Sips of Recently Tasted Pinot Noir

2014 Big Table Farm Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc. $42. Sourced from all the winery’s Pinot Noir sites. Aged in a combination of new, used and neutral French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Lovely scent of dark fruits, spice, bacon, pine sap and rose petal, holding up nicely over time in the glass. More sappy fruit in this vintage offering glorious flavors of dark raspberry, blackberry, anise, smoke, and plum reduction sauce that saturate the palate with goodness. A floral note in the background confirms the presence of whole clusters. Something about this wine’s flavor profile seems to reflect an Asian slant. A very interesting and complex wine that has enough structure and acidity to bring the fruit in balance. A bold wine by Oregon standards. Score: 91

2014 Big Table Farm Pelos-Sandberg Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., $48. Label features Don’s tractor. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. Plenty of whole cluster goodness stands out on the nose that offers aromas of dark berries, Moroccan spices, smoke and rose petal. A highly unique wine that doesn’t taste like every other Oregon Pinot Noir. The wine always has a characteristic smoke and manure note that compliments the flavors of dark berries, blueberries, pomegranate and spice. The tannins are immersed, the acidity keeps the wine fresh and vibrant, and the finish is uncommonly generous and spicy. Score: 93

2014 Big Table Farm Earth Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., 108 cases, $105. Label features a cattle skull. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of crushed black cherries, exotic spices, rose petal and a hint of oak. The wine hits the palate with vigor, offering bright flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and smoky spices. Beautifully balanced and refined with a finish that holds on for dear life. This wine does not have the power of the Willamette Valley and Pelos- Sandberg offerings, but is more seductive with sleek tannins and a polished demeanor. This is a black tie wine that commands plenty of respect. Score: 94

2013 Byington Byington Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.57, 265 cases, $39. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The perfume of cherry, sous-bois and pine is inviting. Vivid, uplifting and charming on the palate, with mid weight flavors of fresh cherries and a thread of dried herbs. Crisp acidity keeps the fruit vibrant and the tannins are nicely integrated. The wine finishes with appealing generosity. Score: 91

2014 Byington Byington Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.56, 775 cases, $39. Harvest Brix 23.5º. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This wine is quite different from the 2013 vintage bottling, offering aromas of red cherry, baking spice and sandalwood. The mid weight core of red cherry and red berry fruits aim to please as does the spice accent. Delicious would be a proper term.The tannins are balanced and overall the wine is quite precocious. My only nit is that a hint of alcoholic warmth shows up on the finish. Score: 90

2014 FEL Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 2,634 cases, $38. Release April 1, 2016. A blend of clones including Pommard, Mt Eden, Martini and Dijon from Donnelly Creek, Savoy, Wiley and Ferrington vineyards. Harvest Brix 24.6º. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of darker fruits including black cherry. Robust and full-bodied on the palate, with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, Asian 5- spice, and tobacco. Very much a big and riper wine in this vintage with noticeable tannins that ameliorate over time in the glass. The fruit-driven finish lingers with purpose. Score: 90

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Zero Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 361 cases, $38. Released February 1, 2016. Clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 05. Wild yeast fermentation in open-top tanks with 40% whole clusters, wild malolactic fermentation, and aged in second year and older oak barrels (zero new oak). Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Delicate aromas of raspberry, rhubarb, blackberry and the slightest oak lead to a mid weight plus core of black raspberry, black cherry and black plum fruits framed in modest fine-grain tannins. Great purity of fruit with an explosion of unadulterated Pinot fruit flavor and a long, intense finish. Score: 91

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc.,450 cases, $46. Clones 114, 115, 777 and Pommard 05. 40% whole cluster, native fermentation and malolactic fermentation, basked pressed, and aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The aroma of fresh cherry pie builds in intensity over time in the glass. The mid weight spiced cherry and cranberry flavors are very giving. Bright, juicy acidity enlivens this cherry bomb that has a lingering cherry-themed finish. Score: 91

