Shay A

9.3

Compared to the 2018 Lancel Creek I opened last year, this was a bit more coiled and shy (and this is already my second check-in with this wine). As a fun side by side, I had a 2019 Arista UV-Diablo Chardonnay open (same winemaker)…not the same vineyard, but the Arista showed more expressive fruit earlier on.

As is typical for this wine, it was faint straw colored in the glass with honeysuckle, sea spray and bright lemon pastry aromatics. Signature nervy acidity is apparent right off the bat without being a detractor. Yellow fruits abound alongside herbs and faint meringue with texture that straddles the middle beautifully. Long finish with mineral notes and nice weight (oak use is balanced).

Followed over two days and it certainly fleshed out and presented more “soft” (in a good way). Healthy decant now or keep tucked away a bit longer. — 2 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

White florals, citrus notes verging on white peach. These same notes extend through to the palate with Medium minus acid finishing with a saline note. Very moreish. There should be a bigger fuss made on the excellence of New Zealand Chardonnay which can be world class. Just the right amount of acid for short term cellaring. Thoroughly delicious. — 2 years ago

Brandon Boesch

9.5

So freaking good, huuuugggee! It’s so amazingly different from tribute to Grace which I’ve been drinking lately, but I love them both in each way. But only want to drink this one a few times a year. So much fruit, cigar box, cherry, apple jam, herbs, lavender, a bit of flowers, meat, so rich. — 2 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.0

Wines from Oregon are not easy to access in Australia so it was great to be offered this one from Prince Wine Store in Melbourne. Mid crimson - transparent in parts. Spiced black and red cherries. A lolly, confectionery jujube like note. Pike Road is the sister winery to Elk Cove. Lovely drinking right now - not for the cellar. We used to buy Oregon Wines when our son was at the University of Oregon in 2007-2008, but we have pretty much run out. Great to revisit Oregon Pinot. — 2 months ago

Frank Artale

9.3

Worth the wait for the 2009. Dried fig, black cherry, anise,tobacco, violets, dust.. Tannins softened and just a little acid to keep things fresh. — 8 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

See several previous Delectable notes on this wine and vintage. A pale crimson colour with tawny garnet shades. Aromatics of red fruits (strawberry) and Sous Bois on the nose. It may be pale in colour but carries a Medium plus palate intensity of good length. A very good 2nd wine from Bell Hill from the Canterbury district (just to the north of Christchurch) which deserves more recognition as a source of high quality Pinot Noir. Also referred to as the Waipara District. — 2 months ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

This wine drinks well now and it will be even better in 10 to 15 years, but life is short and I drank it tonight and it was delicious. — 3 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

2009 vintage. Golden color. Heavy body (still!!). Unctuous with a corresponding amount of acidity to keep the proceedings in check for the next decade. This ain’t going nowhere. About as far from my “jam” as is possible but still other-worldly. 5.1.24. — 7 months ago

Kelly Keene

10

Amazing. The fruits come forward so much, almost no acrid/oaks. Want to buy every bottle I can find now — 3 years ago