Ron Siegel

9.3

This was drinking well, open, floral, silky showing red cherry, berry fruit with lots of spice, floral, earth, mineral, rose petal & violet — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour or so. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2009 seems to break from the reputation of the vintage with a freshness and verve that surprises. The typical quality of Cristal is there with its persistent mousse and attractive texture. Good acid too. Pretty tasty stuff and I’m not sure I would ever turn down a glass of this. Drink now through 2039. — 3 days ago

Chris Miles

9.6

Simply delectable. Such a full flavor and on the dry end for a Pinot noir. My wife and I loved — 3 days ago

Tom Heckert

9.1

Earthy on the nose (like a pinot should) strawberries and leather. Full body finish. Paired with hangar steak and veal chop. — a month ago

Conrad Green

9.8

Wow. Just amazing nose- roses, plum, red flowers, lifted cherry. Heartbreakingly beautiful and lifted. The palate is still pure and intense. Defined with incredible limpid definition… violets and length. Wonderful — 13 days ago

with Walker and David

Brian Hearty

9.3

2017. Pre-anniversary dinner at the oven. 33 years ago we couldn’t afford a lot for our wedding reception and bought a case of the Roederer Estate wine for our reception. We’ve never tried the L’Ermitage until tonight. We loved it! — 10 days ago

Brandon Chew

8.9

Straightforward west coast wine with the right amount of restraint and oak — 5 days ago

Conrad Green

9.5

Fading at the edges. Beautiful soft dried herbs, wild strawberry, tang. Translucent and precise on the palate. Complex and delicious and long mature note and hauntingly pretty — 13 days ago

with Walker and David

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.2

It’s got that CA profile. Dusty earth and tooti frooti but also has some good spice. But yea, that CA profile. Elegant, sweet and balanced. Not big but small and pure. Nice. — 19 days ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

This 2010 is in tip-top form.

Beautiful, ripe fruits; blackberries, black raspberries, plum/black plum for days, cherries, strawberries, raspberries & some pomegranate highlights. Cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg & soft vanillin, black teas, mid berry cola, both licorices, fresh tobacco, used leather, steeped black tea, limestone minerals, some charcoal, pepper, grilled meats, dark spice w/ heat, sandalwood to cedar, dark, withering flowers with violets, grand acidity and a balanced, well tensioned/structured, elegant finish that lasts minutes and falls on spice.

Even adding the plum reduction sauce, the 2011 Burnello is still the better pairing.

Photos of; Kosta Browne winery, founders-Dan Kosta & Mike Browne and their barrel & tasting room. — a month ago