Tom Casagrande

9.2

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability. — a month ago

ESF

9.2

Real treat: RRV SB w/bottle age - fattened up nicely, super expressive nose of tropical fruit mingled w/grass & hay, snap pea some green citrus. Added weight gave it heft juxtaposed w/vibrant acidic backbone. Just flat out delicious, generous really strutting its stuff. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 9 months ago

Paula Duarte

9.2

Sunny gold color. Smells like white flowers and peaches. Slightly off dry. Tastes of honeydew with a peppery and tangy finish. — 11 days ago

Steve Messinger

9.3

Classic black cherry nose w hint of spice and oak. Great balance rich long finish — 3 months ago

Jeremy.Buss

9.2

Reminded me more of a Willamette Pinot than a traditional Russian River Valley. More earth tones then berry, lighter color but still a high alcohol level. Definitely having again. — 5 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I get why people who generally always review this producer as just good consuming it young. This is ten years from birth, eight years in bottle and it is still not at its peak. it has ten years and perhaps more properly stored. Very good tonight but better things ahead. It takes this long and longer for WS Pinots to shine.

The palate is, juicy, ripe, rich, a bit lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, hues of blueberries, plum and ripe to dry strawberries with a pomegranate overlay. Then, dry earthiness, top soil, crushed rocks & powdery limestone & chalkiness, dark spices, some black pepper, dry brush, eucalyptus, tree sap, sun tea, black and red cola/licorice, drier tobacco, barrel dust to shavings, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, touch of dry herbs-bay leaves & sage, bright red, pink, blue, purple florals framed in dark slightly withering florals, rain shower acidity, the finish is; well structured & balanced in fruit, earth & flowers, some more tension than I like but will soften & fade nicely in 3-5 years. But, wire to wire really even and stunning. Evolution & integration is good but needs 3-5 years to be its best. Coravin glass.

IMHO, one of the outstanding CA Pinot producers. Walter Hansel gives them a run for the money at their fantastic price point. — 9 months ago

Ed Chin

9.2

Full flavored and still light on its feet because of a hefty amount of acid. Lemon marzipan nuts and a hint of lime. — 2 months ago

Steve Goore

9.1

Lots of tropical fruit along with grapefruit. Delicious with food - reminded me of when I visited the winery nearly 20 years ago. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.5

This was great as expected! 1hr+ decant. Lovely dark red/purple color. Classic Napa sweetness on the nose and palate. More oak than I expected but we’ll integrated. Anise and dark fruit throughout with subtle hints of chocolate and vanilla. Medium depth and finish. Awesome! — 6 months ago

with Brooke