2013 Foursight Charles Vineyard Clone 05 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 125 cases, $49. Released February 1, 2016. 100% Pommard 05. Four favorite barrels. Wild yeast fermentation, 40% whole clusters, hand punch downs, wild yeast malolactic fermentation in barrel, and aged in French oak barrels, 60% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Robust aromas of Bing cherry and bark are followed on the palate by a delicious core of fresh black cherry fruit and cola flavors. Very suave, with a tug of balanced tannins and an amazingly intense finish that elevates this wine above the norm. This is a perfect example of why Pommard is my paramour. Score: 94

2014 Foursight Paraboll Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 100 cases, $54. Release May 2016. From 1880 to 1920, the language of Boontling was spoken in the Anderson Valley. “Para” means “deep, cherry red color,” and “Boll” or “Bahl” means “of excellent quality” in Boontling. Put together, this Pinot Noir is “a great red.” The wine is a homage to a language that may soon be extinct. This wine differs from the other Foursight Pinot Noir bottlings in that it is harvested later for a riper fruit profile and received a different barrel regimen consisting of aging in 50% new French oak for 11 months with heavy and mediumplus toast barrels. 100% estate grapes, Pommard 05 and 777 from Charles Vineyard. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of cherry, sandalwood and Prada leather coat. Bright and fresh flavors of deep red cherry, baking spice and vanilla fan out on the discreetly concentrated palate. Somewhat elegant, with integrated tannins and a red-fruited finish. Score: 92

2013 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan-Dillon Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 686 cases, $38. A precocious wine at an exceptional price. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, stem and toasty oak. A lightly weighted wine featuring blue and purple fruit flavors framed by vivid acidity creating a slightly tart character. The wine leans to delicacy with a somewhat hollow mid palate, featuring balanced tannins, oak seasoning in the background and a soprano finish. Score: 87

2013 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $60. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Expressive nose featuring aromas of cherry and earthy flora. Light to mid weight in style, with vibrant flavors of cherry and raspberry sparked by bright acidity. A delicate, teasing wine that is forward drinking, with balanced tannins and a thirst-quenching finish. Score: 89

2013 Hirsch Vineyards East Ridge Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., 456 cases, $85. Sourced from the warmest part of the vineyard and is the most masculine expression of the Hirsch Vineyard. A selection of the best barrels from the oldest blocks on East Ridge that is planted to Mt Eden, Swan and Pommard clones. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers fresh aromas of black grape, black cherry and tender oak. Light to mid weight in character, with a dark red fruit theme. Delicate, well balanced, with a subtle oak overlay in the background, and a pleasing cherry finish. Relatively simple, I yearned for more nuance. Score: 89

2013 Hirsch Vineyards Block 8 Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc., pH 3.58, 336 cases, TA 0.58, $85 (sold out). Released January 26, 2016, highly allocated. David Hirsch considers this his grand cru parcel. This block was planted in 1993 to Pommard and Wädenswil clones. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy, but pleasant aromas of plum sauce, black cherry pie and floral bouquet. Elegant and charming, with flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and spice, with a noticeable iron riff. The soft tannins are slightly astringent. This wine exhibits the longest finish of the 2013 Hirsch Pinot Noirs making it most appealing. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was more enthralling and the finish continued to define its excellence. Score: 92

2013 Hirsch Vineyards Reserve Estate Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

12.8% alc.,pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 625 cases, $85 (sold out). Released January 26, 2016. A selection of the best barrels from the oldest and finest vineyard blocks at Hirsch Vineyards. Highly allocated. Aged in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Relatively shy aromas of black cherry, spice and bark lead to a middleweight styled wine with a fresh core of spiced black cherry fruit. More mouthful in this wine with excellent acid integration. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was more expressive and the elegant, soft mouthfeel was apparent. Cellaring is advised. Score: 90-91

2013 Joseph Swan Vineyards Cuvée de Trois Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., $35. A representation of the Russian River Valley as a whole with no single vineyard dominating. The wine always includes wine from all six vineyard designates. Aged in about 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color and slight haze (unfiltered) in the glass. The nose smells of whole berry fermentation with aromas of rose petal, cherry and raspberry as well as mushroom and a vegetal note. The mid weight cherry core of fruit is red-themed and lean, with a savory vegetal and floral note in the background. Juicy and slightly tart on the finish. Score: 87

