The ’07 release of this wine, a blend of four considerable vineyards, was great. This 2008 is less so, although it’s still a fine wine. Packed with cherry, cola and spice flavors, it’s a little raw in the mouth. Decant for a few hours before drinking.——S.H.(4/1/2012)—— 88

The “architects” name refers to the four vineyards that constitute the blend: Laetitia, La Encantada, Firepeak and Bien Nacido. The wine’s purity is proof that a great Pinot does not have to come from a single vineyard. It’s bone dry and full-bodied in tannins, with complex flavors of black cherries, red currants, Dr. Pepper cola and exotic Asian spices. It was raised in one-year old oak, which gives smoky vanilla and caramel notes, in just the right proportion, to the fruit.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 93