91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "[$55 list] Good full dark red. Spicy aromas of black raspberry, mocha, cola, chocolate, meat, sandalwood and cardamom; initially reminded me of a very good Beaujolais cru but it's more complex than that. Began slightly disjointed, with a decadent ripeness clashing with elevated acidity and hardened by CO2 but came into better harmony with extended aeration. The musky, rich dark berry, black cherry and spice elements maintain a brisk, wild character but really energize the mouth. Finishes with serious dusty tannins and firm-edged acidity. Give this a good double-decanting to eliminate some of gas if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon, or simply lay it down for a few years. There's a distinct western Sonoma quality to this wine--no surprise as Ted Lemon makes this wine for American wine distributor Marquis Sauvage, who bought this property in 2002 and began planting his vineyard in 2003. (Sep 2012)"

90 points Wine Spectator: "[$55 list] Displays wonderful aromatics, with caraway, fennel and black tea on the nose, giving way to savory, subdued and detailed notes of plum, black cherry and cranberry on the finish. Balanced and sophisticated. Drink now through 2020. 562 cases made. (6/15/12)"

PinotFile: "13.7% alc. Imported by Classic Wines LLC, Denver, CO. Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy initially, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass to reveal enticing aromas of dark red fruits, exotic spices and forest floor. Good attack of tasty black cherry, dark red raspberry and dark plum fruit supported by firm, ripe tannins and lifted with bright acidity. Very juicy and pleasing, becoming more intense over time in the glass. Flat-out great the next day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, showing a slip of its true potential including a marvelous peacock tail grand cru finish. (10/1/12)"