2013 Joseph Swan Vineyards Catie’s Corner Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 45 cases, $38. Newest vineyard that is located just south of Windsor and named for Rich and Saralee Knude’s daughter, Catie. Planted in 1996 but budded over to Swan selection from Trenton Estate. Just under 1 acre in size. It is the only 100% Swan Pinot Noir that Joseph Swan Vineyards has bottled. Even the Trenton Estate, which is largely Swan, is not pure. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy initially, but picking up interest over time in the glass, revealing aromas of dark red berries, old barrel and caramel. Red to dark red berry flavors are featured in a middleweight style with noticeable fine-grain tannins and a slightly tart, citrus-driven finish. Score: 88

2013 Joseph Swan Vineyards Trenton Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., $69. More than 40 vintages of this wine have been produced. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose features quite a bit of oak at this stage with fruit notes of dark berry and cherry. This wine has the most sap of the three 2013 Joseph Swan wines tasted here, offering flavors of cherry, strawberry and spice with an earthy bent. Nicely balanced with modest tannins and a light touch of oak, finishing with a slight bit of alcoholic warmth. Typically, this bottling improves over time in the cellar and is long lived. Score: 90

2014 Jackson Estate Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.75, TA 0.54, 5,874 cases, $32. Released March 2016. 52% Outland Ridge Vineyard, 35% Boone Ridge Vineyard and 13% Falk Vineyard. 36% clone 667, 25% clone 777, 17% clone “828,” 11% clone 115 and 11% clone 5. Aged 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 29% new. · Moderate reddish purple hue in the glass. The nose is primarily oak driven with little fruit showing up. Much more pleasing on the palate, with a charge of mid weight black cherry, blueberrypomegranate, spice and vanilla flavors initiating a generous attack and noticeable finishing presence. This wine will appeal to those who welcome a prominent oak overlay in Pinot Noir. Score: 87

2013 Jackson Estate Outland Ridge Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

15.0% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.53, 1,625 cases, $35. Vineyard is located at 1370-1670 feet elevation. Soils are loam over fractured sandstone. 42% clone 667, 31% clone “828,” 15% clone 777, 7% clone 115 and 5% clone 5. Aged 11 months in 76% French oak, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of toasty oak engages the black cherry, ripe strawberry and underbrush aromas that hold up over time in the glass. The discreetly concentrated core of black cherry, dark raspberry and blueberry fruits are embellished with oak-driven notes of toast, spice and anise. The raspberry-imbued and spicy finish has noticeable persistence. Despite the 15.0% ABV, this wine is in balance. Score: 89

2013 MacPhail Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.56, 1,025 cases, $40. Released spring 2016. A blend of grapes from 8 vineyards. Clones are 115, 667, 777, 2A, 23, “828,” Pommard, Swan, Calera and Martini. Harvest Brix 24.5º-25.5º. 100% de-stemmed, native and inoculated fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, and aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 37% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with scents of cherry hard candy and vanilla. The darker cherry and berry fruits are unusually spiced with notes of cardamom and vanilla. Forward drinking, with silky tannins and a modest finish. Score: 87

2013 MacPhail Pratt Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.58, 625 cases, $49. Released spring 2016. Clones 23, Pommard 4, 114 and 777. Harvest Brix 24.6º-25.5º. 100% de-stemmed, 5- day cold soak, inoculated yeast fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage weekly for 3 months, aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of oak-kissed black cherry lead to a middleweight styled wine with a core of black cherry fruit overshadowed by oak-driven flavors of toast and anise. The tannins are modest and the fruit cries out for attention, but the oak overwhelms what otherwise is a good wine. Score: 87

2013 MacPhail Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.56, 241 cases, $49. Released spring 2016. Clones 115 and Pommard. Harvest Brix 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage weekly for 3 months, and aged 11 months in lees in French oak barrels, 28% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black raspberry, black cherry and ripe strawberry lead to a full-bodied charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruits that are graced by complimentary tannins. Enviable fruit expression and admirable balance, with some finishing length. Score: 90

