95pts Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Block 8 Bien Nacido is a beauty that was brought up all in 3- and 4-year-old barrels. Sporting a vivid ruby/purple-tinged color as well as notes of wild strawberries, black raspberries, scorched earth, forest floor, and salty minerality, this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied depth and richness, vibrant acidity, and a fresh, focused core that's mostly covered by the upfront 2016 fruit. I love its purity and vibrancy, and while you can certainly drink this beauty today, it's going to evolve gracefully on its balance.
94pts Wine Enthusiast
This block-designated wine is intense in hearty aromas of black raspberry, dried mint and loamy earth. Spiced cake and sharp purple-flower flavors arise on the palate, but it's the dark, penetrating and focused boysenberry and dark-fruit flavors that command attention. Drink 2019–2036. Cellar Selection
92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and nose of dried cherries, blueberries, forest floor, blackberries and hints of dried herbs and charcuterie. It's light to medium-bodied with earthy fruits, very juicy acidity and soft, grainy tannins, finishing earthy.