Reticent on the nose to begin, the 2016 Pinot Noir Athena slowly opens to crushed red and black cherries, moss-covered bark, tobacco leaf, damp soil and mushroom with spearmint and herbal touches. The palate is medium to full-bodied and dense with earthy fruits, a firm frame and just enough freshness on the finish. 1,000 cases produced.

Pale to medium ruby colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Athena is scented of crushed rock, cherry cola and fresh herbs with baking spice accents. Light to medium-bodied, it’s silky with very soft tannins and juicy acidity to carry the herb-laced, red-fruited finish. This could do with a bit more backbone. 1,400 cases produced.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Athena has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and notes of cherry cola, mulberries and black raspberries on the nose with a touch of spice box. Medium-bodied, fresh and packed with warm berry flavors, it is satiny-textured and has oodles of freshness, finishing with spicy nuances.

The 2013 Pinot Noir Athena includes 35% whole cluster grapes and matured for nine months in 40% new oak. It has a crisp, brambly redcurrant and cranberry-scented bouquet that handles the oak well. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe succulent red berry fruit, fine tannin and a crisp, slightly tarry finish. Overall, this is an excellent 2013 Pinot Noir - great value to boot. Bravo!