Typical of a fine young S&B Pinot, this is rather hard and closed in tannins now, although decanting will help coax out the cherry and currant fruit. But it really needs a good 4–6 years.——S.H.(10/1/2008)—— 90

Classic S&B Pinot, young and grapy now, and a little sharp in acids, this wine’s aristocratic rusticity calls for time in the cellar. Shows primary fruit cherries and black raspberries, with earthy, forest floor Portobello mushroom notes and distinctive tannins. Made from the oldest vines in the vineyard, it’s a wine that should ease into its own by 2009, and hold for another five years. ——S.H.(4/1/2007)—— 94

The saturated deep ruby/purple-colored 2002 Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict Vineyard reveals gorgeous aromas of smoke, Chinese black tea, chocolate, plums, and black currants. Dense, chewy, and heady, this seductive, full-flavored, medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir should be drunk over the next 5-7 years. Tel. (805) 688-0305

Plush, oaky and young, but clearly very fine, this Pinot exudes blackberries, cherries, smoky oak, vanilla and spice, with firm acids. It’s so ripe, it’s almost jammy. Delicious now, but give it a year or two to knit together. ——S.H.(11/1/2004)—— 91

Rick Longoria, the winemaker for Gainey Vineyard, produces small quantities of wine under his own label. There are 85 cases of the 1990 Cabernet Franc, 440 cases of the 1990 Merlot, and 105 cases of the 1990 Cabernet Sauvignon. All are well-made wines. The powerful, dense, backward 1989 Pinot Noir-Benedict Vineyard will benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age. It offers a dense, deep, plum/ruby/purple color, and a tight yet promising bouquet of spices, earth, and black-cherries. Rich and full-bodied, with its tannins concealing the rich fruit, this should be an uncommonly long-lived Pinot Noir. Unfortunately, only 160 cases were produced, so this wine is available only in the California marketplace. Tel. (805) 688-9804