“A bigger, richer wine, the 2018 Pinot Noir Reserve also comes from the Russian River Valley and boasts a terrific nose of darker berry fruits, scorched earth, forest floor, and sappy herbs. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it too has a beautiful spine of acidity, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It can be enjoyed now, but I think a year of bottle age is warranted, and it should evolve for 5-7 years as well. This is another beautiful wine from this team that’s well worth your time and money.”

“From vineyards on Starr Road, Windsor Ridge and Olivet Lane in the Russian River Valley planted to 777, 667 and Pommard clone, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Reserve was made with 15% to 20% whole cluster and aged 11 months in 50% new Francois Freres and Taransaud barrels. Already bottled, it has a medium to deep ruby-purple color and comes charging out of the glass with bold black cherries, red plums, warm cranberries and raspberry pie scents plus wafts of lavender, tilled soil, bouquet garni and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long.”

“Dried cherries and ripe strawberries with some smoky and light vanilla undertones. It’s full-bodied with round, ripe tannins and a creamy-textured finish. Lovely now, but has the richness and structure to age. Drink or hold.”

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Reserve shows a more virile expression of Pinot. Dark cherry, plum, licorice and spice come forward in this powerful wine. The 2018 needs time to recover from its recent bottling and absorb its oak, but this is nicely done.”