The 2000 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Hills is a strong effort. The wine possesses more fruit, color, and texture than its 1999 counterpart. This attractive 2000 offers notes of plums, sweet cherries, flowers, and subtle wood. It is an elegant, medium-weight Pinot that should age nicely for 5-6 years. I suspect acid freaks will rate this wine several points higher, as elevated acidity is de rigeur. That said, I enjoyed the purity and quality of its fruit, as well as the fact that it provides a refreshing taste.Tel. (805) 688-8554

A touch tart, with earthy, spicy black cherry and cranberry flavors that are elegant and focused, finishing with a minerally aftertaste. Drink now through 2006. 4,500 cases made. -JL