The 2004 Pinot Noir comes from the Star Vineyard in Rutherford from a block of Pinot planted in 1991. Beautifully sweet currant, plum, black cherry, and floral notes emerge from this medium to dark ruby-colored wine. Expansive but light, the wine is fleshy, has wonderful acidity, beautiful aromatics, and is a classic Pinot with length, richness, and nuanced complexity. This is a beauty to drink over the next 3-4 years. -Robert Parker, December 2007

Medium ruby color; earthy, spice red cherry aromas; rich, ripe, dusty red cherry flavors with spice and earthy notes; sweet oak; good structure and balance; long finish. Earthy and spicy, this is a complex Pinot with a lot of interesting character.

A distinctly ripe but not jammy and intensely spicy red berry fruit and subtly floral nose complements the fresh, rich, detailed and equally intense and medium to full-bodied flavors that culminate in a dusty finish and somewhat surprisingly, this carries its considerable alcohol with grace and almost no trace of warmth. The mostly whole cluster fermentation does reveal itself as the decidedly firm stem tannins add some needed backbone to buffer the richness and sweetness of the alcohol and the overall effect is one of real character, depth and excellent balance. Recommended and readers know that I rarely endorse pinots carrying this kind of alcohol but this one that really is worth a serious look. 92/2011+

A rare but highly successful Rutherford Pinot Noir. Rich and intense, with deep red currant, raspberry and wild berry flavors woven together with spice, mushroom and clean forest floor scents, which give it complexity and depth, ending with a touch of anise. Drink now through 2011. 873 cases made. —J.L.

Medium ruby color; attractive, very forward, intense, sweet black cherry fruit aroma with overtones of cinnamon and vanilla; full body; forward, rich, herbal, plumy, ripe black raspberry fruit flavors with a full, rounded mouthfeel; firmly structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. A stylish wine with intense forward fruit and overtones of spicy new oak. Very highly recommended. First place.

Good full red. Pungent cherry and sandalwood aromas. Juicy and spicy in the mouth, with a firm edge to the red berry and red cherry flavors. A tad dry and herbal on the back but juicy and refreshing. May/June 2007