Displaying a slightly darker plum/ruby color, the 2009 Pinot Noir Tina Marie Vineyard exhibits more earthy, stemmy, herbal notes in the nose and less of the blue fruit and floral characteristics found in the Savoy Vineyard cuvee. Medium-bodied with good acidity as well as rustic tannins, it is a solid, but less inspiring effort. Consume it over the next 2-4 years. It’s hard to believe that Barnett Vineyards is already 27 years old. Located on a beautiful hillside high on Spring Mountain, they have branched out from their original Cabernet program to include Chardonnays and, more recently, Pinot Noirs, all of which merit attention.Tel. (707) 963-7075; Fax (707) 963-3724

This is the least expensive of Barnett’s new single-vineyard Pinots, but it’s also the richest and tastiest. It’s a luscious wine, filling the mouth with cherry, currant, cola, sassafras or root beer, vanilla and anise flavors, wrapped into a silky texture. Feels luxurious and fine. Drink now through 2013.——S.H.(8/1/2009)—— 90

The vineyard is in Green Valley, the coolest part of the valley and one of the best for Pinot Noir. It’s a classic, with crisp acidity framing laser-pure cherry, Dr. Pepper, date and spice flavors that are elaborated with rich new smoky oak. A beauty.——S.H.(7/1/2008)—— 92