Medium ruby with thin clear edges. I don’t think I would call it crystal-clear. Beautiful sweet cherry nose with strong pencil lead and worn saddle. Round and ripe, but holds back a bit bouquet-wise. In the mouth, an initial Hi-C candiness is replaced by full barnyard-packed pinot fruit which hits hard and is immediately followed by briary acid. The middle palate is dominated with almost-pruney Carneros road-tar turning slowly into the substantially tannic finish. I have to admit, after a steady diet of SMV and SRH of late and attending WOPN15 and tasting so many wonderful Anderson Valley’s and being deeply disappointed with all three Carneros’ I tasted and hitting less than .500 on the RRV’s, I am superbly satisfied with this wine. It has the fruit I like, it has the structure I like and it has those Carneros nuances which were some of my first true loves in pinot. So different and refreshing after Santa Barbara County. Really a classic. 13-5 ♦♦
