The exquisite, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard offers up copious aromas of blue, red, and black fruits in addition to terrific acidity, a broad expansive mouthfeel, and roasted meat, black raspberry, wild strawberry, and foresty flora characteristics. It is a big, concentrated Pinot Noir that makes a mockery of all the over-cropped Pinots that are promoted as “authentic expressions of terroir,” when in fact, they are made from over-cropped vineyards and prey on those not familiar with what top-flight Pinot Noirs should taste like.

The 2007 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard (equal parts Calera and the suitcase Vosne-Romanee clones) smells of damp earth, freshly cut flowers, black raspberries, sweet cherries, and subtle hints of roasted meats and smoke. Deep, rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and moderately tannic, it is more structured than the Reuling Vineyard. It should drink well for 10-12 years.

The 2002 Pinot Noir Ashley’s Vineyard’s dark medium ruby color is followed by a distinctive nose of dried herbs, forest floor, bay leaves, lavender, and sweet and sour cherries. This broad, lushly textured Pinot explodes on the finish with meat, dried herbs, and spice box. A more generous as well as longer effort than the Rozak Ranch, it should be consumed over the next 5-7 years. One can’t say enough about this young team that is doing such spectacular work in Santa Rita Hills’ cool climate vineyards.

The 2001 Pinot Noir Clos Pepe reveals a dark ruby color along with an autumnal/forest floor/mushroom-scented nose displaying delicate nuances of plums, cherries, figs, and oak. This offering is a dead ringer for a top-flight Burgundy. With wonderful integration of tannin and acidity, medium body, and gorgeous sweetness, it is presently measured and shy, requiring introspection. Nevertheless, it is more approachable than the structured Rozak cuvee. Enjoy the Clos Pepe over the next 7-8 years.

More of this wine may be available at a higher price.

The compelling 2007 Pinot Noir Cuvee Catherine from the Occidental Station Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast is made entirely from the Calera clone. Deep ruby/purple with crushed raspberries, violets, Chinese black tea, and chalky, almost wet stone-like notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, multi-dimensional, with superb depth and length, and a remarkable finish.

The 1997 Pinot Noir Kistler Vineyard (500 cases) is made from the Dijon clone 777, and two California clones, Pommard and Calera. It boasts a dense, saturated dark ruby/purple color, as well as an exceptionally sweet nose of roasted herbs and black cherry jam intermixed with raspberries, truffles, and toasty oak. Sweet and expansive, this full-bodied wine possesses fabulous concentration and purity, a grand cru-like level of potential complexity, and a 30+-second finish. It must be tasted to be believed. Look for this wine to be drinkable upon release, and last for at least a decade. This wine is among of the most spectacular Pinot Noirs I have ever tasted. It is easy to get excited about Kistler's Pinot Noirs. All are aged in 100% new oak, made in small lots (250-500 cases), and bottled with neither fining nor filtration. They are trying to keep the levels of SO2 to minimal dosages so the wines can be as expressive as possible. These Pinot Noirs can easily hold their own in blind tastings with the finest red Burgundies.