Good deep, bright, saturated red. Exuberant aromas of crushed blackberry. wild raspberry and pungent spices, with lovely floral lift. Sappy, dense and sweet, with excellent energy to the framboise and spice flavors. This very fresh, youthfully tight wine has a terrific core of fruit, finishing brisk, spicy and long, with a restrained sweetness. Needs two or three years to unwind and may yet merit an outstanding rating.

A bit linear in style, but although it lacks a bit of the silky texture that makes Pinot so attractive, it does deliver plenty of Pinot flavor and punch. Black cherries, cola, dried spices and a bit of beet greens mark the nose, and the flavors develop some slightly sappy, resinous notes before ending with black tea leaves. Hold two years, then drink it over the next 5-8.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 89