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. — a month ago

Chat LGT

9.0

Tasted great - a little minerally, slightly sweet. Easy to drink and great with food. — 6 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I get why people who generally always review this producer as just good consuming it young. This is ten years from birth, eight years in bottle and it is still not at its peak. it has ten years and perhaps more properly stored. Very good tonight but better things ahead. It takes this long and longer for WS Pinots to shine.

The palate is, juicy, ripe, rich, a bit lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, hues of blueberries, plum and ripe to dry strawberries with a pomegranate overlay. Then, dry earthiness, top soil, crushed rocks & powdery limestone & chalkiness, dark spices, some black pepper, dry brush, eucalyptus, tree sap, sun tea, black and red cola/licorice, drier tobacco, barrel dust to shavings, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, touch of dry herbs-bay leaves & sage, bright red, pink, blue, purple florals framed in dark slightly withering florals, rain shower acidity, the finish is; well structured & balanced in fruit, earth & flowers, some more tension than I like but will soften & fade nicely in 3-5 years. But, wire to wire really even and stunning. Evolution & integration is good but needs 3-5 years to be its best. Coravin glass.

IMHO, one of the outstanding CA Pinot producers. Walter Hansel gives them a run for the money at their fantastic price point. — 8 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. — 5 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes here on Delectable. Mid to pale ruby in colour. Pale yet powerful. Great aromatics of pansies, rose petals and violets also stalkiness. As Barb said the aromas of a beautiful garden. After a while an Animale, feral note not unlike some Burgundies we’ve had. Medium bodied palate - dried red fruits with a sweet yet savoury twist. A very polished new World Pinot by any measure. Tasters often identify with Central Otago and Martinborough for quality NZ Pinot Noir. Don’t forget about Canterbury in the South Island not far from the city of Christchurch. Luckily I have 2 left. Bob Campbell MW says drink through to 2025. — 7 months ago

Jae Cho

9.3

Valli clued me in to not sleep on Pinot from NZ. Not looking back after this. — 9 months ago

Ming L

9.4

The nose showcasing the perfectly ripen fruits with a richness and freshness. More cherry notes than dark plum that one would expect from Napa. Intense flavors glides over the palate effortlessly like an Olympic ice skater. Silky tannins lead to long soaring finish.
A young elegant beauty.
— 4 months ago

ESF

9.0

Impressive NZ SB: you have to like this in your face style: huge blast of grapefruit & gooseberry, grassy herbal notes, stones & minerals, it is intense. Not too acidic or angular on palate - particularly if you let it warm up just a bit, fruit turns smoother & more tropical, but still that wall of grapefruit & gooseberry. Lingering dry finish resonates — 7 months ago

michael pandolfo

8.9

Ready to go! — 9 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. — a year ago