Deep red. Ripe cherry and candied plum on the pungent, spice-accented nose. Deeply pitched and chewy on entry, then livelier in the mid-palate, with very good intensity to its sappy cherry and dark berry flavors. This smooth, velvety pinot finishes with lingering licorice and bitter cherry flavors and gripping tannins. I'd let this wine rest a bit more or decant it for a couple of hours.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Another compelling wine is the 2008 Pinot Noir Cargasacchi Vineyard (14.3% alcohol). This wine again reminds me of a grand cru from the Domaine de La Romanee Conti, but made in California. The classic forest floor, dark raspberry, sweet black cherry, and floral nose with hints of meat juices and spice is followed by a supple wine with perfect equilibrium, a full-bodied mouthfeel, tremendous purity and palate presence. This is an extraordinary as well as singular Pinot Noir to drink over the next decade or more.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Great California pinot. I really really wish this weren't my last bottle... why can't I be more patient with these things. Raspberries all over. Delicious supple mouthfeel, suprisingly long finish.