2013 MacPhail Dutton Ranch Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.57, 638 cases, $49. Released spring 2016. Sourced from Thomas Road and Manzana vineyards. Clones “828,” 777 and 115. Harvest Brix 24.7º. 100% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, proprietary yeast fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage in barrel once weekly for 3 months, and aged 11 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, black walnut and vanilla lead to a luscious and pleasing dark fruit compote that attacks with purpose. Very polished with elite tannins. Only a slight warmth on the finish intrudes on the pleasure. Score: 90

2013 MacPhail Wildcat Mountain Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.69, TA 0.60, 217 cases, $49. Released spring 2016. Clones 115, 667, 777 and “828.” Harvest Brix 25.5º100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated yeast fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage weekly for 3 months, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Considerable coaxing is needed to bring out shy aromas of wild berries and forest floor. The dark berry essence satisfies and is well framed by gritty tannins and some oak overlay. Overall, the wine is quite enjoyable, but nothing stands out. Score: 89

2013 MacPhail Sundawg Ridge Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.59, 640 cases, $49. Released spring 2016. Clone 115, Pommard and Calera. Harvest Brix 24.6º to 25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 5 to 6-day cold soak, native and inoculated fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage weekly for 3 months, and aged 16 months on lees in French oak barrels, 35% new. Bottled unfined and lightly filtered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas pick up interest and intensity over time in the glass, offering enticing notes of black raspberry, blackberry jam, prickly pear and spice. On entry, the explosion of dark red fruits really wakes up the palate. The wine exhibits adroit balance with a pleasing grip of acidity on the glorious finish that brings plenty of fruit to bear. Score: 92

2013 MacPhail “The Flyer” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.57, TA 0.56, 263 cases, $59. Released spring 2016. Sourced from Susanna’s Vineyard. Clones are Calera, Dehlinger Swan, and Quail Hill Vineyard Swan. Harvest Brix 24.5º-25.0º. 100% de-stemmed, 6-day cold soak, primary fermentation started with native yeast, then finished with proprietary yeast, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, batonnage weekly for 3 months, and aged 16 months on lees in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is dominated by oak-driven aromas of espresso and tobacco. Much better on the palate, with an enjoyable, intensely flavored essence of oak-kissed, black cherry and purple berry fruits. Well-endowed with fruit, but still light and seductively silky on the palate. Your tolerance for the notable imprint of oak will determine your pleasure. Score: 89

2012 MacPhail Anderson Creek Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.81, TA 0.57, 114 cases, $49. Released fall 2014. Clones 777 and 115. Harvest Brix 24.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and inoculated yeast fermentation, native malolactic fermentation in barrel, battonage in barrel once weekly for 3 months, and aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is closed for business and despite considerable time, never reveals any notable aromas. A richly flavored, big boy wine with intense dark fruit flavors and matching tannins. This is a fruit-driven wine of considerable heft that lacks nuance but will please those who welcome hedonistic fruit. There is a slight residual of warmth on the finish. Score: 88

2013 Martin Ray Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.61, $40. Released March 2015. Sourced from Emeritus Vineyard in Annapolis. Harvest Brix 24.6º. Grapes are de-stemmed, saignéed for concentration, 3-day cold soak, nearly 33% whole cluster, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins, and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 60% new, with monthly battonage. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of blackberry jam and turned earth. Mid weight plus flavors of créme de cassis, blackberry and subtle dried herbs. Somewhat brooding and thick, with a balanced structure and some cut on the fruit-driven finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still lacked character with the fruit seemingly asleep. Perhaps cellaring will prove of benefit. Score: 88

2013 Martin Ray Reserve Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.54, $40. Released January 2015. Sourced from Tina Maria Vineyard and nearby Marty’s Vineyard of Dutton Ranch. Harvest Brix 24.4º. Saignéed for concentration, 3-day cold soak, 10-day fermentation in open-top bins, basket pressed, and aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of black cherry and spice lead to a mid weight plus wine featuring vibrant flavors of dark red and black berries and Damsel plum. A slight riff of earthiness and oak seasoning is complimentary. More uplifting and fresh than the Sonoma Coast bottling with some intensity on the clean finish. Score: 89

