Medium ruby colored, the 2007 Runholder Pinot Noir offers a pronounced earthy / gamey nose with notes of grilled duck breast and damp loam over a core of black cherries and dried Mediterranean herbs. The palate is led by a very high level of acid and medium level of chewy tannins with moderate red berry and herbal flavor concentration, finishing long. Drink it now through 2014. Importer: Foley Family Wines, Healdsburg, CA

Martinborough’s trademark savoriness comes through in this wine as hints of soy and mushroom, layered over cherry fruit and chocolaty oak. This medium-bodied Pinot Noir is a bit tight and crisp right now, but it should be fully open and ready for business by mid-2011 and drink well for another 5–6 years after that. ——J.C.(12/15/2010)—— 90