The 2010 Gradient Pinot Noir was made using 40% whole bunches. Pale to medium ruby colored, it offers a stemmy nose with dried herb notes over scents of kirsch, cranberry preserves and dried leaves plus a whiff of rose hip tea. Medium-bodied with chewy, astringent tannins and lovely red fruits, it has a long earthy finish. One for the whole-bunch Pinot geeks.

Medium-deep ruby-purple in color, the 2008 Gradient Pinot Noir reveals a black cherry core perfumed with violets, cassia, nutmeg, cloves and pepper plus some tree bark and forest floor. The palate is wonderfully elegant and seamlessly constructed with a medium body, medium-high acid and medium level of fine, grainy tannins. The cherry and spice flavors are youthfully restrained, just beginning to peak-through in the long finish. It should be drinking best from 2012 to 2016+. Importer: Infinity Imports LLC, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 613-1698; fax (866) 941-4543

——J.C.(7/1/2009)—— 91