The 2008 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard has the vintage’s tell-tale, distinctive earthiness and autumnal, vegetative notes intermixed with some sassafras, red cherry, and cranberry. Loads of minerality, fresh acidity, medium body, and slight tartness give this wine much more nervous energy. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 688-1278; Fax (805) 686-1508

Give this fresh young Pinot a few years to come around. Right now, it’s brisk in primary fruit cherry, blackberry and cola flavors, with bright acidity and furry tannins. Shows all the hallmarks of a wine that wants age. Should develop after 2013.——S.H.(12/1/2010)—— 91