94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard was made with 10% whole cluster and aged in 70% new oak. Pale to medium ruby-purple, it opens warm and inviting with cinnamon toast, Bing cherries, fresh cranberries, red licorice, tangerine peel, tree bark and amaro. It’s medium-bodied, über silky and spicy, framed by grainy tannins and lip-smacking acidity with a long, flavorful finish. Well done! 743 cases produced.
93pts Wine Enthusiast
This is a hearty, smoky and rather burly wine from this legendary vineyard, with dense, deep and savory aromas of campfire-grilled meats, charred blood and intense blackberry. The feral smoke element weaves through the sip, where scorched cherry and nutmeg flavors fill in the gaps.
Winemaker Notes
This justifiably famous site produces wines that are enigmatically powerful, yet detailed, nuanced and complex. With power to spare, this site tends to revel in opulent, large scale versions of Pinot Noir. The 2017 vintage will delight fans of this larger-than-life style. The wine is round and dense, with layers of blue fruit and spice. The tannins are broad, coating and resolved, creating a creamy and supple mid-palate, with a long and detailed finish that keeps the flavors pumping. The typical high acidity found at this cool site keeps the wine fresh, pure and elegant.