The 2009 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard is another striking wine from Rusack. Plums, dark cherries, cinnamon, mint and flowers wrap around the palate in this fleshy, generous Pinot. A persistent vein of minerality frames the fruit all the way through to the exceptional, polished finish. The 50% new oak barrels are very nicely integrated. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. I was very impressed with the Chardonnays and Pinots I tasted from Rusack. The Syrahs appear to be works in progress, but given the level of the best wines here, I see no reason why they can’t be of similar quality. Hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later.Tel. (805) 688-1278; info@rusackvineyards.com

The 2008 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard has the vintage’s tell-tale, distinctive earthiness and autumnal, vegetative notes intermixed with some sassafras, red cherry, and cranberry. Loads of minerality, fresh acidity, medium body, and slight tartness give this wine much more nervous energy. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Tel. (805) 688-1278; Fax (805) 686-1508

Give this fresh young Pinot a few years to come around. Right now, it’s brisk in primary fruit cherry, blackberry and cola flavors, with bright acidity and furry tannins. Shows all the hallmarks of a wine that wants age. Should develop after 2013.——S.H.(12/1/2010)—— 91

The densest and most concentrated effort is the 2007 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard. Beautiful blueberry, black raspberry, black currant, graphite, licorice, and subtle smoke characteristics are followed by a full-bodied red displaying sweet tannins, beautiful density, and an exuberant, robust personality. It can be consumed over the next 7-8 years. Tel. (805) 688-1278; Fax (805) 686-1508

There is much more harmony to the 2004 Pinot Noir from the Solomon Hills Vineyard. A gamy, earthy, red fruit, and spice-scented perfume emerges from this deep ruby/plum-colored Pinot. Good intensity, medium to full body, and loads of earthy, berry fruit-like characteristics suggest it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (805) 688-1278