2013 Martin Ray Reserve Dark Star Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.56, $40. Sourced from a small hillside vineyard overlooking the town of Freestone in the southwestern corner of the Russian River Valley AVA. 100% de-stemmed, each clone fermented separately and aged individually for 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is reluctant, even over time in the glass. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, no fruit emerged, leaving only toast and vanilla aromas. Not particularly expressive on the palate either, with a mid weight plus charge of blackberry, black cherry and plum fruit flavors accented with vanilla and toasty oak. The tannins and acidity are well managed, but the oak imprint is too aggressive. Unchanged the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Cellaring may bring out more character. Score: 88

2014 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 7,055 cases, $34, screwcap. Released October 1, 2015. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherries, baking spices and bark tend to fade over time in the glass. Light to mid weight core of black cherry, cola and smoky oak flavors are blended in harmony with tannins and acidity, finishing with a sweet, candied cherry note. Score: 87

2014 Siduri Parsons’ Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 484 cases, $50, screwcap. Released March 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Expressive aromas of Bing cherry and baking spices lead off, echoed on the palate with added notes of nutmeg and toasty oak. Juicy and bright, with an uplifting finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine revealed more baked fruit aromas, even a hint of prune, not surprising as this vineyard is located in a warmer site. Score: 88

2014 Siduri Lingenfelder Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 169 cases, $50, screwcap. Released April 1, 2016. · Moderate cherry red color in the glass. Demure aromas of cherry, dried herbs and sandalwood. Mid weight flavors of Bing cherry and blueberry with a hint of spice, picking up interest over time in the glass. Soft, balanced tannins make for easy drinking. A fruit-driven wine with solid balance but not particularly complex. Score: 88

2014 Siduri Ewald Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 236 cases, $50. Release May 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aroma of black cherry is highlighted by scents of smoke, charcoal, shredded bark and peppery spice. Quite silky in the mouth, with mid weight plus flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with hints of spice and toast, backed by modest tannins. I wish the wine had slightly less oak influence, but is otherwise very solid. Score: 89

2014 Siduri Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 209 cases, $60, screwcap. Released March 1, 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of oak shows up on the nose and palate which feature black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. Unusually big and lush for Keefer Ranch with a dark fruited character. The wine was more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, offering an array of purple and black fruits and spice, but retaining a noticeable oak overlay. The wine lacks a bit of Keefer Ranch characteristic vibrancy. Score: 89

2014 Siduri Pratt-Sexton Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 134 cases, $55, screwcap. Released February 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine has a woody, stem note in the background that blends with very ripe black cherry and blackberry flavors. Modest in weight, with suave tannins and a good attack and finish. The wine is well-crafted, but I can’t say I was enamored by the fruit profile. Highly individualistic. Score: 89

2014 Siduri Van der Kamp Vineyard Sonoma Mountain Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 200 cases, $49, screwcap. Released February 1, 2016. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A very savory and distinctive wine of great interest. The nose leads with the scents of cherry, tea leaves and dried herbs. The mid weight essence of black cherry fruit has an earthy underpinning as well as accents of green tea and subtle oak. Nicely balanced with silky tannins and a generous finish that speaks more of unrefined, composted and feral nuances than fruit. Score: 91

2014 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 2,793 cases, $39, screwcap. Release May 1, 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Challenging to evoke any identifiable aromas in this wine. Much better, even very tasty, on the palate with a full-bodied and focused arrow of blackberry and boysenberry fruits that are expansive and demonstrative. A luscious, very approachable wine that was still delightful the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when a bit of spice showed up and the aromatics were more giving. Score: 90

2014 Siduri Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 938 cases, $60, screwcap. Released February 1, 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Riper and more darker red fruited than usual for Rosella’s in this vintage, but the quality of the fruit really shines from entry to finish. The fruit has a slightly cooked quality, but still seduces. The oak is deftly managed, the tannins are complimentary, the texture is smooth, and the fruity finish is noticeably generous. Score: 91

