92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright ruby-red. Intense red berry and Asian spice aromas, with a sexy potpourri quality and a hint of woodsmoke. Deeply pitched red and dark berry flavors show impressive energy and lift, picking up notes of star anise and cinnamon on the back half. Packs a punch but comes off as lithe, with very good finishing clarity and spicy persistence. Drinkable now but balanced to age. (Jul/Aug 2011)"

PinotFile: "13.4% alc... Robin and Mike Murto’s vineyard was established in 1978. Indigenous yeast fermentations, aged 18 months in French oak barrels. No fining or filtration. Moderately deep garnet color in the glass. Aromas of fresh picked red berries with a subtle green stem note. Slightly sweet dark red fruits are lighter weighted and somewhat buried in muscular tannins. Much better two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle displaying more vivid fruit and much less aggressive tannin. A good cellar candidate. Very good. (1/10/12)"

Producer notes: "The Estate Reserve will be released next summer, but for now you have this delicious 'junior' version to consider. It is a very expressive young wine with heady aromas of dark red & blue fruits, accented by herbs and woodsmoke. The palate is focused and long, medium bodied, with good underlying structure and perfect acid/tannin balance. This is a very attractive expression of the best attributes of Yamhill-Carlton Pinot. It can be enjoyed now, but will generously reward several years of patient cellaring! 725 cases produced."