This is a big, somewhat heavy Pinot Noir in its youth. It has the weight of a Grenache, with furry tannins housing flavors of red and black cherries, red currants and mocha. It’s quite a good wine, but juvenile. Give it 2–3 years in the cellar, and it should glide through 2014 or so.——S.H.(3/1/2010)—— 90

Beautiful Pinot, just beguiling. Softly tannic and silky, it shows lush, complex flavors of cherries, raspberries, anise and smoky oak that are absolutely delicious now. The tannin-acid structure is firm and will enable the wine to age. Should develop additional bottle complexities after 2012. From this very fine vineyard, owned by Buena Vista.——S.H.(4/1/2009)—— 93

The Ramal Vineyard has been source to a fine series of Buena Vista Pinot Noirs. Farrell has captured another interpretation of its terroir, not quite as lush or ripe, but firm in acid-inspired cherries and licorice, with a subtle veneer of smoky oak. It’s a dry, crisp young wine, well-structured, a good partner for upscale fare such as lamb chops.——S.H.(7/1/2008)—— 90