 16% new. Gently filtered but not fined before bottling in late January 2015. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Hard to coax any fruit out of the nose which is dominated now by earth and oak. Better on the palate, with mid weight flavors of black cherry and cranberry accented with nutty oak. Firm, but not aggressive tannins, with a good cut on the citrus-infused cranberry featured finish. Score: 87

2013 Longoria Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.58, 185 cases, $50. Longoria has sourced grapes from Block N for over 20 years. Martini clone. Harvest Brix 23.6º. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast strains, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 36% new. Lightly fined and filtered before bottling in January 2015. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An elegant wine of immense appeal offering both dark red and purple fruit flavors with complimentary oak in the background. Very soft in the mouth with modest dry tannins and memorable finishing length. Should improve even more over the next year or two. Score: 90

2013 Longoria La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.62, 100 cases, $50. Released November 1, 2015. Clone 777. Harvest Brix average 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled January 2015 without fining and with a light filtration. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens nicely over time in the glass, revealing aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, peat and cardamom spice. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherries, purple berries and toasty oak are backed by soft tannins. Good cut on the fruit-filled finish that leaves plenty of oak in its wake. Give this wine more time for the oak to integrate. Score: 89-90

2013 Longoria Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.61, 100 cases, $50. After 20 years of producing Pinot Noir from this vineyard, Rick stopped working with the grapes after the 2006 vintage. In 2013, during a luncheon honoring cofounder Michael Benedict at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard’s iconic bar Rick was inspired to return to the vineyard as a source of Pinot Noir. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of blackberry pie and incense. Mid weight plus flavors of earthy blackberry jam and Hoison sauce accented with toasty oak. The tannic load is noticeable in this wine resulting in an astringent finish at present. Short term cellaring should alleviate some of the aggressive tannins. Score: 89

2013 Longoria Fe Ciega Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 466 cases, pH 3.50, TA 0.60, $55. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 2-day cold soak, inoculated yeast strains. Aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 38% new. Lightly fined, filtered and bottled in January 2015. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Clearly the most appealing nose in the 2013 Longoria lineup with bright aromas of black cherry pie, blackberry preserves, anise and sweet oak. Fullbodied, intensely fruity and structured, yet the wine is in harmony with firm, but not hard tannins. The flavors of dark red and purple fruits, sassafras and spice really draw your attention and persist through a prodigious finish that makes a statement. This wine really stands out from the pack. Score: 93

2012 Raptor Ridge Estate Chehalem Mountains Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. Sourced from the estate Tuscowallame Vineyard (means “where the owls dwell”). · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers pleasing aromas of cherry preserves, balsam and peat. The light to medium weight flavors of black cherry and strawberry are simple and forward, framed by a hint of oak and back by supple tannins. An elegant wine that aims to please. Score: 87

2013 Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Barrel Select Oregon Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $30. Aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Toasty oak dominates the cherry and strawberry fruits in this wine. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with mild fine-grain tannins and a tart cherry finish. The fruit is a bit austere, even under ripe, with an herbal vein in the background, allowing oak to dominate. Score: 87

2013 Siduri Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 492 cases, $32, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of dusty cherry and cranberry with dominating oak. Light to mid weight flavors of red cherries and berries and Damsel plum with a touch of herbs. A bit shrill and tart, with prominent citrus-infused acidity bringing up the finish. Score: 86

2013 Siduri Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,771 cases, $32, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Appealing scents of black cherry, roasted plum, rose petal and potpourri lead to a good mid palate attack of deep, dark cherry and berry fruits accented with spice and nutty oak, and framed by soft, sinewy tannins. The fruit verges on the over ripe side and hints of raisin show up. Score: 88

2013 Siduri Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 2,037 cases, $32, screwcap. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. A bit shy, with pleasant aromas of dark red and black berries. Bright cherry and raspberry flavors complimented with hints of spice and oak. Intensely flavorful, with soft tannins and welcome vibrancy. Excellent density and length for a representative appellation wine. Score: 89

