June 3, 2009

vintage:

2007

rating:

92 pts.

Supple, elegant and stylish, showing rich blackberry and blueberry
fruit, with pretty loamy, earthy shadings. Gains traction and depth, ending with firm tannins and a pleasing mineral edge. Drink now through 2013.

 

October, 2008

vintage:

2006

rating:

89 pts.

Here the nose is every bit as complex as the Brown Ranch with really lovely and attractively subtle spicy red and blue fruit aromas that display a touch of cranberry before merging seamlessly into detailed, pure and delicious medium-bodied flavors that possess a dusty and ever so slightly edgy finish that is presently on the youthfully austere side that comes up just a bit short relative to the Cerise.

August / September, 2007 vintage: 2005 rating: 90 pts. Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, forward, intense, spicy, sweet cherry fruit aroma that developed some complexity with airing in the glass; medium-full to full body; herbal, spicy, elegant, red cherry fruit flavors; well-balanced and structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended.

February 2007

vintage:

2004

rating:

91 pts.

While never stinting in ripeness and showing plenty of palatal heft, this concentrated and deeply filled young wine does not fit into the fat and viscous model but is instead built along more structured lines and is a wine that will clearly develop with age. Its very rich themes of ripe cherries and rich oak are underlain by a little more tannin than is typical in California Pinot, but its very solid fruit persists past its evident finishing astringency. A satisfying effort now with richer lamb and beef entries, it very much deserves a few more years in the cellar in order to reach its very best.

October 23, 2006

vintage:

2004

rating:

92 pts.

A sleek, elegant style with subtle cherry, herb, sage and wild berry flavors enlivened by crisp acidity. Finishes with a smooth, supple texture and excellent length returning to the strawberry and cherry theme.

October 2006

vintage:

2004

rating:

91 pts.

May/June, 2006

vintage:

2004

rating:

89 pts.

Good full medium red. Rather vague aromas of red fruits and menthol. Rich, spicy, meaty and substantial, with good verve to the red fruit flavors. Conveys an impression of solid extract. This shows sweeter tannins than the basic Carneros and Toyon Farm bottlings, and finishes with lingering fruits and spices.

© 2006 Saintsbury
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