I bought half a case of this on a visit to Carneros, back when it was first released, because I was impressed with the Burgundian character and I thought it might repay some cellaring. Then it got lost in my wine cellar, and I found it again only a few weeks ago--aged several years longer than I'd planned on cellaring it for.
Well, sometimes by mistake you blunder into greatness. Such was the case here--this wine more than repaid the longer than intended aging.
Color: pale translucent garnet. Classical aged pinot noir at its peak.
Aroma: forthcoming scents of strawberry and wild cherry. Again, classic pinot aromas. Just a subtile whiff of oak present.
Flavors: again, classic pinot noir strawberry and wild cherries. Very Burgundian. Not at all overblown or overstated. There must be acidity and tannins there--otherwise it would be cloying--but they don't make themselves evident. And that's just how it should be, in a perfect wine.
Finish: Long and elegant.
Summary: Carneros appellation pinot noir at its very best. The match for any premier cru Burgundy in its ability to give pleasure. No, I can't rank it along with the great Grands Crus from Burgundy. But it's only a small step down from them.
In terms of sheer balance, this is a fantastic wine. If I were to choose an example of what pinot noir is capable of, in terms of pure ability to give pleasure, I think this would be it.
Stooges rating: double Curly Larry. And an extra "Ooh, a wise guy, huh?"
-Paul W.