2013 Siduri Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,149 cases, $49, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose upon opening and somewhat reserved on the palate initially. I was disappointed until I re-tasted this wine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when it really charmed me. Aromas of darker berries, shrub and iron led to a mid weight palate of darker red and purple berry fruits including ripe strawberry. Somewhat rustic and earthy with a riff of exotic spices in the background. A unique wine that offers plenty of discovery for the adventurous. Patience advised. Score: 90-91

2013 Siduri Hirsch Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 196 cases, $55, screwcap. · Moderately light reddish purple hue in the glass. The savory nose features earthy flora and forest timber scents with very delicate red fruit aromas. Very little fruit expression in this wine offering notes of cranberry, cherry, mushroom and woody oak. The muscular tannins and oak overwhelm the delicate fruit. Not a typical Hirsch bottling and one wonders if more time in bottle may turn it around. Score: 88

2013 Siduri Sonatera Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 346 cases, $49, screwcap. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Great purity of Bing cherry fragrance, with added hints of cake spice, oak spice and chocolate, holding up beautifully over time in the glass. Nicely composed with supportive oak bringing out the best in the mid weight dark cherry core. The tannins are well balanced, and the pleasant finish hass a bright tick of refreshing acidity. Score: 90

2013 Siduri Lingenfelder Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 249 cases, $49, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Perfumed with aromas of black cherry, earthy flora and mushroom. Sensual and smooth on the palate with mid weight plus flavors of dark cherry, boysenberry, cola and dark chocolate. I was impressed by the seamless character of this wine. The finish had picked up intensity and length when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91

2013 Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 577 cases, $54, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh, ripe strawberries and pie spices. Delicious mix of black cherry and dark red and black berry flavors. Impressive balance. Modest in weight but big in flavor with a succulent finish. The juicy fruit is a little riper in this vintage. Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir is always a standout. Score: 92

2012 Siduri Parson’s Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $50. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of Bing cherry and forest floor. Intense and luscious core of very ripe cherry fruit accented with a touch of cola and anise. Impressive attack and finish that leaves some oak in its wake. Firm tannins hold the fruit in check. Alcohol stays in the background. Score: 88

2013 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 318 cases, $50, screwcap. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very savory on the nose with scents of underbrush, dried herbs, musk and black fruits. Long and lush, with oak-kissed flavors of black cherry and black raspberry, framed by defined tannins. Aggressive on the attack, with a broad presence on the palate, and good finishing length. Score: 90

2013 Siduri Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 298 cases, $50, screwcap. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of wild blueberries and blackberries. The most opulent, sappiest wine in the 2013 lineup with a plethora of blueberry, black plum and blackberry fruits backed by very firm, slightly aggressive tannins. The juicy finish is filled with expansive fruit, leaving behind a taste of oak and black tea. Score: 89

2013 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 443 cases, $50, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with uplifting aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. The fruit core really sings in this wine, featuring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and plum, with accents of black tea and anise. The vivid fruit is brought to life with juicy acidity typical of Sta. Rita Hills. A touch heavy-handed with oak, but the fruit really pops in this wine, and the finish has amazing length. I continue to be impressed with wines from this vineyard. Score: 92

2013 Spell Nicole’s Blend Sonoma County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 575 cases, $39. Sourced from DeVoto, Terra de Promissio, Umino and Alder Springs vineyards. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new, 30% once-used, and 40% older. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, Asian 5-spice and a hint of peppercorn which build in intensity over time in the glass. Smooth and harmonious in the mouth, with flavors of dark red cherry and berry fruits. Very forward drinking, with minimal dry tannins and good intensity on the finish. This is the most approachable and easy drinking wine in the 2013 SPELL lineup. Score: 90

2013 Spell Terra de Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 100 cases, $58. Vineyard is planted to clones 115 and 777 and is located in the Petaluma Gap region of the Sonoma Coast AVA. Primarily 115 with a tiny amount of 777. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 50% new, 25% once-used and 25% older. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. Fresh aromas of earthy black fruits. Aggressive attack of dark red and black stone and berry fruits accented with a hint of white pepper and spice. Very suave and definitely earthy, with a pleasing blackberry-infused finish which leaves a hint of heat in its wake. Score: 92

