The saturated deep ruby/purple-colored 2002 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard reveals gorgeous aromas of smoke, Chinese black tea, chocolate, plums, and black currants. Dense, chewy, and heady, this seductive, full-flavored, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir should be drunk over the next 5-7 years. Tel. (805) 688-0305

Plush, oaky and young, but clearly very fine, this Pinot exudes blackberries, cherries, smoky oak, vanilla and spice, with firm acids. It’s so ripe, it’s almost jammy. Delicious now, but give it a year or two to knit together. ——S.H.(11/1/2004)—— 91