92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(12.6% alcohol): Bright red. High-pitched aromas of blackberry and cherry, with complicating notes of potpourri, spicecake and smoky minerals. Tight and energetic, offering a silky texture, intense red and dark fruit flavors, and a subtle lavender pastille quality. Gains flesh and heft with air but with no loss of vivacity or focus. Fine-grained tannins add shape to the spicy, penetrating, very long finish. (May 2012)"

'Good (+),' PinotFile: "12.6% alc. This vineyard is located in the Green Valley and is farmed by owners Ron Black and Stephen Bessone. Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose unfolds slowly in the glass, revealing aromas of dark red cherries and raspberries with hints of clove and other spices. Relatively light in weight and somewhat lean in style, with flavorful black cherry fruit caressed by supple tannins, and underlain with tight acidity. Admirable length with welcome freshness and accessibility. (6/25/12)"

Producer notes: "The nose is rich in exotic kirsch, violets, warm earth, and carnation. The wine’s texture is lush and deep but very well-delineated by balanced acids. While charming now and perhaps our most accessible wine early on, the wine’s focused length and chewy tannins will allow for years of aging."