Bob McDonald

8.9

A young simple Pinot showing a red fruited perfume. Cherry notes on the light to medium weight palate. Great QPR at $17. First of 6. — 3 years ago

Big Wave Dave

9.0

Quintessential Aussie pinot. Deep ruby. Shy nose. Sweet, fruit forward style. Lots of plumb and red fruit on the palate. Lovely tannins and good acid balance so should age well. But nothing other than primary fruit; no funk or spice to bring complexity down the road. VG but not great. — 8 years ago

with Rocket

Carina Czerski

9.4

2012 vintage, second day opened. So yummy. — 8 years ago

Nick D

9.4

Surprisingly delishmouse. I'm not usually a merlot drinker. — 11 years ago

CK Ooi

9.5

Good wine easy to drink and not too heavy.. — 6 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.7

2012 CIRQ Estate Treehouse Pinot Noir. Michael Browne’s (of Kosta Browne) personal project which as I understand is an homage to the Summers he spent at a ‘Circus Camp’ in his youth. Treehouse is an amazing hilltop (stunning elevation) property in west Sonoma County with red, iron-rich soil surrounded by (say what?) coastal cypress trees. I had the pleasure of visiting, hosted by Damon Wong, and it's an amazing Vineyard. Unlike anything else I've ever seen. I can understand Michael's fascination with it. The wine: On the nose, red fruits, cedarbox, with notes of rhubarb and fennel. On the palate, pomegranate, kirsch, black tea, spices, roasted herbs along with hints of black truffles and white pepper. Beautiful texture. Lengthy finish. Classic expression of Pinot Noir. If I had to distinguish it from Kosta Browne from a flavor-perspective, I would say higher acidity and a bit of tannin give it a quality more accustom to Grand Cru Burgundy which is not bad company. I'm a fan. Congrats to Michael as well as his partner in this project, my friend Kenny Rochford, one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. — 7 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.4

2006 Saxum Bone Rock from the awesome James Berry Vineyard in Paso Robles. 76% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre and 6% Grenache. A whopping 16.7% (and no, that is not a typo), alcohol! 3 hour decant, and it needs it. Motor oil black in the stem. Aromatic nose of exotic spices, roasted game and pepper with some Spring flowers lurking in the background. Explosive monster of a palate of Morello cherries and brambly fruits. Notes of baking spices and loamy earth. Soft tannins and nice acidity. I’d be lying if I said there is no noticeable alcohol, but I don’t think anyone would guess almost 17%. Rich and pure with that silky texture that I do crave. Strong finish. I always enjoy that rustic/tannic component that Mourvèdre contributes to the equation. Years ahead of this one. I would never guess this was an ‘06. Well worth the wait to join the Saxum mailing list. @justinsmith has the touch. One addendum: This wine is just begging to be joined at the table by a beautifully frenched and denuded, garlic-crusted rack of lamb like the Food & Wine recipe authored by my friend, the very talented Kenny Rochford. Maybe not the traditional pairing, but sometimes you just gotta push the envelope. — 7 years ago

Andy Thomson

9.4

Absolutely beautiful. Wooded but didn't spoil it for us. Traditional chardie. Best for a while — 10 years ago