Bright, though a bit tart on balance, with blackberry and hints of citrus that prevail on the lively finish. Drink now through 2014. 750 cases made. -HS

The 2008 Pinot Noir Estate is medium ruby red with a pleasing perfume of spice box, incense, rose petal, cherry, and strawberry. On the palate it displays excellent depth and concentration, savory flavors, ripe tannins, and lively acidity all nicely integrated. The wine is likely to evolve for 1-2 years but can be approached now.Dr. Mauricio Collada, Jr., a native of Havana and now a neurosurgeon based in Salem, purchased a 21-acre parcel in 1991. Cubanisimo began making estate wines in 2003 with current production at 2000 cases.www.cubaisimovineyards.com

Thin and disjointed, with strawberry soda fruit flavors that drop off quickly into an amorphous midpalate. There’s some plastic aftertaste in the finish.——P.G.(10/1/2010)—— 83

Strongly herbal, with thin, very tart, acidic cranberry flavors.——P.G.(12/15/2009)—— 83

Starts like sweet strawberry candy, quickly turns plastic, dilute, with an unpleasant, artificial, plastic finish.——P.G.(12/15/2009)—— 81