2013 Spell Umino Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 121 cases, $48. Wine club exclusive. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, even when checked two days after opening, revealing delicate aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. A luscious wine, sporting earth-kissed black cherry fruit accented with oak. Fat and full but no excess sweetness. The captivating texture is very silky, plush and tres Pinot. A bit reserved and tight, the wine was better two days after opening when tasted from an re-corked bottle. Give this wine another year or two in the cellar. Score: 90

2013 Spell Weir Vineyard Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 164 cases, $48. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 43% new, 28.5% once-used and 28.5% older. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, wood fern, and pennyroyal. Juicy, with vibrant red fruits framed by muscular tannins. Much better two days after opening when tasted from an re-corked bottle, showing more harmony and less astringency on the finish. Decant or hold for two years. Score: 90-91

2013 Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 126 cases, $48. Dijon 459, 115, 667 and 777, and heritage clones of DRC and Calera. Low-vigor volcanic soils located 12 miles west of the Pacific Ocean. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 43% new, 14% once-used, and 43% older. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, even when checked two days after opening. Fresh cherry and cranberry fruit flavors with a hint of citrus, good cut and balanced tannins, but lacks mid palate intensity and finish. Didn't really become exuberant when tasted two days after opening. Enjoyable, but not enthralling. Score: 88

2014 Waxwing Blair Vineyard Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir Rosé

13.1% alc., 86 cases, $23. Released April 2015. Dijon clones. Aged 7 months in stainless steel. · Light pinkish orange color in the glass. Aromas of nectarine, strawberry, raspberry, blood orange, and dried herbs are replicated in the flavors. Impressive complexity with good polish and harmony, finishing with a good cut of acidity. A highly enjoyable rosé that hopefully won’t be sold out by the time you read this. Score: 91

2014 Winter’s Hill Vineyard Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Dry Rosé of Pinot Noir

259 cases, $19. Grapes are whole cluster pressed with the fruit remaining on the skins a short time to extract color and tannins. Fermented in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate pinkish orange color in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh crushed strawberries and wooded forest after a rain. Welcoming body and attack, with hi-tone flavors of red berries, apple and poached pear. Noticeable fruit intensity on the finish that is dry, crisp and vivid. Impressive. Score: 90

2012 Winter’s Hill Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 250 cases, $39. 100% destemmed, fermented in small, 1.5-ton open-top fermenters. Aged 24 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely perfume of fresh cherries, rose petal and bark. The mouth filling, darker cherry fruit is nicely spiced, with some added hints of red berries and sweet oak. The tannins and acidity are well balanced, and there is good intensity of red fruits on the finish. Nicely composed and easy to like. Score: 90

2013 Winter’s Hill Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 150 cases, $65. A barrel selection from estate vineyards. 100% de-stemmed, aged 24 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasing aromas of cherry and potpourri. A refined and sophisticated bottling featuring mid weight flavors of red cherries and raspberries with a substantial but not imposing tannic backbone and a good acidic underbelly. Impressive intensity that lasts through a generous finish that won’t let go. Enjoyable now, but will benefit from more time in bottle. Much to admire. Score: 91

2012 Jeff Gordon Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.59, 196 cases, $52. Released June 15, 2015. Sourced from Dutton-Lorenzo Vineyard in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley. Aged 9 months in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. This is a very appealing wine that reflects its cool climate Green Valley origins. Highly fragrant scent of red cherries, spice and sandalwood that holds up over time in the glass. Elegant and refined, with pleasing flavors of cherry and cranberry touched by tobacco oak. Soft in the mouth with suave tannins and balanced acidity. Do I dare say, “racy?” Score: 91

2013 Red Car Heaven & Earth Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, 570 cases, $68 (sold out). Sourced from Bohemian Station Vineyard located on a south-facing hillside in a valley, just east of Occidental. The site is notable for its “cool sunshine.” Calera and Dijon “828.” 15% whole cluster, wild yeast fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, 25% new and 75% neutral. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherry, plum, spice and rose. Delightful flavors of purple berries, plum and spice are accented with a hint of oak and forest floor. The velvety texture is very seductive, the tannins are firm but not hard, and the finish offers plenty of length. Score: 92