95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "Some will critique this Pinot Noir as being too big and extracted, and lacking delicacy. But Olivet Lane Pinots are seldom delicate. You look for massive fruit and elaborate construction, and that's what you find in this fabulously exotic wine. It's a beauty, rich, dense and opulent, with complex cherry, rose petal, dark chocolate and new oak flavors, wrapped into firm, refined tannins. Just gorgeous now, with a few hours of decanting, but it will easily develop bottle nuances for a good eight years. abv: 13.9%. (Feb 2012)"

92 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Ever so slightly pulled back in ripeness relative to its cellarmates, this supple yet solid young Pinot Noir smacks of cherries and mixed berries with a nice note of oak sweetening its way. It medium-full-bodied, slightly rounded in feel and a bit more sparing in evident tannin, but it, too, shows the fine balance and firm structure to age famously, and there is no doubt that more layering and complexity will emerge over the next several years. (Feb 2012)"

92 points Wine & Spirits: "This is the 25th vintage Merry Edwards has made from the Pellegrini family’s vineyard south of River Road between Santa Rosa and Forestville. The wine defines her style of pinot noir: Plump and voluptuous, with meaty cherry fruit richness, supple tannins and a lasting sense of velvet. There’s a floral hint to this vintage, brightening the dark tone of the fruit. Play its ripe cherry flavors off roast duck. 810 cases. (Apr 2012)"

Producer notes: "An excellent vintage in general, this 2009 Olivet Lane is no exception, fully expressing its classically elegant personality. The stunning aroma is pure and focused -- sweet, succulent red and black cherries, with a gentle hint of dark chocolate and spicy oak. The palate yields rich, floral fruit accented by a bit of black licorice, while the supple entry leads to a satisfying, luscious finish."