Dry and acidic, with the accent on acid. It’s tart, almost sour in cherries, and really gets the mouth watering. The oak adds sweet, caramelized notes.——S.H.(10/1/2011)—— 85

Shows true cool-climate varietal character in the aromas and flavors of cherries, cola, pomegranates and rhubarb pie, with complicating notes from charred oak barrels. Very good, mouthfilling and dry, with brisk acidity. Should develop in the bottle for a few years. ——S.H.(3/1/2011)—— 91

Very ripe and almost sweet in jammy, pie-filling cherries and raspberries, with a rich seasoning of cinnamon, brown sugar and cocoa. But it’s technically dry, and has a crispness from fine Arroyo Seco acidity. Drink now.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 87