2014 Siduri Garys’ Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 586 cases, $60, screwcap. Release May 1, 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose seduces with aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and spice. Very giving on the palate with a well-ripened onslaught of purple and black fruits tempered by ripe tannins and a tender dose of oak. The silky texture and lingering finish are both special features of this fine wine. Score: 92

2014 Siduri Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 1,011 cases, $65, screwcap. Released February 1, 2016. Bottled without fining or filtration. Both vegan and gluten free. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Brooding, mysterious aromas of blackberry compote, meaty black grapes and iron. Clearly a special, full-bodied and luscious wine that balances power with charm. The array of heady black fruits is dusted by earthy complexity and framed by mellow tannins that are unusually tame for a Pisoni Pinot Noir. There is beautiful integration of acidity, oak and alcohol, with a remarkably long, royally endowed finish. The pedigree really stands out in this sublime offering. Score: 94

2014 Siduri Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

688 cases, $60, screwcap. Release May 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing combination of black cherry reduction sauce, black raspberry preserves and caramel apple aromas. Fruit-laden but carefree, with uplifting flavors of black cherry and black raspberry that attack the mid palate with purpose. Quite luscious and juicy, with modest tannins, a bright thread of acidity, and a very long, fruit-laden finish. Score: 92

2014 Siduri Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 10,699 cases, $28, screwcap. Released October 1, 2015. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. This wine blends the best of both worlds of power and elegance in a harmonious package. Aromas and flavors of black cherry, black plum, black tea, tobacco and a hint of tarry oak are pleasingly boisterous in this impressive valuepriced wine. Score: 89

2014 Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.62, $30. 100% estate fruit, crafted in an approachable style. Aged in French oak barrels, 20% new and 80% neutral. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, rose petal and spice lead to a mid weight plus offering that pleases with its robust darker fruits and spice and mocha accents. Precocious and luscious, with impressive balance and a generous finish. Unusually sappy for Oregon in this vintage. Score: 91

2014 Stoller Family Estate Reserve Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.60, $45. 100% estate grown. Sourced from older sections of the vineyard and includes several clones. Aged in French oak barrels, 30% new and 70% neutral. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with exuberant aromas of black cherry, spice cabinet, and dark chocolate. A gorgeous wine featuring an onslaught of purple and black fruits including blackberry, black cherry and black currant that sustain through a full-bodied mid palate and lead to a bountiful finish blessed with beautifully ripened fruits that fan out in peacock tail fashion. There are nuances to be found as well, including Asian 5-spice, dark chocolate, and anise. A bold wine that despite its fruit load is impeccably balanced so that it finds a level path and never veers from its purpose. A California wine dressed up in Oregon clothing. In one word, superb. Score: 95

2013 Windy Oaks Limited Release Wood Tank Fermented Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $58. Wine club and tasting room only. Fermented up to 8 weeks in French oak, 1-ton, open fermentation tanks. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasing fusion of black cherry and toasted oak on the nose. The mid weight core of black cherry and plum fruit flavors is encased in a cloak of oak that is well-tailored to the fruit. The wine is nuanced with flavors of cumin and other chili spices, and bourbon. Slightly more concentrated than the other two 2013 wines reviewed here, with welcome silky tannins and a bright finish. This wine shows the best side of a fruit and oak marriage. Score: 92

2013 Windy Oaks Limited Release 100% Whole Cluster Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $58. Wine club and tasting room only. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light reddish purple hue in the glass (whole cluster fermented wines tend to have lighter color). The whole cluster driven aromas include cherry, red berry, dusty rose and spice. Highly flavorful, offering a deep cherry essence with a subtle underpinning of floral and vegetative notes framed by dry, fine-grain tannins. The finish is flush with cherry fruit and exotic spice accents. Score: 93

2013 Windy Oaks Proprietor’s Reserve Schultze Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., $65. Wine club and tasting room only. Primarily from the 1.5-acre Bay Block of the original 3-acre vineyard planting. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An array of fruit aromas and flavors include cranberry, cherry and blueberry accented by a subtle nutty oak seasoning in the background. Seamless, elegant and very friendly with an admirable attack and satisfying finish. Less adventurous and more traditional in style than the Limited Release wines. Score: 92