($67) Good saturated deep red. Dark raspberry and musky espresso on the oaky nose. Juicy, firm and structured but also satisfyingly fat and sweet, with a finer grain and a higher pitch than the Southing. Still, the mocha and chocolate flavors show an almost Rhone-like ripeness. Finishes with substantial but soft tannins and a positive dryness. This should benefit from a year or two of cellaring.

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The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Pinot Noir Ten offers up stunning aromas of violets, creme de cassis, cherries, and flowers. It is an extraordinary wine that coats the palate with great viscosity, richness, and layers of flavor. There is a seamless integration of wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol. A tour de force, this exquisite example of Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills should drink well for a decade. This wine was bottled about six weeks before I tasted it, which is usually a difficult period for many wines, even those bottled naturally. In any event, this up-and-coming Santa Barbara County producer demonstrates considerable potential.

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Excellent intensity, with pure ripe plum, wild berry, fresh earth and boysenberry flavors that are silky in the mouth and supported by firm tannins. There's a subtle richness and underlying layer of complexity that slowly shows itself. 500 cases made.

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