An awkward wine. Smells a little vegetal, and tastes weirdly sweet in raspberry and cherry syrup, with a cloying finish. Ready now. ——S.H.(4/1/2011)—— 82

Pretty tough and tight now, with strong tannins and acids accentuating the dryness. Seems wrapped in smoky, earthy, animal tastes such as tobacco, leather and sage, although there’s a core of black cherries. The gamble is ageability, but it’s risky.——S.H.(4/1/2010)—— 86

At the age of two years, this is still a young, immature Pinot Noir. It’s untogether, with acidity, oak, ripe fruit, alcohol and tannins all vying for attention, like unruly children. Let it grow up for a few years, when the cherry and currant flavors will shine.——S.H.(12/1/2008)—— 90